On the lookout for new laptops? In 2025, AI-powered devices should be on your radar with the ability to enhance productivity, efficiency, and creativity in the workplace. These laptops include specialised hardware, known as a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), to power built-in AI for a seamless and more secure experience.
Today we’re putting two heavyweights in this space head to head: the Apple MacBook Air 13” and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13”. Let’s get to comparing to figure out which device comes out on top and can best support your team.
Design
Both the MacBook Air and Surface Laptop deliver on sleek and lightweight design, with durable recycled aluminium casing in a range of colours. The MacBook Air 13” weighs 1.24 kg while the Surface Laptop 13” is just lighter at 1.22 kg, making both comfortable options for flexible working and travelling.
Usability
Camera and Microphone Quality – Both devices have a 1080p HD camera alongside mics with voice isolation and enhanced clarity features, which are essential for remote working setups to support audio and video calls. There is a slight difference when it comes to mics, with the MacBook Air offering three while the Surface offers two – however both deliver top-tier audio quality.
Display Features – While the MacBook Air 13” offers a slightly bigger display and enhanced resolution, the Surface Laptop provides a significant point of difference with a touchscreen display. This feature supports seamless navigation and browsing, and provides more ways to work so your team can stay productive.
Ports – If you’re looking for port options to boost functionality, the Surface Laptop 13” wins out with 1 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports, while the MacBook Air 13” has 2 USB-C ports. If you need a MicroSDXC card reader, a Surface Laptop 15” offers this feature.
Secure Sign-In – When it comes to additional login options (rather than using a password), both devices offer fingerprint recognition (TouchID for the MacBook Air and Windows Hello Fingerprint Power Button for the Surface Laptop), while the Surface Laptop 13.8” or 15” can also use facial recognition to log in.
Performance and Specs
Processors – The Surface Laptop 13” uses the Snapdragon X Plus (8 core), while the MacBook Air uses the Apple M4 chip. Both offer high-performance and speed, seamlessly power AI features with dedicated NPUs, and support long battery life.
RAM and SSD Storage – The Surface Laptop 13” includes 16 GB RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB SSD storage options. The MacBook Air 13” includes 16 GB or 24 GB RAM with 256 GB or 512 GB SSD storage.
Battery Life – Both devices offer good battery life, ensuring enhanced flexibility. The Surface Laptop 13” wins out with up to 23 hours of battery life for video playback and 16 hours of web usage, while the MacBook Air provides up to 18 hours of video playback and up to 15 hours of web usage.
Operating System and Ecosystem
Operating System – The Surface Laptop comes equipped with Windows 11, while the MacBook Air uses macOS. Out of these operating systems, Windows 11 has better software compatibility, with some apps only running on Windows as well.
Ecosystem – The Surface also comes preloaded with Microsoft 365 Apps, which can support a smoother and enhanced experience. This is ideal in any workplace, where these apps are central to productivity and collaboration. In comparison, the MacBook Air includes built-in apps like FaceTime, Find My, iPhone Mirroring and more. You’ll also be able to seamlessly connect with other Apple devices, though you can’t guarantee everyone in your team will leverage this functionality.
AI
Both laptops have built-in AI powered by dedicated NPUs, ensuring these tools work quickly and seamlessly all while keeping your data more secure. Depending on the device you choose, you’ll be working with Apple Intelligence or Microsoft Copilot.
- Apple Intelligence – This includes tools to enhance your writing, summarise content, create images, prioritise the important stuff, and increase focus. ChatGPT is also integrated for Writing Tools and Siri, offering extra information when you need it.
- Microsoft Copilot – This has more of a focus on supporting business tasks – like streamlining workflows, boosting productivity, and offering AI assistance in Microsoft 365 apps like Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and more. You can research, refine, and summarise content, get a snapshot of meetings including key points, draft emails, create PowerPoints, organise, analyse data, and even look for files and images. There’s also a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard for ease of use.
Pricing
So, what will these laptops set you back? The Surface Laptop 13” (Snapdragon X Plus (8 Core) 16GB RAM 256 GB SSD) and MacBook Air 13” (10-Core CPU 8-Core GPU 16 GB Unified Memory 256 GB SSD) both start at $1,699. Of course, this changes if you want to increase RAM or SSD Storage options.
So, Which AI Laptop Should You Choose?
The laptop you choose will depend on how you’re using it! Both are great options – there’s a reason they’re the leading competitors after all. If you’re keen to upgrade your devices and support productivity, we’re happy to chat about which is best for your business’ needs and help you make the right decision. Just get in touch with our friendly crew here.
