Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M4 Max

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 67/100 to the Apple M4 Max's 59, leading on Benchmark. Choose the Apple M4 Max 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 M4 Max

Why it stands out

Core Specifications Cores: 18
Core Specifications Threads: 18
Benchmark PassMark CPU Mark: 57,244 (31% more)

Winner by category for Apple M5 Pro vs Apple M4 Max
Category	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 Max	Winner
Core Specifications	43	42	Tie
Integrated Graphics	40	45	Apple M4 Max
Benchmark	84	69	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 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)

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 M5 Pro

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Apple M4 Max

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple M5 Pro57,244

Apple M4 Max43,862

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 M4 Max
Cores	18	16
Threads	18	16
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 nm	3 nm
Is unlocked	No	No

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 Max
Model

Benchmark

Feature	Apple M5 Pro	Apple M4 Max
PassMark CPU Mark	57,24431% more	43,862

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 M4 Max comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple M5 Pro rates higher at 79/100 versus 75/100 for Apple M4 Max — a 4-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 M4 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 Pro and 75/100 for Apple M4 Max.

If you want the higher-rated cpus option overall, Apple M5 Pro (79/100) edges out Apple M4 Max (75/100). But if Apple M4 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.