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Apple M1 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£990
  • Avg. price in US: ~$700
  • PassMark benchmark result: 14130
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.2 GHz

Apple M1 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.4

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

5.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.4

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

4.6

Performance

18.0%

7.1

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

5.8

Power & Thermal

4.0%

5.8

Platform

1.0%

8.3

Integrated Graphics

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.0
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    6.9

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    6.8

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    2.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.5
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.1

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

  • No image
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Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £990

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Apple M1 is a 5-nanometre System on a Chip (SoC) featuring 16 billion transistors and an 8-core CPU divided into four 'Firestorm' high-performance cores and four 'Icestorm' efficiency cores. It integrates a 7 or 8-core GPU with 2.6 teraflops of throughput, a 16-core Neural Engine for AI tasks, and a unified memory architecture supporting 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR4X-4266 RAM. Main pros include industry-leading performance per watt, silent fanless operation in some models, and exceptional battery life up to 20 hours. However, cons include a lack of support for external GPUs, a limit of only one external display, and non-upgradeable integrated RAM.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

5.4
Apple M1 has a technical score of 5.39 points, which is higher than that of 53.4% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Apple M1 has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

5.4

Overall score

40.0%

5.3

Price

5.4
Apple M1 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 88.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Apple
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Apple M1 belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

ARM64
Apple M1 uses the ARM64 architecture, which is less advanced than that of 98.4% of processors and equal to that of 1.7% of processors.
Apple silicon
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

8
Apple M1 has 8 CPU cores, which is more than 63.4% of processors and equal to 13.6% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Apple M1 offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

1
Apple M1 offers 1 threads per core, which is fewer than 69.7% of processors and equal to 30.3% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

3.2 GHz
Apple M1 reaches a boost clock of 3.2 GHz which is lower than that of 89.5% of processors and equal to that of 2% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 3.2 GHz & 4 x 2.06 GHz
Apple M1 has a base clock of 4x3.2 GHz & 4x2.06 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

5 nm
Apple M1 uses a 5 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 85.1% of processors and equal to that of 3.2% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

TSMC 5 nm
Apple M1 is built on the TSMC 5 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 83.7% of processors and equal to that of 3.2% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

?
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

16 MB
Apple M1 has an L2 cache of 16 MB which is larger than that of 89.8% of processors and equal to that of 2.7% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

2048 KB
Apple M1 has an L1 cache of 2048 KB which is larger than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 0.6% of processors.
Show more
DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

LPDDR4X
Apple M1 supports DDR LPDDR4X, which is older than that of 73.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

4,266 MHz
Apple M1 supports memory speeds up to 4266 MHz, which is higher than that of 61.2% of processors and equal to 2.5% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

LPDDR4X-4266 MHz
Apple M1 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR4X-4266 MHz, which is higher than that of 61% of processors and equal to 0.2% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

16 GB
Apple M1 supports up to 16 GB of memory, which is less than 91.7% of processors and equal to 6.4% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Apple M1 includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

16
Apple M1 has 16 GPU execution units, which is fewer than 56.5% of processors and equal to 6.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

?
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode)
Apple M1 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 99.6% of processors and equal to 0.3% of processors.
Show more
TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

?
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

?
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

N/A
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

N/A
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

no
Apple M1 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Apple M1 vs the average processor

  • 6.4x larger L2 cache
    Apple M1 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Apple M1 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.16 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 48% better single-core performance
    Apple M1 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,675 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Apple M1 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,675 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,675 vs 2,483
  • 59.6% higher single-core score
    Apple M1 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,347 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >2000

    Apple M1 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,347 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,347 vs 1,471
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M1 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
    performance + efficiency cores
    What it is: Combines high-performance cores with lower-power efficiency cores instead of relying on just one core type.
    When it matters: When you want strong burst performance in demanding tasks without wasting as much power during lighter background work.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Apple M1 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • 58.3% smaller process node
    Apple M1 has a lower process node than the average processor (5 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Apple M1 has a lower process node than the average processor (5 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.5 nm vs 12 nm
  • 5.33x larger L1 cache
    Apple M1 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (2,048 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
    What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
    When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=512 KB

    Apple M1 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (2,048 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.2048 KB vs 384 KB
  • Newer PCIe version
    Apple M1 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
    What it is: The newest PCIe generation the processor can use directly for graphics cards, SSDs, and other high-speed expansion devices.
    When it matters: When you want support for newer GPUs or SSDs, or more bandwidth for high-speed expansion hardware.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 4.0

