ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 vs Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) scores 9.0 versus 7.2 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option at $499. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) leads overall, while the Chromebook Plus CX34 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) (Geekbench multi 22,600 vs 5,200).
- Longer battery: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) (16.8h vs 12.6h web).
- Lighter: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (1.44 kg vs 1.6 kg).
- Display: IPS (ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34) vs Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) (Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro)).
- Cheaper: ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 (saves about $2,250 CAD).
Chromebook Plus CX34 vs MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 22,600 against 5,200 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 — roughly 335% faster in CPU-heavy work like exports and compiling. In our 1080p gaming suite, the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) averaged 52 FPS versus 10 FPS. The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the better pick if you game or edit video.
Battery and portability: the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) lasts longer away from a charger, running 16.8 hours in our web-browsing test versus 12.6 hours. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is also easier to carry at 1.44 kg versus 1.6 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 uses a 14-inch IPS panel (1920 x 1080, 60Hz), while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) has a 14.2-inch Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) panel (3024 x 1964, 120Hz). The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) measured brighter at 1020 nits, and covered 99% of DCI-P3 — relevant for outdoor use and colour work.
Price and value: the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option in Canada, about $2,250 less than the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro). Weighed against our test scores (7.2 vs 9.0 overall), the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 offers the better value for the money, while the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the stronger laptop outright if budget is not the deciding factor.
For the complete testing data, read our full ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 review and Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the Chromebook Plus CX34 and the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | Chromebook Plus CX34 | MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 7.2 | 9.0 ✓ |
| Price (CAD) | $499 ✓ | $2,749 |
| CPU | Intel Core i3-1215U | Apple M4 Pro (12-core) |
| GPU | Intel UHD (integrated) | Apple M4 Pro GPU (16-core) |
| RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 24GB Unified LPDDR5x ✓ |
| Storage | 128GB | 512GB ✓ |
| Display | 14" IPS | 14.2" Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) |
| Brightness | 302 nits | 1020 nits ✓ |
| Battery (web) | 12.6 h | 16.8 h ✓ |
| Weight | 1.44 kg ✓ | 1.6 kg |
| Geekbench multi | 5,200 | 22,600 ✓ |
| Gaming (1080p) | 10 fps | 52 fps ✓ |
| OS | ChromeOS | macOS |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited (AppleCare+ available) |
Which Should You Buy?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) scores 9.0 versus 7.2 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option at $499. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) leads overall, while the Chromebook Plus CX34 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Chromebook Plus CX34 or the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro)?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) scores 9.0 versus 7.2 for the ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34, making it the stronger all-rounder. The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the cheaper option at $499. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) leads overall, while the Chromebook Plus CX34 can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The ASUS Chromebook Plus CX34 is the better choice for school.
Which is better for business?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the better choice for business.
Which is better for gaming?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the better choice for gaming.
Which is better for multimedia?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the better choice for multimedia.
Which is better for programming?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the better choice for programming.
Which is better for travel?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the better choice for travel.
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