When Apple unveiled the M1 Pro chip in late 2021, it was hailed as a game-changer. Designed for creative professionals, developers, and power users, the MacBook Pro M1 Pro delivered a huge leap in performance, battery life, and efficiency, building on the fine legacy of its predecessor, the revolutionary M1.
Now, in 2025, with the M2, M3 and M4 chips already on the market (and rumours of the M5 swirling), you might wonder: Is the MacBook Pro M1 Pro still worth it? The answer is a confident yes, and here’s why.
Raw Performance That Still Competes
The M1 Pro chip is no slouch. Built on a 5nm architecture, it features up to a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU, offering seriously fast performance for multitasking, code compilation, video editing, 3D rendering, and high-resolution audio work.
Even by 2025 standards, the M1 Pro handles most professional workflows with ease:
- 4K and even 8K video editing in Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve? Smooth.
- Running multiple virtual machines or Docker containers? No hiccups.
- Logic Pro sessions with hundreds of tracks and plugins? It barely breaks a sweat.
It’s not just fast—it’s consistently fast, without the overheating and fan noise you’d expect from equivalent Intel-based machines.
Unmatched Battery Life
The M1 Pro MacBook Pro offers 17–21 hours of battery life, depending on usage. That’s still ahead of many 2025 laptops, especially those that rely on power-hungry discrete GPUs and x86 architecture.
If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, or student who needs to work unplugged all day, this is the kind of reliability that matters.
Display That Still Shines Bright
The Liquid Retina XDR display on the 14-inch and 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pros remains one of the best in the business:
- Up to 1600 nits peak brightness
- Extreme dynamic range and HDR support
- 120Hz ProMotion for smooth scrolling and responsiveness
- DCI-P3 wide color gamut
Whether you’re colour grading, illustrating, or just watching HDR content on Netflix, this screen still rivals—or outperforms—many newer machines in 2025.
Ports, Ports, and More Ports
One of the most appreciated changes in the M1 Pro MacBooks was Apple’s decision to bring back essential ports. You get:
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- HDMI 2.0 (good enough for most)
- SDXC card slot
- MagSafe 3 charging
- A headphone jack with support for high-impedance headphones
In a world where many laptops still push the “dongle life,” the M1 Pro MacBook Pro stands out for its built-in flexibility.
M1 Pro: Quiet, Cool, and Fan-Smart
Thanks to Apple Silicon’s efficiency, thermal management is stellar. Even under load, the M1 Pro MacBook rarely gets hot or revs up its fans unless absolutely necessary. That’s not just pleasant—it means better performance and longevity.
macOS + Apple Ecosystem = Seamless Productivity
Running macOS Sequoia (and compatible with future macOS updates for several more years), the M1 Pro MacBook Pro continues to receive Apple’s best software features:
- Continuity with iPhone and iPad
- FaceTime handoff, Sidecar, Universal Clipboard
- Built-in dictation, transcription, and privacy tools
If you’re embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the MacBook Pro M1 Pro is still a productivity dream.
Price Advantage in 2025
Now that newer models like the M2 Pro, M3 Pro, M4 Pro and their Ultra siblings have taken the spotlight, the M1 Pro models are more affordable—especially in the refurbished or used market. You can find them at excellent prices with great specs, making them an incredible value proposition.
Compared to a new mid-range laptop in 2025, the M1 Pro still often wins on performance, display, battery life, and overall experience.
Built to Last
With its solid aluminium unibody chassis, durable keyboard, spacious trackpad, and vibrant display, the M1 Pro MacBook Pro is built to last at least 5–7 years of intense use. Add AppleCare or a third-party protection plan, and you’ve got peace of mind.
Final Verdict: Still a Pro’s Choice
In 2025 and beyond, the MacBook Pro with M1 Pro remains an absolute beast for creators, developers, students, and professionals who need performance, portability, and reliability. Its combination of power, battery life, ports, and build quality makes it one of the smartest buys today—especially as prices drop.
If you’re considering it, go for it. The M1 Pro MacBook Pro is still very much a pro machine.
