The ultraportable laptop market in 2025 is dominated by two standout devices: Apple’s MacBook Air M3 and Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7. Both laptops aim to deliver exceptional performance, sleek designs, and long-lasting battery life, but they cater to different user needs. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or someone who needs a reliable workhorse for productivity, this guide will help you make an informed decision. To make this comparison even more insightful, we’ve included real-world user feedback from Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Amazon. This article goes beyond surface-level specs to provide a deep dive into performance, display quality, portability, battery life, and value for money. If you’re looking for even more details, don’t forget to check out our full review of the MacBook Air M3 and our deep dive into the Surface Laptop 7.
Disclosure
Performance: Apple’s M3 vs. Microsoft’s Snapdragon X Elite
MacBook Air M3
Apple’s M3 chip is built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, delivering exceptional single-core performance and efficient multitasking. It’s ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, coding, and AI-driven workflows. The fanless design ensures silent operation while maintaining efficiency.
Real User Insights
Let’s hear what users are saying:
- A Reddit user shared their experience running over 18 Chrome tabs alongside VSCode and Docker without any slowdown, calling it “a silent powerhouse.”
- An Amazon buyer praised its ability to handle video editing tasks smoothly without overheating.
- However, another Redditor noted that while the M3 is faster than the M1 or M2 chips, the performance gains for everyday tasks like web browsing or document editing felt incremental. They advised that the M3 is best suited for users transitioning from older Intel-based Macs or Windows laptops.
Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7 offers two processor options: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus and Snapdragon X Elite. The Snapdragon X Plus, a 10-core processor, delivers efficient performance suitable for everyday tasks and light multitasking. The Snapdragon X Elite, with its 12-core architecture, provides enhanced performance for more demanding applications and multitasking scenarios. Both processors are ARM-based, which may lead to compatibility challenges with legacy x86 applications due to emulation requirements. However, they offer excellent energy efficiency and extended battery life.
Real User Insights
Here’s what people think:
- A Reddit user mentioned that while Chrome ran smoothly with over 20 tabs open, certain older software felt sluggish due to ARM emulation.
- An Amazon reviewer highlighted its seamless performance with Microsoft Office and light creative work but warned against using it for graphically intensive tasks like gaming.
- Another Redditor comparing it to Apple Silicon said the Snapdragon chip felt “like an M3 Pro experience” when using ARM-optimized apps but admitted emulation could be hit or miss.
Verdict:
The MacBook Air M3 wins in raw power and app compatibility for professional-grade tasks. The Surface Laptop 7, however, is a solid choice for general productivity and light multitasking workloads.
Display: Retina vs. PixelSense
MacBook Air M3
Apple’s MacBook Air M3 features a 13.6-inch Retina display with True Tone technology and P3 wide color gamut support. This makes it perfect for creatives who need accurate colors for photo editing or design work.
Real User Insights
Here’s what users say about the display:
- A Reddit user described it as “a portable canvas,” praising its color accuracy during photo editing sessions.
- One buyer on X noted that while they initially disliked the notch design, they eventually got used to it because of the immersive display quality.
Surface Laptop 7
The Surface Laptop 7 sports a slightly larger 13.8-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While its higher refresh rate makes scrolling buttery smooth and enhances tasks like drawing or note-taking using a stylus, its color accuracy doesn’t quite match Apple’s Retina display.
Real User Insights
What do users think?
- A Redditor shared that while the screen isn’t OLED, its brightness and color vibrancy are impressive.
- An Amazon buyer noted that the touchscreen functionality was a game-changer for productivity tasks like note-taking but found the screen overly reflective in bright environments.
Verdict:
If you value color accuracy for creative work, go with the MacBook Air M3. If you prefer touchscreen functionality or smoother visuals for everyday use, the Surface Laptop 7 is your best bet.
Portability: Lightweight Designs
MacBook Air M3
Weighing just 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs), the MacBook Air M3 is one of the lightest laptops in its class. Its slim profile makes it perfect for frequent travelers or commuters.
Real User Insights
Here’s what users are saying:
- One Amazon reviewer called it “a dream to carry around,” emphasizing how easy it was to slip into a bag.
- Another X user noted that even after hours of carrying it around campus, they barely noticed its weight.
Want to experience the excellence of the MacBook Air with the M3 chip? Check it out on Amazon:
- LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a supe…
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE—Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express yourse…
- PORTABLE DESIGN — Lightweight and under half an inch thin, so you can take MacBook Air anywhere you go.
Disclosure
Surface Laptop 7
At 1.36 kg (2.99 lbs), the Surface Laptop 7 is slightly heavier but offers a sturdy hinge design that feels robust during use.
Real User Insights
What do users think?
- A Redditor transitioning from a heavier laptop praised both devices but noted that “the MacBook Air feels like carrying nothing at all.”
- An Amazon buyer appreciated the durability of the Surface Laptop’s build despite its slightly heavier weight.
Verdict:
For ultimate portability, the MacBook Air M3 takes the crown thanks to its featherlight design. However, if durability matters more to you, consider the Surface Laptop 7.
