As an Amazon Associate, I Earn from Qualifying Purchases. Read Disclaimer
Choosing a new laptop can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re deciding between two powerhouses. The Microsoft Surface Book and the Apple MacBook Pro both offer premium experiences, but they cater to different needs and preferences.
This in-depth comparison dives into the core aspects of each device, helping you determine which one best fits your workflow and lifestyle. We’ll explore everything from performance and design to display quality and price, ensuring you have all the information you need.
Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or simply someone who values a top-tier laptop experience, this guide will illuminate the key differences between the Surface Book and the MacBook Pro. Prepare to discover which laptop emerges as the ultimate champion for your needs!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Surface Book | MacBook Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 13.5″ or 15″ | 13.3″ or 16″ |
| Display Resolution | 3000 x 2000 (13.5″) / 3240 x 2160 (15″) | 2560 x 1600 (13.3″) / 3072 x 1920 (16″) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5/i7 (11th Gen) | Apple M1 Pro/Max |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe / NVIDIA GeForce | Integrated or Discrete Apple GPU |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB | 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB |
| Operating System | Windows 11 | macOS |
| Ports | 2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C, SD Card, Headphone Jack | USB-C (Thunderbolt 4), Headphone Jack |
| Webcam | 1080p | 720p or 1080p |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Weight | 3.38 lbs (15″) | 3.0 lbs (13″), 4.7 lbs (16″) |
| Battery Life (Estimated) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 11 hours (13″), Up to 21 hours (16″) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
- Surface Book: Boasts a unique detachable design with a premium magnesium alloy build. Offers versatility with tablet and laptop modes, but the hinge can feel less sturdy and the design is bulkier than some competitors.
- Macbook Pro: Features a sleek, unibody aluminum design known for its durability and premium feel. Its minimalist aesthetic is iconic, but the design is less adaptable compared to the Surface Book’s detachable form factor.
- Winner: Macbook Pro
Display
- Surface Book: Equipped with a vibrant PixelSense display with a high resolution and excellent color accuracy. Its touchscreen and pen support (sold separately) add versatility, but the aspect ratio might not be ideal for all tasks.
- Macbook Pro: Offers a stunning Retina display with exceptional clarity, brightness, and wide color gamut. The display is excellent for content consumption and creation, but lacks touchscreen capabilities (unless using a third-party solution).
- Winner: Tie
Performance
- Surface Book: Powered by Intel processors and discrete graphics options (in some configurations) for decent performance. While capable, the performance can lag behind the Macbook Pro in certain intensive tasks.
- Macbook Pro: Generally offers superior performance with powerful Apple silicon processors. Delivers fast processing speeds and excellent graphics capabilities, making it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Winner: Macbook Pro
Keyboard & Trackpad
- Surface Book: Features a comfortable keyboard with a decent key travel and a smooth trackpad. The trackpad is responsive, but some users may prefer the feel of the Macbook Pro’s trackpad.
- Macbook Pro: Boasts a renowned keyboard and a spacious, highly responsive trackpad. The trackpad is known for its precision and ease of use, making navigation a breeze.
- Winner: Macbook Pro
Ports & Connectivity
- Surface Book: Offers a limited selection of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and a Surface Connect port. The lack of a wider array of ports might necessitate the use of dongles.
- Macbook Pro: Provides a range of ports, including Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, an HDMI port, and an SD card slot. This offers greater versatility for connecting peripherals and accessories.
- Winner: Macbook Pro
Battery Life
- Surface Book: Battery life varies depending on the configuration and usage, but generally offers decent battery life. The detachable design can impact battery performance.
- Macbook Pro: Typically provides excellent battery life, allowing for extended use without needing to recharge.
- Winner: Macbook Pro
Operating System
- Surface Book: Runs Windows, offering a wide range of software compatibility and a familiar user interface.
- Macbook Pro: Runs macOS, known for its user-friendly interface, security features, and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Surface Book: Generally priced competitively with the Macbook Pro, but the overall value might vary depending on the specific configuration and included accessories.
- Macbook Pro: Can be expensive, but the premium build quality, performance, and features justify the price for many users.
- Winner: Macbook Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design Flexibility | Surface Book |
| Operating System | Tie (Depends on Preference) |
| Performance (Creative Tasks) | MacBook Pro |
| Battery Life | MacBook Pro |
| Ecosystem Integration | MacBook Pro |
| Touchscreen/Pen Support | Surface Book |
What They Have in Common
- High-Quality Displays: Both laptops feature crisp and vibrant displays, offering excellent visual experiences for work and entertainment. They both provide high resolution and good color accuracy.
- Premium Build Quality: Both Surface Book and MacBook Pro are known for their premium build quality, using high-end materials like aluminum, which contributes to their durability and sleek aesthetics.
- Fast Performance: Both devices offer powerful processors and fast storage options, ensuring smooth performance for demanding tasks like video editing, multitasking, and running creative applications.
- Solid Battery Life: While battery life varies depending on the specific model and usage, both laptops offer respectable battery life, allowing for extended use on the go.
- Excellent Trackpads: Both laptops come with excellent trackpads that provide smooth and precise cursor control, supporting multi-finger gestures for enhanced productivity.
