Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) Review

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Build and Design

The Apple Mac mini M4 shrank to a 5 by 5 inch square, about two inches tall, when it launched in late 2024. It fits behind a monitor, under a stand, or on a VESA mount with nothing else on the desk.

The port layout is the practical win. The front carries two USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack, so an external drive or a pair of wired headphones plugs in without reaching behind the machine. The rear has three Thunderbolt ports (Thunderbolt 4 on the M4, Thunderbolt 5 on the M4 Pro), HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet with a 10Gb option, and the power inlet. The power supply is internal. One cable runs to the wall.

The odd choice is the power button, which sits on the underside near a rear corner. You press it by tilting the machine. In practice you rarely need it because the Mac wakes from a keyboard or mouse. A stand that raises the mini a few centimeters makes it easier to reach.

Performance and Daily Use

The base model ships with the M4 chip, 16GB of unified memory, and a 256GB SSD for around $599. That is enough for coding, office work, web, and photo editing without slowdowns.

The M4 Pro configuration starts around $1,399. It adds more CPU and GPU cores, higher memory options, and Thunderbolt 5 at 80Gbps. It is the version for video editors, 3D work, and anyone driving multiple 6K displays.

Display support is generous for the size. Apple lists up to three displays on both chips, with the exact mix depending on resolution and refresh rate. Check Apple’s tech specs for your configuration before buying a third monitor.

Storage is the one thing to plan around. The 256GB drive is soldered, and macOS plus a few apps leaves little room. Either configure more storage at purchase or add an external NVMe drive. A Mac mini M4 stand with a built-in SSD slot is the cleanest fix.

Who Should Buy It

Anyone who wants a desktop Mac and already owns, or plans to buy, a good monitor. The Mac mini M4 gives you the same chip as a MacBook Air for less money, without paying for a screen you will not use. It is the right computer for a minimal desk, a home office, or a second workstation.

Who Should Skip It

Anyone who needs to work away from the desk. The Mac mini is a desktop with no battery and no screen. A MacBook Air covers the same performance tier with portability.

Anyone who needs a camera and microphone built in. The iMac includes both. The Mac mini requires a separate webcam.

Heavy video or 3D users should look at the M4 Pro configuration or a Mac Studio rather than the base model.

Anyone who runs local AI models or wants the newest chip should look at the 2026 Mac mini M6, which starts at $899 and ships September 22, 2026, in the same enclosure. With the M6 announced, the M4 is now the discounted pick for browsing, office work, and coding rather than Apple’s current flagship mini. See our M6 vs M4 comparison.