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Apple M3 Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£1,140
  • Avg. price in US: ~$1,100
  • PassMark benchmark result: 19087
  • N. of physical cores: 8
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.05 GHz

Apple M3 review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

6.4

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%

6.4

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.4

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%

5.6

Performance

18.0%

8.6

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

6.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

6.6

Power & Thermal

4.0%

6.2

Platform

1.0%

8.4

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

  • 7.8
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.3

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    9.0

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    4.8

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    9.0

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    3.5

    N. of physical cores

  • 5.1
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    5.5

    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~ £1,140

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 M3 is an 8-core processor built on a cutting-edge 3-nanometer process, featuring 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores with 25 billion transistors. It integrates a 10-core GPU that introduces a next-generation architecture with Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and mesh shading, alongside a 16-core Neural Engine capable of 18 TOPS. Main pros include a 15% increase in CPU performance and 65% faster graphics compared to the M1, support for up to 24GB of unified memory, and AV1 video decoding for improved streaming efficiency. However, notable cons include support for only one external display on base models, no increase in memory bandwidth over the previous generation (staying at 100 GB/s), and the lack of Wi-Fi 7 support.

Technical Specifications of processor Apple M3

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

6.4
Apple M3 has a technical score of 6.37 points, which is higher than that of 70.7% 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 M3 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%

6.4

Overall score

40.0%

4.5

Price

5.8
Apple M3 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.8 points, which is lower than 73.6% 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 M3 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 M3 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 M3 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 M3 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 M3 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

4.05 GHz
Apple M3 reaches a boost clock of 4.05 GHz which is lower than that of 59.6% of processors and equal to that of 0.2% 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 4.05 GHz & 4 x 2.75 GHz
Apple M3 has a base clock of 4x4.05 GHz & 4x2.75 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

3 nm
Apple M3 uses a 3 nm process node, which is more advanced than that of 96% of processors and equal to that of 4% 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 3 nm
Apple M3 is built on the TSMC 3 nm foundry process, which is more advanced than that of 96.2% of processors and equal to that of 3.8% 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 M3 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

?
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/LPDDR5X
Apple M3 supports DDR LPDDR5/LPDDR5X, which is newer than that of 91.5% of processors and equal to that of 0.1% 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 M3 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

?
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 M3 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 M3 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

AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode)
Apple M3 supports AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) media codecs, which is broader support than 55.1% of processors and equal to 0.2% 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 M3 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 M3 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 M3 does not support configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Apple M3 vs the average processor

  • 89.9% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,715 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 M3 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,715 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.4,715 vs 2,483
  • 2.09x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,076 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 M3 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,076 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.3,076 vs 1,471
  • 3.93x higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Apple M3 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,904 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 M3 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,904 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.1,904 vs 484
  • 8x larger L2 cache
    Apple M3 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 M3 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
  • 2.44x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,700 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 M3 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,700 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.11,700 vs 4,793
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 has a lower process node than the average processor (3 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 M3 has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.3 nm vs 12 nm
  • 2.18x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 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 M3 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
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M3 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5/LPDDR5X 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 M3 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4
  • Supports HMP
    Apple M3 supports HMP, the average processor does not.
  • 3 year/s newer release date
    Apple M3 has a newer release date than the average processor (2,023 vs 2,020).
  • 89.9% better single-core performance
    Apple M3 has a higher PassMark single-core score than the average processor (4,715 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 2.09x higher single-core score
    Apple M3 has a higher Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (3,076 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 3.93x higher Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Apple M3 has a higher Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (1,904 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2.44x higher multi-core score
    Apple M3 has a higher Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (11,700 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 81.2% higher PassMark score
    Apple M3 has a higher PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (19,087 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 2 more CPU cores
    Apple M3 has more CPU cores than the average processor (8 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 4 wider front-end design
    Apple M3 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 M3 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.
  • 75% smaller process node
    Apple M3 has a lower process node than the average processor (3 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • Uses big.LITTLE design
    Apple M3 uses a big.LITTLE design, the average processor does not.
  • More advanced foundry
    Apple M3 uses a more advanced foundry process than the average processor (TSMC 3 nm vs Intel 14 nm).
  • 5.05x more transistors
    Apple M3 has more transistors than the average processor (25 billion vs 4.95 billion). The average processor has 4.95 billion transistors.
  • 18% smaller die size
    Apple M3 has a lower die size than the average processor (146 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 2.18x higher memory bandwidth
    Apple M3 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.
  • Newer DDR support
    Apple M3 supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (LPDDR5/LPDDR5X vs DDR4).
  • 2.18x higher memory speed
    Apple M3 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 PCIe version
    Apple M3 supports a newer PCIe version than the average processor (4 vs 3.0).
  • 55.6% lower base power
    Apple M3 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 M3 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 M3 supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (NEON, CRC32, AES, SHA1, SHA2, DotProd, FP16, I8MM, AMX, SME vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • 5.8% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M3 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.
  • 62.5% less memory capacity
    Apple M3 has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (24 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M3 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • No multithreading support
    Apple M3 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 M3 does not support multithreading, the average processor does.
  • No configurable TDP
    Apple M3 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 M3 does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
  • 4.56x more expensive
    Apple M3 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,140 vs £250).
    Apple M3 is more expensive than the average processor (£1,140 vs £250).£1,140 vs £250
  • 5.8% lower boost clock
    Apple M3 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 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 M3 has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.1 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.05 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
  • 62.5% less memory capacity
    Apple M3 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 M3 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
  • 1 fewer threads per core
    Apple M3 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 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