    Apple M1 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).4.0 vs 3.0
  • 74.1% higher multi-core score
    Apple M1 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,344 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
    What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects multi-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
    When it matters: When you want a quick picture of multi-core speed in everyday mixed workloads, multitasking, and broadly optimized software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >8500

    Apple M1 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,344 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.8,344 vs 4,793
  • Includes crypto acceleration
    Apple M1 includes crypto acceleration, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M1 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 48% better single-core performance
    Apple M1 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,675 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 59.6% higher single-core score
    Apple M1 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,347 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 74.1% higher multi-core score
    Apple M1 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (8,344 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Apple M1 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Apple M1 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 34.2% higher PassMark score
    Apple M1 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (14,130 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 6.4x larger L2 cache
    Apple M1 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (16 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 58.3% smaller process node
    Apple M1 has a lower process node than the average processor (5 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M1 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • 5.33x larger L1 cache
    Apple M1 has a higher L1 cache than the average processor (2,048 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M1 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 5 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 32.3% smaller die size
    Apple M1 has a lower die size than the average processor (120.5 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 3.23x more transistors
    Apple M1 has more transistors than the average processor (16 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • Newer PCIe version
    Apple M1 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 49.1% higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M1 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (68.3 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 45.4% higher memory speed
    Apple M1 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (4,266 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M1 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 25.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M1 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 88.3% slower classroom rendering
    Apple M1 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (92.5 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M1 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 16.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Apple M1 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (403 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M1 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Apple M1 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Firestorm / Icestorm vs Kaby Lake).
  • 75% less memory capacity
    Apple M1 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (16 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Older DDR support
    Apple M1 supports an older DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR4X vs DDR4).
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M1 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 25.6% lower boost clock
    Apple M1 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
    What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
    When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4.7 GHz

    Apple M1 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Apple M1 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Firestorm / Icestorm vs Kaby Lake).
    What it is: The internal core-design codename used for this processor generation.
    When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs at a deeper design level and want to identify the exact architecture behind marketing names.

    Importance: LOW

    Apple M1 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Firestorm / Icestorm vs Kaby Lake).Firestorm / Icestorm vs Kaby Lake
  • 88.3% slower classroom rendering
    Apple M1 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (92.5 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >1500

    Apple M1 has a higher Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (92.5 vs 791.745). The average processor needs 791.745 for the Blender Classroom test.92.51 vs 791.745
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M1 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
    What it is: Lets each physical core run more than one thread at the same time, such as with Hyper-Threading or SMT.
    When it matters: When multitasking, rendering, compiling, virtualization, or other thread-heavy work benefits from more total processing threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Apple M1 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 16.7% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Apple M1 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (403 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Apple M1 has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (403 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.403 vs 484
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M1 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
    What it is: The supported CPU instruction sets and extensions.
    When it matters: When you run software that depends on specific CPU instructions.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Apple M1 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M1 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
    What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
    When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

    Importance: LOW

    Apple M1 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 3.96x more expensive
    Apple M1 is more expensive than the average processor (£990 vs £250).
    Apple M1 is more expensive than the average processor (£990 vs £250).£990 vs £250
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M1 and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M1?

  • Industry-leading performance-per-watt efficiency
  • Exceptional battery life, often lasting a full day or more on a single charge
  • Silent operation and minimal heat generation, particularly in fanless designs
  • Significant performance gains in single-core tasks and optimized Apple software
  • Unified memory architecture provides high bandwidth and snappy system responsiveness
  • Built-in Neural Engine accelerates machine learning and AI-based tasks
  • Compatibility with many iPhone and iPad applications natively on macOS

What customers dislike about Apple M1?

  • Native support for only one external display on base models
  • Lack of support for external GPUs (eGPUs)
  • Memory (RAM) is soldered and limited to a maximum of 16GB on the standard M1
  • Software compatibility issues with older non-ARM applications, requiring Rosetta 2 translation
  • Thermal throttling under sustained heavy workloads in fanless models like the MacBook Air
  • Limited port selection on most M1-based devices
  • Inability to run Windows OS natively via Boot Camp

Expert reviews

I
itpro.com
19/02/2021
Apple Mac mini (Apple M1, 2020) review: A miniature marvel

The IT Pro review describes the 2020 Apple Mac Mini with M1 as a "miniature marvel," featuring the same chassis as its predecessor but delivering vastly superior performance due to the transition to Apple silicon. The machine is noted for its exceptional value, providing performance that often outperforms much higher-priced machines in a compact form factor. Pros highlight the M1...Read more

