Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 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 (M5 Max) is the better pick — it scores 64/100 to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)'s 44, 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

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 36 GB (125% more)
Storage capacity: 2,048 GB (300% more)
Performance PassMark CPU Mark: 57,655 (145% 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 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.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)	Winner
Processor	75	52	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Integrated Graphics	43	37	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	65	35	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Storage	61	20	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Display	57	45	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Sound	62	62	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	64	36	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Connectivity	87	72	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	77	70	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Design & Weight	36	64	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	89	18	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 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

Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)57,655

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)23,566

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 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

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 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

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Memory capacity	36 GB125% more	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Storage capacity	2,048 GB300% more	512 GB
Socket type
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Size	16.2 in14% more	14.2 in
Display resolution	3456 × 2234 px	3024 × 1964 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	1,600 nits	1,600 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	87%	86%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
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 Pro 14 (M4)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Battery capacity	99.6 Wh38% more	72.4 Wh
Maximum charge power	140 W46% more	96 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
USB Type A	0	0
USB Type C	3	3
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	Yes	Yes
Has a card reader	Yes	Yes
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Color
Dimensions	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm	31.26 × 22.12 × 1.55 cm
Weight	2.15 kg	1.55 kg28% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	Yes
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,655145% more	23,566
Active cooling	Yes	N/A
Release Date	March 11, 2026	November 8, 2024

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 Pro 14 (M4) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) rates higher at 75/100 versus 54/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4) — a 21-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 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 75/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and 54/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) (75/100) 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.