The standout feature of the Mac Mini has always been its simplicity. This compact desktop PC is easy to integrate into any workspace—just connect your peripherals, and you’re good to go. The latest version stays true to this tradition, but it introduces a fresh design for the first time in over a decade. It also offers two processor options: the M4 or M4 Pro chipset.
It’s the most budget-friendly way to access the cutting-edge features of the latest Macs, including Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI capabilities. The base model with the M4 starts at $599, while the M4 Pro-powered Mac Mini begins at $1,399. Apple’s only other desktop option is the new iMac with the M4, starting at $1,299.
Like most recent Apple hardware, the new Mac Mini brings incremental updates over its predecessor, but that’s not a negative. It’s still a fantastic little computer, offering an affordable desktop setup. However, if you already own a Mac Mini from 2020 or newer, there’s little need to upgrade unless you’re experiencing a noticeable dip in performance.
Compact Design
The Mac Mini is designed to remain stationary on your desk, but with its smaller, lighter build, it’s now more portable than ever. It’s tempting to toss it into a bag for a hybrid work setup. If you have a monitor and peripherals at both the office and home, this compact device (measuring just 5 x 5 inches and weighing only 1.5 pounds, down from 2.6 pounds) is easy to carry around.
It is slightly taller now, with vents that slope downward for improved airflow, but it still maintains its iconic cube-like shape. This design fits neatly under Apple’s Studio Display, although you don’t have to splurge on that pricey monitor to enjoy the Mac Mini. (We have plenty of more affordable monitor options to recommend.)
Many people have compared the Mac Mini’s new design to an Apple TV box, but I think it resembles a mini Mac Studio—especially with the updated port configuration. Apple has finally added front-facing ports, addressing a complaint I had with the M2 version, which means less hassle reaching around to the back to plug in cables.
Apple Mac Mini (M4, 2024)
Rating: 8/10
Price: $599
Available at:
- $559 at Amazon
- $599 at Apple
- $599 at Best Buy
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The M4 model includes two USB-C ports supporting USB 3.0 and a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the opposite side, there are three Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the M4 Pro variant introduces three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports for the first time. It also features HDMI, Ethernet, and a power port. This marks the end of the USB-A port on the Mac Mini.
While the front ports are a great improvement, the decision to relocate the power button to the bottom is less impressive. It was previously located at the back, and the new placement feels unintuitive. To power it on, you now need to pick up the device and press the button—a strange design choice. Although you’ll likely leave the device on most of the time, it feels awkward, much like the USB-C port under the Magic Mouse.
If you’re someone who thrives with multiple screens, you’ll be pleased to know that the base Mac Mini now supports three external displays (two 6K displays and one 5K display) instead of just two. With the previous model, you had to upgrade to the M2 Pro to access that many screens. It’s great to see Apple extend this capability to both the M4 and M4 Pro processors.
Powerful Performance
I tested the Mac Mini with the M4 chip, and my setup included a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16 GB of unified memory, and 512 GB of storage. The base memory is double that of the previous model, with an option to upgrade to 32 GB—helpful when running multiple applications or relying heavily on Apple Intelligence features. If you opt for the M4 Pro, you can get up to a 14-core CPU, a 20-core GPU, and even bump up to 8 TB of storage, though it comes with a hefty price tag.
Over the past week, I used the Mac Mini as my main computer for tasks like emailing, video calls, and writing articles in our CMS through Chrome, all while keeping apps like Slack, Messages, and Telegram running in the background. Even with numerous tabs and windows open, the M4 never faltered. Performance was consistently fast and smooth.
Here’s the rephrased version:
I can’t say I’ve noticed a significant difference compared to the Mac Mini with the M2. Apple claims the M4 offers 1.8 times faster CPU performance and 2.2 times faster GPU performance than the M1. However, these improvements only matter if you find that your Mac Mini is consistently too slow for the tasks you need it to handle. If that’s the case, you might want to consider upgrading to a more powerful chip, like the M4 Pro, especially if you’re coming from an M1 or M2.
Regardless of the configuration, the Mac Mini maintains its reputation as a solid, compact desktop, particularly for those who prefer to choose their own peripherals. However, the same limitation persists: you can’t upgrade the hardware down the line. Unlike traditional desktop PCs, you can’t simply swap out the CPU or add more RAM when necessary. Given this, you’ll likely be holding onto this Mac Mini for a while, so it’s worth configuring it to suit your long-term needs.
