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

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 61/100 to the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)'s 49, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) 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 (M4 Max) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 36 GB (125% more)
Storage capacity: 1,024 GB (100% more)
Processor model: Apple M4 Max

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 (M5)

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 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)	Winner
Processor	70	57	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Integrated Graphics	46	37	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	65	35	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Storage	56	25	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Display	53	45	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Sound	62	62	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	64	36	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Connectivity	74	74	Tie
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	77	70	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Design & Weight	36	64	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	73	53	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 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 (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 (M5)

The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) is a portable professional laptop built around the Apple M5 system-on-chip. It features a 14.2-inch XDR display alongside dedicated hardware ports including MagSafe charging, HDMI, and an SD card reader. Designed for demanding mobile tasks, it runs macOS with built-in support for legacy x86 applications.

Best for mobile creative work relying on direct SD card importing and external HDMI outpuBest for macOS workflows requiring execution of legacy x86 software applications

Pros

Diverse physical port options including MagSafe, HDMI, and an SD card slot alongside USB-C and Thunderbolt
High-resolution 14.2-inch display paired with a Force Touch trackpad
Rosetta 2 translation layer allows seamless execution of x86 software

Cons

Soldered internal storage and unified memory eliminate any post-purchase hardware upgrade path

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)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)38,348

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)26,767

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 (M4 Max)99.6 Wh

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

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is 0.6 kg (39%) heavier than Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

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

Integrated Graphics

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

Memory

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

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Storage capacity	1,024 GB100% more	512 GB
Socket type
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

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

Battery

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

Connectivity

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

Input

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

Ports

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

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
PassMark CPU Mark	38,34843% more	26,767
Active cooling	Yes	Yes
Release Date	November 8, 2024	October 22, 2025

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 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) rates higher at 69/100 versus 59/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) — a 10-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 (M5) 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 59/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) (69/100) edges out Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) (59/100). But if Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) 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.