Apple
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro
M4 Pro · Mini-LED ProMotion · 1.55 kg
94
/ 100
From $1,999
VS
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) wins by 2
Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
M5 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
96
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro lands at 94 and MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro if…
- ✓Best perf-per-watt portable workstation
- ✓Mini-LED 1600-nit HDR display
- ✓Best-in-class speakers
Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) if…
- ✓18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- ✓Up to 22 hours video playback
- ✓Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro 94
vs 96 MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Score breakdown
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro
94 cpu 96
gpu 92
display 96
battery 92
design 96
build 96
portability 0
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
96 cpu 98
gpu 92
display 98
battery 96
design 0
build 0
portability 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro | MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 14.2″ Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz | ▲ 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 at 254 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M4 Pro (12-core CPU) | — |
| GPU | 16-core GPU | — |
| RAM | 24 / 48 GB unified | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Storage | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB | 1 / 2 / 4 / 8 TB SSD |
| Battery | 72.4 Wh | — |
| Weight | ▲ 1.55 kg | 2.15 kg |
| Chip | — | Apple M5 Max chip (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU base, configurable to 40-core GPU) |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 22 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 16 hours |
| Ports | — | 3× Thunderbolt 5, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, 3.5 mm |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro
Pros
- +Best perf-per-watt portable workstation
- +Mini-LED 1600-nit HDR display
- +Best-in-class speakers
Cons
- −8 GB base RAM gone — but storage upgrades pricey
- −No OLED option
- −Notch in display
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Pros
- +18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- +Up to 22 hours video playback
- +Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
Cons
- −Heavy at 2.15 kg
- −Premium pricing unchanged
- −Limited gaming library on macOS
FAQ: MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Which is better, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro worth the price? +
At $1,999, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) 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.