MacBook Air 13 (M4) outperforms Surface Laptop 7

The Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 are two of the best laptops in the 13-inch category. Both are designed for portability and performance, but they have different features that may appeal to different users. The MacBook Air starts at $999 and includes Apple’s new M4 chip, with options for higher RAM and storage. The Surface Laptop 7 also starts around $1,000, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. While both laptops are well-made, the MacBook Air is thinner and lighter. Design-wise, the MacBook Air is sleek and minimalist. It has a comfortable keyboard and a large touchpad that is highly responsive. The Surface Laptop 7 has a stylish design, too, and comes with a good keyboard and touchpad. However, the MacBook Air's build feels more premium. In terms of performance, the MacBook Air outperforms the Surface Laptop 7 in benchmarks, especially in single-core tasks. It also excels in video processing and creative work. The Surface Laptop 7, while decent, does not match the speed of the MacBook. Both laptops have good displays, but the MacBook Air's screen is slightly sharper. The Surface Laptop 7's display offers a smoother experience with a higher refresh rate. Audio quality is better on the MacBook due to its four speakers, providing richer sound. Portability is excellent for both, making them easy to carry. The MacBook Air also boasts longer battery life, especially under intensive use. Overall, while the Surface Laptop 7 is a top Windows laptop, the MacBook Air 13 is the clear winner for its speed, battery life, and design. If you don't need Windows, the MacBook Air is likely the better choice.