Laptops & Computers
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4, 2024) Review: The New Benchmark
- Brand:
- Apple
- Ages:
- 13+ years
- Updated:
- 2026-07-01
The verdict
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 is as close to an all-around best-in-class laptop as exists right now — the catch is that Apple's storage and memory upgrade pricing means the machine you actually want to buy costs meaningfully more than the $1,599 sticker price suggests.
Pros
- M4 chip delivers a big generational jump in both CPU and GPU performance while staying cool and quiet under normal workloads
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with ProMotion and up to 1,600 nits peak brightness is genuinely reference-quality for photo and video work
- Real all-day battery life — reviewers consistently clock it as the longest-lasting laptop in its performance class
- Nano-texture display option (on higher configs) meaningfully cuts glare for bright rooms and studio use
Cons
- Base configuration still ships with only 16GB of unified memory, and Apple charges steeply to upgrade it after purchase
- Starting price of $1,599 puts real distance between this and mainstream Windows ultrabooks with similar core specs
- Only two Thunderbolt ports on the base M4 model (non-Pro/Max chip) limits simultaneous accessory and display connections
This review draws on Apple's published specifications for the M4 MacBook Pro alongside the consistent findings from independent lab testing and long-term owner feedback since its late-2024 launch, focusing on what actually changed versus the M3 generation it replaced.
Performance that outruns the price tag it wears
The base M4 chip's 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU post benchmark gains that are unusually large for a non-Pro, non-Max refresh, and reviewers have noted the machine handles sustained creative workloads — video export, large RAW batches — without the fan noise or throttling that plagued some older Intel-era MacBook Pros. For most buyers who aren't doing heavy 3D or ML work, the entry M4 chip is enough that the pricier Pro and Max tiers are optional, not required.
The display is the real upgrade
Apple's Liquid Retina XDR panel, with its mini-LED backlighting and up to 1,600 nits of peak HDR brightness, remains uncommon at this size and price point, and the 120Hz ProMotion refresh makes everyday scrolling and cursor movement noticeably smoother than a standard 60Hz laptop screen. It's a legitimate reason to choose this over a Windows competitor even before touching performance.
Who it's for
Best for creative professionals, developers, and anyone already invested in the Apple ecosystem who wants a laptop that can handle demanding work without a fan spinning up. Skip it if you need more than two ports on a budget, or if 16GB of memory (with expensive upgrades) doesn't fit your workload and your wallet.
Frequently asked
- How much RAM does the base MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 have?
- The entry configuration ships with 16GB of unified memory, which is soldered and cannot be upgraded after purchase — choose carefully at checkout if you expect to keep the machine for years.
- Is the M4 MacBook Pro a big upgrade over the M3 model?
- Yes for CPU and GPU-bound tasks — reviewers and benchmarks show a meaningful jump. If you already own an M3 Pro or M3 Max MacBook Pro, though, the upgrade is far less urgent.
- Does the base M4 model have enough ports?
- It has two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, fewer than the Pro and Max chip configurations which add a third port and HDMI. Heavy multi-monitor or accessory users should budget for a dock or step up to the Pro chip tier.
- Is the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4, 2024) worth buying?
- Yes, for buyers who want the best all-around display and battery life in a compact pro laptop and don't mind Apple's memory and storage upgrade pricing. It's less compelling if your budget caps out near the base price and you actually need more than 16GB of RAM.
You might also like
Laptops & Computers
TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit · Ages 13+ years
- 18 total ports on one dock, including three Thunderbolt 4 ports, eight USB ports at full 10Gb/s speed, SD and microSD card readers, and 2.5GbE Ethernet
- Can drive up to two 6K, 60Hz external displays through its Thunderbolt 4 ports, or a single 1440p display at up to 240Hz
- At $399.99, it's priced well above basic USB-C hubs and even many competing Thunderbolt docks
Laptops & Computers
Brio 4K
Logitech · Ages 13+ years
- 4K resolution capture at up to 30fps, with smooth 1080p available at up to 60fps for video calls
- RightLight 3 automatic light correction noticeably improves image quality in dim or backlit rooms compared to built-in laptop webcams
- Priced well above typical 1080p webcams, and the gap has narrowed as competitors release capable 4K alternatives
Laptops & Computers
MX Keys S
Logitech · Ages 13+ years
- Typing feel is consistently praised across reviews as among the best in a low-profile wireless keyboard
- Switches between three devices over Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz receiver, useful for anyone working across a laptop, desktop, and tablet
- The matching palm/wrist rest is sold separately as a $19.99 add-on rather than included
Buy from Amazon