Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Surface Laptop 3 | MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 4,000 | 25,000 | -84.0% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1035G7 | Apple M4 Max | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Plus Graphics | Integrated 32-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 13.5" 2256x1504 | 14.2" 3024x1964 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 11 | 14 | -21.4% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.25 | 1.60 | -21.9% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 256GB | 36GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 16GB / 512GB | 36GB / 1024GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 10 Home | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $1,299–$2,099 | $3,199 | -59.4% |
- MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 84% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 11h).
- Surface Laptop 3 is the more portable at 1.25 kg.
Verdict: Surface Laptop 3 or MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)?
Surface Laptop 3 advantages
- Portability (+22%)
- Affordability (+59%)
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+84%)
- Battery life (+21%)
- Base memory (+78%)
- Screen size (+5%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Surface Laptop 3 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Laptop 3 if you want the best value.
Value for money
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max): which should you choose?
Surface Laptop 3 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2020) with the Intel Core i5-1035G7 and Intel Iris Plus Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 13.5-inch 2256x1504 display, 1.25 kg and about 11 h battery; from $1,299.
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2024) with the Apple M4 Max and Integrated 32-Core GPU, 36GB RAM, a 14.2-inch 3024x1964 display, 1.6 kg and about 14 h battery; from $3,199.
Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max): MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 84% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 11h). Surface Laptop 3 is the more portable at 1.25 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (25,000 vs 4,000), pairing the Apple M4 Max with Integrated 32-Core GPU. That gap matters most for video editing, compiling, 3D and gaming; for browsing and office work both feel quick.
Portability and battery
The Surface Laptop 3 is easier to carry at 1.25 kg (vs 1.60 kg), and the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 14 h vs 11 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 36 GB / 1024 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 Surface Laptop 3 better than the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 84% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 11h).
What is the main difference between the Surface Laptop 3 and the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max)?
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) is about 84% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (14h vs 11h). Surface Laptop 3 is the more portable at 1.25 kg.
Which is better value?
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Surface Laptop 3 if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Max) 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.