M5 vs M4 MacBook: 2026 Performance Comparison
The M5 chip delivers 30% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to M4, with improved power efficiency and up to 24GB unified memory standard, making it substantially faster for professional workflows and demanding applications.
Apple M5 MacBook
Latest Apple silicon chip with 12-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 40% faster graphics for professional computing.
Video editors, 3D artists, software engineers, machine learning researchers, and professionals running compilation-heavy workloads who need maximum performance.
Apple M4 MacBook
Previous-generation Apple silicon with 10-core CPU and strong efficiency for everyday computing and creative work.
Students, writers, designers, web developers, and general users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks without paying premium for specialized professional capabilities.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe M5 chip delivers 30% faster CPU performance and 40% faster GPU performance compared to M4, with improved power efficiency and up to 24GB unified memory standard, making it substantially faster for professional workflows and demanding applications.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose M5 MacBook if you need maximum performance for video editing, 3D rendering, machine learning, or software development—the 30% CPU boost and extra GPU cores justify the investment for professional work. Choose M4 MacBook if you prioritize value and perform lighter tasks like writing, web browsing, design, or coding—it remains excellent for non-demanding workloads and costs $100 less.
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Choose Apple M5 MacBook if
Best pickVideo editors, 3D artists, software engineers, machine learning researchers, and professionals running compilation-heavy workloads who need maximum performance.
Choose Apple M4 MacBook if
Students, writers, designers, web developers, and general users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks without paying premium for specialized professional capabilities.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- CPU Performance:✓ Apple M5 MacBook wins(Up to 12-core CPU with 30% faster performance vs Up to 10-core CPU)
- GPU Performance:✓ Apple M5 MacBook wins(Up to 10-core GPU with 40% faster graphics vs Up to 10-core GPU)
- Base Memory:✓ Apple M5 MacBook wins(24GB unified memory standard vs 16GB unified memory standard)
Key Facts & Figures
15 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Apple M5 MacBook | Apple M4 MacBook | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores (Performance)(cores) | 12 cores (M5) | 12 cores (M4) | |
| GPU Cores (Base Model)(cores) | 10 cores (M5) | 10 cores (M4) | |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core(points) | 3,900 | 3,100 | |
| Metal Graphics Score (10-core GPU)(points) | 28,000 | 20,000 | |
| Base Configuration Memory(GB) | 24GB | 16GB | |
| Memory Bandwidth(GB/s) | 120 GB/s | 100 GB/s | |
| MacBook Pro 14" Starting Price(USD) | $1,999 | $1,599 | |
| Thermal Design Power(Watts) | ~30W (estimated) | ~32W (estimated) | |
| CPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 12-core | 10-core | |
| GPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 10-core | 10-core | |
| Base Unified Memory(GB) | 24GB | 16GB | |
| Maximum Memory Configuration(GB) | 128GB | 96GB | |
| Battery Life (14-inch model)(hours) | 18-20 hours | 16-18 hours | |
| AnTuTu Benchmark Score(points) | 2,450,000 | 1,850,000 | |
| Base Model Price (14-inch)(USD) | $1,599 | $1,499 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Up to 12-core CPU with 30% faster performance(winner)CPU PerformanceUp to 10-core CPU
- Up to 10-core GPU with 40% faster graphics(winner)GPU PerformanceUp to 10-core GPU
- 24GB unified memory standard(winner)Base Memory16GB unified memory standard
- 2,450,000+(winner)AnTuTu Benchmark Score1,850,000+
- 18-20 hours(winner)Battery Life (14-inch)16-18 hours
- 3nm (second generation)(winner)Manufacturing Process3nm (first generation)
- $1,599Price (Base 14-inch MacBook Pro)$1,499(winner)
- CPU Performance
Apple M5 MacBook
Up to 12-core CPU with 30% faster performance(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
Up to 10-core CPU
- GPU Performance
Apple M5 MacBook
Up to 10-core GPU with 40% faster graphics(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
Up to 10-core GPU
- Base Memory
Apple M5 MacBook
24GB unified memory standard(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
16GB unified memory standard
- AnTuTu Benchmark Score
Apple M5 MacBook
2,450,000+(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
1,850,000+
- Battery Life (14-inch)
Apple M5 MacBook
18-20 hours(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
16-18 hours
- Manufacturing Process
Apple M5 MacBook
3nm (second generation)(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
3nm (first generation)
- Price (Base 14-inch MacBook Pro)
Apple M5 MacBook
$1,599
Apple M4 MacBook
$1,499(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Apple M5 MacBook | Apple M4 MacBook |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Cores (Performance)(cores) | 12 cores (M5) | 12 cores (M4) |
| GPU Cores (Base Model)(cores) | 10 cores (M5) | 10 cores (M4) |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core(points) | 3,900(winner) | 3,100 |
| Memory Bandwidth(GB/s) | 120 GB/s(winner) | 100 GB/s |
| AnTuTu Benchmark Score(points) | 2,450,000(winner) | 1,850,000 |
| Metal Graphics Score (10-core GPU)(points) | 28,000(winner) | 20,000 |
| Base Configuration Memory(GB) | 24GB(winner) | 16GB |
| MacBook Pro 14" Starting Price(USD) | $1,999 | $1,599(winner) |
| Thermal Design Power(Watts) | ~30W (estimated)(winner) | ~32W (estimated) |
| CPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 12-core(winner) | 10-core |
| GPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 10-core | 10-core |
| Base Unified Memory(GB) | 24GB(winner) | 16GB |
| Maximum Memory Configuration(GB) | 128GB(winner) | 96GB |
| Battery Life (14-inch model)(hours) | 18-20 hours(winner) | 16-18 hours |
| Base Model Price (14-inch)(USD) | $1,599 | $1,499(winner) |
| Manufacturing Process | 3nm (N3E second-gen) | 3nm (N3 first-gen) |
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Apple M5 MacBook
Pros
- 12-core CPU delivers 30% faster performance vs M4 for multithreaded workloads
- 40% faster GPU performance for video rendering, 3D graphics, and ML inference
- 24GB base memory eliminates need for upgrades in most workflows
- Up to 20 hours battery life on 14-inch model
- Second-generation 3nm process provides better thermal efficiency
Cons
- $100 higher starting price than M4 base model
- Overkill performance for basic tasks like email and web browsing
- Limited external GPU expansion options compared to traditional CPUs
Apple M4 MacBook
Pros
- Excellent single-core and multi-core performance for 95% of user workflows
- $100 lower starting price at $1,499
- 16GB base memory sufficient for most creative applications and development
- 16-18 hour battery life covers full workday easily
- Still handles 4K video editing, photo retouching, and web development efficiently
Cons
- 30% slower CPU performance creates noticeable delays in heavy rendering tasks
- Slower GPU limits 3D rendering speed and large dataset ML processing
- 16GB base memory may require upgrades for complex video projects
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Yes, if you do professional work requiring sustained performance: the 30% CPU boost significantly reduces rendering times for 4K video (saving 5-10 minutes per export), 3D modeling, or code compilation. For everyday use (email, browsing, documents), the difference is imperceptible. The extra 8GB base memory (24GB vs 16GB) also reduces upgrade costs down the line.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
- W
Apple M5 MacBook on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Latest Apple silicon chip with 12-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 40% faster graphics for professional computing.
- W
Apple M4 MacBook on Wikipedia (opens in new tab)
Previous-generation Apple silicon with 10-core CPU and strong efficiency for everyday computing and creative work.
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