Mac Mini vs. Mac Studio Buyer's Guide: 20+ Differences Compared

[MacRumors]

In 2025, Apple updated the Mac Studio with the M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips. Apple last year refreshed the Mac mini with the M4 and M4 Pro chips, meaning that the Mac Studio faces a formidable competitor that offers "Pro" capabilities at a substantially lower price point.

There are now two desktop Macs and four Apple silicon chip options for users who do not need the expandability of the Mac Pro. The Mac Studio starts at $1,999, overshadowing the $599 starting price of the M4 Mac mini and even the $1,399 starting price of the M4 Pro Mac mini, so do you need the performance of the Mac Studio, or is the humble Mac mini sufficient for your needs? Our guide helps to answer the question of how to decide which of these two desktop Macs is best for you.

The Mac mini and the Mac Studio share some fundamental features, including a familiar, boxy silver aluminum design, two front-facing USB-C ports along with HDMI and ethernet on the rear, and Apple silicon chipsets. That being said, the two machines have much more in contrast than they do in common, including different chip options, memory capacities, ports, and external display support capabilities.

Mac mini (M4, 2024)	Mac mini (M4 Pro, 2024)	Mac Studio (M4 Max, 2025)	Mac Studio (M3 Ultra, 2025)
M4 chip (made with TSMC's enhanced 3nm (N3E) process)	M4 Pro chip (made with TSMC's enhanced 3nm (N3E) process)	M4 Max chip (made with TSMC's 3nm (N3E) process)	M3 Ultra chip (made with TSMC's enhanced 5nm (N3B) process)
4.30 GHz maximum CPU clock speed	4.30 GHz maximum CPU clock speed	4.30 GHz maximum CPU clock speed	4.05 GHz maximum CPU clock speed
10-core CPU (4 performance cores + 6 efficiency cores)	12- or 14-core CPU (8 or 10 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores)	14- or 16-core CPU (10 or 12 performance cores + 4 efficiency cores)	28- or 32-core CPU (20 or 24 performance cores + 8 efficiency cores)
10-core GPU	16- or 20‑core GPU	32- or 40-core GPU	60- or 80-core GPU
Improved ray-tracing engine	Improved ray-tracing engine	Improved ray-tracing engine	Ray-tracing engine
120GB/s memory bandwidth	273GB/s memory bandwidth	546GB/s memory bandwidth	819.2GB/s memory bandwidth
16GB, 24GB, or 32GB unified memory	24GB, 48GB, or 64GB unified memory	36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory	96GB, 256GB, or 512GB unified memory
LPDDR5X memory	LPDDR5X memory	LPDDR5X memory	LPDDR5 memory
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB storage	512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage	512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB storage	1TB, 2TB, 4TB, 8TB, or 16TB storage
16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second	16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second	16-core Neural Engine, 38 trillion operations per second	32-core Neural Engine, 72 trillion operations per second
Video decode engine	Video decode engine	Video decode engine	Two video decode engines
Video encode engine	Video encode engine	Two video encode engines	Two video encode engines
ProRes encode and decode engine	ProRes encode and decode engine	Two ProRes encode and decode engines	Four ProRes encode and decode engines
Dedicated display engine	Dedicated display engine	Dedicated display engine
Support for up to three external displays	Support for up to three external displays	Support for up to five external displays	Support for up to eight external displays
Three rear Thunderbolt 4 ports	Three rear Thunderbolt 5 ports	Four rear Thunderbolt 5 ports	Four rear Thunderbolt 5 ports
Two front USB-C ports	Two front USB-C ports	Two front USB-C ports	Two front Thunderbolt 5 ports
		Two rear USB-A ports	Two rear USB-A ports
Gigabit Ethernet or 10Gb Ethernet port	Gigabit Ethernet or 10Gb Ethernet port	10Gb Ethernet port	10Gb Ethernet port
		SDXC card slot (UHS-II)	SDXC card slot (UHS-II)
Bottom power button	Bottom power button	Rear power button	Rear power button
Starts at $599	Starts at $1,399	Starts at $1,999	Starts at $3,999

Following the Mac mini's redesign last year, the dimensions of the two devices are now radically different, with the Mac Studio dwarfing the Mac mini in every way.

	Mac mini	Mac Studio
Height	2.0 inches (5.0 cm)	3.7 inches (9.5 cm)
Width	5.0 inches (12.7 cm)	7.7 inches (19.7 cm)
Depth	5.0 inches (12.7 cm)	7.7 inches (19.7 cm)
Weight	M4: 1.5 pounds (0.67 kg) M4 Pro: 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg)	M4 Max: 5.9 pounds (2.7 kg) M3 Ultra: 7.9 pounds (3.6 kg)

Most customers should choose the M4 Pro Mac mini over the M4 Max Mac Studio, saving $700 when looking at the base models. There will likely still be substantial savings when it comes to custom configurations.

