Apple M5
10C CPU · 10C GPU · Next-gen NPU
Apple M4 Pro
14C CPU · 20C GPU · 273 GB/s
Apple M4 Pro takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Apple M5 lands at 94 and Apple M4 Pro at 95. That puts Apple M4 Pro ahead by 1 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 Pro if…
- ✓Massive memory bandwidth
- ✓Silent under load
- ✓Excellent media engines
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 M5 | Apple M4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 10 (4P+6E) | ▲ 14 (10P+4E) |
| Memory bandwidth | 150 GB/s | ▲ 273 GB/s |
| Neural engine | 16-core, 50 TOPS | 16-core, 38 TOPS |
| Process | TSMC N3P | — |
| GPU cores | — | 20 |
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 Pro
- +Massive memory bandwidth
- +Silent under load
- +Excellent media engines
- −Only in MacBook Pro 14/16 + Mac mini
- −Windows ARM is still niche
- −Premium
FAQ: Apple M5 vs Apple M4 Pro
Which is better, Apple M5 or Apple M4 Pro? +
Apple M4 Pro scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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 Pro worth the price? +
At $1,999, Apple M4 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in single.
Does Apple M5 or Apple M4 Pro 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 Pro? +
Apple M4 Pro — leads on multi (93 vs 90). Rendering, compilation, heavy multitasking — favours core count.
Which is better for power efficiency, Apple M5 or Apple M4 Pro? +
Apple M5 — leads on efficiency (100 vs 98). Performance per watt — thermals, PSU headroom, electricity cost.