Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Max 10 Core

Updated Jun 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple M4 Max is the better pick — it scores 66/100 to the Apple M1 Max 10 Core's 37, leading on Core Specifications and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple M1 Max 10 Core instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M4 Max leads overall

Apple M4 Max

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

Why it stands out

Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 43,862 (98% more)
Core Specifications Cores: 16
Core Specifications Threads: 16

Winner by category for Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Max 10 Core
Category	Apple M4 Max	Apple M1 Max 10 Core	Winner
Core Specifications	59	26	Apple M4 Max
Integrated Graphics	59	0	Apple M4 Max
Benchmark	80	42	Apple M4 Max

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.

Apple M4 Max

The Apple M4 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed for intensive computing tasks. It features an advanced architecture with up to 16 performance cores and a powerful graphics section, backed by substantial unified memory capacity. This chip is intended for demanding users, such as videographers, 3D artists, and developers who require maximum computational headroom.

Best for Professional Content CreationBest for High-End DevelopmentBest for Computational Engineering

Pros

Exceptional memory bandwidth is available in configurations supporting up to 128GB of unified memory (Source 1)
The comprehensive processing units include substantial GPU cores (up to 40) alongside a powerful Neural Processing Unit for accelerated AI tasks (Source 1)
Offers some of the most advanced single-core performance available in consumer silicon, targeting high benchmark scores (Source 1)
Designed with efficiencies that yield significant generational improvements in both CPU and GPU performance over previous series (Source 1)

Cons

The chip's complexity suggests a higher power draw requirement compared to lower-tier variants, indicated by its reported TDP (Source 1)
Performance is highly dependent on the specific configuration chosen, especially regarding memory bandwidth and core count (Source 1)

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

The Apple M1 Max processor is a high-performance, professional-grade chip designed for powerful computing tasks. Its architecture separates general computation from advanced graphical and media workloads. This CPU/GPU combination suits users who require peak efficiency and raw power for demanding applications.

Best for Video EditingBest for 3D RenderingBest for Professional Design/Development

Pros

Features a robust core structure combining multiple high-performance and energy-efficient CPU cores
Offers extensive memory capacity up to 64GB using LPDDR5 technology
Provides highly scalable GPU acceleration due to its multi-core design (up to 32 cores)
Designed with high transistor counts (57 billion) for complex and demanding tasks (Source 1)

Cons

The chip is designed for mobile/desktop integration, potentially limiting some standalone upgrade options
Requires modern operating systems to fully utilize its advanced ARM architecture capabilities
Is positioned at a higher end of Apple's silicon product line

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.

Apple M4 Max

Check Price on Amazon

Apple M1 Max 10 Core

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M4 Max43,862

Apple M1 Max 10 Core22,155

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Core Specifications

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Apple M1 Max 10 Core
Cores	16	10
Threads	16	10
Base Frequency	N/A	N/A
Base Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
Maximum Frequency	N/A	N/A
Maximum Power Consumption	N/A	N/A
L1 Cache	N/A	N/A
L2 Cache	N/A	N/A
L3 Cache	N/A	N/A
Lithography Process	3 nm40% less	5 nm
Is unlocked	No	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Apple M1 Max 10 Core
Model		N/A

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Apple M1 Max 10 Core
PassMark CPU Mark	43,86298% more	22,155

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Max 10 Core comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 Max rates higher at 75/100 versus 55/100 for Apple M1 Max 10 Core — a 20-point lead. Apple M4 Max is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple M4 Max and Apple M1 Max 10 Core are compared side by side above across every spec in the cpus category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 75/100 for Apple M4 Max and 55/100 for Apple M1 Max 10 Core.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M4 Max (75/100) edges out Apple M1 Max 10 Core (55/100). But if Apple M1 Max 10 Core is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.