Surface Laptop Go 3 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro)
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Surface Laptop Go 3 | MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 multi-core | 6,200 | 14,300 | -56.6% |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U | Apple M2 Pro | — |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Integrated 19-Core GPU | — |
| Display | 12.4" 1536x1024 | 16.2" 3456x2234 | — |
| Battery life (h) | 12 | 18 | -33.3% |
| Weight (kg) | 1.13 | 2.15 | -47.4% |
| RAM / storage (base) | 8GB / 256GB | 16GB / 512GB | — |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | macOS | — |
| Price (USD) | $799–$999 | $2,499 | -68.0% |
- MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) is about 57% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 12h).
- Surface Laptop Go 3 is the more portable at 1.13 kg.
Verdict: Surface Laptop Go 3 or MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro)?
Surface Laptop Go 3 advantages
- Portability (+47%)
- Affordability (+68%)
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) advantages
- Multi-core performance (+57%)
- Battery life (+33%)
- Base memory (+50%)
- Screen size (+23%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 3 if you carry it around all day.
- Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) if you need maximum performance for demanding work or gaming.
- Choose the Surface Laptop Go 3 if you want the best value.
Value for money
Surface Laptop Go 3 delivers more performance per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Surface Laptop Go 3 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro): which should you choose?
Surface Laptop Go 3 — Microsoft ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Intel Core i5-1235U and Intel Iris Xe Graphics, 8GB RAM, a 12.4-inch 1536x1024 display, 1.13 kg and about 12 h battery; from $799.
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) — Apple ultrabook/creator laptop (2023) with the Apple M2 Pro and Integrated 19-Core GPU, 16GB RAM, a 16.2-inch 3456x2234 display, 2.15 kg and about 18 h battery; from $2,499.
Surface Laptop Go 3 vs MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro): MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) is the faster laptop. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) is about 57% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 12h). Surface Laptop Go 3 is the more portable at 1.13 kg.
Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) is the faster machine in Geekbench 6 multi-core (14,300 vs 6,200), pairing the Apple M2 Pro with Integrated 19-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 3 is easier to carry at 1.13 kg (vs 2.15 kg), and the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) lasts longer unplugged (about 18 h vs 12 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. 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 3 better than the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro)?
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 (M2 Pro) is about 57% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 12h).
What is the main difference between the Surface Laptop Go 3 and the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro)?
MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) is about 57% faster in Geekbench 6 multi-core. MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) lasts longer on battery (18h vs 12h). Surface Laptop Go 3 is the more portable at 1.13 kg.
Which is better value?
Surface Laptop Go 3 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 3 if you carry it around all day. Choose the MacBook Pro 16 (M2 Pro) 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.