Review: Why the new MacBook Pro M5 is the laptop every multitasker needs

I remember the days when video editing felt like a battle against my laptop. In fact, I still experience it every now and then with my current laptop, which is running on older software. The fan would roar, the screen would freeze, and I’d brace myself for another crash mid-export. Rendering a short clip could take forever. And if I’m unlucky, I’d have to restart the whole process.

But after spending two weeks with Apple’s new 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip, those days feel like a distant memory. This isn’t just a laptop that works harder — it’s one that works smarter. Whether I was editing heavy video files in Topaz Video and Adobe Premiere Pro, or winding down with a late-night gaming session, the M5 proved it can handle both my 9-to-5 and Netflix nights with ease.

Why I love the M5 chip 

If your current laptop wheezes the moment you open more than five tabs, the M5 MacBook Pro will feel like stepping into a new era. But that’s not limited to the Safari app. The biggest difference I noticed was how seamlessly it handled demanding creative tasks.

I ran Adobe Premiere Pro and Topaz Video side by side — the two apps notorious for hogging memory — and the rendering process was pretty impressive. Even when I worked with large video files, the laptop didn’t heat up or stutter. In comparison, my old MacBook used to sound like it was preparing for takeoff whenever I tried to multitask, but this one remained cool and quiet.

Even more impressive, I had multiple other apps running in the background. Think: Safari, Spotify, and Netflix (don’t we all love to multitask?), yet the M5 didn’t flinch. As a matter of fact, the battery held up beautifully throughout my editing sessions, showing just how efficient Apple’s new model has become.

This chip isn’t just fast; it’s thoughtful. It gives creators and multitaskers the freedom to flow and to move between apps, layers, and exports without that anxious pause of wondering if the system will freeze.

Gaming that feels just as immersive as a console

I’ll admit, I’m not a hardcore gamer. However, I used to play games like Call of Duty a few years ago on my old MacBook, and boy, was that a struggle. The lag would put me off, and I’d have to wait an eternity to move from Point A to Point B in the game. 

So you could say I was quite hesitant when I fired up Cyberpunk 2077 on the new MacBook Pro. Given how big the game was in terms of its file size, I was actually surprised by how smooth the gameplay was. At one point in time, I felt like I was playing on a proper PS5 console, sans the controller.

It was smooth and immersive, the graphics sharp and vibrant. There was zero lag, even when panning quickly around the in-game cityscape. The new GPU and cooling system clearly do their job: while the laptop did get slightly warm after long sessions, it never reached the overheating levels I used to experience.

For anyone who occasionally dips into gaming after work (or between Zoom calls), this is a pleasant surprise. Apple’s push toward gaming performance is finally paying off, and the MacBook Pro M5 proves it’s not just for Final Cut or Adobe Premiere Pro editors anymore. It’s for anyone who wants their laptop to perform like a desktop, without actually being one.

A display that’s easy on the eyes 

The 14-inch mini-LED display continues to be one of Apple’s best. It strikes a sweet balance between brightness and comfort. It’s clear and vibrant, without being too harsh on the eyes. In my case, I often spend hours writing articles, editing videos or watching shows on my laptop, and not once did I feel any eye strain.

The nano-texture glass option also deserves mention. It reduces glare significantly, which makes a huge difference when working in bright cafés or near windows. Colours stay vivid, whether I am colour-grading a video or simply watching YouTube videos.

A battery that refuses to quit

Now, let’s talk about battery life, because it’s easily one of the M5 MacBook Pro’s most impressive feats, in my opinion. 

For instance, I played Cyberpunk for nearly two hours on less than half a charge, and the battery barely dipped below 20%. On another occasion, after a full charge, I used it for my usual mix of editing, writing, and streaming, and it only started running low around the fifth day. Yes, you, read that right. 

Honestly, that’s remarkable for a performance laptop. It means you can work at a café all afternoon, edit videos, attend meetings, and still have juice left to unwind with your favourite show. You no longer have to be tethered to a charger, and we all know how that makes a big difference for anyone who works on the go.

The right kind of heavy

At around 1.55kg, the 14-inch MacBook Pro isn’t the lightest laptop in Apple’s lineup, but it strikes a comfortable balance. It feels sturdy and premium without being bulky, which makes it perfect for hybrid workers or creators who move between home, office, and everything in between.

I tested the classic silver version (the M5 also comes in Space Black), and it instantly reminded me of my very first MacBook. It was like a nostalgic throwback with a modern polish.

Apple Intelligence

Beyond the hardware, Apple’s new Apple Intelligence features are quietly changing how I work. These AI-powered tools are baked directly into macOS and make everyday multitasking far more intuitive.

For instance, using Shortcuts, I could automatically categorise images into folders using Apple’s vision model, so you won’t have to deal with any manual sorting. It’s a small feature, but if you deal with hundreds of photos (say, for content creation or editorial work), it’s a huge time-saver.

Another tool I loved: automatically extracting data from invoice PDFs into spreadsheets. No more copy-pasting numbers line by line. For professionals juggling admin tasks, it’s one of those “why didn’t this exist earlier?” moments.

And while these features might take a little getting used to (I’m still taking some time to get used to them myself), they’re genuinely helpful once you integrate them into your workflow.

Sound that deserves its own round of applause

The speakers on the M5 MacBook Pro sound incredible. Whether I was editing clips or watching movies, the sound was full, layered, and cinematic. There’s a depth and warmth to the audio that makes external speakers feel optional.

Combined with the crisp mini-LED screen, it turns your work sessions or Netflix binges into immersive experiences. It’s a small reminder that this machine isn’t all work and no play.

The verdict

After two weeks with the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5, I can confidently say this: Apple has nailed the balance between power and battery life. It’s a laptop built not just for performance, but for everyday life.

If you’re a creator, professional, or multitasker who juggles projects, meetings, and creative pursuits, this might just be your next big upgrade. The M5 chip delivers on speed, efficiency, and stability, while the battery keeps up with even the busiest schedules.

Of course, it’s not cheap. This is a premium machine with a premium price tag, and the new AI tools may require a learning curve. But if you’re serious about your work and want a laptop that can switch from spreadsheets to Cyberpunk 2077 without breaking a sweat, this is the investment to make.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 starts from $2,199 and is now available online and in stores at Apple.