M4 Pro vs. M5 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide

[MacRumors]

Apple sells two 14-inch MacBook Pro models at $1,599 and $1,999, but recently refreshed the lower-cost model with a new chip, so which should you choose?

At face value, the M5 MacBook Pro is an entry-level model for users who need a machine that is more powerful and versatile than the MacBook Air. The M4 Pro MacBook Pro is a more powerful, high-end model; it comes with better multi-core performance, higher memory bandwidth, and larger quantities of memory, but loses two hours of battery life.

Each MacBook Pro is configurable to add larger quantities of memory and storage. Read on for a detailed breakdown of all of the differences between the two 14-inch MacBook Pro models.

14-Inch MacBook Pro (With M5)	14-Inch MacBook Pro (With M4 Pro)
M5 with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU	Configurations start with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU
Chip made with TSMC's third-generation 3nm process (N3P)	Chip made with TSMC's second-generation 3nm process (N3E)
Based on A19 Pro chip from iPhone 17 Pro	Based on A18 Pro chip from iPhone 16 Pro
Integrated Neural Accelerator in every GPU core	No integrated Neural Accelerators
Metal 4 developer APIs with Tensor APIs to program GPU Neural Accelerators	Metal 3 developer APIs
Third-generation ray tracing engine	Second-generation ray tracing engine
Second-generation dynamic caching	First-generation dynamic caching
Enhanced shader cores	Shader cores
153GB/s memory bandwidth	273GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory	24GB or 48GB unified memory
Single fan	Dual fans
Three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports	Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports
Up to 24-hour battery life	Up to 22-hour battery life
70W USB-C Power Adapter (not included in UK and EU)	70W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU) or 96W USB-C Power Adapter (with M4 Pro with 14-core CPU or M4 Max, configurable with M4 Pro with 12-core CPU)
Starts at $1,599	Starts at $1,999

Apple's M4 Pro and M5 chips mark two distinct points in the Apple Silicon timeline, emphasizing different strengths. The M4 Pro is built with TSMC's 3nm process, offering up to 14 CPU cores and a 20-core GPU, delivering high sustained performance for intensive professional tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. On the other hand, the M5 chip uses a refined 3nm process and a more advanced architecture focused on efficiency and AI acceleration. Although it has fewer CPU and GPU cores, it features improved neural and graphics performance, with up to 45% faster GPU output and new per-core AI accelerators.

In practice, the M4 Pro remains stronger for traditional multi-core workloads, while the M5 introduces smarter, more efficient silicon optimized for single-core tasks, next-generation machine learning, and graphics capabilities.

Choosing between the M5 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro models ultimately depends on the kind of work you do and how much long-term power you need. The M5 model is better suited to slightly more casual users who need a long-lasting machine with good battery life that prioritizes efficiency over extreme performance. It delivers excellent single-core performance, AI optimizations, and longer battery life, making it ideal for tasks like productivity apps, content consumption, creative work, and software development.

By contrast, the M4 Pro model is aimed more squarely at professionals with sustained, multi-threaded workloads such as video editing, music production, 3D design, or software compilation. Its additional CPU and GPU cores, higher memory bandwidth, and larger memory ceiling allow it to handle bigger projects and more demanding workflows without compromise. While it costs more and drains its battery slightly faster, it offers the headroom creative and technical users often need, even though its chip is older.

In short, the M5 MacBook Pro is the smarter choice for most users upgrading from a MacBook Air or an older Intel machine, since it offers considerably better hardware. The M4 Pro model remains the right choice for power-users or professionals who regularly push their chip harder and need workstation-level performance.

Article Link: M4 Pro vs. M5 MacBook Pro Buyer's Guide

 

[dmr727]

I can't imagine a lot of people are cross-shopping these two machines. Those that need the power are wondering if they should pull the trigger on the M4 Pro now, or wait until next year for the M5 Pro? If they don't, just get the entry level M5 MBP now.

 

[Moukee]

This "article" is about as low effort as it gets. May as well go compare on apple.com.

Instead of mentioning something arbitrary like "Enhanced shader cores" vs. "Shader cores", the article could've at least mentioned some actual differences like the single fan vs. dual fan cooling system.

Also, the M4 Pro models aren't available with an 8 TB SSD.

