Looking to level up your Apple ecosystem? The Mac mini packs serious punch in a pint-sized package that’ll make you wonder how you ever lived without it. Apple users love the little desktop machine — as our roundup of best Mac mini setups below shows.
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Top 10 tiny-but-mighty Mac mini setups
Don’t let Mac mini‘s compact size fool you. Newer versions of the little powerhouse run on Apple’s cutting-edge M4 and M4 Pro chips, delivering desktop-class performance that handles everything from casual web browsing to professional video editing without breaking a sweat. The integrated CPU, GPU and machine learning capabilities mean you get blazing-fast speeds and incredible efficiency.
And here’s the kicker: starting at just $599, the Mac mini is one of the most accessible ways to get a full-powered Mac desktop. Want more muscle? Upgrade to the M4 Pro with enhanced memory and storage. It scales beautifully to match your ambitions without forcing you to buy more computer than you need. Whether you’re adding a second Mac to your setup, building a home office or finally retiring that aging laptop, Mac mini delivers serious value wrapped up in serious fun.
Check out some of our favorite Mac mini setups below.
Check out our favorites
10. Good luck finding the Mac mini in this workstation
Photo: [email protected]
Here’s a cute game to get this list going: Find the Mac mini in this featured setup photo, above. Or maybe it’s not so fun, because you’re doomed to failure. It’s not visible because the user mounted it on the back of his 5K Samsung ViewFinity S9 external monitor (which just happens to look just like its ultimate foe, Apple’s 5K Studio Display).
“It’s interesting to see how minimalist every Mac user seems to go with their setups,” noted a commenter. So our user quipped, “Apple store energy, hehe.”
Samsung's 27-inch 5K computer monitor features Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort connectivity, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit Camera, slim metal design, AirPlay, Smart TV Apps and a Gaming Hub (LS27C900PANXZA).
- Clear 5K resolution
- Fast Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- AirPlay compatible
- Some users fine remote control problematic
Best for gamers
9. Gamer gears up for World of Warcraft action with new Mac mini
Photo: [email protected]
Recently, the phrase “Mac mini gaming” took on a whole new meaning. That’s because Apple released the M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini desktop computers in a much smaller form factor and with unprecedented performance. This MacBook Air and MacBook Pro user is over the moon about what his new M4 Pro Mac mini can do with World of Warcraft and other games.
The new Mac mini is smaller, lighter and 50× more adorable. It's super-powerful and by far the best deal in computing right now.
- Powerful M4 Pro chip
- 512GB storage
- 24GB unified memory
- Compact desktop design
- Headphone jack on front
- BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)
Best for music
8. Sublime KEF speakers rock Mac mini rig
Photo: [email protected]
Anyone who follows along with my Setups coverage for Cult of Mac probably knows I’ve got a soft spot for great audio. And while my own setup and its surroundings bristle with solid audio gear, today’s M4 Mac mini workstation makes me twitch with envy. You can’t go wrong with KEF speakers — complete with subwoofer under the desk — as long as you have the cash to acquire them. And I’ve wanted Bowers & Wilkins headphones for years.
KEF offers high-fidelity desktop sound in a compact package, with streaming up to 24bit/384kHz. The speakers support numerous media formats and streaming services. They come Apple AirPlay 2-ready.
- Streaming up to 24bit/384kHz
- Supports many streaming formats and services
- Apple AirPlay 2
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0, not the latest
These premium cans offer enhanced noise cancellation with transparency mode, clear calls, Bluetooth connectivity, 30-hour playback and more -- without breaking the bank.
- Great sound with custom 40mm drivers
- Qualcomm aptX Adaptive codec
- Noise cancellation improved over previous model
- Comfortable fit
- If you want B&W's best, you have to pay more
Best for multiple displays
7. Mac mini drives dual Studio Displays and LG DualUp sidekick
Photo: [email protected]
Love it or hate it, the LG DualUp and its odd 16:18 aspect ratio — nearly square — has found a lot of fans among Mac users, including the owner of today’s M4 Mac mini setup with dual Studio Displays. Their M4 Mac mini (and to a lesser extent, their M1 MacBook Pro) drives a 27-inch HP 1080p display.
“Mostly using the mini now and the MBP is semi retired unless I need to work outside,” the user said. “The M1 has proven to be a reliable workhorse even after 5 years 24/7 usage (i disabled sleep).”
The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
It’s not as beautiful as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the Studio Display costs thousands less.
- Crystal clear 5K resolution
- Excellent color accuracy
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Expensive
- Lacks HDR
- Height-adjustable stand costs extra
LG's DualUp 28MQ750-C SDQHD (2560 x 2880p) nano IPS monitor with tilt, height and swivel stand features an 16:18 aspect ratio, DCI-P3 98% (Typ.) HDR10 and USB-C connectivity with 90 watts power delivery.
- Practical 16:18 aspect ratio
- Crisp 2560 x 2880p resolution
- 90W power delivery to laptop
- Highly adjustable stand
- Some might find the nearly square shape odd
Best for replacing an aging laptop
6. M4 Mac mini takes over for ‘semi-retired’ M1 MacBook Pro
Photo: [email protected]
Apple silicon computers have serious staying power. Setups left and right feature M-series machines, released in late 2020, including this featured setup. The user said their M4 Mac mini pretty much took over for their M1 MacBook Pro in the workstation. So they reserve their “semi-retired” laptop for outdoor use, though it’s still running strong after more than five years of constant use.