    Apple M3 has fewer threads per core than the average processor (1 vs 2). The average processor offers 2 threads per core.1 vs 2
  • Narrower media codec support
    Apple M3 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).
    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

    Apple M3 supports fewer media codecs than the average processor (AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)).AV1 (HW decode), ProRes RAW (HW decode/encode) vs H.264 (HW decode/encode), H.265 (HW decode/encode), VP9 (HW decode/encode), AV1 (HW decode)
  • 9.6% worse value for money
    Apple M3 has worse value for money than the average processor (5.81 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 M3 has worse value for money than the average processor (5.81 vs 6.367).5.81 vs 6.37
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Memory & PCIe
Integrated Graphics
Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Apple M3 and other processors

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Apple M3?

  • Exceptional power efficiency providing industry-leading battery life, sometimes exceeding 20-30 hours in specific tests.
  • Significant performance jump for users upgrading from Intel-based or M1 Macs.
  • Hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading improve 3D rendering and gaming performance.
  • The 3nm process allows for fast, snappy performance in daily productivity and creative tasks while maintaining cool, silent operation in fanless models.
  • M3 Pro and Max variants support high unified memory configurations up to 128GB.
  • Added support for two external displays (with the lid closed) on the base M3 MacBook Air model.

What customers dislike about Apple M3?

  • Base configurations starting with 8GB of RAM are widely criticized as insufficient for modern professional workflows.
  • Memory and storage are soldered and not user-upgradeable, forcing high upfront costs for future-proofing.
  • Performance gains over the M2 generation are relatively modest, making it a questionable upgrade for current M2 owners.
  • The M3 Pro variant specifically features reduced memory bandwidth compared to its M1/M2 Pro predecessors.
  • Premium features like the 'Space Black' color and additional ports are locked behind more expensive Pro/Max chip tiers.
  • High-end configurations are very expensive, with some users noting a steep price jump for RAM upgrades.

Expert reviews

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timesofindia.indiatimes.com
12/12/2025
Apple iPad Air M3 review: Power meets portability

The Apple iPad Air M3 offers professional-grade performance with its M3 chip, featuring an 8-core CPU and 9-core GPU, which significantly boosts speed for creative tasks and Apple Intelligence. Available in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, it features a Liquid Retina display with anti-reflective coating, though it lacks a 120Hz refresh rate, sticking to 60Hz. The device features a...Read more

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forbes.com
11/03/2024
Apple M3 MacBook Air Review: The 15-Inch Is The Perfect Digital Nomad Machine

The 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is praised as an ideal, portable workstation for digital nomads, balancing a lightweight, slim design with a large, high-quality 15-inch Liquid Retina display. Key performance advantages include the fanless M3 chip's capability to handle heavy tasks like 4K editing and the ability to support two external monitors. However, this fanless design can lead to...Read more

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theverge.com
08/11/2023
Apple iMac M3 review

The 2023 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip is a "minor" update that maintains the 2021 design while offering a performance boost for daily tasks, making it ideal for average users rather than professionals. Key pros include the stunning, thin design, excellent 4.5K display, and strong, quiet performance, though it faces cons like a base model with meager 8GB RAM/256GB storage and a lack...Read more

A
attilavago.medium.com
12/11/2023
A Deep Dive Into Apple's New M3 MacBook Pro

Attila Vágó’s review of the M3 MacBook Pro highlights the 3nm architecture as a significant leap in performance and efficiency, particularly for the M3 Max variant, making it a compelling, long-term "beast" of a machine, especially for users upgrading from Intel or M1 models. Key pros include a robust 12+ hour battery life under heavy, professional-grade workloads, a superior Liquid...Read more

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tomsguide.com
06/03/2024
M3 MacBook Air benchmarks show big gains over M2

