MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 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 15" (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 15" (M5) if…
- ✓Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- ✓10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- ✓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
TieWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on display (98 vs 90).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) | MacBook Air 15" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU) | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 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 | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi |
| Weight | 2.14 kg | ▲ 1.51 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 15" (M5)
- +Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- +10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −Heavier at 1.51 kg
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −No ProMotion
FAQ: MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) vs MacBook Air 15" (M5)
Which is better, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Air 15" (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 15" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,299, MacBook Air 15" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in battery.
Does MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Air 15" (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 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on cpu (97 vs 92). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for display, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Air 15" (M5)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on display (98 vs 90). Panel quality for creative and media work.