For
- Great performance
- More compact design
- Impressive value
Against
- You struggle with modern games.
- Front USB-C ports are slower than rear ones
- Power button location is awkward
For
- Still the best all-in-one computer
- Fun and vibrant colors
- Base 16GB RAM is a welcome upgrade
Against
- There are no major changes to the design.
- Magic Mouse now USB-C, with inconvenient port location
- The new model could arrive in 2025
When it comes to Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4, it can be a challenge to know which device is best for you. After all, both Apple machines offer incredible performance and speed for a variety of tasks, from running simple office and productivity apps to complex video editing.
We have extensively tested each of these computers. You can read our full Apple Mac mini M4 review and our Apple iMac M4 24-inch review for our full opinion. But here we are going to detail the big differences you need to know between the Mac mini M4 and the iMac M4. The Apple Mac mini is our pick for best mini PC, while the iMac stands out as one of the best business Mac devices out there. But should you choose one over the other? We compare the Apple Mac mini M4 to the iMac M4 to see which one is right for you.
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Specs
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | mac mini m4 | iMac M4 |
| Show | None | 24 inches |
| Guy | N/A | 4.5K Retina display |
| Refresh Rate | N/A | 60Hz |
| Processor/Graphics | M4 or M4 Pro | M4 only |
| Memory | Up to 64GB | Up to 32GB |
| Storage | Up to 8TB | Up to 2TB |
| Ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 (M4) or three Thunderbolt 5 (M4 Pro) ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI port, and Gigabit Ethernet or 10Gb Ethernet | Four Thunderbolt 4 ports or two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, Gigabit Ethernet |
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: price and availability
The latest Mac mini is available with an M4 or M4 Pro chip. These chips offer up to 14 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores. Memory is available up to 64 GB and storage up to 8 TB. Starting prices for the M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini are:
- Mac mini, M4: $599
- Mac mini, M4 Pro: $1,399
All current iMacs come with an M4 chip. However, the two standard configurations differ depending on the number of CPU and GPU cores. From there, you can make adjustments to RAM and storage:
- iMac, M4, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, $1,299
- iMac, M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, $1,499
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: portability
When it comes to portability, the Mac mini M4 and iMac M4 are a striking contrast. The Mac mini M4 is a compact and lightweight desktop computer, weighing about 2.6 pounds and measuring just 7.7 square inches. This sleek design allows users to easily store it in a backpack or bag, making it a great option for those in need of a portable workstation. Whether you're going from meeting to meeting, traveling for work, or simply moving around your home, the Mac mini M4 can accompany you effortlessly and without taking up much space.
On the other hand, the iMac M4 is an all-in-one desktop computer not designed for mobility. It features a large and impressive 24-inch Retina display with vibrant colors and exceptional details, housed within a slim profile that weighs around 10.88 pounds. This makes the iMac M4 less practical for transport; It is best used in a stationary environment, such as a home office or dedicated workspace. The iMac M4's design prioritizes a powerful computing experience and a visually appealing configuration, making it ideal for users who value aesthetics and performance in a permanent location.
Winner: Mac mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Performance
The M4 chip powers the M4 Mac mini and M4 iMac, but the Mac mini generally outperforms the iMac. This performance difference is primarily due to the thermal limitations of the iMac's slim design. Mac mini features a more robust cooling system, allowing the M4 chip to run at higher speeds for longer periods without throttling performance to manage heat. This advantage is particularly notable during demanding tasks like video editing or 3D rendering, where the Mac mini consistently maintains better performance levels.
However, for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and office productivity, both machines offer comparable performance that is more than enough for most users.
It's also worth noting that the Mac mini is available with the M4 or M4 Pro chip, while the iMac is only offered with the M4 chip. This is a big difference for anyone who wants a lot more performance from their computer.
Winner: Mac mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Upgradability
When it comes to upgradability, the Mac mini M4 and iMac M4 have their limitations, but in different ways. The Mac mini allows you to select your RAM capacity at the time of purchase, but the RAM is soldered to the motherboard, meaning it can't be upgraded later. In contrast, the iMac M4 goes further by having the RAM and storage soldered together, making them non-upgradable.
However, the Mac mini offers some flexibility with external upgrades. You can quickly expand your storage through its multiple Thunderbolt ports by adding SSDs or external hard drives. You can also connect external GPUs, although this is less common with Apple Silicon and other peripherals. On the other hand, the iMac, with its limited ports and all-in-one design, offers virtually no upgrade options after purchase.
Winner: Mac mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Connectivity
The iMac is equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet connection, assuming you opt for the model with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. The least expensive version has only two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and is limited to Gigabit Ethernet.
In contrast, the Mac mini offers a wider range of connectivity options. The M4 version includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M4 Pro variant features three Thunderbolt 5 ports. All models also come with two USB-C ports, an HDMI port, and the option of Gigabit or 10Gb Ethernet.
Winner: Mac mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: final verdict
When deciding between the Mac mini M4 (or M4 Pro) and the iMac M4, your choice will largely depend on your specific needs and priorities.
If you value portability and upgradeability, the Mac mini is the superior choice. Its compact design and ability to connect to external drives and peripherals offer significant flexibility. The M4 Pro version further improves performance for more demanding tasks. However, keep in mind that you will need to purchase a monitor, keyboard, and mouse separately.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an all-in-one device with an aesthetically pleasing design and appreciate a high-quality built-in display, the iMac M4 is a great choice. Its sleek, space-saving design makes it perfect for those who prefer a minimalist setup. While its performance may be slightly lower than the Mac mini in demanding scenarios, it is still very capable for everyday use.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Consider which aspects of a computer are most important to you (performance, portability, upgradeability, or design) and select the machine that best suits your preferences.
To learn more options from Apple, we review the best MacBook and Mac and tried the best video editing for Mac and MacBook models