Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
Apple

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified

96
/ 100
From $3,499
VS
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) — M5 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
Apple

MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)

M5 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified

96
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) lands at 96 and MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) at 96. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) if…

  • ✓Outstanding battery under load
  • ✓XDR mini-LED display
  • ✓Silent sustained performance

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
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

Tie

CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Battery life

Tie

Unplugged endurance for travel and campus

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Portability

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on portability (88 vs 86).

Display

Tie

Panel quality for creative and media work

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) 96
vs
96 MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)

Score breakdown

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
96
cpu 97
gpu 90
display 98
battery 96
portability 88
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
96
cpu 98
gpu 92
display 98
battery 96
portability 86

Specs side-by-side

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) versus MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) — full spec comparison
Spec MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Chip
Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU)
Apple M5 Max chip (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU base, configurable to 40-core GPU)
RAM
Up to 128 GB unified
Up to 128 GB unified
Storage
▲ Up to 8 TB SSD
1 / 2 / 4 / 8 TB SSD
Display
16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz
16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 at 254 ppi
Weight
▲ 2.14 kg
2.15 kg
Battery
100 Wh
—
Ports
3× TB5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3
3× Thunderbolt 5, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, 3.5 mm
OS
macOS 15
macOS 16
Battery (video)
—
Up to 22 hours
Battery (web)
—
Up to 16 hours

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

Pros
  • +Outstanding battery under load
  • +XDR mini-LED display
  • +Silent sustained performance
Cons
  • −Premium pricing
  • −Limited gaming library
  • −Ports starboard-heavy

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 16" (M4 Max) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)

Which is better, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +

Both score 96 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 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 16" (M4 Max) 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.

Which is better for portability, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) or MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)? +

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on portability (88 vs 86). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.