Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →For most buyers choosing between similarly priced, similarly well-kept machines, the MacBook Air with M1 (2020) is the better used buy. Apple lists it as compatible with macOS Tahoe 26; the 2018 Intel MacBook Air is not on that current compatibility list. The 2018 model can still make sense if it costs substantially less, its battery is healthy, and it meets your software needs.
At a glance: the key differences
| Decision point | MacBook Air (2018) | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Dual-core 1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 with Intel UHD Graphics 617, according to Apple’s specifications. Apple’s 2018 technical specifications | Apple M1 chip. Apple’s M1 technical specifications |
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina IPS display, 2560 × 1600 | 13.3-inch Retina display |
| Memory | 8 GB onboard standard; configurable to 16 GB. Check the offered unit’s configuration. | Configurations vary; verify the specific unit’s memory. |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports |
| macOS Tahoe 26 compatibility | Not listed as compatible | Listed as compatible |
| Original Apple battery estimate | Up to 12 hours wireless web browsing | Up to 15 hours wireless web and up to 18 hours Apple TV movie playback |
Apple’s battery-hour figures come from separate historical tests on preproduction systems; they are not independent, directly comparable measurements or a prediction of runtime from a used battery. Apple’s 2018 specifications and M1 specifications describe the respective test claims.
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Why the M1 is the safer choice for most buyers
The clearest evidence-based advantage is current major macOS compatibility: Apple includes the M1 MacBook Air on its macOS Tahoe 26 compatibility list and does not include the 2018 model. Apple’s Tahoe 26 compatibility list establishes support for that release, not how many future years the M1 will receive updates. The 2018 model’s absence means it does not support this current major release; it does not, by itself, establish when security updates for earlier macOS versions end.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe platform difference may also matter for software compatibility. The 2018 Air uses an Intel processor, while the newer model uses Apple’s M1 chip. Check requirements for the specific apps and peripherals you depend on rather than assuming either platform will suit every workflow. No directly comparable independent head-to-head performance study is established here, so a speed ratio would be misleading.
#1 Best Overall
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
When the 2018 MacBook Air is still worth considering
Choose the 2018 model only if the price discount is meaningful after accounting for its condition and the features you give up. It may fit a buyer’s needs when the intended software works on its Intel platform and the machine has a healthy battery, adequate memory and storage, and no hidden defects. There is no fixed discount that makes it a good deal: compare actual local listings and weigh the total condition and return terms, not just the asking price.
Both machines have a 13.3-inch Retina-class display and two USB-C-shaped ports, so those headline features alone do not settle the decision. Either may require a hub or adapter for USB-A, HDMI, or SD accessories. Match any adapter to the devices you actually use.
Rank #2
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life
- Up to eight GPU cores with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
How to inspect a used MacBook Air before buying
1. Confirm the exact model and configuration
- Check the model identity and compare it with Apple’s MacBook Air model identification guide.
- Verify memory and storage on the machine itself; listings can omit configuration details, and the 2018 model’s memory is onboard rather than a casual upgrade.
- Ask for clear photos of the display, keyboard, case, and ports, then test them in person or request evidence that each works.
2. Check battery condition and cycle count
- On the Mac, hold Option and open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Information.
- In the sidebar, select Hardware > Power and inspect the cycle count and battery information.
Apple lists a 1,000-cycle maximum for both models. That is a design cycle limit, not proof that a particular battery is healthy or retains its original capacity. Apple says, “Knowing how many charge cycles your battery has, and how many are left, can help you determine when to replace your battery.” See Apple’s battery cycle-count guidance. Consider battery condition as well as count, and test unplugged operation where possible.
3. Check what is included and what happens if something is wrong
- Confirm whether a compatible charger is included and whether it works.
- Test the display, keyboard, trackpad, speakers, camera, wireless connection, and both ports.
- Confirm the seller’s return terms and reputation, and make sure the computer can be set up by you without an ownership or activation lock preventing use.
- Ask Apple or an authorized provider about service availability for the specific machine and repair needed. Apple’s general vintage and obsolete categories depend on when a product stopped being distributed, and service or parts can depend on availability; model year alone does not establish a particular unit’s current repair status. Apple’s service guidance
Make the choice based on the actual listing
Compare the two machines by their verified configuration, battery condition, working condition, included charger, seller reliability, and return protection. If those factors and the price are close, choose the M1: it is on Apple’s current Tahoe 26 compatibility list. Consider the 2018 Air only when its lower cost genuinely offsets the older macOS support position and the specific unit passes inspection.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Charge less with up to 18 hours of battery life - 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide color
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance to tackle projects faster than ever before
- Up to eight GPU cores with up to 5x faster graphics - FaceTime HD camera for clearer, sharper video calls
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning - 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
Rank #4
- Key Features Apple M1 8-Core CPU 16GB Unified RAM | 256GB SSD
- 13.3" 2560 x 1600 Retina IPS Display 7-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.0 2 x Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 Ports
- Backlit Magic Keyboard Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor
- macOS
Rank #3
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