 

[StuBeck]

I can't imagine a lot of people are cross-shopping these two machines. Those that need the power are wondering if they should pull the trigger on the M4 Pro now, or wait until next year for the M5 Pro? If they don't, just get the entry level M5 MBP now.

I think the core problem is we don't know when the M5 Pro is coming out, and what the performance increase is. It'd be nice for a direct M4 vs M5 comparision instead.

 

[JeffNT326]

I think the core problem is we don't know when the M5 Pro is coming out, and what the performance increase is. It'd be nice for a direct M4 vs M5 comparision instead.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/m4-vs-m5-chip-buyers-guide-how-much-better-really-is-m5.2469524/

Not quite a Macbook M4 vs M5 comparison, but this was the chip comparison article which is essentially the only difference between the two.

 

[CalMin]

I can't imagine a lot of people are cross-shopping these two machines. Those that need the power are wondering if they should pull the trigger on the M4 Pro now, or wait until next year for the M5 Pro? If they don't, just get the entry level M5 MBP now.

Based on M4-->M5, I suspect that M4Pro to M5Pro will be a nice incremental bump up in benchmark scores.

That said, these new MBP's are more machine than most people really need. I have an M1Pro which still crushes on most 'normal' computing needs such as intense MS Office, 4K multicam video editing, photo editing and all with a gazillion browser tabs even with 'only' 16GB RAM. I just got an M4 Air and it's similarly capable of the same heavy workload.

In short, if your workload would bring an M4 Pro to its knees, then by all means wait for an M5 Pro. You will save a few seconds here and there on some tasks but, if you're overloading an M4Pro then I suspect you would be much better served by a Max or Ultra chip. In other words, if you get a good deal on an M4Pro now then just buy it. The M5Pro while better, won't really change your experience and likely won't see deals for a while.

 

[UrfinJuice]

I easily bring my M4 Max to its knees in many scenarios of my work (music production), so I think the M5 won't bring much of an improvement and am waiting and hoping for the M6 Ultra.

 

[Juraj22]

Information about Metal 4 is not correct. All M1 to M5 devices support Metal 4. Just not all the features. Feature set vary per chip.

 

[appeals.key_0k]

I easily bring my M4 Max to its knees in many scenarios of my work (music production), so I think the M5 won't bring much of an improvement and am waiting and hoping for the M6 Ultra.

Nothing you’re doing in music production should bring that processor anywhere close to “its knees”. It sounds like you’re most likely hitting the effects of impressively bad (unoptimized) software. Something jre-based, perhaps?

edit: fixed typo

 

[glenncashuric]

Is everybody really certain that the M5 Pro and M5 Max models were not delayed because the next Pro/Max version of the MBP will in fact be the big revision everybody keeps referring to? I mean, at this point a standard refresh almost seems like a waste of energy.

 

[Ilde]

I still do not understand the obsession on disclosing the newer whatsoever on the left and the older thing on the right.

 

[JeffNT326]

I still do not understand the obsession on disclosing the newer whatsoever on the left and the older thing on the right.

It's possible the author is very used to reading financial statements. Common to have the latest quarter (or annual results) on the left comparing to past Q or year for the comparable period.

 

[chars1ub0w]

Useless comparison. Just wait another few weeks, they will announce the M5 Pro and Max in MacBook Pro format for the same price. How would you feel if you buy a M4 Pro or Max now?

 

[RMo]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/m4-vs-m5-chip-buyers-guide-how-much-better-really-is-m5.2469524/

Not quite a Macbook M4 vs M5 comparison, but this was the chip comparison article which is essentially the only difference between the two.

Would be great if they updated it now that more benchmarks should be available to compare the M4 Pro against the M5, beyond just the specs in the table in this article. Was hoping that would be what I read here. Maybe some day...

 

[radz974]

This "article" is about as low effort as it gets. May as well go compare on apple.com.

Instead of mentioning something arbitrary like "Enhanced shader cores" vs. "Shader cores", the article could've at least mentioned some actual differences like the single fan vs. dual fan cooling system.

Also, the M4 Pro models aren't available with an 8 TB SSD.

I did the test and it confirmed my choice to take the M5 14 inch

 

[IIGS User]

Useless comparison. Just wait another few weeks, they will announce the M5 Pro and Max in MacBook Pro format for the same price. How would you feel if you buy a M4 Pro or Max now?

