MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
M4 Max · 16GB · 2024 · 2TB SSD
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
Core i9-14900HX · 16GB · 2025
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD lands at 96 and ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black at 94. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSDCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD leads on cpu (96 vs 94).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSDUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD leads on battery (86 vs 84).
Portability
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · BlackWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black leads on portability (81 vs 79).
Display
TiePanel quality for creative and media work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD | ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M4 Max | ▲ Core i9-14900HX |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Release year | 2024 | 2025 |
| Storage | 2TB SSD | ▲ 256GB SSD |
| Color | — | Black |
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD vs ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black
Which is better, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD or ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD 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 · 2TB SSD worth the price? +
At $3,699, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Is ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black worth the price? +
At $3,499, ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD or ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black 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 · 2TB SSD or ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD — leads on cpu (96 vs 94). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD or ROG Strix SCAR 18 · 16GB · 256GB SSD · Black? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD — leads on battery (86 vs 84). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.