MacBook Pro M4 vs MacBook Pro M5: which is better for gaming?
Compared across 35 Mac games · High preset · no MetalFX
In short
The MacBook Pro M5 (Apple M5) is 31% faster on average than the MacBook Pro M4 (Apple M4): 96 vs 73 FPS at 1080p High across the games both can run. It clears 60 FPS in 27 games versus 21.
It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M5 lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
21 games at 60+ FPS · wins 0 of 35
27 games at 60+ FPS · wins 34 of 35
Average FPS by resolution
| Resolution | MacBook Pro M4 | MacBook Pro M5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 73FPS | 96FPS | +32 % |
| 1440p | 47FPS | 63FPS | +34 % |
| 4K | 24FPS | 33FPS | +38 % |
Which one for your resolution?
- 1080p: MacBook Pro M5, at 96 FPS on average, smooth.
- 1440p: MacBook Pro M5, at 63 FPS on average, smooth.
- 4K: MacBook Pro M5, at 33 FPS on average, playable.
Specifications
| MacBook Pro M4 | MacBook Pro M5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 | Apple M5 |
| Generation | M4 | M5 |
| GPU cores | 10 | 10 |
| Geekbench Metal | 59,901 | 79,918 |
| Unified memory | 16 / 24 / 32 GB | 16 / 24 / 32 GB |
| Cooling | Fan | Fan |
| Gaming score | 16/100 | 22/100 |
| Year | 2024 | 2025 |
Game performance
Estimate1080p · High
The MacGameFPS verdict
Calibrated on real Mac benchmarks, not spec sheets
Verdict
The MacBook Pro M5 wins in 34 of 35 games. It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M5 lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
FAQ
Which is better for gaming, the MacBook Pro M4 or the MacBook Pro M5?
The MacBook Pro M5: it wins in 34 of 35 games and is 31% faster on average at 1080p High.
Is upgrading from the MacBook Pro M4 to the MacBook Pro M5 worth it for gaming?
It is a noticeable jump: the MacBook Pro M5 lets you go one step up in quality or resolution in most games.
How big is the FPS gap in Cyberpunk 2077?
At 1080p High, the MacBook Pro M4 gets about 23 FPS and the MacBook Pro M5 about 31 FPS.
Which one for 1440p or 4K gaming?
At 1440p the average is 47 vs 63 FPS, and at 4K 24 vs 33 FPS (MacBook Pro M4 vs MacBook Pro M5).
How much memory should I get?
For gaming, 16 GB is the sensible minimum and 24 GB leaves headroom. The MacBook Pro M4 ships with 16, 24, 32 GB and the MacBook Pro M5 with 16, 24, 32 GB.
