New M4 Mac mini Review Roundup [Video]

Early reviews of the new M4 Mac mini have arrived ahead of its official release on November 8, 2024.

With M4, Mac mini delivers up to 1.8x faster CPU performance and 2.2x faster GPU performance over the M1 model. With M4 Pro, it takes the advanced technologies in M4 and scales them up to tackle even more demanding workloads. For more convenient connectivity, it features front and back ports, and for the first time includes Thunderbolt 5 for faster data transfer speeds on the M4 Pro model.

Mac mini with M4 starts at $599 (U.S.) and $499 (U.S.) for education. Mac mini with M4 Pro starts at $1,399 (U.S.) and $1,299 (U.S.) for education.


You can learn more about the M4 Mac mini here:
● Apple Announces New M4 Mac mini: 'More Mighty, More Mini'

Watch the introduction video here:
● Watch Apple Reveal the New M4 Mac mini [Video]

You can pre-order the new Mac mini here:
● Pre-order Mac mini on Amazon

Check out our review roundup below!






Marques Brownlee



Verge
Every time I glance over at the new Mac Mini on my desk, it feels like the Mini's ideal form. The redesigned enclosure makes the most of Apple Silicon's small footprint, and with Apple's M4 chip and an ample selection of ports, the 2024 Mini should remain a zippy, reliable computer for years to come. It's never been more mighty. Well, except for the much pricier M4 Pro version. Stay tuned for more on that soon.


Wired
I can't say I've noticed much of a difference over the Mac Mini with M2 though. Apple says the M4 delivers 1.8 times faster CPU performance, while the GPU performance is 2.2 times faster than the M1. But none of that matters unless you are consistently feeling that your Mac Mini is too slow for the tasks you want it to complete. If that's the case, then you may need to upgrade to a beefier chip (like the M4 Pro if you are on an M1 or M2). Regardless of which configuration you choose, the Mac Mini continues its reputation as a great tiny desktop computer, especially for folks who are more choosy with their peripherals. The same problem remains: There's no way to upgrade the hardware down the road. Unlike traditional desktop PCs, you can't just swap out the CPU or add more RAM when you need it. You're probably going to keep this Mac Mini for a while, so kit it out accordingly.


Brian Tong



Engadget
If you're just looking for a basic and adorably small Mac desktop, the $599 Mac mini will likely be all you need. And if you're looking to do a bit more serious work, and can't justify the $1,999 Mac Studio, the $1,399 model is a decent value compared to PC workstations. Just be prepared to stomach Apple's upgrade prices: You'll have to spend an additional $400 just to get 32GB of RAM on the base Mini, and another $400 to get a 1TB SSD. That's wildly out of step with prices outside of the Apple ecosystem, where you can easily find a decent 1TB NVMe SSD under $100. (That said, unlike a laptop, connecting a cheap but capacious external drive to the mini is a more viable option.) Apple's gonna Apple when it comes to upgrade pricing, but at least you can finally buy a $599 Mac mini with 16GB of RAM. That alone is reason to celebrate. The fact that it's cute enough to impress my kid is a nice bonus.


TechCrunch
There's little that's inherently bad about the machine (the power button is more annoying than bad), but it's not entirely clear where it stands in the Apple desktop lineup, with the Studio and iMac flanking it on either side. I can't tell you for sure how large that segment of the market is at present, but I suspect the system is most purchased in the enterprise. It's easy to image companies buying these up in bulk. For consumers who are on the fence, consider whether a MacBook or iMac makes more sense for your setup and pocketbook.

Dave2D



CNET
If you're looking for a home office computer, a home entertainment machine or a system for live streaming, podcasting or other content creation, the M4 Mac Mini can do all that. You'll get the best of what MacOS Sequoia and Apple Intelligence have to offer in a tiny box and at a reasonable starting price. The price ratchets up quickly from there, though. The good news is the M4 seems like it can handle quite a bit (we're still wrapping up our benchmark testing of it), so definitely consider just upping the amount of memory before rushing to the $1,399 M4 Pro, unless you need extra graphics performance and better display support. Also, for students and families, I would recommend the M4 iMac because the all-in-one design is easier to manage.


Ars Technica
The M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis are the best ones Apple has ever made because they're good mini workstations and good entry-level PCs. The M4 combined with 16GB of RAM means the $599 mini can handle basic browsing and office use; casual photo, audio, and video editing; and high-resolution multi-monitor setups. The M4 Pro version of the mini is an excellent replacement for any power user's aging Intel iMac, with a level of CPU performance, display capabilities, and RAM capacity that required an expensive M1 Ultra Mac Studio just a couple of years ago.


Karl Conrad