MacBook Air M3 vs Dell XPS 13 comparison 2024

The MacBook Air M3 holds up better day to day, with longer battery, no fan noise, and a steadier build. The Dell XPS 13 lands at a similar price in Canada and suits Windows users who want a sharp screen. The split comes down to the operating system more than the money.

MacBook Air M3

9/10

Best for battery life

–~$1,499

✓12–15 hrs

✓Cool, fanless, silent

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Dell XPS 13

7/10

Best for value

✓~$1,399

–8–10 hrs

–Fans spin up under load

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How they score

MacBook Air M3Dell XPS 13

Price

8.3

7.7

Battery

9.6

6.1

Heat & noise

9.6

Build over time

9.6

6.3

Software

MacBook Air M3

+Battery (12–15 hrs)

+Heat & noise (Cool, fanless, silent)

+Build over time (Holds up well)

×Price (~$1,099)

Dell XPS 13

+Price (~$999)

×Battery (8–10 hrs)

×Heat & noise (Fans spin up under load)

×Build over time (More wear)

Full spec sheet

Spec	MacBook Air M3	Dell XPS 13
Price	~$1,499	~$1,399
Battery	12–15 hrs	8–10 hrs
Heat & noise	Cool, fanless, silent	Fans spin up under load
Build over time	Holds up well	More wear
Software	macOS	Windows

What you pay

The MacBook Air M3 runs about $1,499, the Dell XPS 13 about $1,399. The Dell is the cheaper of the two by roughly $100.

Battery and noise

The Air lasts 12–15 hours and stays silent with no fan. The XPS manages 8–10 hours and its fans spin up under load. For all-day, untethered work the Air pulls ahead.

Build and software

The Air holds up better over years of use; the XPS shows more wear. The real divider is the operating system, macOS against Windows. Pick by which one you already live in.