Apple M5 vs M4 MacBook: Performance Comparison 2026
The M5 chip delivers approximately 30% better CPU performance and 25% better GPU performance than the M4, with improved thermal efficiency and up to 24GB unified memory in base configurations, making it noticeably faster for demanding creative workflows.
Apple M5 MacBook
5th-generation Apple Silicon with enhanced GPU and neural processing for creative professionals.
Video editors, 3D artists, machine learning engineers, data scientists, and creative professionals handling large files.
Apple M4 MacBook
4th-generation Apple Silicon offering excellent value for general computing and light creative work.
Students, writers, casual developers, photographers, and professionals working with standard workflows where maximum performance isn't critical.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe M5 chip delivers approximately 30% better CPU performance and 25% better GPU performance than the M4, with improved thermal efficiency and up to 24GB unified memory in base configurations, making it noticeably faster for demanding creative workflows.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the M5 MacBook if you work with 4K/8K video editing, 3D rendering, machine learning, or large dataset analysis—the 25% GPU boost and additional memory justify the cost. Choose the M4 MacBook if you primarily handle document editing, web browsing, photography, or standard development work, where the M4 remains more than sufficient and saves $200-400.
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Choose Apple M5 MacBook if
Best pickVideo editors, 3D artists, machine learning engineers, data scientists, and creative professionals handling large files.
Choose Apple M4 MacBook if
Students, writers, casual developers, photographers, and professionals working with standard workflows where maximum performance isn't critical.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- CPU Performance:✓ Apple M4 MacBook wins(10-core CPU (up to 3.5 GHz) vs 8-core CPU (up to 3.5 GHz))
- GPU Performance Gain:✓ Apple M5 MacBook wins(~25% faster than M4 vs Baseline)
- Unified Memory (Base):✓ Apple M5 MacBook wins(24GB vs 16GB)
Key Facts & Figures
26 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Apple M5 MacBook | Apple M4 MacBook | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Core Count (High Performance)(cores) | 8 cores | 10 cores | |
| GPU Core Count (Standard)(cores) | 10 cores | 10 cores | |
| GPU Performance vs Previous Gen(%) | +25% vs M4 | Baseline | |
| Maximum Unified Memory(GB) | 128GB | 96GB | |
| Neural Engine Performance(TOPS) | 40 TOPS | 38 TOPS | |
| Power Efficiency at Peak Load(% improvement) | 18% lower consumption | Baseline | |
| Base MacBook Pro 16-inch Price(USD) | $3,499 | $3,299 | |
| CPU Single-Core Performance(Geekbench Points) | 3,700+ | 3,100 | |
| Neural Engine Throughput(TOPS) | 45 TOPS | 38 TOPS | |
| Power Efficiency(TFLOPS/Watt) | 18% more efficient | Baseline | |
| CPU Core Count (Standard)(Cores) | 12 cores | 10 cores | |
| 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 | $1,399 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 8-core CPU (up to 3.5 GHz)CPU Performance10-core CPU (up to 3.5 GHz)(winner)
- ~25% faster than M4(winner)GPU Performance GainBaseline
- 24GB(winner)Unified Memory (Base)16GB
- Improved 5nm+ process, 18% lower power consumption at same performance(winner)Thermal Efficiency5nm process baseline
- 16-core Neural Engine with 40 TOPS(winner)Machine Learning Performance16-core Neural Engine with 38 TOPS
- 120 GB/sStorage Bandwidth120 GB/s
- $200-400 higher base pricePrice PremiumLess expensive baseline(winner)
- CPU Performance
Apple M5 MacBook
8-core CPU (up to 3.5 GHz)
Apple M4 MacBook
10-core CPU (up to 3.5 GHz)(winner)
- GPU Performance Gain
Apple M5 MacBook
~25% faster than M4(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
Baseline
- Unified Memory (Base)
Apple M5 MacBook
24GB(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
16GB
- Thermal Efficiency
Apple M5 MacBook
Improved 5nm+ process, 18% lower power consumption at same performance(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
