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Microsoft’s Surface Laptop is often called “the MacBook Air of Windows” — but how close is it really? Here’s the direct comparison.
| Surface Laptop 13″ (entry) | MacBook Air 13″ (M5) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199 | $1,099.99 (often on sale ~$899-949) |
| OS | Windows 11 | macOS |
| Display | 13″ PixelSense touchscreen | 13.6″ Liquid Retina (non-touch) |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | Up to ~15 hours | Up to 18 hours (rated) |
| Best For | Windows users who want a touchscreen and Surface Pen support | Battery life, resale value, Apple ecosystem integration |
Check Surface Laptop 13″ price on Amazon →
Check MacBook Air 13″ (M5) price on Amazon →
Which Should You Buy?
If you want a touchscreen, pen support, and full Windows software compatibility, the Surface Laptop is the closest thing to a MacBook Air on Windows. If you don’t need touch input and want the best battery life and resale value, the MacBook Air is the stronger overall pick — and it’s frequently available for less than the Surface Laptop’s list price. See our Dell XPS vs MacBook Air comparison for a lower-priced Windows alternative.
FAQ
Is the Surface Laptop as good as the MacBook Air?
Both are excellent thin-and-light laptops. The Surface Laptop wins on touchscreen and Windows software compatibility, while the MacBook Air generally wins on battery life and resale value.
Does the Surface Laptop support Apple Pencil-style input?
The Surface Laptop supports the Microsoft Surface Slim Pen (sold separately) for note-taking and sketching directly on its touchscreen — a capability the non-touch MacBook Air doesn’t have.
Related guides: Best 2-in-1 Laptops · Best Ultrabooks · Dell XPS vs MacBook Air
