Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
96
/ 100
From $3,499
VS
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
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
| 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.