Computing
Apple MacBook Pro M4 Review: Should You Buy It?
"A premium top performer," according to PCMag.
No single aggregate score — here's what the reviewers agree on, below.
The short version
Reviewers agree that the base M4 MacBook Pro finally feels like a proper Pro rather than an awkward middle model. PCMag reports excellent processor and productivity performance, while The Verge praises the standard 16GB of memory and third Thunderbolt port. CNET highlights the display, especially with nano-texture, and Engadget reports unusually long video-playback battery life. The trade-off is that upgrades get expensive, and buyers with heavier workloads still have faster M4 Pro and M4 Max options.
What reviewers loved
- PCMag reports that the M4 beat last year's M3 MacBook and Intel-based Dell and HP systems across Cinebench, HandBrake and Geekbench testing.
- The Verge notes that the $1,599 base model now includes 16GB of memory, a 10-core CPU, a 10-core GPU and a third Thunderbolt port.
- CNET calls the 14.2-inch screen excellent, especially with the optional nano-texture finish for reducing distracting reflections.
- Battery life is a standout: The Verge recorded just over 12 hours of moderate-to-heavy use, while Engadget reports more than 34 hours of HD video playback.
- Engadget highlights the upgraded 12MP webcam, brighter screen and M4 speed as reasons it suits creative work.
What held it back
- PCMag says the base M4 model falls short of top honors because the M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pros are more capable.
- Useful upgrades quickly raise the price: PCMag and CNET reviewed a 1TB, nano-texture configuration costing $1,949 rather than the $1,599 base price.
- The Verge describes Apple Intelligence as "mostly boring and useless right now," so it is not a strong reason to upgrade.
Buy it if you want strong creative and productivity performance, a premium 14-inch display, long battery life and proper Pro connectivity without moving up to an M4 Pro chip.
Skip it if you need the highest sustained performance available or expect the 512GB base storage and optional display upgrades to fit a tight budget.
What the reviewers say
PCMag found that the M4 model performed like a premium machine rather than an entry-level Mac. Its multicore results surpassed the cited Intel competitors and last year's M3 MacBook, while its productivity-app performance placed it among the strongest laptops PCMag had tested.
The Verge says Apple fixed nearly every major complaint about the M3 version by doubling the base memory to 16GB and adding a third Thunderbolt port on the right side. CNET praises the screen and nano-texture option, while Engadget gave the laptop a 92 and singled out its speed, brighter display, upgraded webcam and battery life.
⚙ Best settings — dial it in
The supplied reviews do not include a full optimization guide. CNET does provide a useful warning about the performance cost of Low Power Mode. For fully calibrated values, see CNET.
| Low Power Mode | CNET measured Cinebench 2024 scores of 649 multicore and 84 single-core in Low Power Mode, compared with 999 and 174 in normal mode. Expect a substantial speed trade-off. |
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The competition
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro
The more capable choice for demanding professional workloads, according to PCMag, but the base M4 already delivers strong productivity performance.
Dell XPS 14
A Windows alternative tested by PCMag; the M4 MacBook Pro held a clear processor-performance advantage in the cited tests.
HP ZBook Firefly 14 G11
Another Windows alternative cited by PCMag, which reports that the M4 stood out against its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor.
Should you buy it?
Yes, for most buyers who specifically want a MacBook Pro. Critics agree that the M4 version fixes the previous base model's most obvious compromises while keeping the $1,599 starting price. It is fast, quiet, long-lasting and better connected, with an excellent display and 16GB of memory as standard. Move up to M4 Pro or M4 Max only if your work genuinely needs more performance, and watch the cost of storage and nano-texture upgrades. Engadget also reported a record-low $1,299 sale, which made the base configuration substantially better value. RightWei summarizes independent hands-on reviews and does not test units itself.