I bought a 16" M4 MBP about a month ago knowing the M5's were probably coming out soon. I got a couple $100 off it and the big get was the larger screen when upgrading from my M1 MBP.

I'm happy with my choice. I got a really decent machine, saved some money on it, and didn't have to play the "waiting" game. The M4 pro with 24MB memory is more machine than I will possibly be able to use for the next 4 years if not longer. I'm happy with it.

Everyone has different needs. I really wanted a bigger screen, the pro level processor was just part of the package I had to take to get the bigger screen. So getting it for a couple $100 less was a good trade off for me.

 

[chars1ub0w]

I bought a 16" M4 MBP about a month ago knowing the M5's were probably coming out soon. I got a couple $100 off it and the big get was the larger screen when upgrading from my M1 MBP.

I'm happy with my choice. I got a really decent machine, saved some money on it, and didn't have to play the "waiting" game. The M4 pro with 24MB memory is more machine than I will possibly be able to use for the next 4 years if not longer. I'm happy with it.

Everyone has different needs. I really wanted a bigger screen, the pro level processor was just part of the package I had to take to get the bigger screen. So getting it for a couple $100 less was a good trade off for me.

There is no "game" here as it's pretty obvious they will announce them in weeks.

If you needed a machine like yesterday, there's no choice. You just need to buy a machine now to do your work. So I have both a 16" (M1 Max 64GB/4TB) and a 14" (M3 24GB/2TB) (as my backup and travel machine). A single day without a machine would be a disaster.

But if you could've waited, they may reduce the price on the M4 series even more after the announcement of the M5 Pro and Max. Or you could have had the option of stepping up to the M5 series with enhanced AI capabilities (that may come in useful in the next few years).

"Instead, Apple's taking a new approach to AI processing by including dedicated "Neural Accelerators" in each core of its GPU."

Choice is good.

 

[CalMin]

I easily bring my M4 Max to its knees in many scenarios of my work (music production), so I think the M5 won't bring much of an improvement and am waiting and hoping for the M6 Ultra.

I'd say you're right about that. Gen to gen improvements are incremental at this stage rather than game changing.

That said, I'm amazed that anything can get an M4 Max to break a sweat. In four years of ownership, I've barely even heard the fans on my M1PRo. If you're experiencing slowdowns, perhaps you're low RAM vs CPU? Music production (Logic) taxes my RAM more than video (Final Cut Pro) or anything else I do, and a large Logic Pro project with tons of tracks can make the M1Pro stutter if I have too much else open.

Are you sure it's not RAM you're lacking vs the CPU horsepower of the M4 Max?

 

[orange_galoshes]

I hope future MacBook Pros will drop the active air cooling and opt for some form of liquid cooling, like the vapor chamber cooling system on the iPhone 17. And same thing for the MacBook Air.

A several thousand dollar piece of advanced hardware sounds like a cheap fan when it turns on and ruins the whole experience. I bet Steve Jobs would have already ditched the fans. And I'm guessing the liquid cooling over time will be necessary to get better performance, just as it is in the NVIDIA Blackwell chips.

 

[StuBeck]

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/m4-vs-m5-chip-buyers-guide-how-much-better-really-is-m5.2469524/

Not quite a Macbook M4 vs M5 comparison, but this was the chip comparison article which is essentially the only difference between the two.

I still want real world benchmarks unfortunately. I don't trust reports that state "up to", and I also don't trust what any manufactuer says about the performance increases either.

I suspect that much like most updates we've had lately, its nominal for recent users, which is why they typically use the difference between the processor and an M1 version.

 

[CalMin]

I hope future MacBook Pros will drop the active air cooling and opt for some form of liquid cooling, like the vapor chamber cooling system on the iPhone 17. And same thing for the MacBook Air.

A several thousand dollar piece of advanced hardware sounds like a cheap fan when it turns on and ruins the whole experience. I bet Steve Jobs would have already ditched the fans. And I'm guessing the liquid cooling over time will be necessary to get better performance, just as it is in the NVIDIA Blackwell chips.

I think vapor chamber cooling could make sense for better performance in the Air line-up, but the Pro models will still need a fan to sustain performance over longer periods (perhaps in combination with a vapor chamber). I just don’t think you can get away from that fact for long duration heat management e.g. long render times etc..

