MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
M4 Max · 16GB · 2024
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black lands at 96 and MacBook Air 13" (M5) at 94. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Air 13" (M5) if…
- ✓10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- ✓16 GB unified memory baseline
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · BlackCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black leads on gpu (91 vs 86).
Battery life
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 86).
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 79).
Display
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $3,199).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black | MacBook Air 13" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M4 Max | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Color | Black | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) |
| Display | — | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | — | 1.23 kg |
| Ports | — | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
- +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- +16 GB unified memory baseline
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −No ProMotion 120 Hz display
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −Two ports total
FAQ: MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black vs MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Which is better, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black worth the price? +
At $3,199, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Air 13" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in portability.
Does MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 13" (M5) last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black — leads on gpu (91 vs 86). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 86). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.