Apple M1 vs Apple M1 Pro
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Apple M1 | Apple M1 Pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cores / threads | 8 / 8 | 10 / 10 | — |
| Boost clock (GHz) | 3.2 | 3.2 | — |
| Single-core score | 2,350 | 2,380 | -1.3% |
| Multi-core score | 8,300 | 12,200 | -32.0% |
| TDP (W) | 20 | 30 | — |
- Apple M1 is slower than Apple M1 Pro by 1.3% in single-core and slower by 32.0% in multi-core.
- Apple M1 also draws less power (20W vs 30W).
Verdict: M1 or M1 Pro?
Apple M1 advantages
- Power efficiency (+33%)
Apple M1 Pro advantages
- Multi-core speed (+32%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Apple M1 if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build.
- Choose the Apple M1 Pro if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
Apple M1 vs Apple M1 Pro: which should you choose?
Apple M1 — 8-core / 8-thread Apple laptop processor (2020) with a boost clock of 3.2 GHz and 20 W TDP.
Apple M1 Pro — 10-core / 10-thread Apple laptop processor (2021) with a boost clock of 3.2 GHz and 30 W TDP.
Apple M1 vs Apple M1 Pro: Apple M1 Pro leads in multi-core performance. Apple M1 is slower than Apple M1 Pro by 1.3% in single-core and slower by 32.0% in multi-core. Apple M1 also draws less power (20W vs 30W).
Gaming and single-threaded work
Games and everyday responsiveness lean on single-core speed. The Apple M1 Pro leads there with a single-core score of 2,380 versus 2,350, so it is the marginally better pick for high-refresh gaming — though at typical resolutions the GPU usually decides frame rates.
Content creation and multitasking
For rendering, compilation, video export and other all-core workloads, the Apple M1 Pro is stronger, posting 12,200 multi-core against 8,300. Its 10 cores and 10 threads give it real headroom for heavy parallel jobs.
Power and platform
The Apple M1 is the more efficient chip at 20 W versus 30 W, which means less heat, quieter cooling and lower running costs under sustained load.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the processor comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple M1 better than the Apple M1 Pro?
Apple M1 Pro takes the overall edge, though Apple M1 wins in specific areas worth weighing. Apple M1 is slower than Apple M1 Pro by 1.3% in single-core and slower by 32.0% in multi-core.
What is the main difference between the Apple M1 and the Apple M1 Pro?
Apple M1 is slower than Apple M1 Pro by 1.3% in single-core and slower by 32.0% in multi-core. Apple M1 also draws less power (20W vs 30W).
Which should I choose?
Choose the Apple M1 if you want a cooler, quieter and more power-efficient build. Choose the Apple M1 Pro if you render video, compile code or run heavy multitasking.
Methodology
Each processor is scored on a normalized benchmark index aggregating single-core and multi-core results. Single-core predicts responsiveness and gaming; multi-core predicts throughput in rendering and compilation. We also report cores/threads, boost clock and TDP.