Apple’s MacBook Pro has long been one of the most powerful and reliable laptops on the market. After the launch of the M3 chip in late 2023, many are wondering how it stacks up against the M2 chip—and more importantly, which one is right for them.
Both the MacBook Pro M2 and MacBook Pro M3 are excellent choices, offering powerful performance, stunning displays, and long battery life. However, the differences in speed, graphics, efficiency, and price may make one a better option than the other depending on your specific needs.
Let’s break down the M2 vs M3 MacBook Pro and find out which model is the best fit for you.
Quick List
Here are our top picks of MacBook Pros available for rental to help you choose the best model for your needs! Scroll down for more info on each product.
| MacBook Pro 16″ (M3 Pro) | MacBook Pro 13.3″ (M2 Pro) | MacBook Pro 16” (M4 Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Powerful M3 Pro MacBook – ideal for creative pros and performance-heavy tasks. | Lightweight MacBook Pro M2 – fast, efficient, perfect for work on the go. | Next-gen M4 Pro MacBook – built for power users, creators, and heavy workflows. |
| Read more below | Read more below | Read more below |
M2 vs M3 MacBook Pro: Performance Breakdown
1. Processing Power & Speed
Both the M2 and M3 chips feature an 8-core CPU, meaning they handle general computing tasks like browsing, document work, and multitasking at nearly identical speeds.
However, Apple’s M3 chip is built on a 3-nanometer architecture, whereas the M2 is based on a 5-nanometer process. This results in better efficiency, allowing for higher clock speeds and up to 20-30% faster performance in real-world tasks.
- In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, a 14” M3 Pro scored 3,127 single-core and 14,239 multi-core, compared to an M2 Pro’s 2,699 single-core and 12,421 multi-core—a 16% increase in single-core performance and a 15% increase in multi-core performance.
- The M3 Max, with 16 CPU cores, is 44% faster in multi-core performance than the M2 Max.
Best for: If you need a powerful everyday machine, the M2 chip is more than capable. But for heavy multitasking, large file rendering, and compiling code, the M3 chip is the clear winner.
2. Graphics & GPU Performance
One of the biggest improvements in the M3 chip is GPU performance. While both M2 and M3 have 10-core GPUs in the base model, the M3 introduces hardware-accelerated ray tracing, mesh shading, and dynamic caching—all major upgrades.
These features dramatically improve 3D rendering, video editing, and gaming:
- Ray tracing support: The M3 MacBook Pro enables real-time ray tracing, creating more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections—something impossible on M2 Macs.
- Mesh shading: More efficient handling of complex 3D geometries, leading to better performance in creative and design applications.
- Dynamic caching: Optimises GPU memory allocation in real time, improving efficiency and boosting performance in graphics-heavy tasks.
In Metal GPU benchmarks:
- The M3 Max scored 158,466 vs. 137,525 for the M2 Max—a 15% performance uplift.
- Cinebench GPU tests showed nearly 2x the score on an M3 Pro compared to an M2 Pro.
Best for: If your work involves 3D modelling, video editing, or gaming, the M3 chip delivers superior graphics performance. For 2D-based work (graphic design, general media editing), the M2 remains a solid choice.
3. Battery Life & Efficiency
Apple’s M-series chips are known for their exceptional battery life, and both M2 and M3 MacBook Pros continue this trend. However, the M3 chip’s 3nm efficiency gives it an edge:
- MacBook Pro M2: Up to 20 hours of battery life.
- MacBook Pro M3: Extends this slightly to 22 hours, thanks to better power management.
Tests showed the M3 Pro MacBook Pro lasting about an hour longer than its M2 Pro counterpart under normal use. However, under extreme loads, the M3 Max’s extra power draw slightly reduces battery life compared to the M2 Max.
Best for: If battery life is your top priority, the M3 is slightly better. However, both models offer exceptional longevity for an all-day workflow.
Pricing & Value for Money
One of the most important considerations is value:
- The MacBook Pro M2 is more affordable, making it a great choice for students, professionals, and businesses needing power without the premium price.
- The MacBook Pro M3 is more expensive, but you’re paying for faster speeds, improved graphics, and efficiency.
Best for: If budget is a concern, the M2 MacBook Pro offers incredible performance at a lower price. If you want the latest and most powerful MacBook Pro, the M3 is the better long-term investment.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both the M2 and M3 MacBook Pros are powerful and capable, but the best choice depends on your needs. If you need great performance at a lower cost, the M2 MacBook Pro is a fantastic machine, excelling in general tasks, graphic design, and standard video editing.
However, if your work involves intensive applications like 3D rendering, high-end video editing, or gaming, the M3 MacBook Pro offers a significant performance boost, particularly in GPU performance and efficiency. For future-proofing, the M3 is the best option, but the M2 remains an excellent choice for those who want power without the extra cost.
Go Further With The M4 MacBook Pro
If you’re looking even further ahead, the new MacBook Pro 16″ with the M4 Pro chip pushes the boundaries of performance and efficiency. Featuring a 14-core CPU and a powerful 20-core GPU, it’s perfect for the most demanding tasks—whether that’s advanced video editing, intensive software development, or high-end design projects. With 24GB of unified memory, a vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display, and exceptional connectivity options including Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and Wi-Fi 6E, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro is designed for professionals who need maximum power and precision. Plus, with up to 22 hours of battery life, it keeps you productive all day long. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your setup is future-proof, the M4 Pro is an outstanding choice—especially for short-term projects or events when rented through Hire Intelligence.
Rent the Right MacBook Pro for Your Needs
Instead of making a large financial commitment, renting a MacBook Pro allows you to test the latest technology without the upfront cost. Whether you need a high-performance laptop for a short-term project, an event, or to scale your team, Hire Intelligence UK offers both M2 and M3 MacBook Pro rentals to suit your needs.
Explore MacBook Pro rentals today or get a quick quote and find the perfect fit for your needs!
