Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

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 71/100 to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)'s 55, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) instead if design & weight and security 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) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 36 GB (125% more)
Storage capacity: 2,048 GB (300% more)
Display Brightness: 1,600 nits (167% more)

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.

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.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Winner
Processor	77	40	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Integrated Graphics	43	36	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	66	34	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Storage	60	41	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Display	67	38	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Sound	84	59	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	100	0	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Connectivity	85	85	Tie
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	78	44	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Design & Weight	33	67	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 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

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

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)

Check Price on Amazon

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Check Price on Amazon

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is 0.79 kg (58%) 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	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Memory capacity	36 GB125% more	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Storage capacity	2,048 GB300% more	512 GB
Socket type		N/A
PCIe version	N/A	4
Storage upgradeable	No	Yes

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Size	16.2 in17% more	13.8 in
Display resolution	3456 × 2234 px	2304 × 1536 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	3:2
Refresh rate	120 Hz	120 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	1,600 nits167% more	600 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	Yes
Screen-to-body ratio	87%	86%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Number of speakers	6	N/A
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Number of microphones	3	2

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Battery capacity	99.6 Wh	N/A
Maximum charge power	140 W	N/A

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	No	N/A

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
USB Type A	0	1
USB Type C	3	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	Yes	No
Has a card reader	Yes	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Color
Dimensions	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm	30.1 × 22 × 1.75 cm
Weight	2.15 kg	1.36 kg37% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	N/A
Has infrared face recognition support	No	Yes

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,655	N/A
Active cooling	Yes	Yes
Release Date	March 11, 2026	June 16, 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 16 (M5 Max) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) rates higher at 74/100 versus 65/100 for Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) — a 9-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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) 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 74/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and 65/100 for Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition).

At launch, Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) was the more affordable option ($1599) versus Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) ($3899). Weigh that against the overall scores (74/100 vs 65/100) 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, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) (74/100) edges out Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) (65/100). But if Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) 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.