Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) vs Framework Laptop 13 (2025): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) scores 8.5 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the cheaper option at $1,349. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Air 13 (M4) leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) (Geekbench multi 14,800 vs 12,200).
- Longer battery: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) (18h vs 11.4h web).
- Lighter: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) (1.24 kg vs 1.3 kg).
- Display: IPS (Liquid Retina) (Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)) vs IPS (Framework Laptop 13 (2025)).
- Cheaper: Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) (saves about $450 CAD).
MacBook Air 13 (M4) vs Laptop 13 (2025): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 14,800 against 12,200 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) — roughly 21% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) averaged 34 FPS versus 24 FPS. The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) lasts longer away from a charger, running 18 hours in our web-browsing test versus 11.4 hours. The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is also easier to carry at 1.24 kg versus 1.3 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) uses a 13.6-inch IPS (Liquid Retina) panel (2560 x 1664, 60Hz), while the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) has a 13.5-inch IPS panel (2256 x 1504, 60Hz). The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) measured brighter at 478 nits, and covered 80% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $450 less than the Framework Laptop 13 (2025). Weighed against our test scores (8.5 vs 7.7 overall), the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) offers the better value for the money, while the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) review and Framework Laptop 13 (2025) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the MacBook Air 13 (M4) and the Laptop 13 (2025) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | MacBook Air 13 (M4) | Laptop 13 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.5 ✓ | 7.7 |
| Price (CAD) | $1,349 ✓ | $1,799 |
| CPU | Apple M4 (10-core) | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 |
| GPU | Apple M4 GPU (8-core) | AMD Radeon 860M (integrated) |
| RAM | 16GB Unified LPDDR5x | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB | 512GB ✓ |
| Display | 13.6" IPS (Liquid Retina) | 13.5" IPS |
| Brightness | 476 nits | 478 nits ✓ |
| Battery (web) | 18 h ✓ | 11.4 h |
| Weight | 1.24 kg ✓ | 1.3 kg |
| Geekbench multi | 14,800 ✓ | 12,200 |
| Gaming (1080p) | 34 fps ✓ | 24 fps |
| OS | macOS | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (AppleCare+ available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) scores 8.5 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the cheaper option at $1,349. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Air 13 (M4) leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the MacBook Air 13 (M4) or the Laptop 13 (2025)?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) scores 8.5 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the cheaper option at $1,349. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Air 13 (M4) leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) is the better choice for travel.
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