MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
M4 Max · 16GB · 2024
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
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 15" (M4) at 93. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black ahead by 3 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 15" (M4) if…
- ✓Silent fanless M4
- ✓Excellent battery
- ✓Huge bright display
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 84).
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on battery (96 vs 86).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on portability (94 vs 79).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M4)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M4) more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $3,199).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black | MacBook Air 15" (M4) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M4 Max | — |
| RAM | 16GB | 16/24/32 GB |
| Release year | 2024 | — |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256 GB – 2 TB |
| Color | Black | — |
| Chip | — | Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU) |
| Display | — | 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864 |
| Weight | — | 1.51 kg |
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 15" (M4)
- +Silent fanless M4
- +Excellent battery
- +Huge bright display
- −Only 2 TB3 ports
- −Single external display (M4 base)
- −No ProMotion
FAQ: MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black vs MacBook Air 15" (M4)
Which is better, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 15" (M4) worth the price? +
At $1,199, MacBook Air 15" (M4) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Does MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (M4) 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 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black — leads on gpu (91 vs 84). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on battery (96 vs 86). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.