MacBook Pro M4 Pro vs MacBook Pro M5 Pro: which is better for gaming?
Compared across 35 Mac games · High preset · no MetalFX
In short
The MacBook Pro M5 Pro (Apple M5 Pro) is 14% faster on average than the MacBook Pro M4 Pro (Apple M4 Pro): 124 vs 108 FPS at 1080p High across the games both can run. It clears 60 FPS in 32 games versus 29.
For gaming the gap is small: if you already own the MacBook Pro M4 Pro, upgrading is not worth it. If you are buying, pick whichever has more memory for the money.
29 games at 60+ FPS · wins 0 of 35
32 games at 60+ FPS · wins 35 of 35
Average FPS by resolution
| Resolution | MacBook Pro M4 Pro | MacBook Pro M5 Pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 108FPS | 124FPS | +15 % |
| 1440p | 74FPS | 91FPS | +23 % |
| 4K | 39FPS | 50FPS | +28 % |
Which one for your resolution?
- 1080p: MacBook Pro M5 Pro, at 124 FPS on average, smooth.
- 1440p: MacBook Pro M5 Pro, at 91 FPS on average, smooth.
- 4K: MacBook Pro M5 Pro, at 50 FPS on average, playable.
Specifications
| MacBook Pro M4 Pro | MacBook Pro M5 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 Pro | Apple M5 Pro |
| Generation | M4 | M5 |
| GPU cores | 16 / 20 | 16 / 20 |
| Geekbench Metal | 94,881 | 117,101 |
| Unified memory | 24 / 48 GB | 24 / 36 / 48 / 64 GB |
| Cooling | Fan | Fan |
| Gaming score | 26/100 | 32/100 |
| Year | 2024 | 2026 |
Game performance
Estimate1080p · High
The MacGameFPS verdict
Calibrated on real Mac benchmarks, not spec sheets
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M5 Pro wins in 35 of 35 games. For gaming the gap is small: if you already own the MacBook Pro M4 Pro, upgrading is not worth it. If you are buying, pick whichever has more memory for the money.
FAQ
Which is better for gaming, the MacBook Pro M4 Pro or the MacBook Pro M5 Pro?
The MacBook Pro M5 Pro: it wins in 35 of 35 games and is 14% faster on average at 1080p High.
Is upgrading from the MacBook Pro M4 Pro to the MacBook Pro M5 Pro worth it for gaming?
For gaming the gap is small: if you already own the MacBook Pro M4 Pro, upgrading is not worth it. If you are buying, pick whichever has more memory for the money.
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 M5 Pro about 46 FPS.
Which one for 1440p or 4K gaming?
At 1440p the average is 74 vs 91 FPS, and at 4K 39 vs 50 FPS (MacBook Pro M4 Pro vs MacBook Pro M5 Pro).
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 M5 Pro with 24, 36, 48, 64 GB.
