Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M2 Pro

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 70/100 to the Apple M2 Pro's 40, leading on Core Specifications and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple M2 Pro instead if you want to spend less.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Key takeaways

  • Apple M5 Pro leads Apple M2 Pro overall by 30 points (70 vs 40 out of 100).
  • Apple M5 Pro stands out on Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 57,244 (114% more), Core Specifications Cores: 18, Core Specifications Threads: 18.
Apple M5 Pro leads overall
Apple M5 Pro
70
Apple M2 Pro
40
Why it stands out
  • Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 57,244 (114% more)
  • Core Specifications Cores: 18
  • Core Specifications Threads: 18

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 M2 Pro

The Apple M2 Pro is a specialized system-on-a-chip (SoC) developed by Apple Inc. that powers professional computing devices, such as high-end laptops and desktops. It integrates a powerful multi-core CPU with high-performance integrated graphics and unified memory architecture. This processor is designed for demanding users who require significant computational power for creative or intricate workflows.

Best for Professional creative workloadsBest for High-performance computing tasksBest for Intensive multi-media production
Pros
  • Offers advanced processing capabilities due to its System on a Chip (SoC) design
  • Includes a substantial amount of L2 cache, specifically 24 MB as noted in its high-performance specifications
  • Utilizes an energy-efficient architecture suitable for sustained, demanding tasks
  • The comprehensive SoC structure handles CPU and GPU operations within a unified system model
Cons
  • Its specialized nature means it's intended primarily for professional and advanced use cases.
  • Specific detailed performance metrics relative to newer or higher-tier silicon are not provided in the grounding sources.

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M5 Pro57,244
Apple M2 Pro26,730

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M2 Pro comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M5 Pro rates higher at 79/100 versus 60/100 for Apple M2 Pro — a 19-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 M2 Pro 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 60/100 for Apple M2 Pro.
If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M5 Pro (79/100) edges out Apple M2 Pro (60/100). But if Apple M2 Pro 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.

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