MacBook Pro 2024 vs 2023: M4 vs M3 Performance 2026
The 2024 MacBook Pro features Apple's M4 Pro and M4 Max chips with up to 33% faster CPU performance and improved GPU capabilities compared to the 2023 M3 models, along with a brighter display (3500 nits vs 3000 nits) and better thermal efficiency.
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
Latest Apple laptop with M4 chips, brighter display, and enhanced AI capabilities
Professional video editors, 3D artists, ML engineers, and software developers who need cutting-edge performance and run computationally intensive applications daily
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
Prior-generation Apple laptop with M3 chips, proven reliability, and current discounts
Freelance designers, indie developers, content creators on a budget, and professionals whose workflows don't require maximum computational power
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe 2024 MacBook Pro features Apple's M4 Pro and M4 Max chips with up to 33% faster CPU performance and improved GPU capabilities compared to the 2023 M3 models, along with a brighter display (3500 nits vs 3000 nits) and better thermal efficiency.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the MacBook Pro 2024 if you need maximum performance for AI workloads, video editing, 3D rendering, or professional software development—the M4 chips deliver 33% faster multi-core performance and improved efficiency. Choose the MacBook Pro 2023 if budget is your primary concern, as prices have dropped significantly and the M3 remains capable for general development, design work, and creative tasks; the generational gap won't justify the cost for most users unless you're pushing computational limits.
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Choose MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max) if
Best pickProfessional video editors, 3D artists, ML engineers, and software developers who need cutting-edge performance and run computationally intensive applications daily
Choose MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max) if
Freelance designers, indie developers, content creators on a budget, and professionals whose workflows don't require maximum computational power
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Processor Generation:✓ MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max) wins(Apple M4 Pro/Max (5nm) vs Apple M3 Pro/Max (5nm))
- CPU Multi-Core Performance:✓ MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max) wins(33% faster (Geekbench 6: ~14,500) vs Baseline (Geekbench 6: ~10,900))
- GPU Performance:✓ MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max) wins(20-25% faster with improved ray tracing vs Standard ray tracing support)
Key Facts & Figures
6 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max) | MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max) | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Multi-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 Score) | ~14,500 (M4 Pro/Max) | ~10,900 (M3 Pro/Max) | |
| GPU Performance(TFLOP) | ~6,800 (M4 Max 40-core) | ~5,200 (M3 Max 30-core) | |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 3500 nits peak | 3000 nits peak | |
| Memory Bandwidth (Max Model)(GB/s) | 120GB/s | 100GB/s | |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 18-20 hours | 16-20 hours | |
| Base Model Price (14-inch)(USD) | $1,999 | $1,599 (current discount) |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Apple M4 Pro/Max (5nm)(winner)Processor GenerationApple M3 Pro/Max (5nm)
- 33% faster (Geekbench 6: ~14,500)(winner)CPU Multi-Core PerformanceBaseline (Geekbench 6: ~10,900)
- 20-25% faster with improved ray tracing(winner)GPU PerformanceStandard ray tracing support
- 3500 nits peak brightness(winner)Display Peak Brightness3000 nits peak brightness
- 120GB/s (M4 Max)(winner)Memory Bandwidth100GB/s (M3 Max)
- $1,999 (14-inch base)Price Entry Point$1,999 (14-inch base, now discounted)(winner)
- Improved active cooling and vapor chamber(winner)Thermal DesignStandard thermal solution
- Processor Generation
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
Apple M4 Pro/Max (5nm)(winner)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
Apple M3 Pro/Max (5nm)
- CPU Multi-Core Performance
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
33% faster (Geekbench 6: ~14,500)(winner)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
Baseline (Geekbench 6: ~10,900)
- GPU Performance
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
20-25% faster with improved ray tracing(winner)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
Standard ray tracing support
- Display Peak Brightness
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
3500 nits peak brightness(winner)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
3000 nits peak brightness
- Memory Bandwidth
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
120GB/s (M4 Max)(winner)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
100GB/s (M3 Max)
- Price Entry Point
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
$1,999 (14-inch base)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
$1,999 (14-inch base, now discounted)(winner)
- Thermal Design
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
Improved active cooling and vapor chamber(winner)
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
Standard thermal solution
Full Comparison
| Attribute | MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max) | MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max) |
|---|---|---|
| CPU Multi-Core Performance(Geekbench 6 Score) | ~14,500 (M4 Pro/Max)(winner) | ~10,900 (M3 Pro/Max) |
| Memory Bandwidth (Max Model)(GB/s) | 120GB/s(winner) | 100GB/s |
| GPU Performance(TFLOP) | ~6,800 (M4 Max 40-core)(winner) | ~5,200 (M3 Max 30-core) |
| Display Peak Brightness(nits) | 3500 nits peak(winner) | 3000 nits peak |
| Battery Life (Typical)(hours) | 18-20 hours(winner) | 16-20 hours |
| Base Model Price (14-inch)(USD) | $1,999 | $1,599 (current discount)(winner) |
| RAM Configuration Options(GB) | 16GB, 24GB, 32GB, 48GB, 64GB, 96GB | 8GB, 16GB, 24GB, 32GB, 48GB, 64GB, 96GB |
| SSD Storage Options(TB) | 512GB to 8TB | 256GB to 8TB |
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 Pro/Max)
Pros
- 33% faster CPU performance with M4 Pro/Max chips for demanding workflows
- 3500-nit peak brightness display—16% brighter for outdoor visibility
- Improved thermal efficiency with advanced vapor chamber cooling
- Enhanced GPU with better ray tracing for graphics-intensive tasks
- Superior AI processing with dedicated neural engines (up to 120GB/s memory bandwidth on M4 Max)
Cons
- Premium pricing with no price reduction from 2023 model at launch
- Incremental improvements may not justify upgrade for M3 users outside specialized workflows
MacBook Pro 2023 (M3 Pro/Max)
Pros
- Significantly discounted pricing (15-25% below 2024 launch price)
- Proven M3 architecture with excellent real-world performance for most professional tasks
- Wide software optimization and driver maturity across creative and development tools
- Still capable of 4K/8K video editing and complex 3D work without limitations
- Excellent battery life (16-20 hours typical usage)
Cons
- 13% slower CPU performance compared to M4 generation (Geekbench 6: ~10,900 vs ~14,500)
- 3000-nit display brightness is adequate but notably dimmer in bright environments
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Only if you heavily use AI tools, 4K/8K video editing, or 3D rendering. The 33% CPU improvement and 20-25% GPU boost are meaningful for professional workflows, but general users will notice minimal real-world difference. The M3 still handles coding, design, and light video work excellently. Wait for the 2023 to drop further in price unless you need maximum performance today.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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