Hosted by site sponsor WebMate.
Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A
Update Published December 3, 2024
All Mac Q&As >> Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A (Home)
To be notified of new Q&As, sign up for EveryMac.com's bimonthly email list.
What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon Mac mini? Is it for me?
To help you determine whether or not an Apple Silicon Mac mini -- new or used -- is the right Mac for you, an objective, quick-to-read "pros and cons" can be perfect.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple Mac mini 2020 & 32" Apple Pro Display XDR)
For those interested in more detail, EveryMac.com also offers in-depth comparisons of the discontinued "2020 M1" Mac mini and "Late 2018" Mac mini and "2023 M2" and "M2 Pro" Mac mini as well as the current "2024 M4" and "M4 Pro" Mac mini.
For those who prefer a quick "run down," the following can be everything you need to make a decision:
Pros:
- Lack of integrated or bundled display, keyboard, and mouse allows one to use existing peripherals or choose from a variety of third-party options, some of which cost substantially less than Apple's and can be reused with a new system later at no additional cost.
- Very fast for the price.
- Small, well built aluminum cases.
- Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports for fast external connectivity (M4 Pro models have even faster Thunderbolt 5 ports).
- At least dual display support (M4 and M4 Pro models support three displays).
- The least expensive new Apple computer.
Cons:
- Requires one to have, or to purchase, a display, keyboard, and mouse. Depending on the desired configuration, it may be more cost-effective to purchase an iMac with its integrated display and bundled high-quality keyboard and input devices.
- Essentially disposable; non-upgradable processor, GPU, RAM, and storage will limit the useful life of the computer (the Mac mini M4/M4 Pro models have a removable storage module; upgrades may be possible).
- No eGPU support.
- Although most have moved on to streaming devices or dedicated "smart" televisions at this point, the lack of IR support makes it less useful with a television than some earlier models.
- No SD card slot.
- More expensive than some Windows PCs.
So, is an Apple Silicon Mac mini right for me?
Basically, if you want the cheapest new Apple computer you can buy, have no need for internal expansion, and are not bothered by the environmental aspect of an essentially disposable computer, an Apple Silicon Mac mini would be a good choice. If compact size is important to you and you already own a compatible display, keyboard and mouse or trackpad, it could be perfect.
In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new Mac mini models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb Mac mini models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell a Mac mini, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr buy Mac mini models and many other Macs with an instant quote and fast payment.
In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used Mac mini models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.
Permalink | Report an Error/Typo | Sign Up for Site Update Notices
Suggest a New Q&A | Sign Up for Bimonthly Site Update Notices
<< Apple Silicon Mac mini Q&A (Main) | All Mac Q&As
Established in 1996, EveryMac.com has been created by experts with decades of experience with Apple hardware. EveryMac.com includes, and always has included, original research incorporating detailed, hands-on inspection of packaging, computers, and devices as well as extensive real-world use. All information is provided in good faith, but no website or person is perfect. Accordingly, EveryMac.com is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the authors thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Copying, scraping, or use of any content without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.