The 16-inch MacBook Pro is Apple’s flagship laptop, designed for professionals who demand top-tier performance, a stunning display, and robust battery life. But with several generations now available—ranging from the Intel-based 2019 model to the latest Apple Silicon M4 Pro/Max—buyers often wonder: Which 16-inch MacBook Pro has the least complaints?
The Intel Era: 2019’s Mixed Legacy
The 2019 Intel-based 16-inch MacBook Pro was a major improvement over its predecessor, especially with the return of the scissor-switch “Magic Keyboard.” However, it was still plagued by some classic Intel MacBook issues: it ran hot under load, the fans could get loud, and battery life was only average. While it was a favorite among creative professionals at the time, most complaints centered on heat, fan noise, and the lack of Apple Silicon’s efficiency and cool operation.
Engadget review
Apple Silicon Revolution: M1 Pro/Max (2021)
Apple’s move to its own M1 Pro and M1 Max chips in 2021 was a game-changer. The 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021) delivered massive performance gains, whisper-quiet operation, and all-day battery life. User complaints dropped dramatically compared to the Intel model. The most common gripes were about the high price and the lack of upgradability, but hardware reliability and thermal performance were almost universally praised.
LaptopMedia pros and cons
Incremental Upgrades: M2 Pro/Max (2023)
The 2023 M2 Pro/Max models brought minor improvements—slightly better performance, battery life, and Wi-Fi 6E support. User complaints remained very low, with no new widespread issues. These models are still highly recommended, especially if found at a discount.
The Latest and Greatest: M3 Max and M4 Pro/Max (2023–2024)
The M3 Max (late 2023) and M4 Pro/Max (2024) models push performance even further, with the M4 Pro/Max offering Thunderbolt 5, a nano-texture display option, and a new 12MP Center Stage camera. According to RTINGS.com, the 2024 16-inch MacBook Pro is “excellent for school, work, and creative tasks,” with all-day battery life and minimal performance loss under load. The only recurring complaint is that the laptop can get hot and loud under sustained heavy workloads, but this is less of an issue than with the older Intel models.
What Do the Experts and Users Say?
- M1 Pro/Max (2021) and M2 Pro/Max (2023): Almost no hardware complaints, excellent thermals, and battery life. Still a great buy in 2024.
- M3 Max (2023) and M4 Pro/Max (2024): The most advanced, with the fewest complaints so far. Any issues are minor and mostly related to price or the cost of upgrades.
- Intel (2019): More complaints about heat, noise, and battery life. Not recommended unless you find a deep discount and don’t mind the trade-offs.
Conclusion: Which Model Has the Least Complaints?
The 16-inch MacBook Pro models with Apple Silicon (M1 Pro/Max, M2 Pro/Max, M3 Max, and especially the latest M4 Pro/Max) have the least complaints. The M4 Pro/Max (2024) is the most future-proof and has the best performance, but even the M1 Pro/Max (2021) is still highly reliable and well-reviewed. Avoid the 2019 Intel model if you want to minimize issues.
References:
LaptopMedia: MacBook Pro 16 (Late 2021) Pros and Cons