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Apple M2 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,340
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,000
  • PassMark benchmark result: 15644
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 3.49 GHz

Apple M2 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.6

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%

5.6

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
5.6

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%

4.8

Performance

18.0%

7.0

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

7.1

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.3

Platform

1.0%

8.8

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

  • 6.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    7.4

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    7.5

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    3.1

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 4.7
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    4.7

    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~ £1,340

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 M2 is a second-generation system-on-a-chip (SoC) built on an enhanced 5-nanometer process with 20 billion transistors. It features an 8-core CPU (4 performance and 4 efficiency cores) delivering up to 18% faster multithreaded performance than its predecessor, alongside a 10-core GPU that provides a 35% boost in graphics power. Key technical highlights include a 100GB/s memory bandwidth, support for up to 24GB of unified memory, and a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 15.8 trillion operations per second. Main pros include industry-leading power efficiency that enables exceptional battery life, a dedicated media engine for 8K ProRes video acceleration, and the ability to maintain peak performance without a fan in some models. However, notable cons include its limitation to a single external display on base models, thermal throttling under sustained heavy workloads in fanless designs like the MacBook Air, and the relatively high cost of memory and storage upgrades.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M2

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

5.6
Apple M2 has a technical score of 5.64 points, which is higher than that of 58.2% 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 M2 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%

5.6

Overall score

40.0%

3.4

Price

5.0
Apple M2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5 points, which is lower than 96.5% 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 M2 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

Z790, B660
Apple M2 supports Z790, B660 chipsets, which is broader compatibility than 79% of processors and equal to that of 1.2% of processors.
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 M2 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 M2 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 M2 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 M2 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

3.49 GHz
Apple M2 reaches a boost clock of 3.49 GHz which is lower than that of 83.6% 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 3.50 GHz & 4 x 2.42 GHz
Apple M2 has a base clock of 4x3.50 GHz & 4x2.42 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
Show more
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 M2 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 M2 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

20 MB
Apple M2 has an L2 cache of 20 MB which is larger than that of 93.2% of processors and equal to that of 1.1% 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 M2 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

LPDDR5
Apple M2 supports DDR LPDDR5, which is newer than that of 88.9% of processors and equal to that of 1% 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

6,400 MHz
Apple M2 supports memory speeds up to 6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 83.9% of processors and equal to 8.1% 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

LPDDR5-6400 MHz
Apple M2 supports JEDEC memory speeds up to LPDDR5-6400 MHz, which is higher than that of 85.6% of processors and equal to 2.8% 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

24 GB
Apple M2 supports up to 24 GB of memory, which is less than 91.5% of processors and equal to 0.2% 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 M2 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

?
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)
Apple M2 supports H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode), ProRes (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 96.6% 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

20 W
Apple M2 has a TDP of 20 W which is lower than that of 75.8% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
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

20 W
Apple M2 has a base power of 20 W which is lower than that of 75.4% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% of processors.
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

?
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 M2 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
Show more

Apple M2 vs the average processor

  • 56.5% better single-core performance
    Apple M2 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,885 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 M2 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,885 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.3,885 vs 2,483
  • 75.9% higher single-core score
    Apple M2 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,587 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 M2 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,587 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.2,587 vs 1,471
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M2 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 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 M2 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.20 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 2.03x higher multi-core score
    Apple M2 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,709 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 M2 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,709 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.9,709 vs 4,793
  • 2.18x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M2 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (100 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
    What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
    When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >75 GB/s

    Apple M2 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (100 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.100 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Apple M2 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
    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

    Apple M2 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.6400 MHz vs 2933 MHz
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M2 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
    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