 

[Koloa]

I still want real world benchmarks unfortunately. I don't trust reports that state "up to", and I also don't trust what any manufactuer says about the performance increases either.

I suspect that much like most updates we've had lately, its nominal for recent users, which is why they typically use the difference between the processor and an M1 version.

This is exactly the challenge that I'm having - real real world benchmarks.

My partner has a 2019 MBP, Intel, 2.6GHz 6-core i7. She doesn't game, render 8K video, etc, but, does work with quite large inDesign and similar documents for her work.

As a bit of a test, she opened a 800 page document, filled with complicated layouts, embedded images, etc. She then exported it to PDF on the current MBP. It took about 7 minutes (slightly over). I should point out that some of her documents are multiple thousands of pages long, so this was a relatively small example.

The same file on her home MacStudio, M1 (not pro/ultra) with the same task took just under 4 minutes. On the MacStudio, I started up Activity Monitor and watched each core and the GPU during the export.

Whilst not super scientific, it was interesting to see that on the MacStudio, it only used about 4 of the performance cores, and didn't max them out. The GPU(s) was probably about 20-25% busy, from the graphs.

This is the sort of real-world benchmark that has meaning for someone like her. The time she can't really use her computer because it's busy doing this task, and there is a time criticality to it. She often has to have these massive documents processed by a "hard stop" time that can not be changed (down to the minute), and, sadly, due to the role of other people, it's often not possible to simply "start sooner" to have time to export the document before a deadline.

She's vacillating between the new M5 and the M4 Pro. Why not wait for the M5 Pro? Well, this is a corporate purchase, and funding cycles are what they are. She gets one laptop refresh every four years, and if she doesn't act in the next few weeks, it's not clear when she may be able to get one.

She doesn't use the screen on her laptop as she has two monitors at work connected, so the 14" vs 16" isn't really a factor.

It's not clear whether the "AI/Neural" hardware has any real impact, but, that may depend upon what Adobe does. And no, she can't change to some other software. She likes inDesign, and there is a significant workflow involving dozens of people that is involved (large organisation).

My sense is that the M5 would be more than enough for the next four years for her, as it will absolutely be better than the M1 MacStudio, and significantly better from her Core i7 MBP.

Curious if others have similar thoughts or not...

 

[artifex]

regarding AI workloads:

From my understanding, the M5 optimizations include explicit support for FP8, improved support for FP16, and more optimization for the FP32 format as well. The base M5 apparently already handles FP16 faster than the M4 Pro? But it's not as good at FP32. (I assume the pro version will fix that.)

I think if you're a hobbyist, mostly working with FP16- or FP8-precision models and not doing much training yourself, the base M5 should be a bargain compared to the M4 Pro.

But if you're a pro planning on significant workloads, especially training, the base M5 even with its "AI optimizations" may be comparatively hobbled by the much lower memory bandwidth compared to the M4 Pro. Wait for the M5 Pro's higher bandwidth.

More spec comparisons.

As always, if you don't need a laptop, wait for the Minis or other desktop versions, as they won't be as thermally constrained. The Minis should be cheaper for the same chip specs, too.

 

[ZacksWorld]

I hope future MacBook Pros will drop the active air cooling and opt for some form of liquid cooling, like the vapor chamber cooling system on the iPhone 17. And same thing for the MacBook Air.

A several thousand dollar piece of advanced hardware sounds like a cheap fan when it turns on and ruins the whole experience. I bet Steve Jobs would have already ditched the fans. And I'm guessing the liquid cooling over time will be necessary to get better performance, just as it is in the NVIDIA Blackwell chips.

Been using a 2023 16" MBP w/ a M2 Max and almost never hear the fans – they only pop on here and there during heavy rendering or the like. Do you not find it a bit hyperbolic to say it "ruins the whole experience" to hear a fan once in a while?

I think it's safe to assume that newer cooling systems will continue to be introduced into the lineup.

They've been shipping fanless Macbook's since the 2015 12" Macbook.

 

[svish]

For intense work, the dual fans of the M4 Pro should help. Also the M4 Pro can be configured with more RAM. Comes down to how exactly one is planning on using the MacBook. Overall both are good laptops.