These real-world tests will convince you to switch to the M5 MacBook Pro

These Real-World Tests Will Convince You to Switch to the M5 MacBook Pro

Whether you’re upgrading from an older MacBook or switching from a PC, the performance results of Apple’s new M5 MacBook Pro are striking. For creative professionals, faster processing directly translates into more productivity and less stress.

Rendering complex animations, exporting large sets of photos in Adobe Lightroom, or building your own AI model can now be done far more efficiently. The M5 delivers noteworthy boosts in speed, helping users save time and optimize their workflow.

"Apple says for AI tasks like the large language model database I mentioned, you can expect speed improvements on the order of 3.5 times faster than the M4 version."

Compared with the original 2020 M1 MacBook Pro, the M5 model is approximately six times faster. Such gains represent a major step forward in performance, particularly for creators working on advanced media or AI projects.

The new 14‑inch M5 MacBook Pro is priced at $1,599 (or £1,599). Though it’s a significant investment, the performance may justify the cost for professionals who rely on speed and reliability every day.

Real‑World Testing Results

To evaluate the M5 MacBook Pro, I ran a series of workflow tests using Blender and Adobe Lightroom, followed by benchmarking with Geekbench AI and Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. The results confirmed a clear performance edge—though not always jaw‑dropping, the consistency and stability of the M5 stood out.

"While I wasn’t always blown away by the performance improvements, there were a few shocking revelations."

All tests were performed on macOS 26. In daily creative work, the M5 shows itself to be not just faster, but smoother and more responsive in demanding applications.

Summary

The M5 MacBook Pro sets a new bar for creative performance, giving professionals the power to complete complex tasks significantly faster and with greater efficiency.

Macworld — 2025-11-06