Apple M5
10C CPU · 10C GPU · Next-gen NPU
Apple M4 Max
16C CPU · 40C GPU · 16-core Neural Engine
Apple M4 Max takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple M5 lands at 94 and Apple M4 Max at 97. That puts Apple M4 Max ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Apple M5 if…
- ✓Perf-per-watt improved ~18% vs M4
- ✓Enhanced ray tracing
- ✓16-core Neural Engine v5 (50 TOPS)
Pick Apple M4 Max if…
- ✓Industry-best perf-per-watt
- ✓128 GB unified memory option
- ✓Hardware ray-tracing
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 MaxRendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count
Apple M4 Max leads on multi (96 vs 90).
Power efficiency
TiePerformance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Apple M5 | Apple M4 Max |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 (4P+6E) | ▲ 16 (12P+4E) |
| Memory bandwidth | 150 GB/s | ▲ 546 GB/s |
| Neural engine | 16-core, 50 TOPS | 16-core, 38 TOPS |
| Process | TSMC N3P | TSMC N3E |
| Threads | — | 16 |
| Max memory | — | 128 GB unified |
Apple M5
- +Perf-per-watt improved ~18% vs M4
- +Enhanced ray tracing
- +16-core Neural Engine v5 (50 TOPS)
- −Apple-ecosystem only
- −Limited to first-party products
- −No Windows gaming story
Apple M4 Max
- +Industry-best perf-per-watt
- +128 GB unified memory option
- +Hardware ray-tracing
- −Apple ecosystem lock-in
- −Not user-replaceable
- −Limited Windows gaming
FAQ: Apple M5 vs Apple M4 Max
Which is better, Apple M5 or Apple M4 Max? +
Apple M4 Max scores 97 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Apple M5 worth the price? +
At $1,299, Apple M5 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in single.
Is Apple M4 Max worth the price? +
At $1,299, Apple M4 Max delivers a Specdex score of 97 — strongest in efficiency.
Does Apple M5 or Apple M4 Max 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 M5 or Apple M4 Max? +
Apple M4 Max — leads on multi (96 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.