Apple Mac Mini M1 (2020)

Blistering CPU performance ; Incredibly fast SSDs ; Superb value ; Compact, sturdy design ; MacOS Big Sur is great

Subpar gaming performance

Same lovely design ; Very good performance ; M1 hardware has potential

Can't use eGPUs ; Maximum of 16GB memory

New, lower starting price ; Much improved overall performance from 2018 model ; Especially promising bench results with native "Universal" apps ; Surprisingly quiet and cool operation under load

Boosting RAM and SSD capacity at purchase time is pricey ; Fewer Thunderbolt ports than previous Mac mini ; Memory no longer upgradable post-purchase

With a new lower starting price and Apple's straining-at-the-leash M1 CPU, the Mac mini is far and away the most polished, potent tiny desktop in its class.

M1 optimised apps are ridiculously quick ; Fans rarely heard ; Most affordable Mac ; Doesn't take up a lot of space ; Supports up to 6K monitors ; Rosetta works well for non-optimised apps

Needs more ports ; No SD card reader ; Supports maximum of two monitors ; Not all apps are M1 optimised yet

This miniature desktop might be small, but it's still mighty thanks to the M1 chipset. It's not for everyone, however, especially if you've invested in a lot of apps not yet optimised for M1 support. Otherwise it's a speedy and reliable workhorse that,...

Outstanding performance ; Great value ; Wi-Fi 6 ; Energy efficiency ; No heating issues

Fewer ports than the predecessor ; Horrible speakers ; Long-term upgradability concerns

With Apple's new M1 chip, the humble Mac mini takes a massive performance leap and transforms from an entry-level Mac to a powerhouse at an even more affordable price.

Most affordable path into Apple Silicon ; Astonishing performance ; Third-party app support for M1 keeps getting better

Fewer ports than Intel-based Mac mini ; No user upgrades

Whether the Mac mini or MacBook Air is the best value Mac depends primarily on what you need it for. In general the Mac mini is the winner in terms of how much bang you get for your buck. Unless, of course, you want a laptop, in which case the choice...

While the Mac mini is clearly the best choice for those on a budget, the iMac is a tempting option with its 4.5K or 5K display. If you need a more powerful machine, or the ultimate graphics, the 24in iMac might not be enough for you. In that case you...

Seriously fast performance ; Seamless support for most software ; More affordable than ever before

No aftermarket upgrades ; Fewer Thunderbolt 3 ports ; A few minor hiccups with compatibility and features

For most users, this is a no-brainer: The M1 Mac mini is the most affordable of Apple's new crop of Macs, and delivers huge value for the affordable price. If you're a professional or were keen for now-missing features like eGPU support, then you might...