MacBook Pro/w Retina display (2013) vs MacBook Air (2014)
Is the six-month old MacBook Pro still better than the MacBook Air 2014?

Price and Verdict
The MacBook Airs are the cheaper devices as they are designed for portable use, while the Pros are designed for performance.
MacBook Air - Prices start at 749 for the entry-level 11in model, rising to 1,349 if you want the maximum specs available - 1.7GHz dual-core processor, 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD.
The 13in Air starts at 849. The maximum specification is identical to the 11in except for the screen size and costs 1,449.00.
MacBook Pro w/Retina Display - As expected the MacBook Pros are more expensive because they have faster processors, more RAM/storage as well as more pixels inside the screen.
Prices for the 13in start at 1,099. This will buy you a 2.4GHz dual-core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The maximum specification costs 2,239 and includes a 2.8GHz dual-core i7 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.
The 15in is the most expensive device in this comparison. It starts at 1,699 for a 2GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
If you want to max out the device with an Nvidia GeForce GT 750M discrete graphics card, 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD and a 2.6GHz quad-core processor, you'll need to fork out 2,799. This is the option when you want a desktop replacement.
Winner - MacBook Air - The Airs are the cheaper device but make sure they can fulfill your needs before ruling out spending more on the Pros.
So which MacBook is best?
The devices drew when it came to software and managed to win an equal number of categories:
The Air triumphed in the areas of battery life, repairability and pricing.
Meanwhile, the Pro with Retina Display offered the better display performance and ports.
The MacBook Air is cheaper and has longer battery life, so it's ideal for users who want a machine for basic content creation and multimedia.
The Pro series is the more powerful and versatile machine. We also feel the higher specifications on offer give it a longer life-cycle. The 13in Pro, in particular, has a good balance between battery life, performance and portability. If we were to recommend a MacBook, it would be this one.
Overall winner - MacBook Pro with Retina Display
-
Criminals target APIs as web attacks skyrocket globally
News More than a third of web attacks target APIs as AI expands attack surfaces and brings new security challenges
By Emma Woollacott
-
What to look out for at RSAC Conference 2025
Analysis Convincing attendees that AI can revolutionize security will be the first point of order at next week’s RSA Conference – but traditional threats will be a constant undercurrent
By Rory Bathgate
-
macOS Sierra UK release date, price, features: Night Shift mode returns with macOS Sierra 10.12.4 beta 8
Rumours The tech will reduce blue light from your screen at night time
By Jane McCallion
-
OS X 10.11 El Capitan release date and features: Is it worth upgrading?
News OS X 10.11.6 update released for developer and public beta testing
By Maggie Holland
-
Apple MacBook Retina 12in review - 'a superb choice, but challenging to fit into how you work'
Reviews Apple upgrades specs and adds rose gold model for 2016 MacBook Retina 12in
By Alan Lu
-
Critical vulnerability discovered in OS X
News Built-in security measures no match for Zero Day flaw, claims security firm
By Jane McCallion
-
Apple 13-inch MacBook Pro With Retina Display (Early-2015) review
Reviews A Broadwell upgrade provides impressive battery life for Apple’s business laptop.
By Cliff Joseph
-
Best Ultrabooks to buy in 2015
Best Need to upgrade your laptop? We take a look at the best Ultrabooks on the market
By Khidr Suleman
-
Visual Studio Code: Everything you need to know
In-depth Free, cross-platform code editor unveiled at Microsoft's Build conference
By Nicole Kobie
-
Why a vulnerable Mac is not necessarily an insecure one
Analysis Just because an attack on OS X is possible, doesn't mean it will happen
By Davey Winder