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

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 58/100 to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)'s 55, leading on Storage and Display. Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) instead if memory and design & weight matter 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) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) are closely matched

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)

Where Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) stands out

Memory Technology: Unified
Display resolution: 3456 × 2234 px
Design & Weight Dimensions: 35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm

Where Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) stands out

Memory capacity: 48 GB (33% more)
Weight: 1.62 kg (25% less)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (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 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.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Winner
Processor	71	71	Tie
Integrated Graphics	42	42	Tie
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	44	56	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Storage	43	38	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Display	53	45	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Sound	62	62	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	68	36	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Connectivity	85	85	Tie
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	76	76	Tie
Design & Weight	37	63	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Security	57	85	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Performance	69	50	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 14 (M5 Max)

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 Max is a high-end professional laptop designed for demanding computing tasks. Part of the custom M-series silicon transition, this notebook features either a 14.2-inch or 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and brings back dedicated hardware function keys. It is built to support resource-heavy software with configurable on-package unified memory and integrated Apple graphics.

Best for Professional workflows requiring legacy card readers and multiple monitor…Best for On-the-go creative tasks like high-resolution video editing that benefit from…

Pros

Vibrant Liquid Retina XDR displays in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch options
Generous physical port selection including HDMI, Thunderbolt, and a full-size SDXC card reader
Support for legacy x86 applications through Rosetta 2 translation
Efficient power system supporting up to a 99.6 Wh battery and fast 140W GaN charging

Cons

Soldered solid-state drive and on-package unified memory prevent any post-purchase hardware upgrades

Source

MacBook Pro (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvides detailed specifications regarding the chassis design, Liquid Retina XDR displays, power limits, soldered configurations, and overall history of the Apple silicon MacBook Pro lineup.

Video — reviews used (2)

Generated Sep 1, 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

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 14 (M5 Max)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)57,470

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)57,655

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 14 (M5 Max)72.4 Wh

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)99.6 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 14 (M5 Max)Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is 0.53 kg (33%) heavier than Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

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

Integrated Graphics

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

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Memory capacity	48 GB33% more	36 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

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

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Size	14.2 in	16.2 in14% more
Display resolution	3024 × 1964 px	3456 × 2234 px
Aspect ratio	N/A	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	N/A	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	86%	87%

Sound

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

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Battery capacity	72.4 Wh	99.6 Wh38% more
Maximum charge power	N/A	140 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology	Bluetooth 6

Input

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

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
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 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Color	N/A
Dimensions	22.12 × 31.26 × 1.55 cm	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm
Weight	1.62 kg25% less	2.15 kg

Security

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

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,470	57,655
Active cooling	N/A	Yes
Release Date	March 11, 2026	March 11, 2026

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 14 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) comparison

They are closely matched: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) scores 75/100 and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) scores 75/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) 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 14 (M5 Max) and 75/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max).

It's close — Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) (75/100) and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) (75/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.