    Apple M2 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5 vs DDR4).LPDDR5 vs DDR4
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M2 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 M2 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M2 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 56.5% better single-core performance
    Apple M2 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (3,885 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 75.9% higher single-core score
    Apple M2 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (2,587 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2.03x higher multi-core score
    Apple M2 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (9,709 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Apple M2 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 48.5% higher PassMark score
    Apple M2 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (15,644 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Apple M2 has a higher front-end width than the average processor (8 vs 4). The average processor uses front-end width of 4.
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M2 has a higher L2 cache than the average processor (20 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 58.3% smaller process node
    Apple M2 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 M2 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • 5.33x larger L1 cache
    Apple M2 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 M2 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 5 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 4.04x more transistors
    Apple M2 has more transistors than the average processor (20 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 12.9% smaller die size
    Apple M2 has a lower die size than the average processor (155 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 2.18x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M2 has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (100 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Apple M2 has a higher maximum memory speed than the average processor (6,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M2 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5 vs DDR4).
  • 55.6% lower base power
    Apple M2 has a lower base power draw than the average processor (20 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 55.6% lower TDP
    Apple M2 has a lower TDP than the average processor (20 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M2 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, BF16, I8MM, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • 18.8% lower boost clock
    Apple M2 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M2 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 16.5% weaker multi-core performance
    Apple M2 has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (2,325 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M2 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Apple M2 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Avalanche / Blizzard vs Kaby Lake).
  • 62.5% less memory capacity
    Apple M2 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (24 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M2 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 18.8% lower boost clock
    Apple M2 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 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 M2 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (3.5 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.3.49 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • Less advanced microarchitecture
    Apple M2 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Avalanche / Blizzard 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 M2 uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Avalanche / Blizzard vs Kaby Lake).Avalanche / Blizzard vs Kaby Lake
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M2 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 M2 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • Narrower instruction support
    Apple M2 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, BF16, I8MM, 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 M2 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, BF16, I8MM, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).NEON, AES, SHA1, SHA2, BF16, I8MM, AMX vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M2 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 M2 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 5.36x more expensive
    Apple M2 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,340 vs £250).
    Apple M2 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,340 vs £250).£1,340 vs £250
  • 62.5% less memory capacity
    Apple M2 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (24 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
    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

    Apple M2 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (24 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.24 GB vs 64 GB
  • 27.8% worse value for money
    Apple M2 has worse value for money than the average processor (4.98 vs 6.367).
    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.
    Apple M2 has worse value for money than the average processor (4.98 vs 6.367).4.98 vs 6.37
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M2 and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M2?

  • Improved multi-core CPU performance, roughly 18% faster than the M1
  • Significant gains in graphics performance with up to 10 GPU cores
  • Extreme power efficiency leading to industry-leading battery life
  • Dedicated media engine for hardware-accelerated ProRes and ProRes RAW
  • Silent operation in fanless designs like the MacBook Air
  • Increased unified memory ceiling of up to 24GB
  • Faster Neural Engine for enhanced machine learning tasks
  • Superior single-core speed that occasionally rivals higher-tier M1 Pro chips

What customers dislike about Apple M2?

  • Base 256GB models use a single-chip SSD, resulting in significantly slower read/write speeds than M1
  • Incremental performance jump from M1 can feel 'unexciting' for average users
  • Prone to thermal throttling under sustained heavy workloads in fanless models
  • Limited to supporting only one external display natively
  • Higher power draw and heat generation compared to M1 under peak load
  • Incremental gains may not justify the higher price tag for current M1 owners
  • Base configurations with 8GB of RAM can still experience stutters during heavy multitasking

Expert reviews

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theverge.com
10/10/2022
Apple MacBook Air M2 (2022) review: all-new Air

The 2022 MacBook Air (M2) features a modern, uniform design with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, MagSafe charging, and an improved 1080p webcam, though the new Midnight color shows fingerprints easily. While performance sees notable gains, the fanless design can experience thermal throttling under heavy loads, and the display notch may interfere with menu bar apps. Starting at...Read more

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computerworld.com
23/07/2022
Review: Apple’s M2 MacBook Air

The Computerworld review describes the M2 MacBook Air as a highly productive "road warrior’s dream" featuring a redesigned chassis, a silent fanless design, and impressive performance per watt. Key pros include a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, the return of MagSafe 3 charging, and a superior 1080p camera, with performance that handles intense multitasking while providing...Read more

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cnn.com
20/07/2022
The MacBook Air M2 is the Apple laptop I've been waiting for

The CNN Underscored review highlights the Apple MacBook Air M2 as a near-perfect, redesigned ultraportable featuring a thinner 11.3mm chassis and a brighter, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. Performance is driven by the M2 chip, offering significant boosts in graphics and multi-core tasks over the M1 model while remaining fanless and silent, bolstered by the return of the MagSafe 3...Read more

A
appleinsider.com
16/07/2022
Apple M2 MacBook Air Review | Hands-on Testing, Benchmarks

