Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) 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 14 (M5) is the better pick — it scores 67/100 to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)'s 58, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) instead if storage and connectivity 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 14 (M5) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Why it stands out

Display Brightness: 1,600 nits (167% more)
Processor model: Apple M5
Integrated graphics model: Apple M5 GPU

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.
No SD card reader.

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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Winner
Processor	63	42	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Integrated Graphics	40	37	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	51	49	Tie
Storage	40	65	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Display	65	41	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Sound	84	59	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	100	0	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Connectivity	72	87	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	73	44	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Design & Weight	47	53	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Security	52	96	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Performance	94	85	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

In-depth analysisAI

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

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) is a Windows 11 Pro commercial notebook built on ARM architecture. Powered by Snapdragon® X2 Plus or Elite processors with a Qualcomm® Hexagon™ NPU delivering up to 80 TOPS, it features a 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 16 hours of active web usage.

Best for all-day mobile productivity and web workflowsBest for secure enterprise deployments utilizing Windows Pluton and facial recognition

Pros

High-resolution 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate
Extensive memory and storage configurations ranging up to 64GB LPDDR5x RAM and 2TB Gen 4 SSD
Comprehensive connectivity including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB4 ports
Strong modular serviceability with easily replaceable core internal and external components

Cons

Display is optimized strictly for touch interaction and does not support pen input accessories
ARM-based architecture may require emulation for certain legacy x86 applications

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.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

Check Price on Amazon

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) is 0.19 kg (14%) heavier than Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Memory capacity	16 GB	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Storage capacity	512 GB	512 GB
Socket type	N/A
PCIe version	4	N/A
Storage upgradeable	Yes	No

Display

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Size	13.8 in	14.2 in3% more
Display resolution	2304 × 1536 px	3024 × 1964 px
Aspect ratio	3:2	16:10
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	600 nits	1,600 nits167% more
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	Yes	No
Screen-to-body ratio	86%	86%

Sound

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Number of speakers	N/A	6
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Number of microphones	2	3

Webcam

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Battery capacity	N/A	72.4 Wh
Maximum charge power	N/A	96 W

Connectivity

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	N/A	No

Ports

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
USB Type A	1	0
USB Type C	2	3
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	No	Yes
Has a card reader	No	Yes
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Color
Dimensions	30.1 × 22 × 1.75 cm	31.26 × 22.12 × 1.55 cm
Weight	1.36 kg12% less	1.55 kg

Security

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Has a fingerprint scanner	N/A	Yes
Has infrared face recognition support	Yes	No

Performance

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
PassMark CPU Mark	N/A	26,767
Active cooling	Yes	Yes
Release Date	June 16, 2026	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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) rates higher at 65/100 versus 59/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) — a 6-point lead. Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) 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.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) 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 65/100 for Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) and 59/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5).

At launch, Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) was the more affordable option ($1599) versus Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) ($1599). Weigh that against the overall scores (65/100 vs 59/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) (65/100) 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.