Short answer: yes, for most people. But the full picture is a little more nuanced.
What changed with the M4
Apple refined the M-series logic rather than reinvented it. The M4 brings mildly faster CPU cores, improved GPU throughput for light-to-moderate creative work, and a slightly smarter neural engine. Real gains show up in sustained workloads and battery efficiency under mixed use, not in headline single-core benchmarks. In everyday tasks — browsing, documents, video calls — the M4 feels instantly responsive, which is what matters to most users.
Performance and battery life
Performance is noticeably better than the M1 and a clear step ahead of many Intel-based ultrabooks. Compared to the M3, gains exist but are incremental: faster multitasking, quicker exports for moderate video projects, and smoother background AI tasks. Battery life remains excellent. Expect a full workday with light-to-medium use and solid multi-day standby. If you often push CPU/GPU hard for hours, a MacBook Pro will still be the more intelligent choice.
Design, screen and ports
Design is the same elegant Air profile: light, thin, and pocketable. The display is bright and color-accurate enough for photo edits and streaming. Ports are sparse. If you rely on SD cards or multiple USB-A peripherals, you will need adapters. Simplicity is the point here: fewer ports, cleaner lines, but plan for dongles.
Software and ecosystem
macOS in 2025 runs natively on Apple silicon, and developers continue to optimize apps for the architecture. That means not only mature apps but better energy management and more native features. Integration with iPhone and iPad remains a compelling productivity boost: universal clipboard, FaceTime continuity, and seamless file sharing. If you are already in the Apple ecosystem, the M4 is an especially straightforward upgrade.
Who should buy it
Students and general users who want long battery life, light creative work, and a premium build at a reasonable price will be very happy. Remote workers who need portability and reliable video conferencing will find it ideal. Casual photographers and hobbyist video editors can work comfortably, though pros editing large 4K projects will prefer Pro models. If your workflow depends on specialized Windows-only apps, a Mac may complicate things.
Price and value
Value depends on configuration. Base models are attractive and deliver excellent real-world value. Upgrading RAM and storage increases longevity but also raises the price fast. In many cases it is smarter to buy a slightly higher-spec Air now than to upgrade later. If you want the best price-to-performance, watch seasonal discounts and student offers.
Verdict
If you value portability, battery life, and a smooth, long-lasting user experience, the MacBook Air M4 is worth it in 2025. Although it’s not the fastest laptop available, it hits the most essential marks for everyday users and many semi-professionals. Buy it if you prioritize mobility and a well-rounded machine. Choose a MacBook Pro or a Windows workstation if you need sustained high-end performance or specific professional ports and expandability.
Pros: lightweight, efficient, excellent battery, strong app ecosystem.
Cons: limited ports, incremental upgrade over M3, not a Pro-class performer.
Make your choice based on what you actually do every day, not on peak benchmark numbers. If most of your tasks are real-world tasks, the M4 will likely make your life easier.