The AppleInsider review praises the 2022 M2 MacBook Air for its comprehensive design overhaul, featuring a 2.7-pound flat chassis, a vibrant 13.6-inch display, and the return of MagSafe 3 charging. Powered by the M2 chip, the laptop offers significant CPU and GPU gains over the M1 model, positioning it as an ideal, high-performance, and portable device for typical users. However,...Read more

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techspot.com
12/07/2022
Apple M2 Review - TechSpot

The TechSpot review of the Apple M2 identifies it as a refined, efficiency-focused successor to the M1, offering roughly 11-18% performance gains via a 5nm, 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Key strengths include exceptional media engines, specifically for ProRes video, and industry-leading performance-per-watt that keeps it competitive with x86 rivals while running on battery. However,...Read more

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mdpi.com
27/11/2025
Reverse Engineering the Branch Target Buffer Organizations on Apple Silicon (M2 SoC)

"Reverse Engineering the Branch Target Buffer Organizations on Apple Silicon" maps the internal BTB structures of Apple M2 chips, revealing a hierarchical organization with distinct differences between high-performance and energy-efficient cores. Utilizing the m1n1 bare-metal environment, the study identifies specific indexing mechanisms and branch misprediction behaviors to aid...Read more

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t-science.org
28/02/2025
Performance testing of virtual machines using VMware Fusion and Oracle VirtualBox on Apple MacBook Air M2 platform

a little longerThinking a little longer Ivakin and Sergeev (2025) evaluate VMware Fusion and Oracle VirtualBox on an Apple M2 MacBook Air, analyzing CPU, memory, and disk I/O performance to guide users transitioning to ARM architecture. VMware Fusion is highlighted for superior optimization, providing a near-native experience with consistent frame rates and lower latency....Read more

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technalsquared.wordpress.com
05/08/2022
M2 MacBook Air Review - Nathan Talks

The M2 MacBook Air review from TechnalSquared outlines a significant design overhaul adopting a flat, 11.3mm chassis with a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, MagSafe 3 charging, and a 1080p webcam. Performance sees a 18-20% boost from the M2 chip, offering silent, fanless operation with a 15-18 hour battery life. Key drawbacks noted are the higher starting price, the display notch,...Read more

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theverge.com
26/06/2022
My journey to drain the M2 MacBook Pro's battery

Monica Chin’s "drain diary" for The Verge puts the 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro through a rigorous, real-world battery test, featuring extensive, continuous usage with heavy multitasking, browser tabs, and Adobe software. The primary finding is the machine's exceptional endurance, with the laptop lasting over 16.5 hours, heavily validating Apple's efficiency claims and enabling full-day...Read more

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theverge.com
15/07/2022
Apple MacBook Air M2 storage speed testing: yup, it’s slow

Testing by The Verge shows the base 256GB M2 MacBook Air has significantly slower SSD read/write speeds than the 512GB model and the previous M1 version, caused by using a single NAND flash chip instead of two. While daily use for average users may not be impacted, the slower speeds can create bottlenecks when the 8GB RAM fills up and the system relies on swap memory. Despite these...Read more

H
heise.de
22/06/2022
Apple MacBook Pro 2022 with M2 chip: First review

The Heise review of the 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro characterizes it as a solid, iterative update, pairing the new M2 chip with an aging 2016-era design. Benchmarks demonstrate a notable performance boost, with a 12.7% increase in multi-core tasks and an 18.4% gain in Geekbench 5 over the M1, driven by higher clock speeds. The active cooling ensures sustained performance, though the...Read more

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computerwoche.de
25/07/2022
MacBook Air M2 Review: How Good Is Apple's New Lightweight Laptop?

The M2 iPad Air functions as a powerful middle ground in Apple's tablet lineup, offering high performance in a slim, lightweight design that bridges the gap between standard and Pro models. Key advantages include the efficient M2 chip, a bright Liquid Retina display, better value via increased 128GB base storage, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro. However, the device lacks a...Read more

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macwelt.de
07/08/2022
MacBook Air M2 Review: Performance powerhouse meets efficiency

According to Macwelt, the M2 MacBook Air is a high-performance, fanless laptop with a redesigned, lightweight chassis and a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. Pros include the convenient return of MagSafe 3, excellent battery life, and superior performance-per-watt for everyday tasks. Cons involve notable thermal throttling under heavy, sustained loads and significant...Read more

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digitec.ch
03/08/2022
Apple MacBook Air M2 Review – Is it Really That Magical?

The Digitec review of the Apple MacBook Air M2 highlights a significant design overhaul with a uniform look, a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, the return of MagSafe, and an improved 1080p webcam. While the M2 chip boosts performance for GPU-intensive tasks in a fanless, silent design, the device faces thermal throttling under sustained loads and features a significantly...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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macwelt.de
25/06/2022
MacBook Pro M2 2022 review by Macworld", "Macworld's 2022 M2 MacBook Pro review

The 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro, featuring the M2 chip, delivers significant performance gains in GPU tasks and video encoding, alongside impressive 20-hour battery life and sustained performance enabled by its active cooling system. Despite these improvements, the device is criticized for utilizing an outdated chassis design, featuring a subpar 720p webcam, and maintaining the largely...Read more

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computerbild.de
14/07/2022
Apple MacBook Air 2022: New Entry-Level Laptop Review

The Computer Bild review of the MacBook Air M2 highlights a significant redesign and performance boost, with the M2 chip delivering faster speeds for office tasks and demanding applications compared to the 2020 M1 model. Key improvements include a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, the return of MagSafe charging, a high-quality 1080p camera, and a fanless, silent design....Read more

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capital.fr
15/12/2025
MacBook Air M2 Review: 3 Years Old and Still Outperforming 2025 Windows PCs at the Same Price

The 13-inch MacBook Air M2 remains a top competitor in 2025, outperforming Windows laptops in the 800€–1000€ range with performance comparable to newer models. Key strengths include its premium build, vivid Liquid Retina display, exceptional battery life, and silent, fanless operation. While highly recommended for portability, it faces limitations with only two USB-C ports, lack of...Read more

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phototrend.fr
23/03/2026
Test: 6 months with the Apple MacBook Air M2, the perfect laptop?

After six months, the MacBook Air M2 is praised for its new flat design, exceptional portability, and vibrant 13.6-inch display, while the return of MagSafe 3 and silent, fanless operation are highlighted as key benefits. Performance of the M2 chip proves strong for photo editing and creative work, though the machine suffers from thermal throttling during sustained, heavy loads like...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
19/08/2022
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Review

The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) features a redesigned, boxy, all-aluminum chassis that is highly portable at 1.24 kg, paired with a bright 13.6-inch "Liquid Retina" display covering 99% DCI-P3. The M2 chip offers significant performance gains over the M1, supporting intense workflows with exceptional 17+ hour battery life, convenient MagSafe 3 charging, and a comfortable, quiet...Read more

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presse-citron.net
22/06/2022
MacBook Pro M2 Review: The Pro that's gasping for Air

The Presse-Citron review of the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 highlights a machine defined by extreme efficiency and sustained performance, primarily due to an active cooling system that allows the M2 chip to handle intensive tasks without thermal throttling. Its key strengths include industry-leading battery life, often lasting over 20 hours, and high-speed operation for video editing....Read more

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01net.com
26/05/2026
Apple MacBook Air M2 2022 - Technical Specifications

The 2022 MacBook Air adopts a flatter 1.13 cm design reminiscent of the MacBook Pro, featuring a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a camera notch, MagSafe charging, and a 1080p webcam. Powered by the M2 chip, it offers up to 18% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance than the M1, though its fanless design can cause thermal throttling during intense, sustained workloads. While...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
15/11/2022
Intel Core i7-1250U vs Apple M2: More powerful, but more expensive

According to LaptopMedia, the Apple M2 generally outperforms the Intel Core i7-1250U, offering 56% higher Geekbench 5 single-core performance and significantly faster GPU performance. The M2's primary pros are its 5nm efficiency and superior 10-core GPU, though its higher cost is a notable con. Conversely, the Intel i7-1250U provides a budget-friendly alternative with strengths in...Read more

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computerhoy.com
24/08/2022
MacBook Air M2 review: the ultraportable that has almost everything

The MacBook Air M2 features a redesigned, uniformly flat chassis that is highly portable, measuring 11.3mm thin and weighing 1.22kg, while introducing a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness and a 1080p camera notch. Performance is driven by the M2 chip, offering significant CPU and GPU improvements over the M1, supported by a silent, fanless design, though the...Read more

