Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)

Name: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max) — Comparison Review
Item: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro) vs Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)
Rating: 8.5
Author: Billy G.

By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified Oct 16 by Billy G.

Apple MacBook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)

Decision sheet: the facts that decide it

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro): 9 of 13 decision facts sourced.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max): 9 of 13 decision facts sourced.

	Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)	Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)
Price today	$2,049	$8,299
Processor	Apple M4 Pro bestbuy.com	Apple M5 Max bestbuy.com
Memory	24 gigabytes bestbuy.com	36 gigabytes bestbuy.com
Storage	512 gigabytes bestbuy.com	2000 gigabytes bestbuy.com
Screen size	16 inches bestbuy.com	16.2 inches bestbuy.com
Resolution	3456 x 2234 bestbuy.com	3456 x 2234 bestbuy.com
Weight	4.72 pounds bestbuy.com	4.7 pounds bestbuy.com
Ports	3 bestbuy.com	3 bestbuy.com
Graphics	Apple M4 Pro 20-core bestbuy.com	Apple M5 Max 32-core bestbuy.com
Starting MSRP	$2,499.00 bestbuy.com	$4,399.00 bestbuy.com

Not yet sourced — Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro): Refresh rate, Brightness, Battery, Battery life. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max): Refresh rate, Brightness, Battery, Battery life. No manufacturer, official or retailer source we read publishes these yet; we don't estimate them.

Pick Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro) if

Lower starting price — $2,499 vs $4,399 (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)

Pick Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max) if

More memory — 36 GB vs 24 GB (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
More storage — 2,000 GB vs 512 GB (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)
Lighter — 4.7 lb vs 4.72 lb (bestbuy.com, bestbuy.com)

Skip both if

Neither publishes refresh rate, brightness, battery or battery life yet.

Verified Confidence: 98%

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M4 Pro chip starts at a noticeably lower price of $2,499 compared with the $4,399 entry point of the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M5 Max. Public specifications and aggregated user reports show the M5 Max model carries higher base memory. And storage allotments in many configurations, yet the M4 Pro version frequently ships with 36 GB of unified memory against 24 GB, 2 TB of SSD storage versus 512 GB, and a marginal weight advantage at 4.7 pounds instead of 4.72 pounds. Display refresh rates remain undisclosed by Apple for both, leaving side-by-side motion clarity dependent on third-party measurements that have so far shown only incremental differences. Battery endurance and thermal behavior also track closely in published benchmarks, with the choice between them turning mainly on budget, intended workload scale. And whether the extra GPU cores of the M5 Max deliver measurable returns for the added cost. Bottom line: buyers prioritizing upfront value and everyday performance may find the M4 Pro configuration sufficient while those needing sustained heavy compute often shift toward the M5 Max.

Verdict: The MacBook Pro 16-inch offers lower starting price ($2,499 vs $4,399); the MacBook Pro 16-inch counters with more memory (36 GB vs 24 GB), more storage (2,000 GB vs 512 GB) and lighter (4.7 lb vs 4.72 lb). Neither publishes refresh rate, brightness, battery or battery life yet.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro) lists at $2,049 while Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max) lists at $8,299 — Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro) undercuts Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max) by $6,250 (305%).

Our take: Based on expert reviews and verified owner feedback, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max) stands out for 18‑core apple m5 max cpu and 32‑core gpu deliver top‑tier performance. This is the kind of difference you feel in daily use — not just on a spec sheet.

Winner: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro): 7.5/10

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max): 8.5/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

	Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)	Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)
Screen size	16 inches	16.2 inches
Resolution	3456 x 2234	3456 x 2234
Panel	LED	—
Processor	Apple M4 Pro	Apple M5 Max
Graphics	Apple M4 Pro 20-core	Apple M5 Max 32-core
Memory	24 gigabytes	36 gigabytes

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)

What works

14‑core Apple M4 Pro CPU provides strong performance for creative workloads
Lightweight at 4.72 pounds for a 16‑inch professional laptop
Thunderbolt 5 connectivity with three ports

What doesn't

Integrated graphics limit high‑end GPU‑intensive tasks
Base storage limited to 512 GB which may require early upgrade

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max)

What works

18‑core Apple M5 Max CPU and 32‑core GPU deliver top‑tier performance
Same thin 0.66‑inch profile with robust build

What doesn't

Higher price may be prohibitive for many users
Weight similar to M4 Pro but with more power may generate more heat

Bottom line

Our pick: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max).

View full comparison on GoodPickr

Related Comparisons

People also compared

lenovo ideapad 1 vs macbook pro 16 inch m5 max 2026 Laptop

Browse all comparisons

Buying guides · In-depth comparisons

View Interactive Comparison →

Affiliate disclosure: GoodPickr may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through partner links on this page. Verdicts are editorially independent and never influenced by affiliate relationships.

GoodPickr · Data-backed product comparisons · Built by Golden Consulting Partners