Apple MacBook Pro 16 M1 Pro Review: Worth Buying in 2025?
Digging into months of cross-platform feedback, the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M1 Pro, Renewed) consistently earns praise for raw power, display quality, and battery endurance—scoring a solid 8.7/10 from aggregated user sentiment. While Apple advertises “the most powerful MacBook Pro ever,” real-world owners confirm it’s still a top-tier performer in 2025, even against newer M2 and M3 models. The most surprising finding: users with heavy creative workloads report virtually no slowdown after years of use, but portability remains a sticking point given its weight.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Yes — Ideal for power users, creative professionals, and those who value a large display over ultimate portability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display praised for HDR color work | Noticeably heavy compared to MacBook Air or 14-inch Pro |
| Strong performance in video editing and coding, even in 2025 | Limited external display support (for some setups) |
| Long battery life — reports of full workday use on single charge | Webcam still not matching dedicated external cameras |
| High-quality six-speaker audio system with rich bass | Some refurbished units arrive with cosmetic or accessory issues |
| Variety of ports including HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 | Higher price for renewed units vs lighter alternatives |
| Excellent build quality and durability over years | Loss of Touch Bar disliked by some long-time users |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing touts “up to 21 hours battery life” and a “massive leap in CPU and GPU performance” from the M1 Pro chip. Digging deeper, Reddit users confirm exceptional battery longevity but note it varies with workload. Reddit user u/Travel*** shared that they “watched a 2h30 movie, did some design work, and still had 95% battery,” aligning closely with Apple’s claims for light-to-moderate usage. For heavy video editing, duration is shorter, but still impressive.
Another headline claim—“the most powerful MacBook Pro ever”—matches reality for most owners. A Reddit poster noted: “The M1 was huge when it came out… still easily viable,” while a video editor confirmed that 4K editing demand is handled smoothly with no lag. However, some upgrading to newer chips like the M3 Pro report only marginal real-world gains unless pushing extreme workloads.
Apple emphasizes “advanced image signal processor for sharper video calls.” Feedback reveals mixed results: Quora reviewers find the webcam improved over past models but still “not as good as a dedicated webcam,” with many relying on macOS Ventura’s Continuity Camera to use an iPhone instead.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One theme stands out: display quality. Professionals across Reddit, ProductReview, and Quora call the Liquid Retina XDR screen “the best display ever in a notebook” with accurate colors critical for graphics work. Nicolas L. on ProductReview wrote: “The display is great… colours, brightness, sharpness, nothing to complain about.” Video editors benefit from HDR grading capabilities, and designers appreciate factory calibration.
Performance is another consistent win. A Reddit user who swapped an M2 Air for the M1 Pro said the boost in speed and RAM eliminated 4K video struggles entirely. Back Market buyer Sean M. described their renewed unit as “basically brand new… only 2 battery cycles” and matching claims of smooth multitasking under heavy loads. The consensus is clear: even 4 years post-release, the M1 Pro chip and 16GB RAM handle demanding creative workflows without bottlenecks.
Audio earns high marks in every review source. Apple’s six-speaker system surprises users with its bass depth. Nicolas L. noted, “The speakers are impressive… lots of details and surprisingly good bass,” relevant to film editors or musicians working without external monitors.
Common Complaints
Weight is the top drawback, especially for mobile users. Owners like Nicolas L. admit “it’s a quite big and heavy machine,” recommending the 14-inch Pro if portability is critical. Reddit user track_me also warned: “If I took a lot of trips with a lot of walking, I would prefer the 15 Air… the 16 is a chungus.”
Refurbished buyers report occasional cosmetic issues or missing accessories. Best Buy verified buyer noted theirs “came with a cracked screen” and wrong charger type. Similarly, another lamented, “missing the correct charger… had to buy an entire new charger.” While these are rare for Apple-certified units, third-party renewed products can vary widely in condition.
Port limitations affect certain workflows. Reddit feedback mentions “limited external displays and only 2 USB-C ports” in non-Pro models, though the 16-inch M1 Pro offers three Thunderbolt 4 plus HDMI. Still, pro users upgrading from Intel-era models expect more than three Thunderbolt ports.
Divisive Features
The loss of Apple’s Touch Bar remains contentious. Quora reviewers admitted, “we still mourn the loss of the Touch Bar… it sped up our workflow,” while others welcome dedicated function keys. Opinions split evenly on the notch in the display: some users accept it instantly and enjoy extra screen real estate, while others find it an aesthetic flaw.
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Trust & Reliability
In terms of trustworthiness, Back Market’s verified buyers repeatedly praise condition exceeding expectations. Rasheed A. described a “brand new” feel with perfect battery health, echoing Sean M.’s comment of “absolutely no signs of previous use.” Fast delivery also stood out, such as Jomani O.’s report of a unit arriving “two days after ordering instead of six.”
Long-term durability stories bolster confidence. A Reddit owner from early 2022 still uses theirs as “primary editing machine” without slowdown. Web designers note seamless operation years later, retaining battery health and fan quietness. The key caution: third-party refurbished purchases vary in accessory completeness and cosmetic state, making retailer vetting essential.
Alternatives
The 14-inch M1 Pro surfaces as the closest alternative, repeatedly mentioned by Reddit users preferring portability. One noted, “I prefer the 14″ M1 Pro for portability… fine to use it on its own,” while another suggested upgrading the MacBook Air to 16GB RAM for weight benefits if heavy processing isn’t required. There’s also recognition that newer M3 models offer incremental speed boosts, with some advising to “buy the newest system you can afford” if long-term OS updates matter most.
Price & Value
Market analysis shows renewed 16-inch M1 Pros priced between $1,099 and $1,699, depending on SSD size and retailer. eBay listings for “excellent – refurbished” units go as low as $1,519.95, compared to the $2,499+ original retail. Community advice emphasizes that refurbished certified units from Apple or trusted sellers like Back Market often arrive in near-new condition, delivering high value. Users like Tyler M. consider them “possibly the best refurbished product… massive upgrade from MacBook Air” at a fraction of new pricing.
Resale value remains strong; lightly used M1 Pros still command over $1,200 on eBay, reflecting ongoing demand among creatives who prioritize display and processing over bleeding-edge chips.
FAQ
Q: Is the M1 Pro still worth buying in 2025?
A: Yes, for most creative and professional work. Reddit and Quora feedback show minimal real-world performance difference from newer M3 chips unless pushing extreme tasks.
Q: How does battery life hold up in real use?
A: Easily a full workday for mixed productivity tasks, with users reporting film playback and design work leaving over 90% charge. Heavy rendering will reduce endurance.
Q: Are refurbished units safe to buy?
A: From Apple-certified or trusted sellers, yes—many arrive indistinguishable from new. Third-party renewed stock can vary, so check warranty coverage.
Q: Is it too heavy for travel?
A: At around 4.7 lbs, it’s fine for occasional trips but cumbersome for daily commuting. Mobility-focused buyers lean toward the 14-inch Pro or MacBook Air.
Q: Does the display notch interfere with work?
A: Most users adjust quickly and appreciate extra screen space; design professionals report no negative impact on workflow.
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Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a creative professional, video editor, or developer who works primarily at a desk but values occasional mobility. Avoid if ultra-portability is your priority or you rely heavily on the Touch Bar ecosystem. Pro tip from community: Prioritize certified refurbished from Apple or reputable resellers to ensure near-new condition and warranty protection.
