Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro

9.5/10 Outstanding

4.7★ (4,200 owners)

M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop.

Full Review

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)

9.0/10 Excellent

4.4★ (3,200 owners)

13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro	Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)
247Verdict Score	9.5/10	9.0/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (4,200)	4.4★ (3,200)
Verdict	Outstanding	Excellent
Display	14.2" ProMotion 120Hz XDR	2880×1920 3:2 120Hz touch
Battery	18 hours (pro workloads)	15 hours

Quick Verdict

Both are strong choices, but the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro edges ahead with a 9.5/10 vs 9.0/10. M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop. That said, the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) is worth considering if 13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro

M3 Pro chip handles Final Cut Pro 4K editing, Xcode compilation and ML training without thermal throttling
ProMotion 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display is the best laptop screen available — P3 wide colour, 1000 nits
18GB unified RAM handles demanding creative workflows that 8GB MacBook Air cannot sustain
HDMI 2.1, SD card reader and MagSafe alongside USB-C — no hub required for most workflows
18-hour battery while running pro workloads — unmatched in the pro laptop category

£2,100+ starting price requires professional justification
1.55kg is heavier than MacBook Air's 1.24kg — noticeable for daily commuting
M3 Pro is overkill for email, browsing and office work — MacBook Air is the right choice for those tasks

Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)

2880×1920 3:2 display is the sharpest touchscreen laptop display available from Microsoft
120Hz variable refresh reduces battery drain in static UI while enabling smooth scrolling
Slim Pen 2 included — haptic feedback pen with tilt support for natural drawing and inking
Detachable keyboard converts between tablet and laptop instantly — true dual-mode use
Windows Hello face unlock + fingerprint covers all authentication scenarios

Keyboard cover and Slim Pen sold separately in some configurations — check bundle pricing
Performance trails MacBook Air M3 in battery efficiency
Core i7 throttles under sustained load in the fanless configuration

FAQ

Which is better, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 or Microsoft Surface Pro 9?

Is the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 worth the extra cost?

Yes — Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro scores higher at 9.5/10 vs 9.0/10.

Who is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 best suited to?

M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop.

Who is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 best suited to?

13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid.

What are the main downsides of each?

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro: £2,100+ starting price requires professional justification; 1.55kg is heavier than MacBook Air's 1.24kg — noticeable for daily commuting. Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7): Keyboard cover and Slim Pen sold separately in some configurations — check bundle pricing; Performance trails MacBook Air M3 in battery efficiency.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro sits at 4.7★ from 4,200 verified Amazon owners, and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) at 4.4★ from 3,200.

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