5nm process baseline
- Machine Learning Performance
Apple M5 MacBook
16-core Neural Engine with 40 TOPS(winner)
Apple M4 MacBook
16-core Neural Engine with 38 TOPS
- Storage Bandwidth
Apple M5 MacBook
120 GB/s
Apple M4 MacBook
120 GB/s
- Price Premium
Apple M5 MacBook
$200-400 higher base price
Apple M4 MacBook
Less expensive baseline(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Apple M5 MacBook | Apple M4 MacBook |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Core Count (High Performance)(cores) | 8 cores | 10 cores(winner) |
| CPU Cores (Performance)(cores) | 12 cores (M5) | 12 cores (M4) |
| GPU Core Count (Standard)(cores) | 10 cores | 10 cores |
| GPU Performance vs Previous Gen(%) | +25% vs M4(winner) | Baseline |
| GPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 10-core | 10-core |
| Maximum Unified Memory(GB) | 128GB(winner) | 96GB |
| Base Unified Memory(GB) | 24GB(winner) | 16GB |
| Maximum Memory Configuration(GB) | 128GB(winner) | 96GB |
| Neural Engine Performance(TOPS) | 40 TOPS(winner) | 38 TOPS |
| Power Efficiency at Peak Load(% improvement) | 18% lower consumption(winner) | Baseline |
| Base MacBook Pro 16-inch Price(USD) | $3,499 | $3,299(winner) |
| Base Model Price (14-inch)(USD) | $1,599 | $1,399(winner) |
| CPU Single-Core Performance(Geekbench Points) | 3,700+(winner) | 3,100 |
| GPU Performance(Relative Improvement) | 40% faster(winner) | Baseline |
| ProRes Video Encoding Speed(Relative Improvement) | 35% faster(winner) | Baseline |
| GPU Cores (Base Model)(cores) | 10 cores (M5) | 10 cores (M4) |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core(points) | 3,900(winner) | 3,100 |
Show 3 more attributesMemory Bandwidth(GB/s) 120 GB/s 100 GB/s CPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) 12-core 10-core AnTuTu Benchmark Score(points) 2,450,000 1,850,000 | ||
| Neural Engine Throughput(TOPS) | 45 TOPS(winner) | 38 TOPS |
| Power Efficiency(TFLOPS/Watt) | 18% more efficient(winner) | Baseline |
| Thermal Design Power(watts) | ~30W (estimated)(winner) | ~32W (estimated) |
| CPU Core Count (Standard)(Cores) | 12 cores(winner) | 10 cores |
| 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) |
| Battery Life (14-inch model)(hours) | 18-20 hours(winner) | 16-18 hours |
| Manufacturing Process(nanometers) | 3nm (N3E second-gen) | 3nm (N3 first-gen) |
Show 3 more attributes
Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Apple M5 MacBook
Pros
- 25% faster GPU performance for video editing and 3D rendering
- 24GB base unified memory vs 16GB on M4 (eliminates single common upgrade)
- 40 TOPS Neural Engine enables faster on-device ML inference
- 18% lower power consumption at equivalent performance (improved 5nm+ process)
- Supports up to 128GB unified memory in configurations
Cons
- $200-400 higher base purchase price than M4 equivalent
- Marginal 2% single-threaded CPU improvement—minimal benefit for most software
- Overkill for basic tasks like email, browsing, or document editing
Apple M4 MacBook
Pros
- $200-400 lower starting price with strong performance-per-dollar ratio
- 10-core CPU configuration provides excellent multithreading for most workflows
- Sufficient for video editing at 1080p/4K H.265 and photography work
- Battery life easily exceeds 18 hours in typical use
- Mature ecosystem with optimized software support and third-party tools
Cons
- 16GB base memory becomes limiting for heavy multitasking or ML workloads (costs $200+ to upgrade)
- 25% slower GPU makes 8K video work, complex 3D renders noticeably slower
- Lower Neural Engine throughput (38 vs 40 TOPS) affects AI-powered features
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Only if you regularly work with GPU-intensive tasks like 4K/8K video editing, 3D rendering (Blender, Cinema 4D), or machine learning projects. The 25% GPU advantage compounds across hours of rendering work. For office work, coding, or 1080p video, the M4 provides excellent value. The M5's 24GB base memory does eliminate one common $200 upgrade, offsetting some cost difference.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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