Apple M5 Max vs Apple M2 Max

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

For most buyers the Apple M5 Max is the better pick — it scores 70/100 to the Apple M2 Max's 41, leading on Core Specifications and Benchmark. Choose the Apple M2 Max instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple M5 Max leads overall

Apple M5 Max

Apple M2 Max

Why it stands out

Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 57,655 (115% more)
Core Specifications Cores: 18
Core Specifications Threads: 18

Winner by category for Apple M5 Max vs Apple M2 Max
Category	Apple M5 Max	Apple M2 Max	Winner
Core Specifications	59	26	Apple M5 Max
Integrated Graphics	42	42	Tie
Benchmark	90	48	Apple M5 Max

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple M5 Max

The Apple M5 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed for intensive creative and technical tasks, built on a 3-nanometer process. Utilizing Apple's Fusion Architecture to link two dies, the chip features an 18-core CPU and supports up to a 40-core GPU along with up to 128 GB of unified LPDDR5X memory. It is engineered for demanding professional workstations and notebooks that require maximum computing power and massive memory bandwidth.

Best for Multi-stream ProRes video editing and high-end post-productionBest for On-device AI development and machine learning requiring large unified memory…Best for Heavyweight productivity and creator workloads on the go without sacrificing…

Pros

Exceptional memory bandwidth reaching up to 614 GB/s on the top-tier GPU configuration
Doubled media processing pipelines with two video encode and two ProRes encode/decode engines
Dedicated Neural Accelerator in each GPU core to significantly accelerate local AI tasks
Outstanding energy efficiency that enables top-tier performance alongside excellent battery life
Integrated Thunderbolt 5 controllers directly on the silicon for high-speed external connectivity

Cons

Devices housing this processor demand a significant price premium, making it a major financial investment
Potential limited retail availability at launch

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.

Source

Video — reviews used (2)

Generated Jun 28, 2026

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Apple M5 Max

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Apple M2 Max

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M5 Max57,655

Apple M2 Max26,839

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 Max	Apple M2 Max
Cores	18	12
Threads	18	12
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 Max	Apple M2 Max
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M5 Max	Apple M2 Max
PassMark CPU Mark	57,655115% more	26,839

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 Max vs Apple M2 Max comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M5 Max rates higher at 79/100 versus 60/100 for Apple M2 Max — a 19-point lead. Apple M5 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 M5 Max and Apple M2 Max 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 Max and 60/100 for Apple M2 Max.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M5 Max (79/100) edges out Apple M2 Max (60/100). But if Apple M2 Max 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.