MacBook Air M1 vs MacBook Pro M1 (2021). 8GB vs 16GB. Full review and real performance demos.

Gear used in this video

My camera and Super Wide Lens Setup

LED lights used (my budget setup!)

Maybe I tried to do too much here! (Tell me if I did, or did not in the comments!)
I wanted to give a full overview of the performance of the new Apple 13” MacBook M1 systems released at the end of 2020 and selling into 2021 and beyond.

I hope this will be a buying “bible” as such for anyone interested in the MacBook M1 systems for home, office productivity, audio and video production.
I debunk myths around M1 Air vs M1 Pro differences and show true live performance demos in all areas for both 8GB and 16GB RAM memory variants.

Of course, by the end of 2021 we will see the new M1X and/or M2 systems in new 14” and 16” form factors.
They will have more cores, more memory and more ports.
These will be even more performant but of course, they will be more expensive. You have to get in at some point and at some price tag.
You can always wait and pay more for something greater, bigger, heavier and …. “better”. It is all about the money and when you want to spend it.
Sections

0:00 – Intro
0:56 - What Happened to Intel?
5:06 – Air and Pro Features in Common
11:52 – Air and Pro Differences
13:50 – Base Model Prices
17:17 – Upgrades. Who Needs Them?
21:43 – Benchmarking Air vs Pro
27:18 – Home and Office Tools
31:32 – Logic Pro. Air Vs Pro
41:29 – Final Cut. Air vs Pro

Intel Photo by Martin Katler on Unsplash

[SerG-ezpo]

It really looks like you went the extra mile to make this video, good job mate!

[zeniktorres]

Good info. No hype, no gimmicks or trying to be funny. Well done. Subbed.

[johndoe-iofh]

This is my 13th or 14th Mac Air review, this is the best by far...cheers!

[CandyHernandezkashi]

This might just be the most useful video I've ever watched on YouTube! Thank you!

[Plikemon]

45:49 golden words: "you pay more money - you get slower machine".

Interesting and informative review!

[Gongtopia]

Another well done video based on real world stats & usage without any hype. Thank you!

[StephenCarlockVO]

Hands down the most comprehensive review of these M1s. I love your approach to outlining information; very easy to follow, and your insights into what is important to consider vs. irrelevant info was great. As a voice actor working with simple audio production the majority of the time and the occasional larger scale production, I've been specifically looking at the thermals and throttling on the air, but 99% of the videos I've found have focused on video production. This was super relevant to me and helped me in my decision between the two machines. Cheers, and subbed.

[janguvpes]

The cup of tea you went off for looks a lot like a glass of red wine.

[ndweddell]

Thank you Mark for taking the time to do a straight forward, clear and concise explanation to the 'purchase dilemma'. Additionally, your chapter creations on the timeline with corresponding titles is also most appreciated. Allows users of different types to watch the video to their sequence preference.

[lunnaris]

I’ve been looking to a lot of M1 reviews but this one is for sure the best! You explain everything so well and with facts. I want an Air more as an extra computer since I use an iMac to work but sometimes I want to work in other places of my house. I was unsure about which one to get but your video has helped me a lot, thank you!

[Poster]

This is one of the more detailed/comprehensive looks at the M1 Macbooks. I'm a lifelong Windows user and contemplating the Macbook Air, and this was extremely helpful. Thanks!

[Amad]

Thanks for a great comparison, probably the best I’ve seen on Tube. Recently I got M1 Air with 8Gb after 2010 Pro died. Loving it so far. I use it for demoing, practice guitar and electronic drum kit. Works flawlessly. Greetings from Nottingham.

[djnarmi]

I never leave comments, but I just had to for this: this is by far and away the best review of these machines I've seen. My bias is that I am a Logic Pro user, but that's it. I only just found your channel, and will doubtless be subscribing. I now know whom to seek the next time I'm on the lookout for a new machine or tech tool. Solid work!

[greenbunny]

Hands down, the best explanation of various topics related to the subject. I completely understand now. Thank you so much.

[andrewhodgeson]

I’ve watched SO many videos about these two laptops and this is easily the best and my favorite.
Fantastic job my friend.

[jannovak]

Finally someone who tells u also the time schedule of the video topics. Thank u 🙏

[nicko]

WOW! One of the best reviews I’ve seen. We can see all the effort you put into the video, I appreciate it a lot.

[skgfz]

Didn't expect to watch the whole thing but truly an insightful video. Loved your energy! all the best mate

[leiflala]

256gb + external SSD is perfectly fine for my video editing. Great review as I wasn't sure the difference between the M1 Air and Pro. I'll be buying the Air as they're on par for editing 10-15 min videos :)

The $250 I saved by getting an Air instead of a Pro I'll be using to buying Final Cut Pro. Well worth it!
Cheers Mark!

[johnd]

A really good focus on 'Ram', 8 vs 16.
Thank you for doing this.