Apple MacBook Pro 14 (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 14 (M5 Max) is the better pick — it scores 74/100 to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)'s 56, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) instead if design & weight 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 14 (M5 Max) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)

Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 48 GB (200% 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 14 (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 14 (M5 Max) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)	Winner
Processor	77	40	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Integrated Graphics	43	36	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	67	32	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Storage	59	41	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Display	65	41	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Sound	84	59	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	100	0	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Connectivity	85	85	Tie
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	78	44	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)
Design & Weight	45	55	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Security	100	100	Tie
Performance	100	100	Tie

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 14 (M5 Max)

The Apple MacBook Pro M5 Max is a high-end professional laptop designed for demanding computing tasks. Part of the custom M-series silicon transition, this notebook features either a 14.2-inch or 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display and brings back dedicated hardware function keys. It is built to support resource-heavy software with configurable on-package unified memory and integrated Apple graphics.

Best for Professional workflows requiring legacy card readers and multiple monitor…Best for On-the-go creative tasks like high-resolution video editing that benefit from…

Pros

Vibrant Liquid Retina XDR displays in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch options
Generous physical port selection including HDMI, Thunderbolt, and a full-size SDXC card reader
Support for legacy x86 applications through Rosetta 2 translation
Efficient power system supporting up to a 99.6 Wh battery and fast 140W GaN charging

Cons

Soldered solid-state drive and on-package unified memory prevent any post-purchase hardware upgrades

Source

MacBook Pro (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvides detailed specifications regarding the chassis design, Liquid Retina XDR displays, power limits, soldered configurations, and overall history of the Apple silicon MacBook Pro lineup.

Video — reviews used (2)

Generated Sep 1, 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

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 14 (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 14 (M5 Max)Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) is 0.26 kg (19%) 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 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

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

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Memory capacity	48 GB200% more	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Storage capacity	2,048 GB300% more	512 GB
Socket type	N/A	N/A
PCIe version	N/A	4
Storage upgradeable	No	Yes

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Size	14.2 in3% more	13.8 in
Display resolution	3024 × 1964 px	2304 × 1536 px
Aspect ratio	N/A	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	N/A	No
Has touch support	No	Yes
Screen-to-body ratio	86%	86%

Sound

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

Battery

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

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology	Bluetooth 6

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	N/A	N/A

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (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 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Color	N/A
Dimensions	22.12 × 31.26 × 1.55 cm	30.1 × 22 × 1.75 cm
Weight	1.62 kg	1.36 kg16% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	N/A
Has infrared face recognition support	N/A	Yes

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max)	Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,470	N/A
Active cooling	N/A	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 14 (M5 Max) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M5 Max) rates higher at 75/100 versus 65/100 for Microsoft Surface Laptop 13.8-inch (8th Edition) — a 10-point lead. Apple MacBook Pro 14 (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 14 (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 75/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 14 (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 14 (M5 Max) ($3599). Weigh that against the overall scores (75/100 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 14 (M5 Max) (75/100) 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.