Apple M4 Pro
14C CPU · 20C GPU · 273 GB/s
Apple M5
10C CPU · 10C GPU · 153 GB/s memory
Apple M4 Pro takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple M4 Pro lands at 95 and Apple M5 at 93. That puts Apple M4 Pro ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple M4 Pro if…
- ✓Massive memory bandwidth
- ✓Silent under load
- ✓Excellent media engines
Pick Apple M5 if…
- ✓10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
- ✓10-core GPU
- ✓153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testGaming
TieFrame-rate-bound workloads — favours cache and single-thread speed
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Creators & productivity
Apple M4 ProRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Apple M4 Pro leads on multi (93 vs 90).
Power efficiency
Apple M5Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Apple M5 leads on efficiency (100 vs 98).
Value for money
Apple M5Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Apple M5 more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $1,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple M4 Pro | Apple M5 |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | ▲ 14 (10P+4E) | 10 (up to 4P + 6E) |
| GPU cores | 20 | — |
| Memory bandwidth | ▲ 273 GB/s | 153 GB/s |
| Neural engine | 16-core, 38 TOPS | 16-core |
| Process | — | TSMC 3 nm (3rd-generation) |
| Release year | — | 2025 |
Apple M4 Pro
- +Massive memory bandwidth
- +Silent under load
- +Excellent media engines
- −Only in MacBook Pro 14/16 + Mac mini
- −Windows ARM is still niche
- −Premium
Apple M5
- +10-core CPU (up to 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
- +10-core GPU
- +153 GB/s unified memory bandwidth
- −Apple-ecosystem only
- −Base tier starts at 16 GB
- −Windows via Parallels only
FAQ: Apple M4 Pro vs Apple M5
Which is better, Apple M4 Pro or Apple M5? +
Apple M4 Pro scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple M4 Pro worth the price? +
At $1,999, Apple M4 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in single.
Is Apple M5 worth the price? +
At $1,299, Apple M5 delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in single.
Does Apple M4 Pro or Apple M5 last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for creator and productivity work, Apple M4 Pro or Apple M5? +
Apple M4 Pro — leads on multi (93 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.
Which is better for power efficiency, Apple M4 Pro or Apple M5? +
Apple M5 — leads on efficiency (100 vs 98). Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost.