Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 66/100 to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)'s 56, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-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 15-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.

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 15-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-inch (8th Edition)
Display	56	50	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Sound	84	59	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	96	33	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Connectivity	72	87	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	71	57	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Design & Weight	56	44	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Security	52	96	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-inch (8th Edition)

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition) is a premium business-focused notebook powered by Snapdragon® X2 Plus or Snapdragon® X2 Elite processors with integrated Qualcomm Hexagon NPU capabilities. It is designed for enterprise users and professionals requiring high performance, extensive battery longevity, and robust security features like a Microsoft Pluton security processor. The device features a large PixelSense Flow touchscreen display with a 3:2 aspect ratio, a generous selection of memory and storage options, and modern connectivity including Wi-Fi 7.

Best for All-day enterprise productivity and active web usageBest for Secure corporate environments requiring hardware-level encryption and biometric Best for Media consumption and multitasking on a large, high-refresh-rate touch display

Pros

Equipped with advanced Snapdragon X2 processors and up to 80 TOPS NPU performance
High-resolution 15-inch PixelSense Flow touchscreen with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate
Robust enterprise security suite including Windows Hello facial recognition and a Microsoft Pluton processor
Extensive battery performance offering up to 19 hours of local video playback
Comprehensive connectivity featuring USB4, Wi-Fi 7, and a MicroSDXC Express card reader

Cons

Pen input and compatibility with accessories like the Surface Slim Pen are not supported
Carries a heavier footprint at 3.67 lbs compared to smaller notebook variants

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 15-inch (8th Edition)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

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Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition) is 0.11 kg (7%) 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	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Memory capacity	16 GB	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Size	15 in6% more	14.2 in
Display resolution	3270 × 2180 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	85%	86%

Sound

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Battery capacity	N/A	72.4 Wh
Maximum charge power	65 W	96 W48% more

Connectivity

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-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	Yes	Yes
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition)	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5)
Color
Dimensions	32.9 × 23.9 × 1.83 cm	31.26 × 22.12 × 1.55 cm
Weight	1.66 kg	1.55 kg7% less

Security

Feature	Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 15-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 15-inch (8th Edition) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) comparison

They are closely matched: Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition) scores 60/100 and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) scores 59/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-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 60/100 for Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition) and 59/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5).

It's close — Microsoft Surface Laptop 15-inch (8th Edition) (60/100) and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5) (59/100) 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.