Updated 1 Nov 2026
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Pro) worth it?
Yes — if you work on big projects and don't carry it far.
Its 18-core CPU and 20-core graphics run at full speed without throttling, it stays quiet in everyday use, and the SSD is very fast. The 16.2-inch Mini LED screen is bright and accurate, with an optional matte finish, and the six speakers are excellent. It played video for almost 20 hours in one test. But it weighs 2.14kg, the notch remains, and for heavy 3D or AI work a Windows laptop with an Nvidia RTX 5070 gives more graphics power for the money. After Apple's 2026 price rise it starts at £2,999 and $2,999 with 24GB of memory and 1TB.
100%of 35 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- 18-core M5 Pro that doesn't slow down
- Bright 16.2-inch Mini LED screen
- Nearly 20 hours of video in tests
We earn a commission from these links.
What owners say
Owners love how fast it is and the big, sharp screen, and several switching from Windows or an old Mac found it easy. No low ratings yet.
Good to know
- Heavy and thick at 2.14kg.
- The notch still cuts into the screen, and the arrow keys are small for a laptop this size.
- The 140W charger can't keep up under the heaviest loads, so the battery can drain while plugged in.
- The screen dims by flickering, which people sensitive to flicker may notice.
From 35 buyer ratings at Currys, Takealot (South Africa) and Costco (Canada), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- FastMentioned a lot
- Big, sharp screenMentioned often
- Long battery lifeAlso mentioned
- Well builtAlso mentioned
- Easy to switch toAlso mentioned
What they complain about
Hardly any: just 0 of 35 owners gave it 3 stars or fewer, and no complaint came up often enough to list.
Get it if…
- You edit video, photos or music and want the biggest screen on a Mac laptop.
- It mostly sits on a desk but goes with you to shoots or studios.
- You want it to last five years or more.
Skip it if…
- You carry it every day: the 14-inch is much lighter.
- You need the most graphics power for 3D or AI: a Windows laptop with an RTX 5070 costs less for that.
More on the MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Pro)
How we reached this verdict
Expert Reviews (Recommended) calls it a magnificent beast: hugely powerful, with a superb screen and 19 hours 47 minutes in its video test, but dislikes the notch, the weight and the small cursor keys, and notes that RTX 5070 Windows laptops give more graphics power for the money. Notebookcheck rates it 92%: the M5 Pro runs without throttling, it stays very quiet, battery life is very long and the speakers are excellent, but the screen uses flicker dimming and the 140W charger isn't enough at full load. Owners at Currys and Takealot praise its speed and screen. Both reviews predate Apple's latest price rise.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Expert Reviews, Notebookcheck, Apple, TechRadar, Expert Reviews, TechRadar: MacBook Pro 14, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 1 Nov 2026How we decide