Apple M1 Pro VS Apple M3 Pro

We are comparing the Apple M1 Pro (Apple) with the Apple M3 Pro (Apple). Scroll down to the pros and cons of each processor, in-depth specs, and benchmark comparisons.

KEY DIFFERENCES OF Apple M1 Pro AND Apple M3 Pro

Here’s how Apple M1 Pro and Apple M3 Pro stack up against each other in their most impactful areas.

Apple M1 Pro: 3 advantages Apple M3 Pro: 6 advantages

Reasons to consider the Apple M1 Pro

3
  • 33% more performance-core threads (8 vs 6)
  • 33% more performance cores (8 vs 6)
  • 33% more memory bandwidth (204.8 GB/s vs 153.6 GB/s)

Reasons to consider the Apple M3 Pro

6
  • 20% more CPU threads (12 vs 10)
  • 20% more CPU cores (12 vs 10)
  • 200% more efficient-core threads (6 vs 2)
  • 200% more efficient cores (6 vs 2)
  • 27% higher P-core base frequency (4050 MHz vs 3200 MHz)
  • 31% higher E-core base frequency (2750 MHz vs 2100 MHz)

SPECIFICATION TABLE COMPARISON OF Apple M1 Pro AND Apple M3 Pro

Below is the detailed specification table comparing Apple M1 Pro and Apple M3 Pro.

Note: Highlighted specs mean that CPU wins that spec row.

If neither side is highlighted, it is a tie or there is not enough data for both specs.

Specification Apple M1 Pro Apple M3 Pro
General Information
CPU Name: Apple M1 Pro Apple M3 Pro
Vendor: Apple Apple
Release Date: October 18, 2021 October 30, 2023
Type: Laptop Laptop
Instruction Set: ARMv8 ARMv8
Codename: Apple M1 Apple M3
Package and Thermals
Manufacturing Process: 5 nm 3 nm
Transistor Count: 33.7 billion 37 billion
TDP (PL1): 30 W 30 W
Socket: Apple M-Socket Apple M-Socket
Max Temp (TJMax): 100 C
CPU Cores
Total Cores
Total Cores 10 12
Total Threads 10 12
P-Cores
P-Cores 8 6
P-Threads 8 6
P-Core Base Frequency 3200 MHz 4050 MHz
E-Cores
E-Cores 2 6
E-Threads 2 6
E-Core Base Frequency 2100 MHz 2750 MHz
NPU
NPU
Cache and Bus
Multiplier Locked Locked
L1 Cache 192 KB 192 KB
L2 Cache 24 MB 16 MB
Memory Support
Memory Types: LPDDR5-6400 LPDDR5-6400
Max Memory Size: 32 GB 36 GB
Memory Channels: 2 12
Max Memory Bandwidth: 204.8 GB/s 153.6 GB/s
ECC Support:
Benchmarks
Geekbench V6
Multi-Core 10305 15512
Single-Core 2328 3163
File Compression 1230 1560
Clang Compression 82 133
HTML5 Browser 249 383
PDF Renderer 271 393
Text Processing 246 301
Background Blur 37 61
Photo Processing 103 144
Ray Tracing 11 20
PassMark CPU
Multi-Core 21923 23932
Single-Core 3795 4232
Integer Math 45700 55800
Floating Point 64100 64600
Prime Numbers 271 239
String Sorting 32500 35000
Data Encryption 12200 14300
Data Compression 272600 287100
Physics 2683 2045
Extended Instructions 12500 14000
Cinebench 2024
Multi-Core 796 1059
Single-Core 109 143
Blender
Render Score 187 229

Tip: indicates a higher-is-better spec advantage, while indicates a lower-is-better advantage.

PERFORMANCE CHART COMPARISON OF Apple M1 Pro AND Apple M3 Pro

The charts below visualize how Apple M1 Pro and Apple M3 Pro stack up in key performance metrics.

Performance Radar Chart

Category scores overview (0 to 100)
Apple M1 Pro
Apple M3 Pro

Performance Benchmarks

Grey is the market top value. Colored bars show each CPU's relative benchmark reach.
Market Top
Apple M1 Pro
Apple M3 Pro

Release Timeline of Apple M1 Pro and Apple M3 Pro

Apple M1 Pro
742 days
Apple M3 Pro

Apple M1 Pro was released 2 years, 12 days earlier than Apple M3 Pro.

Value For Money Calculator

Prices use available launch or current data. Enter your own prices to see which CPU gives better value.

Apple M1 Pro

10C/10T
$
Value Index
0.0

Apple M3 Pro

12C/12T
$
Value Index
0.0
Apple M1 Pro
Apple M3 Pro
0%

Calculating...

Domain Score Summary

Scores are generated by Comparigon's scoring algorithm and are intended as a high-level guide. They may not map 1-to-1 with the individual spec-by-spec comparisons shown in the table.

Apple M1 Pro Apple M3 Pro
ALL
Overall
Difference: 4
Leads
Apple M1 Pro
74
Apple M3 Pro
78
Single-Core Performance
Difference: 9
Leads
Apple M1 Pro
72
Apple M3 Pro
81
Multi-Core Performance
Difference: 3
Leads
Apple M1 Pro
63
Apple M3 Pro
66
CPU Architecture
Difference: 5
Leads
Apple M1 Pro
66
Apple M3 Pro
71
Memory Architecture
Difference: 2
Leads
Apple M1 Pro
59
Apple M3 Pro
61
Energy Efficiency
Difference: 4
Leads
Apple M1 Pro
76
Apple M3 Pro
80

Our Verdict

In conclusion, the Apple M3 Pro is slightly better overall compared to the Apple M1 Pro. It comes out ahead across every comparable key area.

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Disclaimer: Specs, pricing, and benchmarks are sourced from official manufacturer data and verified test results. While we strive for precision, product details and pricing may change. Comparigon may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases.