Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray
Core i7-13700H · 16GB · 2023
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
M4 Max · 16GB · 2024 · 2TB SSD
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray lands at 86 and MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD ahead by 10 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSDCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD leads on cpu (96 vs 86).
Battery life
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSDUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD leads on battery (86 vs 76).
Portability
Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space GrayWeight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray leads on portability (89 vs 79).
Display
TiePanel quality for creative and media work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space GraySpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray more score per dollar ($2,599 vs $3,699).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | ▲ Core i7-13700H | M4 Max |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB |
| Release year | 2023 | 2024 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | ▲ 2TB SSD |
| Color | Space Gray | — |
Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray vs MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD
Which is better, Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 10. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray worth the price? +
At $2,599, Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in portability.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD worth the price? +
At $3,699, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD — leads on cpu (96 vs 86). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, Surface Laptop Studio 2 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Space Gray or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 2TB SSD — leads on battery (86 vs 76). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.