They are closely matched: Apple M4 Max scores 60/100 and Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core scores 58/100 in our overall comparison — within 2 points. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads Apple M4 Max overall by 11 points (63 vs 52 out of 100).
- Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 20, Core Specifications Threads: 20, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.1 GHz.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads overall
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
63
Apple M4 Max
52
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 20
- Core Specifications Threads: 20
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.1 GHz
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 Ultra 20 Core
The Apple M1 Ultra is an extremely powerful System-on-a-Chip designed for high-end, professional workstations. It combines two independently connected M1 Max units via the 'UltraFusion' interconnect to significantly increase computational throughput. This processor is suited for users who require maximum performance for intensive creative and scientific workloads.
Best for Professional video editingBest for 3D Rendering/VFXBest for Computational modeling
Pros
- High core count structure, featuring a total of 20 CPU cores and dedicated high-bandwidth interconnectivity (Source 1)
- Significant memory capacity options are available, supporting up to 128 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1)
- Achieves exceptional performance by combining two M1 Max units, effectively doubling peak capabilities (Source 1)
Cons
- The high resource requirements make it unsuitable for most general-purpose computing tasks
- It is a discontinued processor, limiting modern upgrade paths and support options (Source 1)
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
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M4 Max22,000
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core26,695
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core comparison
Apple M4 Max and Apple M1 Ultra 20 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 60/100 for Apple M4 Max and 58/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core.
It's close — Apple M4 Max (60/100) and Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core (58/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.