to
- Great performance
- More compact design
- Awesome value
against
- Struggle with modern games
- The front USB-C ports are slower than the rear
- The placement of the power button is awkward
to
- Still the best all-in-one computer
- Fun and vibrant colors
- The base 16GB of RAM is a welcome upgrade
against
- There are no major changes in design
- The Magic Mouse is now USB-C, with an awkward port placement
- The new model could arrive in 2025
When it comes to Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4, it can be difficult to know which device is best for you. After all, both Apple devices offer impressive performance and speed for a range of tasks, from running simple office and productivity apps to complex video editing.
We’ve tested each of these computers extensively. You can read our full Apple Mac mini M4 review and our Apple iMac 24-inch M4 review to get our full thoughts. But here, we’ll detail the big differences you need to know between the Mac mini M4 and iMac M4. The Apple Mac mini is our pick for the best mini PC, while the iMac stands out as one of the best business Macs ever. But should you choose one over the other? We compare the Apple Mac mini M4 with the iMac M4 to see which one is right for you.
Mac Mini M4 vs iMac M4: Specifications
| Row 0 – Cell 0 | Mac Mini M4 | iMac M4 |
| an offer | no one | 24 inches |
| He writes | nothing | 4.5K Retina display |
| Refresh rate | nothing | 60 Hz |
| Processor/graphics | M4 or M4 Pro | M4 only |
| memory | Up to 64 GB | Up to 32 GB |
| storage | Up to 8TB | Up to 2TB |
| Ports | Three Thunderbolt 4 (M4) or three Thunderbolt 5 (M4 Pro) ports, two USB-C ports, one 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 in up to 64GB and storage space of up to 8TB. Starting prices for the M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini are:
- Mac Mini M4: $599
- Mac Mini, M4 Pro: $1,399
Every current iMac comes 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 and 10-core GPU, $1,499
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Portability
In terms of portability, the Mac mini M4 and iMac M4 are striking contrasts. 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 fit it into a backpack or suitcase, making it an excellent choice for those who need a portable workstation. Whether you’re commuting between meetings, traveling for work, or simply relocating in your home, the Mac mini M4 can effortlessly accompany you without taking up a lot of space.
The iMac M4, on the other hand, is an all-in-one desktop computer that’s not designed for mobility. It features a stunningly large 24-inch Retina display with vibrant colors and exceptional detail, housed within a slim profile that weighs approximately 10.88 pounds. This makes the iMac M4 less practical to transport; It’s best used in a fixed environment, such as a home office or dedicated work space. The iMac M4’s design prioritizes a powerful computing experience and a visually appealing setup, making it ideal for users who value beauty and performance in a permanent location.
Winner: Mac Mini M4
Mac Mini M4 vs iMac M4: Performance
The M4 chip powers the Mac mini M4 and iMac M4, but the Mac mini is generally superior to the iMac. This difference in performance is mainly due to the thermal limitations of the iMac’s thin design. Mac mini features a more powerful cooling system, allowing the M4 chip to run at higher speeds for longer periods without throttling performance for heat management. This feature is especially evident 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 devices offer similar performance and are more than adequate for most users.
It’s also worth noting that the Mac mini is available with an M4 or M4 Pro chip, while the iMac is only available with an M4 chip. This is a huge difference for anyone who wants more performance on their computer.
Winner: Mac Mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Upgradability
In terms of upgradability, the Mac mini M4 and iMac M4 have their limitations, but in different ways. The Mac mini lets you specify the RAM capacity upon purchase, but the RAM is soldered to the motherboard, meaning it can’t be upgraded later. In contrast, the iMac M4 takes this further by integrating RAM and storage, making it non-upgradeable.
However, the Mac mini offers some flexibility with third-party upgrades. You can quickly expand your storage space with multiple Thunderbolt ports by adding external SSDs or hard drives. You can also connect external GPUs, although this is less common with Apple Silicon and other peripherals. The iMac, on the other hand, with its limited ports and all-in-one design, doesn’t offer any upgrade options after purchase.
Winner: Mac Mini M4
Mac mini M4 vs iMac M4: Connection
The iMac is equipped with four Thunderbolt 4 ports and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, assuming you choose the model with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU. The less 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 version 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 choosing between a Mac mini M4 (or M4 Pro) and an iMac M4, your choice will depend largely on your specific needs and priorities.
If you value portability and upgradeability, the Mac mini is the best choice. Its compact design and ability to connect to external drives and peripherals provides great flexibility. The M4 Pro version improves performance for the most demanding tasks. However, keep in mind that you will need to purchase a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
On the other hand, if you prioritize an all-in-one with a nice design and value a high-quality built-in screen, the iMac M4 is an excellent choice. Its sleek, space-saving design makes it ideal for those who prefer a simple setup. Although its performance may be slightly lower than the Mac mini in demanding scenarios, it’s still very capable in everyday use.
Ultimately, the “best” choice depends on your individual needs and budget. Think about the aspects of your computer that are most important to you – performance, portability, upgradeability, or design – and select the device that best matches your preferences.
For more Apple options, we’ve reviewed The best MacBooks and MacBooks And I tested Best video editing software for Mac and MacBook Models