I bought the M4 Mac Mini last month 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. During four weeks of use, I’ve found it to be the best value for money among Apple’s lineup. For less than $600, you can get a more powerful computer than the $999 MacBook Air. Even better, it’s now selling for $100 off for Amazon Prime Day. As a result, you can buy an M4 Mac Mini for as low as $500. That’s a fantastic deal for work-from-home employees and creatives.
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. On Amazon, it’s currently discounted by 9%, and Prime members can get an additional $46 off when they apply the on-page coupon. That’s close to the lowest price we’ve seen on this powerful computer.
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The M4 Mac Mini has been my best tech investment this year
The M4 Mac Mini plus Apple’s current crop of USB-C Magic accessories make for a really nice portable computing solution. Add a portable monitor and you’re set.
I’ve been joyfully surprised by the M4 Mac Mini’s value proposition and how wonderful it’s been for me to work from a desk. As a freelance remote worker, I travel for 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 CPU and 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 $500. 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 $180) and a Logitech mouse and keyboard combo — all for under $200. The UltraGear’s big screen is quite useful for research and multitasking, as well as watching movies.
The M4 Mac Mini can be equally excellent for both 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 now available at a $100 discount, which is close to the lowest price we’ve seen. The small Apple computer offers a superb value proposition for remote workers and content creators alike. If you’ve been on the fence about getting a PC for home, like me, I’d say pick up a M4 Mac Mini and see the difference for yourself.
Want to check out the competition? We’ve rounded up the best desktop computer deals from the likes of HP, Lenovo, Dell and, naturally, Apple. And if this desktop doesn’t suit your taste, you can check out the best laptop deals.
