Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

  • Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.
  • Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra has no published PassMark CPU Mark result, so it scores lower.
  • Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) has no published PassMark CPU Mark result, so it scores lower.

Verdict

Key takeaways

  • Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) leads Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra overall by 10 points (70 vs 60 out of 100).
  • Key differences: brightness, where Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) is 1,000 nits brighter; display resolution, where Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) has 3472 × 2266 vs 3270 × 2180 px; processor model, where Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) has Apple M5 Max vs Nvidia RTX Spark N1X; technology, where Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) has Unified vs LPDDR5X; number of speakers, where Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) has 6 vs 4.
  • Best value: Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra (from $2,599) — the strongest score-per-dollar of the two.
Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) leads overall
Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) · 72 overall, #21 of 94
70
Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra · 72 overall, #21 of 94
60
Key differences
  • BrightnessApple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) 1,000 nits brighter
  • Display resolutionApple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) 3472 × 2266 vs 3270 × 2180 px
  • Processor modelApple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) Apple M5 Max vs Nvidia RTX Spark N1X
  • TechnologyApple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) Unified vs LPDDR5X
  • Number of speakersApple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) 6 vs 4

Scores by Category

MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max) wins 7 of 14 categories · Surface Laptop Ultra wins 2

CategoryMacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)Surface Laptop UltraLead
Display
+21
Performance
+30
Battery
+44
Memory
+20
Design & Weight
+6
Processor
+43
Storage
Tie
Integrated Graphics
+60
Ports
+11
Connectivity
Tie
Webcam
Tie
Security
Tie
Sound
+23
Input
Tie

Physical Comparison

1.84 kg2 kg
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)Surface Laptop Ultra

Surface Laptop Ultra is 0.16 kg (9%) heavier than MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max).

Value for Money

Launch prices — enter today's prices (same currency for both).

MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)

Amazon

Surface Laptop Ultra

Amazon

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)

  • No USB-A ports — older accessories need an adapter.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra

No notable compromises found.

Detailed Specifications

Processor

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Integrated graphics model
N/A

Memory

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Memory capacity
36 GB
N/A
Technology

Storage

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Storage capacity
2 TB
N/A
Storage upgradeable
N/A
Yes

Display

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Size
16.3 in9% more
15 in
Display resolution
3472 × 2266 px
3270 × 2180 px
Refresh rate
120 Hz
120 Hz
Display type
N/A
Brightness
2,000 nits100% more
1,000 nits
Pen support
N/A
No

Battery

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Battery capacity
100 Wh
N/A

Ports

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
USB Type C
3
3
Thunderbolt technology
N/A

Design & Weight

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Dimensions
35.55 × 24.42 × 1.60 cm
32.88 × 23.87 × 1.8 cm
Weight
1.84 kg8% less
2 kg

Performance

Feature
MacBook Pro 16 PROLED (M5 Max)
Surface Laptop Ultra
Active cooling
N/A
Yes

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

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