MacBook Pro 13 (M1) vs Surface Laptop Studio 2
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | MacBook Pro 13 (M1) | Surface Laptop Studio 2 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 8,400 | 12,800 | -34.4% |
| Processor | Apple M1 | Intel Core i7-13700H | — |
| Graphics | Integrated 8-Core GPU | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | — |
| Display | 13.3" 2560x1600 | 14.4" 2400x1600 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 17 | 10 | +70.0% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.40 | 1.89 | -25.9% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 256GB | 16GB / 512GB | — |
| Max configuration | 16GB / 2048GB | 64GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | macOS | Windows 11 Home | — |
| Price (USD) | $1,299–$2,299 | $1,999–$3,299 | -35.0% |
- Surface Laptop Studio 2 is about 34% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 13 (M1) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 10h).
- MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the more portable at 1.40 kg.
Verdict: MacBook Pro 13 (M1) or Surface Laptop Studio 2?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) advantages
- Battery life (+41%)
- Portability (+26%)
- Affordability (+35%)
Surface Laptop Studio 2 advantages
- Multi-core performance (+34%)
- Base memory (+50%)
- Screen size (+8%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) if long unplugged battery life is essential.
- Choose the Surface Laptop Studio 2 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) if you carry it around all day.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) vs Surface Laptop Studio 2: which should you choose?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2020) with the Apple M1 and Integrated 8-Core GPU, 8GB RAM, a 13.3-inch 2560x1600 display, 1.4 kg and about 17 h battery; from $1,299.
Surface Laptop Studio 2 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Intel Core i7-13700H and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 16GB RAM, a 14.4-inch 2400x1600 display, 1.89 kg and about 10 h battery; from $1,999.
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) vs Surface Laptop Studio 2: Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the faster laptop. Surface Laptop Studio 2 is about 34% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 13 (M1) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 10h). MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the more portable at 1.40 kg.
Performance
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (12,800 vs 8,400), pairing the Intel Core i7-13700H with Intel Iris Xe Graphics. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is easier to carry at 1.40 kg (vs 1.89 kg), and the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) lasts longer unplugged (about 17 h vs 10 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 8 GB / 256 GB and 16 GB / 512 GB, with higher-spec variants available. RAM, storage and display upgrades change both price and experience — compare like-for-like configurations and check current street pricing before buying.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the laptop comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) better than the Surface Laptop Studio 2?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. Surface Laptop Studio 2 is about 34% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 13 (M1) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 10h).
What is the main difference between the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) and the Surface Laptop Studio 2?
Surface Laptop Studio 2 is about 34% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 13 (M1) lasts longer on battery (17h vs 10h). MacBook Pro 13 (M1) is the more portable at 1.40 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 13 (M1) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the MacBook Pro 13 (M1) if long unplugged battery life is essential. Choose the Surface Laptop Studio 2 if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
Methodology
Laptops are compared on Geekbench 6 multi-core scores, processor and graphics hardware, display size and resolution, rated battery life, weight, RAM and storage across launch configurations, and list pricing (USD). Where a model spans several generations, the newest generation is shown. Battery figures are manufacturer or reviewer ratings under mixed use — sustained performance also depends on cooling, which benchmarks only partly capture.