Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

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

For most buyers the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is the better pick — it scores 62/100 to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)'s 46, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) 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

Key takeaways

  • Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) leads Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) overall by 16 points (62 vs 46 out of 100).
  • Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) stands out on Memory capacity: 36 GB (125% more), Storage capacity: 1,024 GB (100% more), Performance PassMark CPU Mark: 38,348 (63% more).
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) leads overall
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
62
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
46
Why it stands out
  • Memory capacity: 36 GB (125% more)
  • Storage capacity: 1,024 GB (100% more)
  • Performance PassMark CPU Mark: 38,348 (63% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 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 Pro 14 (M4)

  • 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.

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 (M4 Max)

The Apple MacBook Pro M4 16 is a high-end laptop built for demanding workloads, powered by Apple's M4 family of systems-on-a-chip. It features a spacious 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display alongside a versatile array of physical ports, including HDMI, MagSafe, and an SDXC card slot. Equipped with a large 99.6 Wh battery, it is engineered for professionals who need heavy-duty processing power on the go.

Best for High-end video editing and software development workflows that benefit from…Best for Creative professionals who require a large, color-accurate screen and onboard…
Pros
  • High-fidelity 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display providing excellent color accuracy and contrast
  • Generous physical connectivity options including a dedicated SDXC card slot and HDMI port
  • Robust 99.6 Wh battery capacity for long-lasting performance away from a charger
Cons
  • Completely soldered unified memory and storage configurations that cannot be upgraded after purchase

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro powered by the Apple M4 chip is a premium laptop engineered for demanding creative and technical tasks. It features a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, Apple-designed integrated graphics, and unified memory architecture. Equipped with physical function keys, MagSafe charging, an HDMI port, and a full-size SDXC card reader, it offers a versatile pro-tier setup in a portable design.

Best for On-the-go photography and video production relying on integrated SDXC media acceBest for Resource-intensive technical workflows requiring unified memory in a 14-inch for
Pros
  • Vibrant 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with broad dynamic range
  • Extensive hardware connectivity including MagSafe, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot
  • Unified memory architecture integrated directly onto the M4 system on a chip
Cons
  • Soldered unified memory and solid-state storage prevent post-purchase upgrades

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 (M4 Max)

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)38,348
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)23,566

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 (M4 Max)99.6 Wh
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)72.4 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

2.15 kg1.55 kg
Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is 0.6 kg (39%) heavier than Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) rates higher at 69/100 versus 54/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) — a 15-point lead. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 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 (M4 Max) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) 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 69/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) and 54/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4).
If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) (69/100) edges out Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) (54/100). But if Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) 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.

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