MacBook Pro M4 Pro vs M3 Pro: Upgrade?

What changed between M3 Pro and M4 Pro

Apple's MacBook Pro line moved from the M3 Pro to the M4 Pro chip. The M4 Pro is the newer generation, but the M3 Pro is still a strong laptop for video editing. The main differences are in the chip's core counts, the graphics, and the media engine.

The M4 Pro is available in configurations with more CPU and GPU cores than the M3 Pro. For example, the M4 Pro can be configured with an 18-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, while the M3 Pro tops out at 12 CPU cores and 18 GPU cores. More cores generally mean more parallel processing, which helps with tasks like rendering effects or exporting video, but the exact speed depends on the software and the project.

Both chips include a media engine with hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW. This means the laptop has dedicated hardware to handle these video formats, which can reduce the load on the CPU and GPU. The M4 Pro also supports AV1 decode, which is useful for watching or editing AV1-encoded footage, though the M3 Pro does not list AV1 decode in its specs.

CPU and GPU cores for editing

The CPU handles the overall logic of your editing software, like managing the timeline, applying effects, and running the interface. The GPU accelerates graphics-heavy tasks, such as rendering transitions, color grading, and 3D effects. For video editing, both are important, but the balance depends on your workflow.

The M4 Pro offers up to an 18-core CPU and a 20-core GPU in its highest configuration. The M3 Pro, in comparison, offers up to a 12-core CPU and an 18-core GPU. If you edit long 4K projects with many layers and effects, the extra cores on the M4 Pro can help keep the timeline responsive. For shorter social clips or simple cuts, the M3 Pro is still more than enough.

When comparing listings, look at the core counts stated for each chip. A listing might say "M4 Pro with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU" or "M3 Pro with 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU." These numbers tell you the configuration, not the speed. The actual performance depends on the software and how you edit. For more on how to read these details, see how to check laptop specs.

Media engine and video formats

The media engine is a dedicated part of the chip that handles video encoding and decoding. Both the M3 Pro and M4 Pro include hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW. This means the laptop can play back and export these formats without relying solely on the CPU or GPU.

The M4 Pro adds AV1 decode support, which the M3 Pro does not list. AV1 is a modern video codec used by some streaming platforms and newer cameras. If you work with AV1 footage, the M4 Pro can decode it in hardware, which may reduce the load on the system. For most editors, H.264 and ProRes are still the standard, so this difference matters only if you specifically use AV1.

Both chips also include a video decode engine, a video encode engine, and a ProRes encode and decode engine. This means they can handle ProRes footage efficiently, which is common in professional workflows. The M4 Pro and M3 Pro both support these features, so the media engine is not a major reason to upgrade unless you need AV1. To understand how hardware encoding fits into your workflow, read about hardware video encoders.

Memory and connectivity differences

The M4 Pro supports more unified memory than the M3 Pro. The M4 Pro can be configured with up to 64GB of unified memory, while the M3 Pro tops out at 36GB. Unified memory is shared between the CPU and GPU, so more memory can help when you have many programs open or work with large project files.

The M4 Pro also has faster memory bandwidth. The M4 Pro offers up to 307GB/s, while the M3 Pro offers up to 150GB/s. Memory bandwidth affects how quickly the CPU and GPU can access data, which can matter for high-resolution footage and complex effects.

Connectivity also differs. The M4 Pro MacBook Pro has three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the M3 Pro has three Thunderbolt 4 ports. Thunderbolt 5 supports faster data transfer, which is useful for external SSDs and docks. If you move large files between drives, Thunderbolt 5 can save time, but Thunderbolt 4 is still fast for most editing workflows. For more on external storage, see storage types for video editing.

Is the upgrade worth it?

The answer depends on your current laptop and your editing needs. If you are coming from an M3 Pro and your projects run fine, the upgrade may not be urgent. The M3 Pro still supports hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, and ProRes, which covers most editing work.

If you edit long 4K projects with many layers, or if you work with AV1 footage, the M4 Pro offers more cores, more memory, and AV1 decode. These features can help keep your timeline responsive and reduce the load on the system. The extra memory bandwidth and Thunderbolt 5 ports are also useful if you move large files or connect multiple external displays.

For a first-time MacBook Pro buyer, the M4 Pro is the newer choice, but the M3 Pro is still a capable laptop. Compare the stated details on listings to see which configuration fits your budget and workflow. If you need more RAM or storage, check the best MacBook for video editing guide for recommendations. You can also see how the M4 Pro compares to the M4 Max in M4 Pro vs M4 Max MacBook.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Is the M4 Pro faster than the M3 Pro for video editing?

The M4 Pro has more CPU and GPU cores in its higher configurations, which can help with parallel tasks like rendering. However, the actual speed depends on the software and the project. The M4 Pro also has faster memory bandwidth and supports AV1 decode, which the M3 Pro does not.

Does the M3 Pro support ProRes hardware acceleration?

Yes, the M3 Pro includes a media engine with hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW. It has a video decode engine, a video encode engine, and a ProRes encode and decode engine.

Can the M4 Pro handle 8K video editing?

The M4 Pro has a powerful CPU and GPU, but whether it can handle 8K depends on the software and the codec. The media engine supports hardware acceleration for H.264, HEVC, ProRes, and ProRes RAW, but 8K RAW footage may still require proxy files. Check the program maker's requirements for specific guidance.

Should you upgrade from M3 Pro to M4 Pro?

If your M3 Pro handles your current projects without issues, you can wait. The M4 Pro offers more cores, more memory, and AV1 decode, which are useful for heavy 4K work or AV1 footage. If you need those features, the upgrade is worth considering.

What is the difference in memory between M3 Pro and M4 Pro?

The M4 Pro supports up to 64GB of unified memory, while the M3 Pro supports up to 36GB. The M4 Pro also has faster memory bandwidth at up to 307GB/s, compared to 150GB/s on the M3 Pro.