Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core vs Apple M2 Max
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads Apple M2 Max overall by 13 points (70 vs 57 out of 100).
- Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core stands out on Core Specifications Cores: 20, Core Specifications Threads: 20, Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.1 GHz.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core leads overall
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
70
Apple M2 Max
57
Why it stands out
- Core Specifications Cores: 20
- Core Specifications Threads: 20
- Core Specifications Base Frequency: 3.1 GHz
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
The Apple M1 Ultra is an extremely powerful System-on-a-Chip designed for high-end, professional workstations. It combines two independently connected M1 Max units via the 'UltraFusion' interconnect to significantly increase computational throughput. This processor is suited for users who require maximum performance for intensive creative and scientific workloads.
Best for Professional video editingBest for 3D Rendering/VFXBest for Computational modeling
Pros
- High core count structure, featuring a total of 20 CPU cores and dedicated high-bandwidth interconnectivity (Source 1)
- Significant memory capacity options are available, supporting up to 128 GB of LPDDR5 RAM (Source 1)
- Achieves exceptional performance by combining two M1 Max units, effectively doubling peak capabilities (Source 1)
Cons
- The high resource requirements make it unsuitable for most general-purpose computing tasks
- It is a discontinued processor, limiting modern upgrade paths and support options (Source 1)
Apple M2 Max
The Apple M2 Max is a high-performance system-on-a-chip designed by Apple Inc., intended for professional computing tasks. Due to its advanced specifications, it powers applications requiring intensive computational resources, such as video editing and 3D rendering. It is best suited for creative professionals and developers who demand top-tier performance in portable forms.
Best for Video ProductionBest for 3D RenderingBest for Software Development
Pros
- Offers substantial processing power through a combined CPU/GPU design.
- The integrated graphics capability (up to 76 cores) provides extensive visual compute resources.
- Features advanced memory support, capable of high data transfer rates (LPDDR5 up to 192 GB).
Cons
- While powerful, the chip is designed for professional workloads rather than routine general computing.
- Its high specification level may result in a premium cost point.
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Enter today's price for each product to see which offers better value. Use the same currency for both.
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core
Apple M2 Max
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple M1 Ultra 20 Core26,695
Apple M2 Max15,000
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side