Surface Laptop Go 2 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Surface Laptop Go 2 | MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 4,500 | 25,000 | -82.0% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 | Apple M4 Max | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Integrated 40-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 12.4" 1536x1024 | 16.2" 3456x2234 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 11.5 | 18 | -36.1% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.12 | 2.15 | -47.9% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 128GB | 36GB / 1024GB | — |
| Max configuration | 8GB / 256GB | 128GB / 4096GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $599–$699 | $3,499–$4,899 | -82.9% |
- MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is about 82% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 11.5h).
- Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more portable at 1.12 kg.
Verdict: Surface Laptop Go 2 or MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)?
Surface Laptop Go 2 advantages
- Portability (+48%)
- Affordability (+83%)
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+82%)
- Battery life (+36%)
- Base memory (+78%)
- Screen size (+23%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 2 if you want the best value.
Value for money
Surface Laptop Go 2 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Surface Laptop Go 2 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max): which should you choose?
Surface Laptop Go 2 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2022) with the Intel Core i5-1135G7 and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 12.4-inch 1536x1024 display, 1.12 kg and about 11.5 h battery; from $599.
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2024) with the Apple M4 Max and Integrated 40-Core GPU, 36GB RAM, a 16.2-inch 3456x2234 display, 2.15 kg and about 18 h battery; from $3,499.
Surface Laptop Go 2 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max): MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is about 82% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 11.5h). Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more portable at 1.12 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (25,000 vs 4,500), pairing the Apple M4 Max with Integrated 40-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 Go 2 is easier to carry at 1.12 kg (vs 2.15 kg), and the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) lasts longer unplugged (about 18 h vs 11.5 h). For commuters and travellers these often matter more day-to-day than peak performance.
Configuration and value
Base configurations are 8 GB / 128 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 Go 2 better than the MacBook Pro 16 (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 16 (M4 Max) is about 82% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 11.5h).
What is the main difference between the Surface Laptop Go 2 and the MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)?
MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is about 82% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 11.5h). Surface Laptop Go 2 is the more portable at 1.12 kg.
Which is better value?
Surface Laptop Go 2 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 Go 2 if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (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.