M4 Mac Mini vs. M2 Mac Mini: Which Apple desktop should you buy?

After months of rumors, Apple has finally unveiled its new M4 Mac Mini series, which comes in two configurations. The first model has the base M4 chipset, while the other houses the more powerful M4 Pro.Similar to whenever a new iPhone comes out, there is one question on every user's mind: is it worth buying? The answer is yes, especially if you're a professional user.

Also: Apple's new M4 Mac Mini is smaller, more powerful, and its first carbon-neutral Mac

The M4 SoC (system on a chip) introduces a nice performance boost to Apple's petite desktop, which comes with a much-needed 16GB of RAM and goes up to 64GB of RAM on the Pro model. A good amount of memory ensures speedy workflows, improved processing, and reduced load times. Additionally, the new model takes up less desk space.

That said, let's not discredit Apple's previous generation. The M2 Mac Mini remains a solid option -- better suited for people on a budget or who don't need a powerful machine. To help you make your buying decision, we've broken down all the most important details for the M2 Mac Mini and the M4 Mac Mini below. We also included a couple of alternative Mac models.

Specifications

You should buy an M4 Mac Mini if...

1. You want "next-level performance" from an M4 chip

Computers that can't handle tough workloads experience bottlenecking, which is when they slow down as they attempt to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously. The 16GB of RAM on the base M4 Mac Mini can alleviate this problem, especially for creating content. Music producers, for example, can harness the extra memory to juggle different tracks, instruments, and effects simultaneously. 

Also: Buying an M4 Mac Mini? This is the mouse you should pair it with instead of Apple's

For most people, 8GB is fine -- but it doesn't cut it for power users. Apple is well aware of this, as it specifically mentions how the M4 chip boasts "33x faster image upscaling performance in Photomator" and can merge "panoramic images up to 4.9x faster in Adobe Lightroom Classic."

The M4 Pro takes everything up several notches. Apple states that the higher-end hardware can render 3D models up to 2.9x faster in Blender and apply "1.8x more audio effect plugins in a Logic Pro project" compared to the M2 Pro.

2. You want a compact device

"Portability" isn't a word you would normally associate with a desktop computer, but you can with the M4 Mac Mini. The device measures five by five inches (12.7cm x 12.7cm). The base model weighs 1.5 pounds (0.67 kg). The Pro version is chunkier at 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg). Regardless, they're both lighter than the M2 Mac Mini, which weighs 2.8 lbs (1.28 kg). The compact form makes carrying Apple's small desktop to and from work easier.

Also: Apple Magic Mouse gets USB-C, but still plugs in the bottom. Buy this instead

Apple states that advancements in hardware power efficiency and "an innovative thermal architecture" allowed the company to shrink the design. There is a slight catch -- the Mac Mini went through a growth spurt and now stands two inches tall instead of 1.5 inches.

3. You want Thunderbolt 5

Thunderbolt 5 is a next-generation connectivity standard succeeding Thunderbolt 4. It introduces several improvements, such as increasing the bandwidth to 80Gbit/s, enabling 240W of charging power, and supporting DisplayPort 2.1 for high-resolution video. At this time, very few products come with Thunderbolt 5 inputs, and the M4 Pro Mac Mini is part of this exclusive category.

Also: I tested the world's first Thunderbolt 5 dock, and it's as fast and capable as promised

Apple gave the new Mac Mini three Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back, which allows the Pro device to deliver transfer speeds of up to 120Gb/s. You can use the "faster external storage" and connect more accessories to the computer simultaneously.

You should buy the M2 Mac Mini if...

1. You're on a budget

Whenever a new model is announced, Apple typically lowers the price of the previous generation in an effort to clear up inventory. We're just starting to see that happen. The tech giant has slashed the M2 Pro Mac Mini price tag by $150 on Amazon, bringing it down to $1,150. The base M2 Mac Mini has dropped to $500.

Also: The Mac Studio feature keeping me from buying a new M4 Mac Mini this fall

Those aren't the steepest discounts, although I predict they will go even lower over time. Besides, the older models' performance isn't too far off from the M4 Mac Minis. The two chipsets both support macOS Sequoia and Apple Intelligence. Since the generative AI features will be available to all, no one will be left behind.

2. You're not a professional user

Music producers, video editors, and content creators need a machine with the power to handle demanding apps like Blender or Logic Pro. This group requires a higher-spec configuration. Thanks to the updated GPU's architecture, the M4 offers hardware-accelerated ray tracing on the Mac Mini series for the first time. Apple boasts that the M4 Pro's Neural Engine makes the chipset three times as fast as the M1 Mac Mini.

If you're not part of the aforementioned group or aren't interested in what these features offer, then it's unlikely you actually need the M4 Mac Mini. The average person's workload doesn't really need the raw power Apple's new chipset provides. In fact, I would wager many professionals will stick with the M2 Pro Mac Mini since it remains a solid machine.

Alternatives to consider