Apple is strengthening its dominance in the compact PC market with the all-new Mac mini M4 . With impressive performance, an ultra-compact design, and improved connectivity, all priced at €653 , this mini PC promises to shake up the competition. But behind these strengths, the Mac mini M4 also has some compromises: is it really worth the investment? We spent hours putting it to the test to find out.
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Since the success of the M1 Mac mini, Apple has continued to invest heavily in compact computing. The M4 marks a significant evolution: four performance cores and six efficiency cores deliver significant gains in productivity and multitasking. Connectivity has been redesigned, with front-facing USB-C ports and an even more compact design, making it easier to integrate into any environment.
Faced with the market's high-end mini PCs, does the Mac mini M4 compete with the big boys or is it still a premium gadget? Our comprehensive review examines the machine's performance, energy efficiency, and versatility to help you decide if this little Apple gem is worth your consideration.
A compact design… but Apple makes some surprising choices
Right out of the box, the Mac mini M4 stands out from its competitors: its power supply is integrated . No more bulky external adapters, just a simple cable is all you need—a real plus for a clutter-free desk.
Connectivity is also evolving with the addition of two 10Gb USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front , a first for a Mac mini. On the back, Apple is banking on three Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI 2.1 , capable of managing up to three displays simultaneously.
However, some choices remain questionable. The power button placed under the device , far from any ergonomic logic, surprises and confuses from the first uses. The absence of USB-A ports is another point of friction: if you use traditional wired peripherals, you will need to provide additional adapters.
The Mac mini M4 impresses with its compactness and modern connectivity, but these small compromises remind us that even at Apple, design sometimes takes precedence over practicality.
Raw power: the Mac mini M4 keeps up the pace… and surprises
The Mac mini M4 proves particularly impressive in our performance tests. In multi-core , the Intel and AMD mini PCs take the lead, by 9.8% and 23.5% in Cinebench 2024. But the scenario reverses in Geekbench 6 narrowly come out , demonstrating the effectiveness of its optimized architecture.
It's in single-core that the M4 really stands out. With scores that beat x86 processors by 34 to 48 percent , it's the third-fastest processor on the market , just behind the M4 Pro and M4 Max. This performance confirms that Apple has focused on responsiveness and fluidity for everyday applications, rather than pure multi-core power.
Real-life applications: the Mac mini M4 dominates hands down
The theoretical performance of the Mac mini M4 is fully confirmed in everyday use. In office productivity , it achieves the best scores thanks to its single-core , offering immediate responsiveness in all classic tasks.
In Photoshop photo editing , the Mac mini crushes the competition, posting a 28% lead over the best Ryzen mini PC. Video editing further reveals the power of its M4 chip. In Premiere Pro , it beats the Beelink SEi 9 by 28% and the Geekom GT1 by 39% , while in DaVinci Resolve , the gap reaches an impressive 69% over the nearest competitor.
In a hands-on test, the Mac mini completed a complex project in 23 minutes and 54 seconds , compared to 51 minutes and 23 seconds for the Geekom GT1 Mega. A resounding demonstration that the M4 isn't just fast on paper: it transforms everyday workflows into a true productivity booster.
Gambling: A Persistent Achilles Heel
Paradoxically, the Mac mini M4 proves to be more capable than expected on the GPU side . In several titles, it matches or even surpasses AMD's Radeon 890M , for example with 24% more FPS in Baldur's Gate 3 .
But the party quickly ends. Compatibility issues severely limit the experience: the FSR available on Mac remains limited to version 1.0 compared to 2.2 on PC, which significantly degrades the graphics quality . Some games suffer from audio bugs , and Counter-Strike 2 simply refuses to launch properly.
The game library remains the main obstacle: despite thousands of titles, the selection of new AAA games is very limited. For casual gaming, the Mac mini does a respectable job, but it can in no way compete with a dedicated PC . This is a limitation to keep in mind if gaming is a priority.
Efficiency and value for money: Apple hits hard
Energy efficiency remains one of the M4 Mac mini . It consumes 69% less than the power-hungry Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 , while offering equivalent performance. This feat will delight users concerned about their electricity bills and their environmental impact.
But where the Mac mini really impresses is in its price-performance ratio . Priced at $600 , compared to around $1,000 for its direct competitors, it offers more than double the value . Superior performance in most uses, controlled power consumption, and an aggressive price: the Mac mini M4 objectively stands out as the best choice for a compact and powerful desktop computer .
The compromises to accept
The base M4 Mac mini 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage , is more than enough for most users. However, Apple's upgrade options remain very expensive : $200 for an additional 8GB of RAM or 256GB of storage , which can quickly reduce the excellent initial value.
Unlike many mini PCs, you can't upgrade the machine yourself : all upgrades must be decided upon at the time of purchase. Fortunately, using an external SSD via USB-C or Thunderbolt offers a simple, fast, and cost-effective for expanding storage without touching the device.
Verdict: The M4 Mac mini hits hard, but not for everyone
The Mac mini M4 redefines the standards for mini PCs. Its impressive productivity and content creation performance , combined with an unbeatable price , make it the obvious choice for a wide majority of users. Exceptional energy efficiency and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem further enhance its appeal.
However, it is not suitable for everyone . Gamers hardware customization enthusiasts , or those requiring full Windows/Linux compatibility will find more flexibility and power on the side of traditional mini PCs . A strategic choice, therefore: powerful, compact and economical, but with some concessions to be aware of before purchasing.
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