Why I Still Love My MacBook Air M1 in 2025 – 4 Years Later

My MacBook Air M1 Journey

I bought my MacBook Air M1 not long after its official launch in late 2020. Back then, it was a bit of a leap of faith — the first Apple laptop to ditch Intel for their own M1 chip. Fast forward to 2025, and I can say this: it’s still one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

As someone who writes for a living, creates video content for YouTube, and spends hours online managing a lifestyle blog, I need a machine that’s reliable, fast, and portable. The MacBook Air M1 has been exactly that — a quiet, efficient workhorse that has never once let me down. While the tech world is buzzing about the newer M2 and M3 models, I want to share why I’m still happily using my M1 MacBook Air every single day, and why it might still be the perfect choice — even in 2025.

Why I Chose the MacBook Air M1

I was using a PC at the time, and honestly, it was driving me mad — fan noise, sluggish performance, overheating... the usual suspects. The M1 MacBook Air caught my eye because of all the hype about its performance and battery life, but I also liked the idea of going fanless. No more noise.

As a blogger and YouTuber, I need something that can handle writing, photo editing, 4K video editing, and constant multitasking — and it does it all quietly and quickly. Plus, as an iPhone user, switching to a Mac just made everything easier. From AirDrop to Messages on Mac, the ecosystem feels seamless.

What I Use It For (And It Handles It All)

Here’s what my MacBook Air M1 handles on a daily basis:

• Writing blog posts (like this one) in Safari or Notion

• Managing emails, comments, and SEO tasks

• Editing 4K videos.

• Working with product photos and Instagram content

• Uploading product shots and YouTube videos

• Streaming music while I work (Spotify or YouTube)

And even with all of this going on, it rarely slows down. Honestly, the M1 chip is still a beast, even compared to some of the newer machines I’ve tested recently.

What Still Impresses Me in 2025

I’ve had this laptop for over three years, and here’s what still stands out:

• Speed: Apps open instantly. Multitasking is smooth. No fan noise.

• Battery Life: I can still go 8–10 hours on a single charge.

• Keyboard: So good. Responsive, silent, and satisfying to type on.

• Trackpad: The best in the game. Period.

• Build Quality: Slim, sturdy, and still looks brand new.

• Display: Crisp and vibrant — though I do wish it were brighter outdoors.

There’s a reason why I haven’t even considered upgrading yet. It just works — and it works well.

What Could Be Better

Of course, nothing’s perfect. Here are the only small things I’d improve:

• Brightness: The display could use a little extra oomph outdoors.

• Port Selection: Two USB-C ports only — I often use a hub.

• Webcam: It’s just okay. Works for Zoom, but not great in low light.

That’s honestly it. And considering this is a base model I bought in 2021, I’m still amazed by how much I can do with it.

Is It Better Than Buying the M2 or M3?

Let’s be honest — the newer MacBooks are great. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly Apple laptop in 2025, the M1 model still holds up incredibly well. It’s often available refurbished or discounted, and for most people (even content creators like me), you won’t feel like you’re missing out.

Unless you need advanced multitasking for pro-grade video work or serious 3D rendering, the M1 is more than enough — and still surprisingly future-proof.

Pros & Cons of the MacBook Air M1 in 2025

Pros

• Blazing fast for most tasks

• Excellent battery life

• Fanless and silent

• Great keyboard and trackpad

• Perfect for writing, editing, and YouTube

  Cons

• brightness not great outdoors

• Only two USB-C ports

• Webcam is a bit average

• No Face ID

Final Verdict: Still Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely. If you can find a MacBook Air M1 at a good price — whether second-hand, refurbished, or even new — I say go for it.

For me, it’s still the best all-rounder laptop I’ve ever owned. From running my blog to editing 4K videos on the go, it keeps up without fuss, without noise, and without giving me a reason to upgrade.

Sure, newer is always tempting. But sometimes, when something just works, there's no need to replace it.

Jerome

Jerome is a full-time lifestyle blogger and tech reviewer based in the UK. Since 2014, he’s been running Dapper & Groomed, helping men over 40 discover the best gadgets, headphones, and accessories through personal, real-world testing.