MacBook Pro M4 Pro vs MacBook Pro M4 Max: which is better for gaming?
Compared across 35 Mac games · High preset · no MetalFX
In short
The MacBook Pro M4 Max (Apple M4 Max) is 31% faster on average than the MacBook Pro M4 Pro (Apple M4 Pro): 142 vs 108 FPS at 1080p High across the games both can run. It clears 60 FPS in 34 games versus 29.
It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M4 Max lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
29 games at 60+ FPS · wins 0 of 35
34 games at 60+ FPS · wins 35 of 35
Average FPS by resolution
| Resolution | MacBook Pro M4 Pro | MacBook Pro M4 Max | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 108FPS | 142FPS | +31 % |
| 1440p | 74FPS | 116FPS | +57 % |
| 4K | 39FPS | 69FPS | +77 % |
Which one for your resolution?
- 1080p: MacBook Pro M4 Max, at 142 FPS on average, smooth.
- 1440p: MacBook Pro M4 Max, at 116 FPS on average, smooth.
- 4K: MacBook Pro M4 Max, at 69 FPS on average, smooth.
Specifications
| MacBook Pro M4 Pro | MacBook Pro M4 Max | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 Pro | Apple M4 Max |
| Generation | M4 | M4 |
| GPU cores | 16 / 20 | 32 / 40 |
| Geekbench Metal | 94,881 | 161,219 |
| Unified memory | 24 / 48 GB | 36 / 48 / 64 / 128 GB |
| Cooling | Fan | Fan |
| Gaming score | 26/100 | 44/100 |
| Year | 2024 | 2024 |
Game performance
Estimate1080p · High
The MacGameFPS verdict
Calibrated on real Mac benchmarks, not spec sheets
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M4 Max wins in 35 of 35 games. It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M4 Max lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
FAQ
Which is better for gaming, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro or the MacBook Pro M4 Max?
The MacBook Pro M4 Max: it wins in 35 of 35 games and is 31% faster on average at 1080p High.
Is upgrading from the MacBook Pro M4 Pro to the MacBook Pro M4 Max worth it for gaming?
It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M4 Max lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
How big is the FPS gap in Crimson Desert?
At 1080p High, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro gets about 37 FPS and the MacBook Pro M4 Max about 65 FPS.
Which one for 1440p or 4K gaming?
At 1440p the average is 74 vs 116 FPS, and at 4K 39 vs 69 FPS (MacBook Pro M4 Pro vs MacBook Pro M4 Max).
How much memory should I get?
For gaming, 16 GB is the sensible minimum and 24 GB leaves headroom. The MacBook Pro M4 Pro ships with 24, 48 GB and the MacBook Pro M4 Max with 36, 48, 64, 128 GB.
