The M1 MacBook Air isn’t just another laptop — it’s one of Apple’s most iconic and game-changing devices, even years after its release in November 2020. As someone who has used the M1 MacBook Air daily since early 2022, I can confidently say: this laptop holds its own, and in many cases, it still outperforms or matches newer models.
If you’re considering buying a MacBook in 2025, you may wonder if the M1 Air is still worth it. The short answer? Absolutely. Here’s why this nearly five-year-old machine is still a top pick.
The Power of the M1 Chip
When Apple launched the M1 chip, it was hailed as a revolutionary leap in laptop performance. Reviews everywhere praised its blazing speeds, energy efficiency, and ability to handle both everyday tasks and demanding workflows.
I’ve personally edited and rendered countless videos on the M1 Air, often with multiple apps and tabs open — and it has never crashed or lagged, even under pressure. Unlike Intel-based machines, where a nearly complete video export can fail at the last second, the M1 Air stays rock-solid.
What makes it so efficient? Apple’s unified memory architecture. Instead of separating CPU and GPU tasks like most Windows laptops, the M1 uses the same memory pool, eliminating the need for data copying and speeding up everything. That’s why even the base 8GB RAM model feels snappy — though if you work with heavy software like After Effects or Premiere Pro, you’ll want the 16GB RAM version.
Storage: Choose Wisely
The base M1 Air comes with 256GB of storage, which works fine for casual use — documents, web browsing, and light photo editing. But if you plan to store large media files, games, or big software projects, I recommend opting for 512GB or even 1TB.
Why? Overloading the storage can slow things down and increase crash risk, especially when multitasking. Think carefully about your future needs — you don’t want to regret going too small after a year.
Battery Life That Still Impresses
Even in 2025, the M1 Air’s battery life is outstanding. On a full charge, you can expect up to 18 hours of web browsing, which is on par with the latest M4 MacBook Air.
Of course, battery life depends on how you use it. With moderate brightness and good app management, I easily get 2–3 days of use at 8 hours per day. If you’re just streaming Netflix or YouTube, it lasts even longer.
For most users, the M1 Air’s battery is more than enough — and that’s a big deal when you’re on the go.
Display: Crisp, Sharp, and Still Competitive
Some people claim the M1 Air’s display is outdated, but I disagree. Its 13.3-inch, 2K Retina display (400 nits) still looks gorgeous. Compared to a 1080p monitor, the difference is night and day — sharper images, richer colors, and better contrast, thanks to Apple’s True Tone technology.
Sure, the newer M2 Air offers 500 nits of brightness, making it better in direct sunlight, but unless you work outdoors frequently, the M1 Air holds up beautifully. And no, you don’t need to rush out for a 4K external monitor — the built-in display is a joy for everyday use.
Sound Quality That Surprises
The stereo speakers on the M1 Air are excellent: clear, loud, and surprisingly immersive for a slim laptop. Watching videos or listening to music is a pleasure.
That said, newer models like the M2 and M3 Air come with four-speaker systems, offering even richer sound. But for most users, the M1 Air’s audio quality is more than enough.
Camera and Video Calls
The 720p webcam might sound basic, but thanks to the M1 chip’s image processing, video calls look sharp and colors are accurate. For Zoom meetings or presentations, it’s perfectly adequate.
If you’re planning to stream or record YouTube videos, though, consider using an external webcam — even if you upgrade to the M2 or M3, they still benefit from a dedicated camera.
Iconic Design and Build
The M1 Air marks the end of Apple’s wedge-shaped MacBook design, a silhouette that defined the brand for years. Compared to the newer MacBooks, which have a more uniform slab design and a controversial notch, the M1 Air feels elegant, distinctive, and comfortable to carry.
It’s lightweight, sturdy, and has the timeless MacBook charm. Many users — including me — actually prefer its look and feel over the newer models.
Software Support Until 2027
The M1 Air will continue to receive macOS updates until at least 2027, ensuring security, features, and compatibility with new apps. That’s three more years of top-tier performance before you even need to think about upgrading.
Pricing and Where to Buy
In today’s market, you can find M1 Air models for around £400–£550 ($500–$700 USD), depending on configuration. For the best deals, I recommend checking the Amazon Renewed Store or reputable certified resellers. You’ll get great value and a warranty, which gives peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Still a Top Laptop in 2025
The M1 MacBook Air remains one of Apple’s best products — it’s fast, efficient, beautifully designed, and surprisingly affordable on the secondhand market. For students, content creators, professionals, and casual users alike, it’s an unbeatable value.
If you’re on the fence, here’s my advice: grab one while you can. This is a laptop that punches well above its weight and will stay relevant for years to come.
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