You should only consider the Mac Studio if you have an professional workflow that can leverage the extreme power of the M4 Max or M3 Ultra, as well as its additional ports and memory options. If you need the Mac Studio, you will likely know that you are looking for a highly powerful machine that is capable of supporting specific intense workflows.

If considering the M4 Max or M3 Ultra Mac Studio, it's worth bearing in mind that the cheaper machine uses newer chip technology with faster memory, improved ray-tracing, and better single-core performance. For multi-core, graphics, a... Click here to read rest of article

Article Link: Mac Mini vs. Mac Studio Buyer's Guide: 20+ Differences Compared

 

[Kulfon]

I need to say that I am confused now. Nothing negative, just not very clear. We now have Mac Mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro. How to really understand it?

 

[nepalisherpa]

I am pretty sure someone who knows they need a Mac Studio would not be confused with a M1 Mini (and vice-versa). The $1300 price difference would be an obvious factor.

 

[HazardousT]

So it's either low end or high end? No middle ground at all on this is there?

 

[steve217]

I like the option of being able to devote more to the monitor than the CPU. The monitor to me is a much longer term acquisition. Swapping out a lower model CPU (Mini or low-end Studio) and upgrading that more frequently makes a better fiscal strategy.

 

[CWallace]

I need to say that I am confused now. Nothing negative, just not very clear. We now have Mac Mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro. How to really understand it?

Mac mini is capable of handling less-demanding workloads.
Mac Studio is a mid-ranged system that is capable of handling demanding workloads.
Mac Pro is a "no limits" system, capable of handling the most demanding workloads.


Update: Over a year has passed since this post and the 2023 Mac Pro ended up not having an "Extreme" class SoC and 256GB+ of RAM. So looking at the desktop lineup today:

The iMac and Mac mini are capable of handling less-demanding workloads.
The Mac mini Pro and Mac Studio Max are mid-ranged systems that are capable of handling demanding workloads.
The Mac Studio Ultra and Mac Pro are "no limits" (within the Apple Silicon architecture) systems, capable of handling the most demanding Apple Silicon workloads.

 

[ixxx69]

Mac mini is capable of handling less-demanding workloads.
Mac Studio is a mid-ranged system that is capable of handling demanding workloads.
Mac Pro is a "no limits" system, capable of handling the most demanding workloads.

Yeah, really. It's not that complicated. Folks just want to be confused so they have something to complain about.

 

[CWallace]

So it's either low end or high end? No middle ground at all on this is there?

I'd argue Mac Studio is the middle ground choice.

Mac mini is the lower ground (I hate calling it "low end" because it can handle serious workloads in certain areas) and Mac Pro is the "no limits" high ground.

 

[HazardousT]

I'd argue Mac Studio is the middle ground choice.

Mac mini is the lower ground (I hate calling it "low end" because it can handle serious workloads in certain areas) and Mac Pro is the "no limits" high ground.

Mac Studio + Display is $3500 with the minimum configuration. To me that's not a middle ground

 

[4jasontv]

Yeah, really. It's not that complicated. Folks just want to be confused so they have something to complain about.

The complication comes when defining demanding. We don’t all do video editing or photo work. When do Chrome, Office, and Preview tasks become more demanding?

 

[Bandaman]

Mac mini is capable of handling less-demanding workloads.
Mac Studio is a mid-ranged system that is capable of handling demanding workloads.
Mac Pro is a "no limits" system, capable of handling the most demanding workloads.

The Mac Studio is not even remotely mid-ranged at this point.

 

[NightFox]

So it's either low end or high end? No middle ground at all on this is there?

I think if you look at a fully spec'd-out M1 Mac mini compared to the entry level Studio, there isn't really much of a middle ground to fill. Someone's needs would have to be pretty niche and specific to fall between those two.

 

[now i see it]

It’s a pretty easy task trying to decide between the Studio or the Mini: if you’ve got the cash, the Studio is the clear choice.

The hard decision is choosing a Mac Studio over a Mac Pro. Now that conundrum will lead to sleepless nights and drive you mad

 

[AppleTO]

So the only thing that we are missing is either an M1 Pro Mac mini or Mac Studio (this slot is currently taken by the Intel Mac mini).

It seems obvious that this will come eventually, but for now Apple would probably rather see who is willing to shell out for the $1999 Mac Studio, given that a $1299 to $1499 Mac mini M1 Pro is probably what most people want or need.

 

[temende]

If you need to read a buyer's guide to decide if you need the power of the Mac Studio, you probably don't need the power of the Mac Studio.

 

[icanhazmac]

I don't know that the $699 config is worth comparing to as with only 8 gigs of shared memory it really cannot do much other than light surfing, email and pages, numbers, etc.

A far more relevant comparison would be the $1099 config of the mini with 16 gigs. Then the extra $900 for a $1999 Studio Max you get 2 more cpu cores, 16 more gpu cores, 32 gigs of shared memory and the upgraded ethernet / wireless.

To me if you want/need an Apple desktop today then the studio at $1999 is a far better buy than $1099 for the mini in terms of how much mileage you will get from it. The $699 mini would truly be a throw away purchase except for the most basic user.

