MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) lands at 96 and MacBook Air 13" (M5) at 94. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) if…
- ✓Outstanding battery under load
- ✓XDR mini-LED display
- ✓Silent sustained performance
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 16" (M4 Max)CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on cpu (97 vs 92).
Battery life
TieUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 88).
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on display (98 vs 88).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) | MacBook Air 13" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU) | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Storage | Up to 8 TB SSD | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Display | ▲ 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi |
| Weight | 2.14 kg | ▲ 1.23 kg |
| Battery | 100 Wh | — |
| Ports | 3× TB5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | macOS 15 | macOS 16 |
| Battery (video) | — | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | — | Up to 15 hours |
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
- +Outstanding battery under load
- +XDR mini-LED display
- +Silent sustained performance
- −Premium pricing
- −Limited gaming library
- −Ports starboard-heavy
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 16" (M4 Max) vs MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Which is better, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in display.
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 16" (M4 Max) 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 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on cpu (97 vs 92). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for portability, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on portability (96 vs 88). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.