MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) vs MacBook Pro (14-inch, M5 Pro or M5 Max)

The price Apple charged in the US on launch day for the lowest configuration, before tax.

This is not what the Mac costs today. More memory, storage or a faster chip cost extra. Older models drop in price over time, so check the used and refurbished links for current prices.

The chip is the Mac's brain. Since late 2020 Apple uses its own chips (Apple silicon: M1, M2 and later). Before that, MacBooks used Intel processors.

Apple silicon Macs run cooler and much longer on battery than Intel MacBooks, and can run many iPhone and iPad apps. Intel Macs can run Windows directly with Boot Camp; Apple silicon Macs cannot.

Matters most if: You need Windows, or you want the longest battery life.

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The CPU is the part of the chip that runs your apps. More cores means it can work on more things at the same time.

More cores help most when exporting video, compiling code or running many apps at once. For browsing and email, the difference is small. Cores are only comparable within the same family: one Apple silicon core and one Intel core do not do the same amount of work.

The GPU handles graphics: what you see on screen, games, and video and photo effects. Apple lists GPU cores for its own chips.

More GPU cores make games, 3D work and video editing smoother. "Not published by Apple" means the Mac uses Intel or AMD graphics, which Apple does not describe in cores.

How much memory (RAM) the cheapest configuration comes with, in gigabytes (GB).

More memory lets you keep more apps and browser tabs open without slowing down. 8 GB is enough for browsing and documents; 16 GB or more helps with photo editing, video and many apps at once. Memory cannot be upgraded later.

Matters most if: You keep many apps or tabs open, or edit photos and video.

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The most memory you could order from Apple for this model.

Only matters if you plan to buy a high-end configuration, for example for large video projects or software development.

Storage is where your files, photos and apps are kept. This is the amount in the cheapest configuration. 1 TB (terabyte) is 1,024 GB.

Storage cannot be upgraded inside these MacBooks later. You can add an external drive, but it has to stay plugged in. Photo libraries and video fill storage fastest.

Nits measure brightness. This is the brightness Apple lists for everyday (SDR) content such as documents and websites, not the higher peak for HDR video.

A brighter screen is easier to read near a window or outdoors. 500 nits works well indoors. "Not published by Apple" means Apple's spec page for that model does not give a figure.

Apple offers an optional nano-texture screen: the glass surface is etched with a pattern too small to see, which scatters reflected light.

Reflections from windows and lights are greatly reduced, while the picture stays clear. It costs extra, and the screen should be cleaned only with the special cloth Apple includes.

Matters most if: You work near windows, outdoors, or under bright office lights.

The camera above the screen used for video calls. 480p, 720p and 1080p describe video sharpness (more lines of detail is sharper). 12MP Center Stage is a higher-resolution wide camera.

A 1080p camera makes you look noticeably sharper in calls than a 720p one. The 12MP Center Stage camera can also follow you as you move and show your desk with Desk View.

Matters most if: You make a lot of video calls.

Center Stage uses the wide camera to keep you in frame during video calls.

If you lean back or shift in your seat, the picture follows you. When someone joins you, it widens to fit both of you.

The sockets on the sides of the MacBook. Each row shows one port gained or lost.

Built-in HDMI and an SD card slot mean fewer adapters when you connect a TV or projector or copy photos from a camera. With fewer ports you rely more on USB-C hubs and adapters.

Matters most if: You connect displays, cameras or many accessories.

Thunderbolt is a fast connection that uses the USB-C plug (Thunderbolt 2 used an older, smaller plug). Gb/s is gigabits per second. Thunderbolt 2 goes up to 20 Gb/s, Thunderbolt 3 and 4 up to 40 Gb/s, and Thunderbolt 5 up to 120 Gb/s.

Faster Thunderbolt matters for external SSDs, docks and high-resolution displays. For charging, keyboards and mice, every version works the same.

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Wi-Fi generations. Each new one handles more devices at once and higher speeds: Wi-Fi 5 (2014), Wi-Fi 6 (2019), Wi-Fi 6E adds a new, less crowded radio band, Wi-Fi 7 is the newest.

You only get the extra speed if your router supports the same generation. With an older router, the difference is small.

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Bluetooth connects wireless headphones, mice, keyboards and game controllers. Newer versions have more range and use less power.

Most accessories work with any of these versions. Newer versions mainly help with range and connection stability.

The power of the charger Apple includes in the box, in watts (W). Higher watts can charge faster.

A bigger charger refills the battery faster, especially on larger MacBook Pro models. Any USB-C charger works, but a small one charges slowly.

Apple's battery rating for watching video on a full charge, in Apple's own tests. Older models were tested playing downloaded movies, newer ones streaming video over Wi-Fi.

Real use with many apps, high brightness or heavy work drains the battery faster. Batteries also wear out, so an older MacBook today lasts less than it did when new.

Matters most if: You work away from a power outlet for long stretches.

Battery size in watt-hours (Wh): how much energy the battery holds.

A bigger battery helps, but how long it lasts depends even more on the chip. Apple silicon MacBooks last much longer than Intel ones with a similar battery.