MacBook Air M4 vs M5: Which One Should I Choose for Work and Streaming?

Either would be a very good machine – provided that you configure it with enough RAM and internal storage.

From what I've read, it sounds like the M5 MacBook Airs have

• A modest CPU speed bump – one that you probably wouldn't notice, especially given that your intended uses sound like they'd probably be a light load for a M4.
• Significant GPU and AI speed bumps

You might be able to find some M4 MacBook Airs in Apple's online Certified Refurbished store. Selection is catch-of-the-day, and the discount is usually only about 15% off original list price. So it pays to know how the models you see there compare to new ones, if you're trying to figure out what would be the best value for you.

Both processors are fully overpowered for the requirements you describe. So you'll do fine with either of them.

Base your choice on the budget you have for it.

Obviously the M5 is the newer one, so will last longer and get updates from Apple for longer than the M4, but will also be more expensive, but as a proud owner of a 15" M4 MacBook Air I can tell you it is very high performance as it is. Make sure you get at least 24MB of RAM as it cannot be upgraded after purchase and at least 512GB of storage for the same reason.

ReganLE wrote:

[...]

I need a computer that will last for many years for this kind of use. I would like to know if these two processors are recommended and which one would be more suitable for my needs.

Either of those processors will do what you want and the Macs they power will easily "last for many years".

You have been provided some great guidance by our friends, and I'll only add this Apple link that you might find helpful as you consider your options: Compare Mac Models - Apple

Amazon is also a good source of deals for brand new laptops with warranty and the option of getting Apple Care+.

The 13" M4 MacBook Air starts at only $859. for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, but you really should be looking at the next tier up. 24GB RAM and 512GB storage. Though that one is not available as a 13".

The 15" version starts at $1299 for 24GB and 512GB, so a pretty good deal.

click here ➜ Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage - Amazon.com

The only caveat with Amazon is to make sure it's sold and shipped by Amazon. There will be 3rd party sellers and those can be selling used and in unknown state. You'll want to avoid those.

For M5 MacBook Airs, price is identical so no real benefit there in going with Amazon.

Phil0124 wrote:

...The 13" M4 MacBook Air starts at only $859. for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, but you really should be looking at the next tier up. 24GB RAM and 512GB storage. Though that one is not available as a 13".

Not sure where you got your info but I own a 13" M4 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD. It was not special order and bought off the shelf at Best Buy. Model # MC6C4LL/A

woodmeister50 wrote:

Phil0124 wrote:

...The 13" M4 MacBook Air starts at only $859. for 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, but you really should be looking at the next tier up. 24GB RAM and 512GB storage. Though that one is not available as a 13".

Not sure where you got your info but I own a 13" M4 MacBook Air with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD. It was not special order and bought off the shelf at Best Buy. Model # MC6C4LL/A

Should have clarified it's not available: on Amazon.com at the moment in that configuration, sold by amazon.

Not that it's generally not an option.