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macitynet.it
18/02/2022
Apple M2: Estimated Performance and Benchmarks via Extrapolation

Based on architectural extrapolations from A-series chips, the Apple M2 is predicted to deliver a significant performance increase over the M1, driven by a higher clock speed of 3.5GHz and refined architecture. Key estimated improvements include roughly 18% to 20% faster single-core performance and a 35% boost in graphics capability with up to 10 GPU cores. While the chip provides...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
19/08/2022
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) Review

The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) features a redesigned, portable 1.24 kg aluminum chassis with MagSafe, a 1080p camera notch, and impressive speakers, though it is limited to just two Thunderbolt ports. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display delivers over 500 nits of brightness, full DCI-P3 coverage, and no PWM, although professional color accuracy and key travel are slightly limited....Read more

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spider-mac.com
18/07/2022
MacBook Air M2: The 13-Inch Pro Many Were Waiting For

The July 2022 Spider-Mac review highlights the MacBook Air M2's significant design overhaul, featuring a uniform 11.3mm chassis and the return of MagSafe 3 charging. The 13.6-inch display, improved 1080p camera, and M2 chip's 12-18% CPU boost make it a capable, silent, fanless machine, though the notch and potential thermal throttling are noted. However, the review highlights...Read more

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corriere.it
22/06/2022
13-inch MacBook Pro (2022) with M2 review: how the new chip performs

The 2022 13-inch MacBook Pro features the new M2 chip, offering up to 18% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance than the M1, while utilizing an active cooling fan to sustain high-performance tasks like 4K video editing. While performance is a major pro, the laptop keeps an outdated design, featuring the controversial Touch Bar, thick bezels, a 720p webcam, and limited...Read more

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iphoneitalia.com
06/09/2022
MacBook Air M2: Our Review", "MacBook Air M2 Review

The iPhoneItalia review highlights the MacBook Air M2's complete design overhaul, featuring a flat 11.3mm chassis, a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with a notch, and the return of MagSafe 3, though the Midnight finish is highly prone to fingerprints. Performance gains from the M2 chip are significant, offering up to 35% better graphics, yet the fanless design leads to...Read more

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saggiamente.com
20/09/2022
High-end MacBook Air M2 review: More power, but at a steep price

The SaggiaMente review highlights the 2022 MacBook Air M2 as a significant redesign featuring a flatter chassis, a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, an improved 1080p webcam, and the return of MagSafe. The M2 chip offers superior, silent, fanless performance, particularly in the 10-core GPU model, though this higher-end configuration positions it as a premium, expensive...Read more

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digitec.ch
03/08/2022
Testing Apple's MacBook Air M2: Is it truly that 'magical'?

The Digitec review highlights the Apple MacBook Air M2 as a refined, silent device featuring a brighter 13.6-inch display, improved 1080p webcam, and the return of MagSafe 3 charging. Performance metrics show a 15–16% boost in multi-core tasks and a 35% improvement in graphics over the M1, though the 256GB base model suffers from slower SSD speeds due to a single NAND chip. Cons...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
laptopmedia.com
19/08/2022
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review | LaptopMedia Netherlands

The Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) features a redesigned, rigid chassis with a 13.6-inch "Liquid Retina" display boasting high contrast and extensive color coverage. Key advantages include fanless, silent operation, over 17 hours of battery life, and the return of MagSafe 3. While the M2 chip delivers up to 35% better GPU performance than its predecessor, the fanless design leads to...Read more

(Translated)Show original
T
tweakers.net
22/06/2022
Apple MacBook Pro M2 Review - A new heart in an old body

The Tweakers review of the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 highlights a device that pairs a powerful new processor with a dated exterior. While the M2 chip provides a significant performance boost—offering roughly 18% faster CPU and 35% faster GPU performance than the M1—the chassis remains unchanged from previous generations, including the Touch Bar, 720p webcam, and thicker bezels. Key...Read more

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I
iculture.nl
10/07/2023
MacBook Air 2022 with M2 chip review - iCulture

The iCulture review of the 2022 MacBook Air highlights a major redesign, featuring a flat, lightweight, and highly portable aluminum chassis in new colors, including the fingerprint-prone Midnight. Key performance upgrades include the M2 chip—offering faster CPU/GPU speeds—a brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, and the return of MagSafe 3 charging. However, notable cons include...Read more

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