I bought the M4 Mac Mini after reading CNET laptop expert Joshua Goldman’s review of the tiny machine. I was looking for a computer that would increase my productivity and better organize my workflow. Since then, I’ve found it to be the best value for the money among Apple’s lineup. I would even argue that this is a more powerful computer than the $999 MacBook Air. The best part? The M4 Mac Mini just got a $100 price cut knocking the price down to $499.
The M4 Mac Mini, Apple’s smallest computer, is an easy recommendation for me since it’s one of CNET’s picks for the best desktop computers of 2025. It’s also our go-to for the best cheap desktop alternative to a MacBook or iMac.
The M4 Mac Mini has been my best tech investment this year
I’ve been joyfully surprised by the M4 Mac Mini’s value and how wonderful it’s been for me to work from a desk. As a freelance remote worker, I travel at least 10 days every month, so I need a portable computer. Based on my lifestyle, I should be recommending the M4 MacBook Air. But it’s the remaining 20 days of the month that I need to work harder than usual to put together new pitches, deliver approved stories, sort admin tasks, conduct research and more. All this requires immense organization and productivity, and the M4 Mac Mini has helped make my life easier.
This smallest of Apple’s computers doesn’t compromise on power. It features a 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB solid-state drive for storage. It’s very powerful for a $599 machine and a bargain at $557. You likely won’t be able to find similar reliability and power on a Windows machine for $500. I’ve tried and failed. And no, I’m not forgetting that the Mac Mini doesn’t come with a display or a mouse and keyboard.
I paired my M4 Mac Mini with a 27-inch LG UltraGear monitor (currently down to $247) and a Logitech mouse and keyboard combo. The UltraGear’s big screen is quite useful for research and multitasking, as well as watching movies.
The M4 Mac Mini can be excellent for home office and content creation needs. As CNET’s Goldman wrote in his review, “The Mini can fit in your hand and be everything from an everyday home office computer to a full-on professional content-creation machine — and an easily portable one at that — with support for up to three 6K-resolution displays.”
My buying recommendation
The M4 Mac Mini was launched in November 2024, and it’s often available at a discount. The small Apple computer offers superb value for remote workers and content creators. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a PC for home, I’d say pick up a M4 Mac Mini and see the difference for yourself.