Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 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 59/100 to the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)'s 53, leading on Processor and Storage. Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) instead if integrated graphics 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 16 (M4 Max)

Why it stands out

Storage capacity: 2,048 GB (100% more)
Performance PassMark CPU Mark: 57,655 (50% more)
Processor model: Apple M5 Max

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 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.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Winner
Processor	70	65	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Integrated Graphics	43	47	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	50	50	Tie
Storage	56	25	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Display	49	49	Tie
Sound	62	62	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	50	50	Tie
Connectivity	87	72	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	76	76	Tie
Design & Weight	50	50	Tie
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	74	52	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 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

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 (M5 Max)

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Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)57,655

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)38,348

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

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) weigh about the same.

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 16 (M4 Max)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

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

Memory

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

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Storage capacity	2,048 GB100% more	1,024 GB
Socket type
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Size	16.2 in	16.2 in
Display resolution	3456 × 2234 px	3456 × 2234 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%	87%

Sound

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

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Battery capacity	99.6 Wh	99.6 Wh
Maximum charge power	140 W	140 W

Connectivity

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

Input

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

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 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 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Color
Dimensions	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm
Weight	2.15 kg	2.15 kg

Security

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

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,65550% more	38,348
Active cooling	Yes	Yes
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 16 (M4 Max) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) rates higher at 66/100 versus 63/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) — a 3-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 16 (M4 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 66/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and 63/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) (66/100) edges out Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) (63/100). But if Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) 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.