The M3 MacBook Air (13 and 15-inch) delivers a roughly 20% increase in multi-core CPU performance and substantial GPU gains, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing, due to the 3nm chipset. The Tom's Guide review notes that this enhanced performance makes the machine ideal for AI-driven tasks and gaming, consistently outperforming its predecessors. Key pros include improved Wi-Fi...Read more

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tomsguide.com
07/03/2024
MacBook Air M3 benchmarks — here's how it compares to MacBook Pro and Windows

The M3 MacBook Air offers significant performance gains over its predecessor and Windows rivals, featuring impressive CPU/GPU speeds and dual external display support in a fanless design. While battery life exceeds 15 hours and surpasses competitors like the Acer Swift Go 14, the lack of active cooling leads to thermal throttling and reduced performance during sustained, heavy...Read more

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theverge.com
07/03/2024
Apple MacBook Air M3 hands-on first impressions

The MacBook Air M3 (13 and 15-inch) represents a straightforward improvement, featuring the faster M3 chip, support for dual external displays, and fixed, faster base storage speeds compared to the M2 model. While delivering all-day battery life and silent, fanless operation, the laptop still suffers from the same limited port selection and, crucially, carries a "stingy" 8GB RAM...Read more

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tomsguide.com
14/03/2024
Apple M3 MacBook Air 15-inch review: The sweet spot laptop

The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) is identified as a "sweet spot" laptop, pairing a slim 0.45-inch aluminum design with the capable M3 chip, a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, and superior six-speaker sound. Performance-wise, the review highlights significant pros, including a marked speed boost, support for two external displays, and class-leading battery life. However, cons...Read more

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theverge.com
03/04/2024
Apple MacBook Air M3 review: small upgrades

The 2024 MacBook Air M3, available in 13 and 15-inch models, is deemed the best all-around laptop for most users, offering faster base-model storage, dual-external display support, and impressive performance improvements over the M2 version. Despite these enhancements, the review cites significant drawbacks, including a persistent 8GB RAM base configuration, susceptibility to...Read more

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galaxus.de
14/11/2023
M3 iMac Review: A Heartbreaker", "M3 iMac Test: Total Heart-Stealer

The Galaxus review characterizes the M3 iMac as a visually appealing "heartbreaker" that serves as an uninspired update, marred by significant performance throttling in the base model. While the 4.5K display and 3nm chip efficiency are praised, the entry-level configuration suffers from a slower SSD than the M1 model and restrictive, non-adjustable design, failing to justify the...Read more

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heise.de
07/03/2024
Now with M3: Apple MacBook Air 2024 Review

The Heise Online review of the 2024 MacBook Air highlights significant performance boosts from the M3 chip—roughly 20% over the M2 and 60% over the M1—while maintaining an identical design. Key functional upgrades include support for two external monitors in clamshell mode and the addition of Wi-Fi 6E, alongside an improved anodization seal on the Midnight model to reduce...Read more

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computerbild.de
13/03/2024
13-inch MacBook Air 2024 M3 Review: Apple's Entry-Level Laptop Tested

The 2024 13-inch MacBook Air with the M3 chip offers a refined, fanless design featuring roughly 20% faster performance than its predecessor and support for two external displays. Key advantages include exceptional 18-hour battery life, improved fingerprint resistance on the Midnight model, and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. However, the machine is limited by a base 8GB of RAM, only two...Read more

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heise.de
06/11/2023
2023 Apple MacBook Pro Review: M3 and M3 Max

The late 2023 MacBook Pro, featuring 3nm M3 and M3 Max chips, delivers exceptional desktop-class performance, particularly in the M3 Max model, alongside significant GPU advancements like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and a new fingerprint-resistant Space Black finish. Pros include market-leading Liquid Retina XDR display brightness (up to 1600 nits HDR), superb battery...Read more

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chip.de
15/12/2023
Strong performance, steep price: MacBook Pro with M3 review

The CHIP.de review highlights the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the base M3 chip as a powerful, efficient device featuring a top-tier 120Hz Liquid Retina XDR display, excellent battery life, and a new "Space Black" finish. While praised for its performance gains and portability, the review notes drawbacks, including the limited 8GB RAM in the base model, high upgrade costs, and...Read more

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leclaireur.fnac.com
26/03/2026
APPLE MacBook Pro M3 14" Lab Test: Formidably Versatile", "APPLE MacBook Pro 14" M3 Review: Formidable Versatility

L'Eclaireur Fnac highlights the 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 as a remarkably versatile, compact, and silent machine featuring a brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display with 600 nits of SDR brightness. Powered by the 3nm M3 chip, it delivers exceptional performance and a "stamina beast" battery life exceeding 18 hours, complemented by a superior six-speaker system and essential ports like HDMI...Read more