 

[saulinpa]

Mac Studio + Display is $3500 with the minimum configuration. To me that's not a middle ground

Mac Pro + XDR Display is $10,600 with the minimum configuration. So, yes, $3500 is not the middle ground, it is lower than middle.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I need to say that I am confused now. Nothing negative, just not very clear. We now have Mac Mini, Mac Studio and Mac Pro. How to really understand it?

• Mac Mini: cheapest way to run MacOS on (new) Apple Silicon
• Mac Studio: most powerful option on Apple Silicon (right now)
• Mac Pro: most powerful way to run MacOS with flexible expansion whenever you like, flexible RAM additions whenever you like and Windows/Bootcamp too.
• Mac Mini Intel: Besides what was shared in the article, cheapest way to run MacOS and (full) Windows in ONE case. The last non-Pro full macOS + full Windows in one box Mac.

Even simpler: if you want a new Mac and your budget max is $X, let X screen out all options > $X. For the average person looking to maybe spend up to mid-range iMac-like prices, Mac Pro is completely eliminated so the choice is Mini vs. Studio. If you need abundant parallel task power, Studio's extra cores and RAM may win. If you don't, Mini's great relative value may win. The cores in all of the M1 options crank at the SAME speed, so it's mostly how much hardware multitasking/parallel processing do you need and/or does anything you do absolutely need more than 16GB of RAM? If so, Studio. If not, Mini.

As to entry, middle ground, high, that's a bit cloudier because the transition is still unfolding and those are fluid, "eye of the beholder" terms. IMO basically and pretty generically:

• Configurations of Mac Mini cover Entry to Middle
• Configurations of Mac Studio cover Middle to High
• Configurations of Mac Pro overlaps with High to Highest (and flexible expandability, cards, RAM).

There are logical expectations that Mac Mini Intel will probably be replaced with M1 or M2 PRO eventually. Many of us were expecting PRO & MAX at THIS event... and at the OCT event too. If it happens, the lines seem pretty clear to me:

• Base to Consumer Mid (probably good for ANY consumer for general purpose to low prosumer needs): Mac Mini to Mac Mini Pro at about $600 to about $1800 or so
• Prosumer to Pro: Studio at $2000 to $8000 or so
• Pro to MAX Power/Flexibility/Special tech needs via cards Pro: Pro at- guessing- $6000 to $Infinity - 1. 😉

Whether a Silicon Mac Pro will have expandability/flexibility like the current Intel Pro is to be determined. If so, that alone very cleanly differentiates it from a more powerful Studio config. If you need a third-party card in a Mac, it would be the ONLY option (if Silicon version comes with that option).

Primary issue with confusion is mostly driven by some Macs have transitioned and some are still to transition. So there are temporary "holes" easily filled, very likely THIS year... probably in the next 3-6 months. If one doesn't need to see something at every possible price point, it seems minimal Mini to loaded Studio probably covers nearly all (but the most extreme or speciality needs) bases right now.

 

[steve217]

I don't know that the $699 config is worth comparing to as with only 8 gigs of shared memory it really cannot do much other than light surfing, email and pages, numbers, etc.

You'd be surprised how much that base model can do. I've got one and it just works...

Admittedly, it can't play in the same league as a base Studio.

 

[BotchQue]

I think if you look at a fully spec'd-out M1 Mac mini compared to the entry level Studio, there isn't really much of a middle ground to fill. Someone's needs would have to be pretty niche and specific to fall between those two.

Yup. I did that comparison two days ago (plus the addition of a CalDigit hub) and when I got within a few hundred dollars of the Studio, went ahead and ordered that.

 

[icanhazmac]

So it's either low end or high end? No middle ground at all on this is there?

I disagree:

Mini $699 is super basic.
Studio $1999 is middle ground.
Studio $3999 is high end.
Pro is.... pro.

 

[jasnw]

I've been looking at this very question, but the answer I get is I want something Apple doesn't make, and may never make. That's something between the M1 Mini and the M1 Max Studio. Perhaps a Mini with an M1 Max? I don't really see why the M1 Max can be in a laptop but needs to be in a Studio-like enclosure for a desktop. That $1300 jump between Mini and Studio bothers me.

 

[HazardousT]

Mac Pro + XDR Display is $10,600 with the minimum configuration. So, yes, $3500 is not the middle ground, it is lower than middle.

In what world is $3500 for a desktop computer lower than middle ground?

 

[HazardousT]

I disagree:

Mini $699 is super basic.
Studio $1999 is middle ground.
Studio $3999 is high end.
Pro is.... pro.

That studio with a display included at $1999 would be middle ground. The additional $1600 for a display that was already included in the previous 27" iMac is anything but.

We can agree to disagree.

 

[jasnw]

My own metric is that I've been able to purchase the computer I need for $2,000 +/- $500, including monitor and everything else, for the past several decades. Now Apple is breaking this curve, and not in a good way.