By clicking a retailer link you consent to third party cookies that track your onward journey. If you make a purchase, Which? will receive an affiliate commission which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.

AppleMacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)

16.1-inches
2.134kg
Apple M1 Pro, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD

£2,149View retailers

Test score

Lowest available prices

Sign up to unlock the full expert review

The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the most expensive Apple laptop you can buy. It’s equipped with Apple’s high-spec M1 Pro or Max processor, 16GB of Ram and 512GB of storage, along with a 16-inch 'liquid retina XDR' display. Is the price justified by excellent results in our lab tests? Read the full laptop review to find out.

pros

Content has been blurred out, please log in to view.

cons

What's included?

What is it?
How fast is it and what’s it like to use?
What are the keyboard and touchpad like?
How good is the screen and webcam?
How are the speakers and audio quality?
How long does the battery last?
Is Apple a good laptop brand?
Should I buy it?

Full Access first month £5, then £10.99 per month, cancel at any time

KEY TEST RESULTS
Screen performance
Sound quality
Portability

Jan 2024Last checked by Which?
Jan 2022First reviewed by Which?
Oct 2021Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test laptops

10 Apr 2024

Ease of use

Overall
Touchpad
Keyboard
Connections

How we test ease of use

A large variety of tests make up this score, including how easy the laptop is to use while on your lap, how easy the lid is to open, and how well the keyboard and touchpad are to handle.

Performance

Overall
Start up from off
Wi-fi

How we test performance

A combination of USB speed tests, industry-standard benchmark software and wi-fi speed tests create this overall speed score. We also let you know how good a laptop is for gaming, although this does not impact our overall percentage score.

Battery life

Overall
Web browsing battery life
Video playback battery life

How we test battery life

A laptop that manages more than eight hours in our test will normally score five stars, while one that lasts under three hours will normally get one star.

Screen performance

Overall
Colours and brightness
Reflection reduction
Viewing angles

How we test screen performance

We look at how clear and bright the screen is, and perform scientific measurements to check colour accuracy. We also assess how wide the viewing angles are and whether reflections cause a problem.

Sound quality

Overall
Speakers - Music and movies
Headphones

How we test sound quality

The quality of the sound that comes from the built-in speakers, and how well the sound card handles audio delivered to high-quality headphones through the headphone jack.

Practicality

Overall
Portability
Build quality
Quiet operation

How we test practicality

These scores let you know what a laptop will be like to take out and about. Lighter laptops made from premium materials do better here, as do those that manage their heat efficiently and quietly.

Processor
Processor model	Apple M1 Pro
Total number of processor cores	10
Number of performance cores	8
Number of efficiency cores	2
Graphics	Apple M1 Pro

Memory and storage
Ram	16GB
Main storage type	SSD
Total storage capacity	512GB
Usable storage capacity	466GB

General
Height	18.8mm
Width	356mm
Depth	248mm
Weight	2.134kg
Which? Test program version	2021
Available new	Yes

Display
Screen size	16.1-inches
Resolution	3456x2234
Finish	Shiny
Touchscreen	No

Features
Operating system	macOS
CD/DVD drive	No
Backlit keyboard	Yes
Separate numeric keypad	No
Type	MacBook
Desktop replacement	Yes
Key specs	Apple M1 Pro, 16GB Ram, 512GB SSD

Connections
USB 2.0	0
USB 3	0
USB-C	3
Charge laptop via USB
USB-C usable as display output
HDMI out	Yes
Ethernet port	No
SD card reader	Full Size SD card slot

Security
Currently supported	Yes
End of software update support	October 2029 (Estimate based on typical Apple support durations on previous models)
Estimated minimum remaining security support (years)	5

Compare retailers

Prices updated daily

Prices are ordered from lowest to highest, irrespective of retailer rating or stock, and exclude any potential delivery costs. We are not able to show every possible retailer and cheaper prices may be available.

Suggested Alternatives

Apple

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro, late 2023)

16.1-inches
2.133kg
Apple M3 Pro, 18GB Ram, 512GB SSD

£2,350View retailers

Test score

Acer

Swift Go SFG14-41

14-inches
1.255kg
AMD Ryzen 5, 8GB Ram, 512GB SSD

£499View retailers

Test score

Apple

MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020)

Second-hand only
13.3-inches
1.355kg
Available specs vary

£683Typical price

Test score

Best MacBooks for 2024
Which MacBook is right for you? What's the difference between a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro? Our expert Apple laptop guide will help you decide which is best for your budget
Best laptops for 2024 and buying guide
We reveal the best laptops for all budgets, based on our independent tests and expert buying advice
How we test laptops
Get the lowdown on how our laptop tests are among the most rigorous you’ll find on the web.

All laptop advice

AppleMacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)

Lowest available prices

Sign up to unlock the full expert review

pros

cons

What's included?

How we test laptops

Ease of use

Performance

Battery life

Screen performance

Sound quality

Practicality

Compare retailers

How this product's score compares with other laptops we've tested

Suggested Alternatives

Apple

Acer

Apple

Related articles

AppleMacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)

Lowest available prices

pros

cons

What's included?

Test results

Specifications

Where to buy (2 retailers)

Best Buys & Don't Buys

Suggested Alternatives

Apple

Acer

Apple

Related articles