My daily work mostly revolves around online tools — Google Docs and Sheets, and a few offline tools like PDF editors and basic image editing tools for quick design tweaks. In short, I am not a power user, and while I do not use heavy tools like Photoshop, I do use tools like Ulysses, Chrome, Snagit, Alfred, along with the occasional VPN tool.
As such, I don’t need a supercomputer. Instead, I want a machine that is fast, reliable, and more importantly, lightweight. Plus, I wanted a machine that didn’t make me want to pull my hair out every time I open a dozen (or more) Chrome tabs. And that’s where my MacBook Air M1 (2020) has been an absolute gem. And trust me, I am not paid by Apple (but I wish I was).
Well, let’s start at the beginning. When I first switched to macOS, it took me ages to get comfortable since I had been using a Windows laptop. Hence, I was used to the familiar Windows layout and the Windows shortcuts. So, everything on the Mac felt “opposite”. From the Command key replacing Control to the way Finder works. But now, five years later, my views have changed, and how.
Read on to find out my experience with using a 5-year-old MacBook.
M1 MacBook Air: Still a Powerhouse in 2025?
When Apple launched the M1 chip in 2020, it was revolutionary. The idea of a fanless laptop that could outperform previous Intel-based systems sounded too good to be true.
For starters, there’s no noticeable lag, even with multiple Chrome windows open, music playing in the background, and with the design tools like Snagit running. The M1 chip still handles everything with ease. Of course, there’s the occasional hiccup, but that’s it.
The only time I notice a bit of sluggishness is when there’s a macOS update pending.
As a matter of fact, I often forget to restart my Mac for weeks, yet it boots up instantly every morning. The only time I notice a bit of sluggishness is when there’s a macOS update pending. And if you ask me, that’s a small price to pay for a machine that has been there for the last 5 years.
Performance-wise, it’s been surprisingly consistent. Even heavy web applications like Notion, Canva, and Photostack work without stuttering. And let’s not forget that Chrome in itself is a huge memory hogger.
The Seamless Apple Ecosystem
What really elevates the experience is Apple’s ecosystem integration. I didn’t realize how valuable it would be until I started using my iPhone and MacBook together. Sharing files between the two is seamless and swift. I can copy text on my iPhone and paste it directly on my Mac and vice versa. At the same time, I can send and receive images and files via AirDrop instantly. Gone are the days of mailing files to myself or connecting cables. Everything just fits.
Even features like Handoff and Universal Clipboard make a huge difference in productivity. If I start writing something on my iPhone’s Notes app, I can instantly continue typing on my MacBook without syncing delays. These little touches make the experience feel so cohesive that I can’t imagine switching to another OS now.
Battery Life That Still Impresses
After five years, my MacBook Air still manages to pull around 6-8 hours of battery life on moderate use. While battery life has gone down a bit, mainly because I need to keep it connected to power, since I connect it to a monitor and a keyboard. That said, the battery life is still decent considering the age.
The no-fan design also means it stays silent, no matter what I’m doing. Whether it’s editing images or streaming 4K videos, there’s no noise, no heat buildup, and no distractions. That’s something I’ve truly come to appreciate, especially during long work sessions.
macOS Stability and Longevity
One of the biggest advantages of using a MacBook is macOS stability. During the last few years that I have been using my Mac, the OS has been reliable, free from random crashes, and smooth during updates.
Even after five years, I still receive all the latest macOS features and security patches, ensuring that my device remains future-proof. Apple’s long-term support gives me confidence that I can continue using this MacBook Air for another couple of years without feeling outdated.
And because my work is mostly stored in the cloud, I do not feel the restrictiveness of limited storage. Having said that, it took me a while to adapt to some of its quirks, such as managing windows, figuring out keyboard shortcuts, and learning the various gestures.
Why I’m Not Upgrading Anytime Soon
You’d say that I am exaggerating, however, considering the nature of my work, I have not yet thought of upgrading my system simply because my 5-year-old MacBook Air M1 doesn’t feel old. It still performs like a champ, boots instantly, and gets my work done without any hiccups.
While it has attracted it share of scratches and scuff marks over the years, the aluminum build has aged gracefully. Interestingly, the keyboard and trackpad continue to offer that signature Apple feel. So, unless something drastically changes in my workflow, I don’t see a reason to replace it yet.
Final Thoughts
So, for anyone wondering whether the M1 MacBook Air is still worth buying or using in 2025, the answer is a resounding Yes. If your work revolves around productivity, web tools, and light creative tasks, this machine is all you’ll ever need.
It’s proof that a well-built laptop, powered by good silicon and thoughtful software, can age gracefully.
