Computing
Apple Mac mini M4 review roundup: the honest verdict
TechRadar calls it “the best small form factor PC in the world,” and other critics broadly agree.
No single aggregate score — here's what the reviewers agree on, below.
The short version
Reviewers agree that the Mac mini M4 combines unusually strong performance with a genuinely tiny design and an appealing $599 starting price. TechRadar found macOS smooth, video editing easy and operation virtually silent during its testing, while CNET says the $799 configuration is strong enough for media creation. The catch is storage: the base model has only 256GB, Apple charges heavily for upgrades, and PCMag notes that memory and storage cannot be upgraded after purchase.
What reviewers loved
- The 5-inch-square chassis takes up very little desk space while retaining desktop-class connectivity.
- The standard M4 model handled advanced work such as video editing with ease in TechRadar's review, reducing the need to pay for M4 Pro.
- Apple now includes 16GB of unified memory in the $599 base model, improving its usefulness without raising the starting price.
- Two front USB-C ports and a headphone jack make everyday accessories easier to connect, with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI and Ethernet at the rear.
- CNET reports support for as many as three 6K displays, giving the small desktop room to anchor a substantial workspace.
What held it back
- The base 256GB SSD is restrictive, and PCMag describes its capacity as “scanty.”
- Memory and internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase, so the initial configuration decision is permanent.
- Apple's upgrade pricing is steep: CNET reports that each memory or storage step can add $200.
- The price rises sharply when moving to M4 Pro, despite TechRadar finding the standard M4 sufficient for all the tasks in its review.
Buy it if you want a compact macOS desktop with fast everyday and creative-work performance, and you can choose enough storage upfront.
Skip it if you need inexpensive expandable storage or memory, because internal upgrades are costly at checkout and impossible later.
What the reviewers say
The strongest consensus concerns size and speed. TechRadar says the redesigned 5 x 5 x 2-inch enclosure fits in the palm of a hand, yet macOS Sequoia ran smoothly and advanced tasks such as video editing were handled with ease. CNET likewise found its $799 M4 configuration capable of media creation, while Engadget gave the Mac mini M4 a 90 for its fast performance and design measuring less than half the size of its predecessor.
Value is good at the entry level but becomes more complicated as storage requirements rise. CNET calls the $599 base model “kind of a deal,” and PCMag says the lower configurations lead budget PCs on value. However, the starting SSD is only 256GB, each upgrade can add $200, and PCMag confirms that internal memory and storage cannot be upgraded after purchase. Its M4 Pro test also found that the fans could become noisy under load.
The competition
Apple Mac mini M4 Pro
Consider it for heavier media-production workloads. PCMag reports excellent high-end performance, but it starts at $1,399, and TechRadar recommends the standard M4 for buyers who do not need that extra power.
Windows 11 or Linux small-form-factor PCs
They may suit buyers who do not want macOS, although TechRadar argues that current alternatives struggle to match this Mac mini's combination of build quality, performance and value.
Should you buy it?
Yes, for most people seeking a small macOS desktop. The professional reviews consistently praise the Mac mini M4's compact redesign, fast performance and $599 starting value, and TechRadar specifically recommends it over the more expensive M4 Pro for typical workloads. The sensible buying decision depends on storage: 256GB will be tight for many users, but Apple's upgrades are expensive and cannot be added later. The 512GB model is the safer long-term choice when the budget allows, particularly when discounted. RightWei summarizes independent hands-on reviews and does not test review units itself.