MacBook Pro vs. Surface Laptop: Best Laptop for Creators

7 July 2025

When it comes to choosing the perfect laptop for creative professionals, the MacBook Pro and the Surface Laptop often top the list. Both machines promise high performance, sleek designs, and seamless user experiences. But which one is truly the best tool for creators?

Whether you're a graphic designer, video editor, or music producer, your laptop isn't just a device—it's your creative partner. So, let's break down the strengths and weaknesses of both the MacBook Pro and the Surface Laptop to help you make the best choice.

1. Design and Build Quality

MacBook Pro: Stunning and Sturdy

Apple has a reputation for crafting premium hardware, and the MacBook Pro is no exception. The aluminum unibody design feels both durable and elegant, making it a favorite among professionals. The thin profile and minimalist aesthetic give it a modern edge.

Apple’s attention to detail extends to the keyboard and trackpad. The Magic Keyboard is a massive improvement over the butterfly keyboard fiasco, offering better travel and comfort. Plus, the Force Touch trackpad is arguably the best in the business—smooth, responsive, and incredibly precise.

Surface Laptop: Sleek and Lightweight

On the other hand, the Surface Laptop brings Microsoft's signature PixelSense Display and premium build materials like Alcantara fabric on the keyboard (depending on the model). It has a clean, ultra-light design, making it incredibly portable.

While the keyboard is comfortable for typing, the trackpad—though good—doesn’t quite match the MacBook’s precision. However, the Surface Laptop shines in one area where the MacBook lacks: a touchscreen display.

Winner: MacBook Pro

Both laptops have a premium feel, but Apple’s build quality and trackpad offer a slightly superior experience.

2. Display Quality

MacBook Pro: Retina Perfection

Apple’s Liquid Retina XDR display (on higher-end models) is a dream for creators. Stunning color accuracy, HDR support, and ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate make it perfect for photo and video editing. The mini-LED technology provides deep blacks and incredible contrast, making visuals pop.

Surface Laptop: Vivid and Touch-Friendly

The PixelSense touchscreen on the Surface Laptop is a game-changer, especially for artists and designers who use a Surface Pen. Touchscreens on traditional laptops aren’t always necessary, but for creative professionals, having a touchscreen option can be incredibly useful.

While the Surface Laptop's display is certainly excellent, it lacks the HDR technology and ProMotion refresh rate that the MacBook Pro offers.

Winner: MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro’s color accuracy and HDR support make it the better choice for photographers and video editors. But if you need a touchscreen, the Surface Laptop is a strong contender.

3. Performance and Power

MacBook Pro: The Apple Silicon Beast

With the arrival of Apple’s M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, the MacBook Pro has solidified its place as one of the most powerful laptops for creators. The unified memory architecture optimizes performance, making software like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Photoshop run like a dream.

Thanks to the ARM-based architecture, Apple Silicon chips deliver:
✅ Unmatched battery life (up to 18+ hours)
✅ Outstanding thermal efficiency (no loud fan noises)
✅ Incredible CPU and GPU performance

Surface Laptop: Solid, But Not Extraordinary

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5 offers Intel’s 12th Gen Core i5 and i7 processors, and while they’re no slouch, they simply don't match the raw power and efficiency of Apple's chips. Battery life also falls short, averaging around 10-12 hours depending on usage.

For video editing or 3D rendering, the MacBook Pro is the clear winner. Creative professionals will notice a significant difference in render times, multitasking capabilities, and overall responsiveness.

Winner: MacBook Pro

Apple’s M3 chips outperform Intel’s processors in almost every aspect, making the MacBook Pro the superior choice for performance.

4. Software and Compatibility

MacBook Pro: Optimized for Creatives

The macOS ecosystem is designed with creators in mind. Software like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Affinity Designer run exceptionally well on a Mac. Apple’s Metal graphics API further optimizes rendering speeds for creative workflows.

However, there’s a downside: Some software (like AutoCAD, certain 3D modeling tools, and high-end gaming engines) may not run as efficiently due to macOS limitations.

Surface Laptop: Flexibility of Windows

The Surface Laptop runs Windows 11, offering complete flexibility with software. If you rely on Adobe Suite, Blender, or CAD applications, Windows may be the better choice. Also, if your workflow involves gaming, Windows has a clear advantage.

That being said, Windows can sometimes suffer from driver issues and occasional instability, which is rare on macOS.

Winner: Tie

It depends on your workflow. macOS is better for video editing and Apple’s creative suite, while Windows is more versatile for software compatibility.

5. Ports and Connectivity

MacBook Pro: The Return of Ports

Apple finally listened to creators and brought back HDMI, SD card slots, and MagSafe charging on the MacBook Pro. This means no more dongles for photographers and videographers! Plus, Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports allow fast data transfer and external monitor support.

Surface Laptop: More Limited Options

Unfortunately, the Surface Laptop only has USB-C, USB-A, and a Surface Connect port—which isn’t as versatile. No HDMI, no SD card slot, and fewer expansion options make it a bit frustrating for content creators who rely on external devices.

Winner: MacBook Pro

Apple’s decision to bring back essential ports makes it a clear winner, especially for professionals who need flexibility.

6. Battery Life

MacBook Pro: Unreal Longevity

Apple’s M3 chips bring extraordinary energy efficiency. You can comfortably edit videos, design graphics, or mix music for 18+ hours without hunting for a charger.

Surface Laptop: Decent, But Not Great

While the Surface Laptop offers a respectable 10-12 hours, it falls short compared to Apple’s optimizations. High-performance tasks like video editing drain the battery faster.

Winner: MacBook Pro

The MacBook Pro’s insane battery life makes it the king of endurance.

7. Price and Value

MacBook Pro: Expensive, But Worth It

Apple products come with a premium price tag, and the MacBook Pro starts at around $1,999 (for the base model). However, considering the performance, battery life, and display quality, it justifies its price.

Surface Laptop: More Affordable, But Less Powerful

The Surface Laptop starts at around $999, making it a much more budget-friendly option. If you don’t need extreme power and prefer Windows, this can be a better value pick.

Winner: Depends on Your Needs

If budget is a concern, the Surface Laptop is the better choice. But if you're looking for the ultimate creative powerhouse, the MacBook Pro justifies its price.

Verdict: Which One is Best for Creators?

🚀 If you’re a video editor, photographer, or music producer, the MacBook Pro is hands down the best choice. Its unmatched performance, stunning display, long battery life, and optimized software make it ideal for creative professionals.

💡 If you need a touchscreen, prefer Windows, or want a more budget-friendly option, the Surface Laptop is a solid alternative. While it doesn’t match the MacBook Pro’s raw power, it’s still a well-built laptop with decent performance.

Final Winner: MacBook Pro 🎉

For most creatives, the MacBook Pro offers an unbeatable experience. But if you're someone who relies on Windows-specific applications or loves the flexibility of a touchscreen, the Surface Laptop can still be a great pick.

What do you think? Which one would you choose for your workflow? Let us know in the comments!