- Versatile Connectivity: Both devices provide options for connecting with external displays and devices. They both have ports like USB-C and headphone jack.
Surface Book Vs Macbook Pro Buying Guide
Performance
The Surface Book often boasts impressive discrete graphics options, making it a strong contender for tasks like video editing and gaming. The MacBook Pro, particularly with its M-series chips, excels in CPU-intensive workloads and offers exceptional power efficiency. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: if you need powerful graphics capabilities, the Surface Book might be preferable, but if you prioritize raw processing power and battery life, the MacBook Pro could be the better choice. Consider the specific tasks you’ll be performing and benchmark results relevant to those tasks.
Display
Both devices feature stunning displays, but they have distinct characteristics. The Surface Book typically has a higher resolution display with a touchscreen and sometimes a detachable screen. The MacBook Pro boasts vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and often incorporates ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling. The Surface Book’s touchscreen and tablet mode offer enhanced versatility, while the MacBook Pro prioritizes visual fidelity and a consistent user experience. Consider your need for touch input and screen detachability.
Portability
The Surface Book’s design allows for a detachable screen, making it incredibly versatile for tablet use. However, the MacBook Pro’s streamlined design and integrated keyboard make it an excellent choice for a more traditional laptop experience. Both laptops are relatively portable, but the Surface Book’s flexibility comes at the expense of a slightly bulkier design when attached. The MacBook Pro generally has a more compact and streamlined feel. Think about how you plan to use the device on the go and whether you prioritize tablet functionality.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The MacBook Pro is renowned for its excellent keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience, and the trackpad is large, responsive, and supports multi-finger gestures with precision. The Surface Book’s keyboard is also decent, but can sometimes feel a bit less stable due to the detachable design. The trackpad is generally good, but might not match the MacBook Pro’s level of refinement. Focus on how important typing and trackpad experience is to you.
Operating System
The Surface Book runs Windows, offering broad software compatibility and a familiar user interface for many. The MacBook Pro uses macOS, known for its intuitive design, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and strong focus on security and privacy. macOS is particularly well-suited for creative professionals. Consider your existing ecosystem of devices and your preferred software. Think about what OS you like and if you want access to all software.
Price
Both the Surface Book and MacBook Pro are premium devices, meaning they come with a high price tag. The specific price depends on the configuration, with higher-end models costing significantly more. Generally, the MacBook Pro can be slightly more expensive, particularly when equipped with the latest processors and high-capacity storage. However, both brands offer models at various price points. Budget is a vital factor, so compare models and features within your price range.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Surface Book If…
- You prefer a detachable 2-in-1 design for tablet-like functionality.
- You need a touchscreen and pen support for creative work or note-taking.
- You are a Windows user and prefer the Windows operating system.
- You value the flexibility of a discrete GPU for gaming or graphics-intensive tasks.
Buy MacBook Pro If…
- You are invested in the Apple ecosystem and prefer macOS.
- You prioritize long battery life (especially on the 16″ model).
- You need exceptional performance for creative tasks like video editing and music production.
- You value a consistent and reliable user experience with a focus on simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for gaming?
The Surface Book, especially with its dedicated graphics card options, often performs better in gaming. However, the performance varies depending on the specific model and the game. The MacBook Pro is not primarily designed for gaming, and its performance depends on the M-series chip. Test game benchmarks on both models to decide.
Does the Surface Book have a touchscreen?
Yes, the Surface Book features a touchscreen display, which can be detached from the keyboard base and used as a tablet. This provides a more versatile and flexible user experience. This is one of the main differences between the Surface Book and the MacBook Pro, which does not have a touchscreen.
What are the benefits of using macOS?
macOS offers a user-friendly interface, robust security features, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. It’s known for its intuitive design and strong focus on creative workflows. macOS is also known for its stability and regular software updates. The user experience is important for many.
Which laptop has better battery life?
The MacBook Pro, especially models with M-series chips, generally offers superior battery life compared to the Surface Book. The battery life can vary greatly depending on usage, but the MacBook Pro’s power-efficient processors give it an edge. This allows for longer work sessions on the go.
Can I upgrade the RAM or storage on either laptop?
Typically, both the RAM and storage in the MacBook Pro are not user-upgradeable after purchase. The Surface Book’s components are not user-upgradeable either. When purchasing, ensure that you select the desired RAM and storage configurations. This is something to consider before buying.
Which laptop offers more ports?
The MacBook Pro, especially the latest models, has a more limited selection of ports, typically featuring Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and a headphone jack. The Surface Book usually includes a wider variety of ports. Users often need adapters with the MacBook Pro. This is important to consider.
Is the Surface Book more versatile?
Yes, the Surface Book is more versatile due to its detachable screen, which allows it to function as both a laptop and a tablet. The MacBook Pro offers a more traditional laptop experience. This offers versatility for users who like to use a tablet mode.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Surface Book and MacBook Pro depends on individual needs. The Surface Book offers a touchscreen, detachable design, and better graphics options, making it versatile. The MacBook Pro excels in processing power, battery life, and a seamless user experience. Consider your priorities carefully before deciding.
Winner: MacBook Pro