H
hothardware.com
10/12/2020
Mac mini 2020 Review: Apple M1 Silicon Performance Deep Dive

The HotHardware review of the 2020 Mac mini highlights the transformative power of Apple's M1 chip, which delivers exceptional performance and energy efficiency in a familiar, compact chassis. Key advantages include impressive processing speed, very low power consumption, and cool, quiet operation, coupled with solid app compatibility via Rosetta 2 and a lower $699 starting price....Read more

T
techradar.com
19/11/2020
Apple Mac mini (M1, 2020) review

The TechRadar review praises the 2020 M1 Mac mini for its compact design, silent operation, and exceptional performance, which allows it to handle 8K video editing at a $699 starting price. However, it notes significant drawbacks, including a reduced port selection, no eGPU support, a 16GB RAM cap, and entirely non-upgradable, soldered internal components. Despite these limitations,...Read more

T
theguardian.com
09/12/2020
Apple MacBook Air (M1) review: gamechanging speed and battery life

The Guardian's 2020 review hails the MacBook Air M1 as a "gamechanger" for its incredible, fanless speed and efficiency, which provides workstation-level performance in a thin, silent design. While maintaining a familiar exterior, the device boasts a high-quality Retina display, a reliable Magic Keyboard, and a "best-in-class" trackpad. The laptop’s standout feature is its...Read more

T
techradar.com
21/03/2026
I put the MacBook Neo through the same tests as I did the MacBook Air M1 The Guardian

TechRadar's review reveals the $599 MacBook Neo, powered by an A18 Pro chip, surprisingly outperforms the M1 MacBook Air in single-core tests while offering premium build quality, exceptional portability, and over 13 hours of battery life. The device features a bright 13-inch Liquid Retina display and is noted for being highly repairable due to its modular design. However, the...Read more

D
david-garcia.medium.com
16/02/2021
An up-to-date software engineer review of the Apple M1 chip on a MacBook Pro 13

David Garcia's review of the M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch highlights a significant leap in software engineering workflows, driven by exceptional native ARM performance and efficient thermal management. Key benefits include blazing-fast build times for Node.js and VS Code, which are roughly 60% faster than previous Intel models, alongside silent operation and superior battery life under...Read more

P
pcmag.com
17/11/2020
Apple MacBook Air (M1, Late 2020) Review

The PCMag review highlights the late 2020 MacBook Air as a transformative, fanless ultraportable, driven by the powerful M1 chip and superior macOS optimization. Key advantages include unprecedented battery life—surpassing 29 hours in testing—along with the refined Magic Keyboard and a high-resolution Retina display. However, the design is limited by a sparse two-port selection, an...Read more

C
coolblue.de
07/10/2025
Apple MacBook Air (2020) with Apple M1 chip

Coolblue's expert review of the Apple MacBook Air 2020 (M1) highlights the revolutionary, fast performance of the M1 chip, which effortlessly handles demanding tasks like Final Cut Pro even on the base 8GB model. The fanless design ensures silent operation, complemented by a high-quality Retina display and comfortable keyboard. Pro highlights include exceptional portability at...Read more

(Translated)Show original
C
computerbild.de
25/01/2021
Apple Mac Mini 2020: Review of the Smallest Mac

The Computer Bild review of the 2020 Apple Mac Mini highlights the M1 chip's revolutionary performance, offering incredible speed for daily tasks and demanding 4K video editing, often surpassing previous Intel-based models. Key advantages include its near-silent operation and efficient cooling, providing a distraction-free experience. However, the 2020 model has notable downsides,...Read more

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N
notebookcheck.com
26/11/2020
Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 Benchmark: 7 or 8 GPU Cores?

The Apple MacBook Air 2020 M1 marks a significant transition to ARM-based silicon, delivering exceptional efficiency, a completely fanless design, and superior battery life compared to its Intel predecessor. While the 8-core GPU variant provides a 10-14% performance advantage in graphics-heavy tasks like Borderlands 3 over the 7-core model, the difference is negligible for daily...Read more

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R
recoverit.wondershare.fr
13/11/2020
Apple M1 vs. Intel i5: Which is Better?

