Larger size makes it less convenient to carry around See our full MacBook Air (M1, 2020) review for more details

That said, if you're on a creative course such as photography, video editing, animation or film-making and need to use software that makes heavy demands on resources, one of the more powerful MacBooks below could give you a smoother experience. In our tests, we were impressed by how fast and smooth the laptop is in use, and we got well over a full day of use on a single battery charge.Īnother benefit of MacBook Airs is that they're fanless too, so you'll be able to use it in lecture theatres, libraries and other places of respectful silence, without annoying professors or fellow students. It's the cheapest MacBook you can buy new, and it now often has a discount since the release of a new MacBook Air in July 2022. We think the 2020 MacBook Air still hits the perfect sweet spot between value and performance. Yes, MacBook Pros and even the newer 2022 MacBook Air offer more power, but unless you're studying on a course that requires you to use graphically demanding software, the M1-chipped MacBook Air should do you just fine.

The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is the best MacBook for students who prioritise good value over having the latest specs.

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