When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

Despite the fact that theyre quite different, they also have quite a bit in common.

Of course, the touchpad needs a little tinkering and its missing some important ports.

Microsoft Surface laptop 7 on the left side versus Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch on the right side, TechRadar vs background

The optional Nano-texture screen is a game-changer for those that go outside.

And the centerstage camera sets the standard for video conferencing.

Unfortunately, theres no Wi-Fi 7 or real design updates.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7

VAT / AU$3,399 incl.

Worse, Apple tends to charge quite a bit for each upgrade.

Its not a big difference, but its worth noting.

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip on white background

If you want some color in your gadgets, you wont find it with Apples more Pro-level products.

Taking a look at the screen, the Apple MacBook Pro M4 is the clear winner.

The MacBook Pro is capped at 60Hz normally with ProMotion tech boosting the adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz.

Surface Laptop 7

As far as the keyboards go, both offer a wonderful and responsive experience.

The touchpad on the Surface Laptop 7 requires a little bit of finetuning regarding its sensitivity.

But the MacBook Pros almost six-inch (measured diagonally) touchpad is snappy and responsive out of the gate.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 (2024) REVIEW

When it comes to port selection, the MacBook Pro comes out ahead again.

Maybe one could wish for an ethernet port, which is also missing from the Surface Laptop 7.

However, the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 comes ahead in a few different areas.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 15 screen leaned back as far as possible – around 45 degrees. Viewed from left hand side.

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 also has AI functionality, specifically with its Co-Pilot+ support.

It, of course, comes with the dedicated key on the keyboard to call the app up.

And the app is fully functional, existing somewhere between a Siri bang out assistant andChatGPT.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 M4 (2024) REVIEW

The Apple MacBook Pro M4 is on another level.

It can even run graphically intense games.

The capabilities of the individual ARM-based CPUs doesnt just stop at performance.

Both have fantastic battery life.

Both are great, but the Apple laptop is better.

Which Ultrabook is right for you?

The Apple MacBook Pro M4 14-inch is the clearly better laptop.

But, that doesnt necessarily mean that its the right one for you.

Maybe you want all the power AI has to offer in laptop form right now.

It does have a slightly nicer screen as well.