They are closely matched: Apple M2 Max scores 58/100 and Apple M1 scores 56/100 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 M2 Max vs Apple M1
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M2 Max leads Apple M1 overall by 15 points (68 vs 53 out of 100).
- Apple M2 Max stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 10, Core Specifications Threads: 10, Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 40 W.
Apple M2 Max leads overall
Apple M2 Max
68
Apple M1
53
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 10
- Core Specifications Threads: 10
- Core Specifications Base Power Consumption: 40 W
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M2 Max
The Apple M2 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed by Apple Inc., intended for professional computing tasks. Due to its advanced specifications, it powers applications requiring intensive computational resources, such as video editing and 3D rendering. It is best suited for creative professionals and developers who demand top-tier performance in portable forms.
Best for Video ProductionBest for 3D RenderingBest for Software Development
Pros
- Offers substantial processing power through a combined CPU/GPU design.
- The integrated graphics capability (up to 76 cores) provides extensive visual compute resources.
- Features advanced memory support, capable of high data transfer rates (LPDDR5 up to 192 GB).
Cons
- While powerful, the chip is designed for professional workloads rather than routine general computing.
- Its high specification level may result in a premium cost point.
Apple M1
The Apple M1 is a System on a Chip (SoC) created by Apple Inc. primarily intended for use in their suite of Macintosh computers and iPad Pro tablets. This chip provided a powerful, integrated alternative to traditional CPUs, making it suitable for users who require strong performance while maintaining portability and efficiency.
Best for Creative professionalsBest for General productivity and multi-tasking
Pros
- Offers high performance relative to its power consumption, which is ideal for demanding computing tasks.
- Integration of multiple components (CPU, GPU, NPU, memory) onto a single die improves system efficiency and speed.
- The architecture supports the usage across various Apple devices, from minimalist desktops to powerful laptops.
Cons
- It is an older generation chip compared to newer product lines (M1 Pro/Max), potentially limiting future hardware upgrade paths for certain users.
- While highly functional, some advanced use cases may require more specialized or higher-core count chips available in later iterations.
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 M2 Max
Apple M1
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M2 Max15,000
Apple M110,500
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 M2 Max vs Apple M1 comparison
Apple M2 Max and Apple M1 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 58/100 for Apple M2 Max and 56/100 for Apple M1.
It's close — Apple M2 Max (58/100) and Apple M1 (56/100) 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.