Apple ditched fans in the MacBook Air when it switched to its own M1 silicon in late 2020. The M-series chips are far more power-efficient than previous Intel processors, allowing passive cooling via a heat spreader that dissipates heat through the aluminum case. All Air models since the M1 launch have been fanless.

The benefits include completely silent operation, reduced weight (the M2 Air weighs 2.7 lbs versus 2.8 lbs for the last fan-equipped Intel model), and slightly improved battery life. However, thermal throttling can occur under sustained heavy loads, causing performance drops during tasks like video exports or gaming. The chassis also runs noticeably warmer.

For most users, the M5 Air at $1,299 handles everyday tasks silently. Professionals doing intensive 4K video editing may prefer the MacBook Pro with active cooling, a 120Hz Mini-LED display, and more ports — though it starts at $1,999 for the 14-inch model.