Expert’s Rating
Pros
- Enhanced GPU performance
- Significant SSD speed improvements
- Great balance between price and performance
Cons
- Uses Thunderbolt 4 instead of Thunderbolt 5
- Included 70W power adapter lacks fast charging capability
- No power adapter provided for U.K. buyers
Our Verdict
The M5 MacBook Pro distinguishes itself from the M4 MacBook Air with notable improvements in GPU and SSD performance. It presents an excellent mix of affordability, functionality, and features.
Contents
Price When Reviewed
This section will provide the geolocated pricing information for the product.
Best Pricing Today
Price When Reviewed$1,599
Best Prices Today: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 2025)
As I approached this review of the M5 MacBook Pro, I had modest expectations. The previous model, the M4 MacBook Pro, was outstanding, successfully addressing several shortcomings of earlier iterations, including webcam quality and base memory. My satisfaction with the M4 left me somewhat indifferent towards the M5, as the only significant update was the introduction of the M5 chip. However, my initial apathy transformed into genuine admiration after spending time with the new model. While the M5 MacBook Pro represents a minor update, it delivers impressive enhancements in graphics and SSD performance that truly stand out.
M5 MacBook Pro: Our Model’s Specifications
This review focuses on the entry-level model of the MacBook Pro series, the M5 14-inch variant. Our test unit features the same CPU, GPU, and RAM as the standard configuration but is equipped with a 1TB SSD (an extra $200/£200) and Nano-texture glass ($150/£150). Below are the specifications for the reviewed laptop:
- CPU: M5 with 10 cores (4 performance cores, 6 efficiency cores), 16-core Neural Engine
- GPU: 10 cores
- Memory: 16GB unified memory (153GBps memory bandwidth)
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR; 3024-by-1964 native resolution at 254 pixels per inch; 1000 nits sustained XDR brightness, 1600 nits peak (for HDR content); 1000 nits SDR brightness; 1 billion colors; P3 color gamut; True Tone; Nano-texture glass
- Ports: 3 Thunderbolt 4/USB-C; MagSafe 3; SDXC Card slot; HDMI; 3.5mm audio jack
- Networking: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3
- Input Devices: Magic Keyboard with Touch ID; Magic Trackpad
- Weight: 3.4 pounds (1.55 kg)
- Dimensions: 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches (1.55 x 31.26 x 22.12 cm)
- Price (as tested): $1,949/£1,949
M5 MacBook Pro: Performance
The primary focus of this review is the performance of the new MacBook Pro, driven by the M5 chip, which replaces its predecessor, the M4. Although both chips share the same number of CPU and GPU cores, the M5 features architectural enhancements that elevate its performance. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the M5 achieved single-core and multi-core scores that were 14 and 22 percent faster than the M4, respectively. These improvements align with trends observed in previous chip iterations. More notably, the M5 chip boasts an 84 percent increase in single-core performance and a 118 percent boost in multi-core performance compared to the M1 chip, making it particularly appealing to existing M1 users.
In Cinebench 2024, which measures 3D rendering performance through rigorous testing, the M5 registered a modest performance increase of 14 percent in the Single CPU benchmark and 11 percent in the Multi CPU benchmark. Although these gains may seem minor, they can be significant for professionals engaged in such demanding tasks. The standout feature of the M5, however, is its GPU performance in the Cinebench GPU test, where it outperformed the M4 by nearly 50 percent—an impressive achievement.
Using HandBrake for video encoding, we converted the 4K video “Tears of Steel” to a 1080p H.265 file. The M5 demonstrated substantial improvements, halving the time required compared to the M1, showcasing the strides Apple Silicon has made over the past five years.
In terms of 4K video export via iMovie, the M2 had already introduced significant enhancements to its ProRes encoder, leading to reduced rendering times. The combination of a faster CPU and encoding optimizations has further improved processing speeds.
In the Blackmagic Disk Test, which measures SSD performance in megabytes per second, the M5 MacBook Pro showed remarkable results, enhancing the user experience by speeding up file copying, opening, and movement. Its read score surpassed the M4 Max Mac Studio’s 5154 MBps, which is noteworthy.
The Geekbench 6 Compute test evaluates GPU performance through Apple’s Metal API and OpenCL, revealing a 35 percent increase in Metal performance—a more significant leap than seen in previous versions. Apple promotes the M5 as a superior GPU performer, and the benchmarks support this claim.
When assessing video game performance, the M5 MacBook Pro showed impressive frame rate enhancements—some instances reported improvements of up to 122 percent. However, the overall frame rates may not satisfy hardcore gamers who invest heavily in high-end GPUs. For those who primarily identify as Mac users but enjoy gaming, the MacBook Pro should meet their needs.
Apple claims that its Neural Engine is faster with the M5, but we are awaiting the release of macOS features that fully leverage AI capabilities. While Apple Intelligence’s writing tools are nice, they barely scratch the surface of AI’s potential. Here’s how the M5 stacks up against earlier base M-series chips.
M5 MacBook Pro: What Hasn’t Changed
The M5 MacBook Pro maintains the same configuration of three Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and continues to utilize the Thunderbolt 4 protocol, in contrast to the M4 Pro and Max versions that feature Thunderbolt 5. It appears that Apple will stick to this trend, with the base M-series MacBook Pro lagging behind its higher-end counterparts in Thunderbolt technology. External display support remains unchanged, and the M5 MacBook Pro still includes an HDMI port, a MagSafe connector, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5mm audio jack, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 12MP Center Stage camera. The laptop comes with a glossy display as standard, with an option for a nano-texture (matte) screen for an additional $150/£150, which is also consistent with prior models. Further details can be found in our M4 MacBook Pro review.
M5 MacBook Pro: Battery Life
Apple claims that the M5 MacBook Pro can deliver “up to 24 hours of video streaming” and “up to 16 hours of wireless web” usage. In our battery life testing, which involved playing a 4K video stored on the Mac’s SSD with the display set to 150 nits, the device lasted over 27 hours and 15 minutes—significantly exceeding Apple’s estimates. While video playback on the device is less intensive than tasks like rendering 3D animations, users can be confident in the laptop’s ability to handle moderate workloads without substantial battery drain. In the U.S., Apple includes a 70W power adapter with the M5 MacBook Pro, but to enable fast charging, a 96W or higher adapter is necessary. Apple offers a 96W adapter for an additional $20 when purchased with the laptop (a reasonable price) or for $79 when bought separately (which is less favorable). Third-party alternatives are available, and finding a comparable adapter for less than Apple’s $79 price is feasible. U.K. buyers should note that a power adapter is not included due to compliance with EU regulations set to take effect in 2026; however, many media sources argue that Apple is misinterpreting the law, as they do not have to exclude the adapter, just provide options. This regulation does not apply to the U.K.
Should You Buy the M5 MacBook Pro?
In Apple’s current laptop lineup, there is a clearer distinction between the $1,199 13-inch M4 MacBook Air and the $1,599 M5 MacBook Pro, at least until the MacBook Air receives an M5 upgrade. The significant improvements in GPU and SSD performance make the M5 MacBook Pro a compelling option. For users managing large files, engaging in extensive file exports, or relying heavily on GPU capabilities, the M5 MacBook Pro presents a superb combination of price and performance.
Follow me to stay updated on the latest technology and computer news from around the world. Join me in spreading the love for tech!