The MacBook Air M1 transformed Apple's entry-level laptop: fanless, silent and with huge battery life. The M2 arrived two years later with a new design. Refurbished, both are great buys… but they don't cost the same. Let's see what extra you pay for with the M2 and whether it's worth it.
What they have in common
- No fan: completely silent.
- Plenty of battery life: Apple quotes up to 18 hours of video playback on both.
- Up-to-date macOS and integration with your iPhone (AirDrop, copy and paste between devices, messages…).
- Base versions with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD, which can only be upgraded at the factory.
The differences
| MacBook Air M1 (2020) | MacBook Air M2 (2022) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.3" Retina | 13.6" Liquid Retina (brighter, with notch) |
| Design | Classic wedge | Flat, more modern |
| Weight | 1.29 kg | 1.24 kg |
| Charging | USB-C | MagSafe 3 + USB-C |
| Ports | 2 × Thunderbolt/USB 4 | 2 × Thunderbolt/USB 4 + MagSafe |
| Camera | 720p | 1080p |
| Performance | Very good | A little better |
Performance: a bigger gap on paper than in daily use
The M2 is faster, especially for graphics and long tasks. But for notes, documents, browsing, Netflix or video calls, the M1 is just as smooth. You'll notice the difference if you regularly edit video or photos.
Display and camera
The M2's display is slightly bigger and brighter, and its 1080p camera makes a big difference on video calls. If you teach or work from home, it's a real point in its favour.
MagSafe
The M2's magnetic connector pops off if someone trips over the cable and keeps both USB-C ports free. A convenience, not a must.
What to check when buying a refurbished MacBook
- Battery cycles: Apple menu → About This Mac → More Info → System Report → Power. Look at the cycle count and condition.
- Keyboard and trackpad: test every key.
- Display: look for patches or dead pixels on solid-colour backgrounds.
- Previous owner's account: the Mac should arrive without Activation Lock.
More tips in our guide to refurbished laptops for students.
Verdict
- MacBook Air M1: the best value for money. Ideal for students, office work and home use.
- MacBook Air M2: if you're on video calls every day, want a more modern design or plan to keep it for many years and the price difference is reasonable.