M4 vs. M4 Pro vs. M4 Max Chip Buyer’s Guide: Which Should You Choose?

Apple this week debuted its M4 Mac models, unveiling the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips. So how do the three latest-generation Apple silicon chips compare and which should you choose?

The MacBook Pro is the only product line currently available with a choice of all three M4 chips, but you will also have to choose between the M4 and M4 Pro chip when buying a Mac mini. All of the differences between the M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max chips are listed below:

Up to 10 CPU cores
(4 performance + 6 efficiency cores)
Up to 14 CPU cores
(10 performance + 4 efficiency cores)
Up to 16 CPU cores
(12 performance + 4 efficiency cores)
Up to 10 GPU cores Up to 20 GPU cores Up to 40 GPU cores
120GB/s memory bandwidth 273GB/s memory bandwidth 546GB/s memory bandwidth
Up to 32GB memory Up to 64GB memory Up to 128GB memory
Media Engine with one video encode engine and one ProRes accelerator Media Engine with one video encode engine and one ProRes accelerator Media Engine with two video encode engines and two ProRes accelerators
Thunderbolt 4 support (up to 40Gb/s) Thunderbolt 5 support (up to 120Gb/s) Thunderbolt 5 support (up to 120Gb/s)
11- and 13-inch iPad Pro (2024)
14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (2024)
‌Mac mini‌ (2024)
iMac (2024)
14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (2024)
16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (2024)
‌Mac mini‌ (2024)
14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (2024)
16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ (2024)

Benchmarks for the M4 Pro and M4 Max chips are yet to be seen, but performance is likely to scale similarly to the M3 series of chips.

The M4 chip is an ideal choice for everyday users who need dependable performance for typical productivity tasks, web browsing, and media consumption. With up to 10 CPU and GPU cores and support for up to 32GB of memory, it easily handles lightweight workflows without draining battery life excessively. Devices like the ‌iPad Pro‌, 14-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌, ‌Mac mini‌, and ‌iMac‌ offer this chip, providing great value for those prioritizing efficiency over intensive workflows.

For users who frequently handle intensive applications and multitasking but don’t have extreme performance demands, the M4 Pro strikes an excellent balance. With its added CPU and GPU cores, faster memory bandwidth, and support for Thunderbolt 5, the M4 Pro is a smart choice for video editing, graphic design, and advanced multitasking. It’s available in both the ‌Mac mini‌ and the 14- and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models.

Finally, the M4 Max is engineered for power users with high-performance needs, such as 3D rendering, complex data processing, or heavy-duty video production. With up to 16 CPU cores, 40 GPU cores, and 128GB of unified memory, the M4 Max is equipped to handle the most intensive workflows. It’s a good fit for those who require top-tier performance across the CPU and GPU. It is currently exclusively available in Apple’s 14- and 16-inch ‌MacBook Pro‌ models.Related Roundups: MacBook Pro, Mac miniTags: Apple Silicon, M4, M4 iMac, M4 Mac mini, M4 Mac Studio, M4 MacBook Pro, M4 MacsBuyer’s Guide: 14″ & 16″ MacBook Pro (Buy Now), Mac Mini (Buy Now)Related Forums: MacBook Pro, Mac mini
This article, “M4 vs. M4 Pro vs. M4 Max Chip Buyer’s Guide: Which Should You Choose?” first appeared on MacRumors.com

Discuss this article in our forums

Related posts

Latest posts

Google highlights an earlier Android 16 in Q2 2025 and more for Gemini

Google highlighted several updates to its Play Store and more for Gemini in Android Studio.

M1 vs. M2. vs. M4 Mac Mini Buyer’s Guide: 25+ Upgrades Compared

Apple just unveiled the first Mac mini redesign in over a decade. The previous major updates to the device were

Kuo: Apple’s Upcoming 5G and Wi-Fi Chips for iPhones Are Currently Two Different Chips

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said that at least one iPhone 17 model launching next year will be

Apple Opening Revamped Stores on Long Island and in Fairfax, Virginia

Apple will soon be opening revamped retail stores near Garden City, New York and Fairfax, Virginia, according to notices posted

10 New Things Your iPhone Can Do in iOS 18.2

Apple is set to release iOS 18.2 in December, bringing the second round of Apple Intelligence features to iPhone 15

Amazon Offers Massive $299 Discount on 8GB M2 MacBook Air, Available for $699.99

Apple's 256GB 13-inch M2 MacBook Air is back down to its all-time low price of $699.99 with the use of

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search Now Available as Google Alternative

OpenAI today announced the addition of ChatGPT Search to ChatGPT, allowing for improved AI-based internet searches. OpenAI says that ChatGPT

I used the first Snapdragon 8 Elite phone, and it’s hot stuff

I've tried out the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor in the Realme GT 7 Pro phone, and it was a much hotter experience than I expected.

AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D may come with a price hike

The possible pricing for AMD's upcoming Ryzen 7 9800X3D was just revealed, and we're looking at a price hike -- but it could've been worse.

AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D is official, and it shakes things up in a big way

After a long string of rumors and speculation, AMD has finally confirmed that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is arriving next week. Here are the details.