Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

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

For most buyers the Apple M5 Pro is the better pick — it scores 69/100 to the Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core's 53, 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 M5 Pro leads overall

Apple M5 Pro

Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Lithography Process: 3 nm (40% less)
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 57,244 (38% more)

Winner by category for Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Category	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core	Winner
Core Specifications	57	29	Apple M5 Pro
Integrated Graphics	39	48	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Benchmark	85	66	Apple M5 Pro

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M5 Pro

The Apple M5 is a system-on-chip designed for Apple's high-end tablet line, featured in the eighth-generation iPad Pro. It comes in 9-core or 10-core CPU configurations combined with a 10-core GPU, targeting users who require intensive mobile performance for software development, creative tasks, and machine learning.

Best for Graphics-heavy mobile workflows utilizing hardware-accelerated ray tracingBest for On-device machine learning tasks leveraging the integrated 16-core Neural Engine

Pros

Delivers up to 45% faster graphics performance over the previous M4 generation
Enhanced memory bandwidth reaching 153 GB/s alongside fast LPDDR5X RAM
Hardware-accelerated ray tracing support on the 10-core GPU
Updated wireless capabilities including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread support

Cons

Peak hardware configurations with 10 CPU cores and 16 GB of RAM are reserved for higher 1 TB and 2 TB storage tiers

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 M5 Pro

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Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M5 Pro57,244

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 M5 Pro	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Cores	18	20
Threads	18	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 M5 Pro	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
PassMark CPU Mark	57,24438% 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 M5 Pro vs Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M5 Pro rates higher at 79/100 versus 72/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core — a 7-point lead. Apple M5 Pro 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 M5 Pro 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 79/100 for Apple M5 Pro and 72/100 for Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M5 Pro (79/100) 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.