Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 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 64/100 to the Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core's 55, leading on Core Specifications and Benchmark. Choose the Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core instead if integrated graphics matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M4 Max leads overall

Apple M4 Max

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (40% less)
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 43,862 (6% more)

Winner by category for Apple M4 Max vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Category	Apple M4 Max	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core	Winner
Core Specifications	56	29	Apple M4 Max
Integrated Graphics	43	47	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Benchmark	73	70	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 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

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Apple M4 Max

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Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M4 Max43,862

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core41,396

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 Ultra 20 Core
Cores	16	20
Threads	16	20
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 Ultra 20 Core
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M4 Max	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
PassMark CPU Mark	43,8626% more	41,396

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 Ultra 20 Core comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M4 Max rates higher at 75/100 versus 72/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core — a 3-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 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 75/100 for Apple M4 Max and 72/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M4 Max (75/100) edges out Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core (72/100). But if Apple M1 Ultra 20 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.