# Is the MacBook Air M4 worth upgrading from the M3?

> Expert comparison of MacBook Air M4 vs M3

*Published: 2026-03-18 | Updated: 2026-03-18 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/is-the-macbook-air-m4-worth-upgrading-from-the-m3*

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## Product: Apple MacBook Air 2025 13-inch with M4 Chip
**Brand:** Apple

For most M3 MacBook Air owners, upgrading to the [M4 MacBook Air](https://shopsavvy.com/products/7826bbd3-ae81-dc1c-f6d9-b5d2eca2b909) isn't necessary. The improvements matter, but they're incremental rather than transformational.

**Performance gains:**

- 17-24% faster in general benchmarks
- 10 CPU cores versus 8 on the M3
- Neural Engine runs twice as fast (38 trillion operations per second)
- Memory bandwidth increased 20% to 120GB/s
- Maximum RAM now 32GB (up from 24GB)

**The standout upgrade: External display support**

This is the headline change. The M3 only supported two external monitors with the lid closed. The M4 can drive two 6K displays while keeping the built-in screen active. Three screens total, laptop open.

If the clamshell-only limitation frustrated you on the M3, this alone might justify upgrading.

**Other notable changes:**

- 12MP Center Stage camera (up from 1080p)
- Price dropped $100 to $999 starting
- New Sky Blue color replaces Space Gray

**Upgrade if you:**

- Need dual external monitors with laptop open
- Require more than 24GB RAM
- Rely heavily on Apple Intelligence features
- Own an M1, M2, or Intel MacBook Air

**Skip if you:**

- Are satisfied with M3 performance
- Don't use multi-monitor setups
- Don't work with AI-heavy applications

**The real opportunity:**

Coming from an M1, M2, or Intel Mac? The M4 delivers substantial improvements in performance, display flexibility, and camera quality at a lower price than the M3 launched. That's a compelling package.

Coming from an M3? Unless you need that dual-monitor fix, your current machine will serve you well for years.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*