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dday.it
05/04/2024
MacBook Air M3 Review: Why It’s Not Your Average Air

The DDay.it review positions the M3 MacBook Air as a "universal notebook" closing the gap with Pro models, driven by a 3nm chip that handles pro-level tasks like 4K video editing and rendering despite being fanless. Pros include superior thermal management enabling sustained 3GHz performance, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, 1-2 day battery life, and dual external display support....Read more

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dday.it
07/11/2023
MacBook Pro 14” M3 Review: Fast, long-lasting, and stays cool

The DDay.it review highlights the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 as a significant upgrade over the old 13-inch model, boasting superior Liquid Retina XDR display technology with 120Hz ProMotion and increased SDR brightness. Key pros include massive leaps in 3D performance and ray tracing capabilities, combined with excellent thermal efficiency, resulting in a cool, quiet device with...Read more

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digitec.ch
14/11/2023
M3 iMac Tested: A True Heartbreaker

The Digitec/Galaxus review describes the M3 iMac as a "heartbreaker" that merges a familiar, sleek design with significant, frustrating compromises, particularly regarding the base model's two-port, 8 GB RAM limitation. While praised for its vibrant 24-inch 4.5K display and aesthetic appeal, the machine is criticized for "penny-pinching" details, including the lack of a larger model...Read more

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galaxus.it
14/03/2024
MacBook Air M3 tested: It's about time, Apple", "Putting the M3 MacBook Air to the test: High time, Apple

The Galaxus review highlights the M3 MacBook Air as a refined, portable, and robust device, offering a 14-18% CPU performance boost over the M2 with an impressive 18-hour battery life. While praised for its, keyboard, and new dual-monitor support, the review warns that 8GB of base RAM acts as a bottleneck for intensive tasks. Despite fast storage, the 256GB model's SSD controller is...Read more

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hwupgrade.it
28/03/2024
Apple MacBook Air M3 Review: Who Is It Actually For?", "Apple MacBook Air M3: Who Should Really Buy It? The Review

The HWUpgrade review of the Apple MacBook Air M3 highlights it as a refined, 3-nanometer evolution offering a 20% CPU boost, 15% faster graphics, and support for dual external displays while maintaining a, fanless design. Key pros include exceptional battery life and a, improved, fingerprint-resistant Midnight finish. However, cons center on the 8GB base RAM being insufficient, high...Read more

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saggiamente.com
24/01/2024
14" M3 MacBook Pro Base Model Review: This Laptop Is Problematic", "MacBook Pro 14-inch M3 Base Review: This Laptop Has Issues

The Saggiamente review identifies the base 14-inch MacBook Pro M3 as a "problematic" device, positioning it awkwardly between the MacBook Air and higher-tier Pro models. While praising the 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, six-speaker audio system, and long battery life, the reviewer highlights that it functions more as a 13-inch replacement than a true professional workstation....Read more

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macitynet.it
26/03/2024
MacBook Air M3 Review: Only in Competition With Itself

The MacBook Air M3 is a refined, fanless machine featuring Apple’s 3-nanometer chip, which delivers roughly 20% faster CPU and 15% faster GPU performance than the M2 model. Key improvements include support for dual external displays (with the lid closed), enhanced Wi-Fi 6E, and an improved "Midnight" finish that reduces fingerprint visibility. Performance shines in daily tasks and...Read more

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tomshw.it
17/11/2023
Apple iMac (M3, 2023) Review

The 2023 24-inch iMac with the M3 chip provides a significant performance increase, offering roughly 20% better multi-core results than the M2 and nearly double the speed of the M1 model. This 8-core CPU/10-core GPU configuration is capable of solid gaming performance, such as running Resident Evil Village at respectable frame rates, while maintaining an identical, ultra-thin 11.5...Read more

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icreatemagazine.nl
14/11/2023
MacBook Pro M3 review: an upgrade and a disappointment

iCreate Magazine’s review highlights the MacBook Pro M3 as a refined, powerful device that brings a superior 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display to the base model, though it is ultimately deemed a "disappointing" transition for those expecting more than 8GB of base RAM. While the M3 Pro offers a subtle performance boost and the M3 Max provides significant speed for professionals, the...Read more

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tweakers.net
07/03/2024
Apple MacBook Air M3 Review - Tweakers

The Tweakers review characterizes the M3 MacBook Air as a solid, incremental update that maintains its status as an excellent, portable notebook for most users. Driven by the M3 chip, it offers roughly 20% faster single- and multi-core performance over the M2, alongside hardware-accelerated ray tracing and the ability to support two external displays with the lid closed. Key...Read more

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