What are the main differences between the Mac Pro and Mac Studio? Which makes the most sense for my needs?

There are dozens of Mac Pro models -- going all the way back to 2006 -- with radically different capabilities and a smaller number of Mac Studio models first introduced in 2022.

This Q&A focuses on general collective differences between recent and current Apple Silicon Mac Studio models -- all Mac Studio models are Apple Silicon-powered -- and Apple Silicon Mac Pro models to help you decide which is best for your needs overall.

The snarky Internet commentary is that if you have to ask, you don't need a Mac Pro, but EveryMac.com isn't a fan of snark. Besides, whether or not to choose the smaller, less expensive cuboid Mac Studio or the larger, far more expandable Mac Pro tower, very well could come down to a single feature for those who are not on a tight budget. Read on for a proper, unbiased evaluation.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Left: Mac Studio; Right: Mac Pro)

Ideological Differences

Of course, it is obvious with even a brief glance at the two Apple Silicon Macs side-by-side that they look very different from one another. The Mac Studio is so much smaller that it literally can fit inside the Mac Pro.

What isn't obvious, though, is that the Mac Studio -- for all practical purposes -- is sealed and disposable, relying only on external ports for expansion. The Mac Pro, on the other hand, supports some internal expansion, albeit not as much as the series did in yesteryear. However, the Mac Pro still has SSD storage that can be upgraded and PCIe slots that support a variety of options (but not video cards). The Mac Pro has more ports, as well.

In terms of performance, high-end Mac Studio models from the same year use the same CPU/GPU combo as the Mac Pro and essentially are the same speed; so you are paying a substantial premium for the Mac Pro connectivity and expansion options. The Apple Silicon Mac Pro starts at US$6999 whereas an equivalently configured Mac Studio is US$3999 (and a slower Mac Studio with slightly less connectivity starts at only US$1999).

Given the significantly lower price, it is not surprising that the Mac Studio immediately became the more popular of the two. The Apple Silicon Mac Pro very well may represent the last Mac with some internal expansion. If an expandable tower Mac is important to you, this could be your final option before giving up on internal expansion entirely or switching to a Windows PC.

External & Connectivity Differences

The Mac Studio uses a compact cuboid aluminum case that is 7.7 inches across and deep and 3.7 inches tall. The Mac Pro is vastly larger, clocking in at 8.58 inches wide and 17.7 inches deep and 20.8 inches tall.

Although weight isn't likely to be a major concern for a desktop system, the Mac Studio models weigh a lot less, as well. Mac Studio models weigh either 5.9 pounds (2.7 kg) or 7.9 pounds (3.6 kg) depending on configuration, with the higher performance models from each year weighing more because of a heavier copper heatsink. The Mac Pro weighs 37.2 pounds and obviously can weigh significantly more if loaded with PCIe cards.

Connectivity varies a bit from year to year, but the Mac Pro models have more external ports -- most notably eight Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, dual HDMI ports, and dual 10Gb Ethernet ports whereas the Mac Studio models have four or six Thunderbolt 4 ports, a single HDMI port, and a single 10Gb Ethernet port. However, the Mac Studio models have a convenient front-mounted SDXC-capable SD card slot, which the Mac Pro models lack.

For some high-end users, the dual 10Gb Ethernet ports on the Mac Pro could be particularly valued, but for most users, even professional ones, the Mac Studio still is quite well equipped (and Thunderbolt to 10Gb Ethernet adapters are available, as well).

Identification Differences

There is no mistaking the Apple Silicon Mac Studio and Mac Pro models for one another, but specific identifiers to differentiate between different models in each line can be helpful:

Apple Silicon Mac	Model No.	EMC No.	Model ID
Mac Studio M1 Max	A2615	3988	Mac13,1
Mac Studio M1 Ultra	A2615	3988	Mac13,2
Mac Studio M2 Max	A2901	8292	Mac14,13
Mac Studio M2 Ultra	A2901	8292	Mac14,14
Mac Pro Tower	A2786	8163	Mac14,8
Mac Pro Rack	A2787	8164	Mac14,8

EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature additionally can identify these models by other exact identifiers, too.

More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section, as well.

Internal Differences

Obviously, given the significant size difference, the Apple Silicon Mac Studio and Mac Pro models use a wide variety of different specific parts, but both models use the same SoC design -- which integrate the CPU, GPU, and RAM and that cannot be upgraded after the initial system purchase. However, the Mac Pro adds removable SSD modules as well as seven PCIe expansion slots which support a variety of PCIe cards, including SSD storage options, but not video cards.

In basic terms, it is a bit of an exaggeration, but still not too far off to think of the Mac Pro as a Mac Studio with some more ports, upgradable storage, an integrated PCIe expansion box, and a bigger power supply.

So, is a Mac Studio or Mac Pro best for my needs?

If size or price are your most important considerations, it is an easy choice -- the Mac Studio is for you. If you are on a tight budget and want a desktop Mac, but performance is not critical, you might also prefer an even cheaper Mac mini. A used Mac Studio also could be ideal.

If performance is your top concern, and you do not mind an essentially disposable box, higher-end Mac Studio models from the same year essentially are the same speed as the Mac Pro, so again, the Mac Studio likely is your best choice.

The Mac Pro is best suited for someone who both has a hefty budget and needs some combination of not only high performance but also (1) dual 10Gb Ethernet ports, dual HDMI ports, and/or more than six Thunderbolt 4 ports, (2) internal SSD storage that can be upgraded and expanded, and (3) internal PCIe slots. This user also doesn't mind paying a US$3000 or so premium to get what they need. For a true professional, time is money, after all.

New & Used Mac Studio & Mac Pro Purchase Options

There any number of places to buy a used or new Mac Studio or Mac Pro. However, purchasing from a well reviewed seller with a solid track record in the Mac market will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac Studio and Mac Pro models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used Mac Studio and Mac Pro models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac Studio or Mac Pro, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac will buy your older Mac with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac Studio models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

Please refer to EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison feature to dynamically compare any Mac Studio or Mac Pro to any other Mac.