Apple's tiny new desktop features an M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU "built for Apple Intelligence," plus 16GB unified memory, 256GB SSD storage and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Apple M4 chip is powerful
- Compact desktop design
- Headphone jack on front
- BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)
This highly detailed 1:6 action figure is Batman from "The Dark Knight Rises."
- Highly detailed die-cast model
- From Christopher Nolan's "Dark Knight" trilogy (Christian Bale)
- Pricey
Best for fun peripherals
5. Mac mini user loves NuPhy’s new low-profile mechanical keyboard
Photo: [email protected]
Who doesn’t love new gear in their computer setup — either brand new or just new to them? This Mac mini and Studio Display setup comes complete with two shiny new items recently added to the market — the NuPhy Air75 v3 low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard and the updated BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 monitor light. And he’s got some over-ear headphones I find enviable, too.
Complete with a wireless controller, this glare-reducing monitor light bar lets you adjust brightness and color temperature.
- Glare-free front lighting
- Ambient back lighting
- Wireless controller
- Somewhat expensive
You can use the lightweight, foldable Sennheiser Momentum 4 Bluetooth over-ear headphones for dynamic music and clear calls. The cans feature Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation, 60-hour battery life and a choice of five colors.
- Great sound
- Adaptive ANC
- 60-hour battery life
- Somewhat expensive at full price
Best for going mobile (?!?)
4. Make it mobile: Set iPad as display for M4 Mac mini
Image: Fernando Silva
Trend alert: Folks are talking on social media sites and YouTube about using iPad as an external display for the new M4 Mac mini. Why? Well, as this setup user notes, the combination creates a credible mobile solution. And as others point out, it’s economical. Mac mini is a sensational value. And for a few hundred bucks more you can add an iPad (or you may already have one) and a few other inexpensive elements to make it work. But still, plenty of people see this and just say, “get a MacBook.”
Apple's tiny new desktop features an M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU "built for Apple Intelligence," plus 16GB unified memory, 256GB SSD storage and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Apple M4 chip is powerful
- Compact desktop design
- Headphone jack on front
- BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)
The top 3
3. Mac mini and potent 20-in-1 dock power killer workstation
Photo: [email protected]
These days, a well-equipped new Mac mini and a good docking station buy you loads of computing power and connectivity to plenty of peripherals for years to come. This M4 Pro Mac mini workstation features a fine dock for Mac mini in the iVanky FusionDock Max 1 (even though the Thunderbolt 4 dock with a whopping 20 connection options was designed for MacBooks).
The new Mac mini is smaller, lighter and 50× more adorable. It's super-powerful and by far the best deal in computing right now.
- Powerful M4 Pro chip
- 512GB storage
- 24GB unified memory
- Compact desktop design
- Headphone jack on front
- BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)
This powerful docking station features dual Thunderbolt 4 chips, 20-in-1 functionality with Quad 6K@60Hz monitor docking, 40Gbps data transfer speeds and various ports: 2HDMI 2.0, 96W PD, 10Gbps USB, 2.5 GbE, SD/TF 4.0.
- Fast Thunderbolt 4 connectivity
- Versatile with 20 ports
- 40Gbps data transfer speeds
- Display output may be limited (depending on which Mac or MacBook is connected)
2. Mac mini drives brilliant pair of well-mounted displays
Photo: [email protected]
Few things take a computer setup up a few notches more than a good monitor mount — especially when it features dual arms positioning dual displays well off the desk. This M4 Mac mini setup enjoys a pair of solidly affordable 4K Asus displays mounted on a Huanuo Dual Monitor Stand with two highly adjustable arms for optimal positioning.
Asus model PG27UCDM features a blazing fast 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time for gaming, plus a custom heatsink, Neo Proximity Sensor, G-SYNC compatibilty, 99% DCI-P3, true 10-bit color, DisplayPort 2.1a and a 3-year warranty.
This fully-adjustable monitor desk mount offers a choice of swivel VESA bracket with C clamp or a grommet mounting base. Fits 13-inch to 32-inch computer screens. Each arm holds up to 19.8 pounds.
- Easy installation
- Adjustability allows monitor positioning
- Affordable
- Some arms hold more weight
1. Killer Mac mini rig sports color-calibrated BenQ displays
Photo: [email protected]
If you work with visual media in some way — like as a graphic designer or video editor — you know how important color accuracy on external monitors can be. This M4 Pro Mac mini user relies on a pair of BenQ monitors specifically calibrated to match Mac colors. They’re actually made for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, to reproduce the rich colors on the laptops’ Liquid Retina (Air) and Liquid Retina XDR (Pro) displays. And that’s not all. The sleek and deceptively simple setup actually packs in a surprising amount of cool gear.
Sporting clear 4K resolution (3840 x 2160p), this monitor for MacBook Pro/Air features Mac color matching, USB hub, 90W power delivery, brightness and volume control on Mac, and a height and tilt-adjustable stand.
- Calibrated to match Mac colors
- USB-hub connectivity
- 90 watts of power delivery to MacBooks
- Not cheap
This Mac mini stand and HDMI hub works with 2024 M4 and M4 Pro Mac minis. It features an M.2 NVMe/SATA SSD enclosure and USB-C hub with 4K60Hz HDMI,10Gbps USB-A/C, 5Gbps USB-A (2), USB-C charging, SD/TF and audio output.
- HDMI/USB hub expands connectivity
- Up to 8TB of SSD storage
- Fast data transfer speeds
- Some hubs offer faster data transfer speeds
