MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro) review

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro stays in Apple's lineup next to the new PROLED models and costs $400 less with the same base chip. Apple's spec page lists an M5 Pro with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, 24GB of unified memory configurable to 64GB, and a 1TB SSD. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display reaches 1000 nits sustained and 1600 nits peak for HDR with ProMotion up to 120Hz and a nano-texture option. Battery is a 100 watt-hour unit rated at up to 24 hours of video streaming. Ports include three Thunderbolt 5 at up to 120Gb/s, HDMI, SDXC and MagSafe 3, and M5 Pro supports up to three external displays. The weak points are weight, at 4.7 pounds versus 4.0 pounds for the 16-inch PROLED model, and a mini-LED panel with one tenth of the PROLED contrast ratio and no touch input. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

pros who need a 16-inch screen and M5 Pro power without paying for OLED

Price

From $2,999 at Apple (M5 Pro, 24GB, 1TB).

Available with M5 Pro or M5 Max chip. Buy from $2999
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• M5 Pro with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU, 24GB memory and 1TB SSD to start
• 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600 nits peak HDR and ProMotion up to 120Hz
• Up to 24 hours of video streaming from a 100 watt-hour battery
• Three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, SDXC card slot and MagSafe 3
• Supports up to three external displays with M5 Pro

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $400 less than the 16-inch PROLED model with the same M5 Pro chip
• Strength: Memory configurable up to 64GB on M5 Pro
• Strength: Thunderbolt 5 ports at up to 120Gb/s
• Weakness: Heaviest MacBook here at 4.7 pounds
• Weakness: Mini-LED display has a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio versus 10,000,000:1 on PROLED
• Weakness: No touch screen

Key facts

• Price checked: $2,999
• Display: 16.2 inch Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz
• Chip: M5 Pro, 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU
• Battery: Up to 24 hours video streaming
• Weight: 4.7 pounds

Where it ranks

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro) is No. 8 in our Best MacBooks verdict.