Want to experience the versatility of the Surface Book 7? Check it out on Amazon:
- [This is a Copilot+ PC] — A new AI era begins. Experience enhanced performance and AI capabilities with Copilot+ PC, boo…
- [Introducing Surface Laptop] — Power, speed, and touchscreen versatility with AI features. Transform your work, play, an…
- [Exceptional Performance] — Surface Laptop delivers faster performance than the MacBook Air M3[1], with blazing NPU spee…
Disclosure
Battery Life: Endurance Champions
MacBook Air M3
Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life under typical usage conditions—a figure many users have confirmed in real-world scenarios.
Real User Insights
Let’s hear from real users:
- One Reddit user said their battery lasted over 13 hours even during heavy multitasking sessions with Chrome tabs and Docker running simultaneously.
- However, another user on Amazon reported issues with rapid battery drain during initial setup but resolved them after optimizing background processes.
Surface Laptop 7
Microsoft promises up to 22 hours of runtime on its Snapdragon X Elite model—and many users back this claim.
Real User Insights
Here’s what people are saying:
- A Redditor called the Surface Laptop’s standby time “unbelievable,” noting minimal battery drain even after leaving it idle for days.
- An Amazon buyer praised Microsoft’s all-day battery endurance but noted that heavy workloads like video rendering reduced runtime significantly.
Verdict:
The Surface Laptop 7 wins this round with its superior battery life—though real-world mileage may vary depending on usage patterns.
Value for Money: Premium vs Practical
MacBook Air M3
The MacBook Air M3’s starting price firmly positions it within the premium category. While its price reflects its build quality and performance capabilities, some users criticized Apple’s expensive storage upgrades.
Real User Insights
What do buyers think?
- A Redditor lamented, “Apple charges a premium for every little upgrade,” though they admitted macOS integration made it worth it.
- An Amazon reviewer highlighted how much they appreciated Apple’s ecosystem but wished storage upgrades were more affordable.
Surface Laptop 7
The Surface Laptop 7 often comes with a lower starting price than the MacBook Air M3, making it a more budget-friendly option. Additionally, its user-upgradable SSD provides added flexibility for storage needs.
Real User Insights
Here’s what buyers say:
- One Amazon reviewer loved how much more affordable Microsoft’s device was compared to similarly specced Macs.
- A Reddit user appreciated being able to upgrade their SSD themselves without paying extra upfront costs.
Verdict:
If budget is a concern or you value upgradability, go with the Surface Laptop 7. For those willing to pay a premium for top-tier build quality and macOS integration, the MacBook Air M3 remains a strong contender.
Final Verdict: Which Laptop Should You Choose?
Both the MacBook Air M3 and Surface Laptop 7 are exceptional laptops that shine in their respective areas. However, the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
Why Choose the MacBook Air M3?
- Performance: The M3 chip is a powerhouse for single-core performance, making it ideal for creative professionals working with video editing, design software, or coding.
- Portability: At just 1.24 kg (2.73 lbs), it’s one of the lightest laptops on the market, perfect for users who are always on the go.
- Battery Life: With up to 18 hours of battery life, it’s a reliable workhorse for long days.
- Build Quality: Apple’s aluminum unibody design feels premium and durable.
- Ecosystem Integration: If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, etc.), the seamless integration with macOS makes this a no-brainer.
Disclosure
Why Choose the Surface Laptop 7?
- Value for Money: The Surface Book 7 offers a more accessible entry point compared to the MacBook Air M3. Its user-upgradable SSD also provides added flexibility for future storage needs.
- Display Versatility: The 13.8-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a 120Hz refresh rate makes it perfect for note-taking, sketching, or interactive tasks.
- Battery Life: With up to 22 hours of battery life on the Snapdragon X Elite model, it’s a longevity champ.
- Connectivity: The Surface Laptop 7 offers a wider range of ports (USB-A and USB-C), which is great for users who need more connectivity options.
- Windows Flexibility: If you prefer Windows’ open ecosystem or rely on specific Windows apps, this laptop is a fantastic choice.
Disclosure
Which Laptop Fits Your Lifestyle?
Here’s a quick breakdown of who should choose which laptop:
| Category | MacBook Air M3 | Surface Laptop 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Professionals | ✅ Perfect for video editing & design | ⚠️ Good but lacks macOS-native tools |
| Students | ✅ Lightweight & long-lasting battery | ✅ Affordable & touchscreen functionality |
| Professionals on the Go | ✅ Sleek & ultra-portable | ✅ Durable with better port selection |
| Budget-Conscious Buyers | ⚠️ Expensive upgrades | ✅ More affordable starting price |
| Windows Enthusiasts | ⚠️ Limited to macOS | ✅ Full Windows experience |
Conclusion: There’s No Wrong Choice
Both laptops are exceptional in their own right—there truly is no wrong choice here! The MacBook Air M3 excels in performance, portability, and ecosystem integration, making it ideal for creatives and Apple loyalists. Meanwhile, the Surface Laptop 7 shines with its versatile display, stellar battery life, and affordability, making it perfect for students and professionals who prefer Windows. Still undecided? Dive deeper by checking out our full review of the MacBook Air M3 and our in-depth analysis of the Surface Laptop 7.
Ready to upgrade to the MacBook Air M3 or the Surface Laptop 7? Check out the latest deals from:
