Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)

Still very compact M2 Pro boosts the graphics Lots of storage options Stays amazingly quiet and cool Fantastic port selection Very affordable base configuration

Base configuration has slower SSD Not user upgradable

“The M2 Pro helps the Mac mini redefine compact computers.”

More processing power than you'll ever need ; Plenty of ports on the back for connections ; Takes up very little desk space

No SD card slot for photographers ; Would be nice to make the case a little smaller

The Mac mini 2023 is the perfect desktop replacement. It's small, portable and extremely fast. Having the computer separate from the monitor makes it an affordable upgrade for iMac users, or anyone with an external monitor and keyboard.

Classic Mac mini design ; Snappy performance in either configuration ; Extra Thunderbolt ports with M2 Pro model ; M2 Pro adds peak 8K-resolution, 240Hz-refresh-rate display options

Memory and storage are not upgradable (and upticks at time of purchase are pricey) ; True value pricing only on lowest-end model ; No accessories or peripherals included

With a new low price for the base model, and two peppy processor options, Apple's Mac mini offers a huge upgrade in capability while looking the same as ever. (Some good things don't need to change.)

Great performance ; Sleek, compact design ; Affordabl

Can't upgrade or repair unit yourself

The Mac Mini M2 offers great performance in a compact shell with a nice amount of ports.

Powerful for the price ; Good connectivity options ; Mostly runs quiet – but not silent

No ports on the front ; RAM upgrades are ludicrously expensive

It’s great to see Apple’s cheapest Mac is now more powerful and more affordable – although the RAM upgrade pricing still stings.

The below image best sums up why the M2 Mac Mini is such an easy recommendation. In the background is a "small form factor" PC I built myself a couple of years ago. In the foreground is the M2 Mac Mini. The PC I built cost around $1,500 at the time,...

Well-built and extremely compact ; Excellent performance ; Quiet operation ; Many ports (for the M2 Pro version) ; Attractive starting price

No ports on the front ; No SD card slot ; Base configuration is lean ; Not upgradeable ; Can get pricey if you go crazy on options

The TL;DR version: A more powerful and capable Mac mini but at a lower price? What’s not to like? This is a no-brainer if you are looking for the most affordable way into a Mac.