The Apple M1 chip outperforms the Intel i5 in performance and energy efficiency, utilizing a 5nm architecture to deliver up to 20 hours of battery life and superior multi-core processing. The M1's primary pros include 2x faster SSD speeds and a quieter, cooler experience, while its cons are limited to 16GB max memory and support for only two external displays. Conversely, the Intel...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
lemondeinformatique.fr
18/11/2020
Apple MacBook Pro M1 13-inch Review: Stunning Performance and Battery Life

The M1 MacBook Pro 13-inch delivers a revolutionary shift in performance and efficiency, boasting 68% to 91% higher benchmark scores and significantly faster video processing compared to previous Intel models. Standout features include exceptional battery life exceeding 17 hours in real-world testing and active cooling that allows for sustained high performance without thermal...Read more

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M
macg.co
01/01/2021
Apple M1 Review: A Slap in the Face for Intel (and AMD)

MacGeneration's review describes the Apple M1 chip as a revolutionary, "slap" to Intel, highlighting a successful transition to ARM-based, unified memory architecture. The analysis praises game-changing speed, 5nm efficiency, massive battery life, and the effective Rosetta 2 translation layer, notably highlighting the MacBook Air's fanless, silent design. However, first-generation...Read more

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M
morethantech.it
23/03/2021
MacBook Air M1 Review

The Morethantech review defines the MacBook Air M1 as a revolutionary, fanless device that bridges the performance gap between entry-level and Pro models due to the ARM-based M1 Silicon. Key pros include exceptional, Pro-level speed for demanding tasks, superior 15–18 hour battery life, and a high-quality Retina display with an improved Magic Keyboard. Conversely, cons center on the...Read more

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T
tg24.sky.it
15/07/2021
iPad Pro: all the portable power of the M1 chip

The July 2021 Sky TG24 review labels the M1-powered iPad Pro a, "powerhouse," offering desktop-level performance with significant CPU and graphics boosts. The 12.9-inch model's Liquid Retina XDR display, Center Stage camera, Thunderbolt 3 support, and 5G connectivity are highlighted as major hardware advancements. However, the review critiques that iPadOS fails to fully utilize this...Read more

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H
hwupgrade.it
22/12/2020
MacBook Air with Apple M1: The Dawn of a New Apple. The Review

The 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip marks a historic, fanless shift to ARM-based Apple Silicon, delivering unprecedented ultrabook performance and exceptional battery life. While the M1's speed rivals higher-end models, the design remains identical to its predecessor, featuring a limited, two-port selection and an underwhelming 720p webcam. Software integration is a highlight,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
S
smartworld.it
22/11/2020
MacBook Air M1 Review: A Milestone

The Apple MacBook Air M1 marks a significant transition to ARM-based silicon, delivering exceptional performance and efficiency that easily handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing, despite its compact design. Key advantages include a completely silent fanless operation, outstanding battery life lasting up to 18 hours, and a high-resolution Retina display. Limitations include...Read more

(Translated)Show original
D
dday.it
19/11/2020
2020 MacBook Pro with M1 Processor: The "Live" Review

The 2020 MacBook Pro with M1 (1.1.6) marks a significant performance leap, with the chip delivering near-instant application launches and exceptional speed that outpaces earlier Intel models. A key advantage is the active cooling system, which allows the machine to sustain high-performance tasks like 4K video editing without the thermal throttling observed in the fanless MacBook...Read more

(Translated)Show original
M
macitynet.it
17/11/2020
First MacBook Air M1 reviews: The speed demon

The Macitynet review highlights that the MacBook Air M1 delivers a revolutionary performance leap, handling 4K video and photo editing smoothly while remaining completely silent due to its fanless design. Key advantages include exceptional battery life lasting up to two workdays, the comfortable Magic Keyboard, and a vibrant P3 Retina display. While the device offers superior...Read more

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M
macitynet.it
29/01/2021
MacBook Pro 13 M1 Review: The Laptop from the Future

The Macitynet review highlights that the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 represents a significant performance leap, bridging the gap between professional power and mobile efficiency. It praises the unprecedented speed and system responsiveness, while noting the design remains identical to previous Intel models. Key pros include the M1 chip's superior thermal management—offering silent,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
09/12/2020
Apple MacBook Pro M1 Review - A Hidden Revolution

The 2020 MacBook Pro with the M1 chip represents a "veiled revolution," looking identical to its Intel predecessor while delivering massive performance and efficiency gains via Apple’s 5nm silicon, which combines four performance and four efficiency cores. The Tweakers review highlights this shift as setting a new standard for performance-per-watt in the ultrabook market,...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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