Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) vs Framework Laptop 13 (2025): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) scores 8.5 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the cheaper option at $1,649. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Air 15 (M4) leads overall, while the Laptop 13 (2025) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) (Geekbench multi 14,900 vs 12,200).
- Longer battery: Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) (18.4h vs 11.4h web).
- Lighter: Framework Laptop 13 (2025) (1.3 kg vs 1.51 kg).
- Display: IPS (Liquid Retina) (Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4)) vs IPS (Framework Laptop 13 (2025)).
- Cheaper: Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) (saves about $150 CAD).
MacBook Air 15 (M4) vs Laptop 13 (2025): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 14,900 against 12,200 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) — roughly 22% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) averaged 38 FPS versus 24 FPS. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) lasts longer away from a charger, running 18.4 hours in our web-browsing test versus 11.4 hours. The Framework Laptop 13 (2025) is also easier to carry at 1.3 kg versus 1.51 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) uses a 15.3-inch IPS (Liquid Retina) panel (2880 x 1864, 60Hz), while the Framework Laptop 13 (2025) has a 13.5-inch IPS panel (2256 x 1504, 60Hz). The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) measured brighter at 482 nits, and covered 96% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $150 less than the Framework Laptop 13 (2025). Weighed against our test scores (8.5 vs 7.7 overall), the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) offers the better value for the money, while the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) review and Framework Laptop 13 (2025) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the MacBook Air 15 (M4) and the Laptop 13 (2025) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | MacBook Air 15 (M4) | Laptop 13 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 8.5 ✓ | 7.7 |
| Price (CAD) | $1,649 ✓ | $1,799 |
| CPU | Apple M4 (10-core) | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 |
| GPU | Apple M4 GPU (10-core) | AMD Radeon 860M (integrated) |
| RAM | 16GB Unified LPDDR5x | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
| Display | 15.3" IPS (Liquid Retina) | 13.5" IPS |
| Brightness | 482 nits ✓ | 478 nits |
| Battery (web) | 18.4 h ✓ | 11.4 h |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | 1.3 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 14,900 ✓ | 12,200 |
| Gaming (1080p) | 38 fps ✓ | 24 fps |
| OS | macOS | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (AppleCare+ available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) scores 8.5 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the cheaper option at $1,649. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Air 15 (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 15 (M4) or the Laptop 13 (2025)?
The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) scores 8.5 versus 7.7 for the Framework Laptop 13 (2025), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4) is the cheaper option at $1,649. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Air 15 (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 15 (M4) is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Apple MacBook Air 15 (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 15 (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 15 (M4) is the better choice for travel.
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