Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the better pick — it scores 67/100 to the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)'s 37, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2) instead if design & weight matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 36 GB (350% more)
Storage capacity: 2,048 GB (700% more)
Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
No USB-A ports — older accessories need an adapter.

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
60 Hz panel — less smooth than 120 Hz+ rivals.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)	Winner
Processor	78	39	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Integrated Graphics	45	33	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	68	32	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Storage	63	14	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Display	65	33	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Sound	62	62	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	68	32	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Connectivity	88	66	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	82	41	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Design & Weight	34	66	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	90	10	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 with the M5 Max chip is a high-performance workstation laptop designed for intensive professional workloads. Built around Apple's custom silicon architecture, it pairs an expansive 16-inch display (available as a Liquid Retina XDR or PROLED XDR panel) with support for up to 128 GB of unified memory. It includes a dedicated array of physical connectivity, such as an SDXC card slot, HDMI port, and MagSafe charging.

Best for High-end video production, 3D rendering, and heavy software development needing Best for On-location visual media workflows relying on built-in SDXC card reading and hig

Pros

High-performance M5 Max chip architecture with up to 128 GB of unified memory
Large 16-inch high-dynamic-range screen options with advanced color and contrast performance
Versatile physical port selection including MagSafe charging, HDMI, and a full-size SDXC card slot
Large 99.6 Wh battery capacity supported by a 140 W power adapter

Cons

Soldered internal solid-state storage prevents post-purchase memory or drive upgrades

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)

The 2023 Apple MacBook Air expands the lightweight laptop family by introducing a larger 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display while keeping a highly portable, fanless build. It is powered by the Apple M2 system-on-a-chip, designed to deliver efficient performance for everyday productivity. This model targets users who want a larger screen canvas without the premium price tag or physical bulk of the MacBook Pro series.

Best for all-day battery-powered productivity on the goBest for multitasking with side-by-side windows on a larger screenBest for silent computing in noise-sensitive environments

Pros

Larger 15.3-inch display provides significantly more screen real estate than previous models
Completely silent operation due to its fanless thermal design
Highly efficient M2 silicon ensures long-lasting battery performance
Sturdy yet impressively thin aluminum chassis

Cons

Soldered solid-state drive and memory cannot be upgraded by the user after purchase

Source

MacBook Air (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvided specifications on the 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display size, the M2 chip, release dates, soldered storage details, and the fanless hardware design.

Video — reviews used (3)

Identified the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air as a highly requested and sensible larger-screen form factor.

Generated Jun 30, 2026

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)57,655

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)15,642

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)99.6 Wh

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)66.5 Wh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is 0.64 kg (42%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Memory capacity	36 GB350% more	8 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Storage capacity	2,048 GB700% more	256 GB
Socket type		N/A
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Size	16.2 in6% more	15.3 in
Display resolution	3456 × 2234 px	2880 × 1864 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	120 Hz100% more	60 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	1,600 nits220% more	500 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	87%	85%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Number of speakers	6	6
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Number of microphones	3	3

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Battery capacity	99.6 Wh50% more	66.5 Wh
Maximum charge power	140 W100% more	70 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
USB Type A	0	0
USB Type C	3	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	Yes	No
Has a card reader	Yes	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Color
Dimensions	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm	34.04 × 23.76 × 1.15 cm
Weight	2.15 kg	1.51 kg30% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	Yes
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,655269% more	15,642
Active cooling	Yes	No
Release Date	March 11, 2026	June 13, 2023

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) rates higher at 75/100 versus 37/100 for Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2) — a 38-point lead. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2) are compared side by side above across every spec in the laptops category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 75/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and 37/100 for Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) (75/100) edges out Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2) (37/100). But if Apple MacBook Air 15 (M2) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.