Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8): Which Laptop Should You Buy?
Quick Verdict
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) scores 9.0 versus 8.3 for the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the cheaper option at $1,449. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) leads overall, while the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Key Differences
- Faster overall: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) (Geekbench multi 22,600 vs 13,200).
- Longer battery: Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) (16.8h vs 16h web).
- Lighter: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) (1.34 kg vs 1.6 kg).
- Display: Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) (Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro)) vs IPS (PixelSense) (Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8)).
- Cheaper: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) (saves about $1,300 CAD).
MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) vs Surface Laptop 7 (13.8): Full Breakdown
Performance: the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) is the stronger performer, posting a multi-core Geekbench score of 22,600 against 13,200 for the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) — roughly 71% 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 16 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 16 hours. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is also easier to carry at 1.34 kg versus 1.6 kg, which matters if you commute or travel.
Display: the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) uses a 14.2-inch Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) panel (3024 x 1964, 120Hz), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) has a 13.8-inch IPS (PixelSense) panel (2304 x 1536, 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the cheaper option in Canada, about $1,300 less than the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro). Weighed against our test scores (9.0 vs 8.3 overall), the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) 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 Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) review and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) review.
Where these laptops rank
Both the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) and the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) feature in these BestLaptop.ca rankings:
Winner by Use Case
Specs & Scores Comparison
| Spec | MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) | Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 9.0 ✓ | 8.3 |
| Price (CAD) | $2,749 | $1,449 ✓ |
| CPU | Apple M4 Pro (12-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus |
| GPU | Apple M4 Pro GPU (16-core) | Qualcomm Adreno (integrated) |
| RAM | 24GB Unified LPDDR5x ✓ | 16GB LPDDR5x |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
| Display | 14.2" Mini-LED (Liquid Retina XDR) | 13.8" IPS (PixelSense) |
| Brightness | 1020 nits ✓ | 596 nits |
| Battery (web) | 16.8 h ✓ | 16 h |
| Weight | 1.6 kg | 1.34 kg ✓ |
| Geekbench multi | 22,600 ✓ | 13,200 |
| Gaming (1080p) | 52 fps ✓ | 16 fps |
| OS | macOS | Windows 11 |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (AppleCare+ available) | 1-year limited |
Which Should You Buy?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) scores 9.0 versus 8.3 for the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the cheaper option at $1,449. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) leads overall, while the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) or the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8)?
The Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) scores 9.0 versus 8.3 for the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8), making it the stronger all-rounder. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the cheaper option at $1,449. Choose based on the use cases below: the MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro) leads overall, while the Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) can still be the better pick for specific needs.
Which is better for school?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) 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 Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (13.8) is the better choice for travel.
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