Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7) (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Pro
M3 Pro chip, 18GB unified RAM, ProMotion 120Hz OLED, 18hr, 1.55kg. The pro creative laptop.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Microsoft Surface Pro 9 (Core i7)
13" 2880×1920 120Hz touch, Core i7, Slim Pen 2, detachable keyboard, 15hr. Windows tablet-laptop hybrid.
Check Price ↗ Full ReviewAt 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..
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 i7)?
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..
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.
Also Worth Considering
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M3 Max
M3 Max chip, 128GB unified RAM, 22hr battery, 16.2" Liquid Retina XDR, 16-core GPU. The creative workstation.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3
M3 chip, 18hr battery, 13.6" Liquid Retina, fanless, 1.24kg. The best laptop for most people.
Check Price ↗ Full Review
Kindle Paperwhite (2023, 16GB)
300 ppi, IPX8 waterproof, 12-week battery. The best e-reader for most people.
Check Price ↗ Full Review