Another year, another incredible collection of Apple workstations in Cult of Mac‘s Setups section that make us rethink our own desk situations. From devices powered by the powerful M4 chip family to innovative display solutions and clever space-saving tricks, the top 10 Apple setups of 2025 brought us some truly remarkable gear and uses for it.
We combed through hundreds of featured workstations on Cult of Mac to bring you the cream of the crop — setups that excel in raw computing power, aesthetic beauty, functional innovation or that perfect combination of all three.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Top 10 Apple setups of 2025
This year marked a significant shift in the Apple setup landscape. The arrival of M4 and M4 Pro chips in late 2024 in the dramatically redesigned Mac mini and the powerful MacBook Pro opened up new possibilities for desktop computing. And then the M5 chip came along, too.
Users embraced these new machines with enthusiasm, pairing them with everything from ultra-wide curved displays to dual Studio Displays. We saw more creative mounting solutions, better audio implementations, and workspace ergonomics that would make even the most demanding productivity guru nod in approval.
Here are the Apple setups that stood out from the pack in 2025. (Want more year-end inspiration? You can also check out my roundups of enviably high-end Apple workstations, killer audio setups, great Mac mini workstations, gorgeous dual-Studio Display setups and mission control-esque multidisplay workspaces.
10. M4 Pro Mac mini disguised as mini Mac Pro
Photo: [email protected]
In a playful but functional twist, this M4 Pro Mac mini sports the Tiga Aluminum Chassis Stand that makes the compact desktop computer look like a small-but-mighty Mac Pro. The stand doesn’t just add visual flair — it improves heat dissipation and includes a stainless steel handle for easy transport.
The setup drives a pair of 27-inch Dell U2725QE 4K monitors, chosen specifically for their high 120Hz refresh rate and daisy-chaining capability via Thunderbolt 4. Flanking the displays are Bose Companion 20 speakers for quality audio.
The setup proves that you don’t need the most expensive Apple hardware to create a highly functional and visually striking workstation. The M4 Pro chip delivers desktop-class performance in that tiny package, and the Dell displays provide smooth visuals at a fraction of the cost of Apple’s displays.
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 aluminum stand dresses up M4 or M4 Pro Mac mini as a small-but-mighty Mac Pro. The stand and case with handle features optimized heat dissipation.
- Protective stand and case makes M4/M4 Pro Mac mini look like little Mac Pro
- Helps with airflow and heat dissipation
- Stainless steel handle
- Somewhat pricey for an accessory
This aluminum case makes Mac mini M4/M4 Pro look like a tiny Mac Pro. The shock-proof stand provides heat dissipation, too.
- A tiny Mac Pro is cool
- Provides heat dissipation
- Scratch resistant and shock proof
- May hinder front-port access
- May impact Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity
9. His-and-hers MacBook Pro matrimonial setup
Photo: [email protected]
Dual setups for couples working side by side are surprisingly rare in online setup showcases, making this his-and-hers workstation noteworthy. Following increased work-from-home time, this couple created matching MacBook Pro stations next to office windows. One side features a 14-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro, while the other hosts a 16-inch M1 Pro model, each driving dual Studio Displays mounted on Viozen arms.
They share a Mode Designs Sonnet mechanical keyboard and Logitech MX Master 3S mice. The owner noted they’re rarely in this room simultaneously — perhaps by design? Commenters joked about needing soundproofing for video calls, but the setup demonstrates how couples can create parallel professional workspaces that maintain individual preferences while sharing a common aesthetic.
The renewed 16-inch Apple laptop features an M3 Pro chip, 36GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage. Space black color.
This solid Apple laptop from late 2021 rocks an M1 Pro chip,16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, 16GB unified memory and a huge 1TB SSD. In silver.
- Gorgeous display
- Long battery life
- Neither latest nor greatest
8. Mac Studio with dual Studio Displays for design work
Photo: [email protected]
Two of the common laments among Mac users talking setups online are that Studio Displays are too expensive and that the 60Hz refresh rate needs upgrading. But for designers and video editors, the color accuracy and build quality make these displays worth every penny. This designer and video editor loves his pair of Studio Displays powered by a Mac Studio and explains exactly why they’re perfect for his workflow.
The dual 5K display configuration provides ample screen space for working with multiple timelines, reference images, and tool palettes simultaneously. While gamers might prefer higher refresh rates, creative professionals value the accurate color representation that makes the Studio Display a favorite among photographers, videographers, and graphic designers. The Mac Studio provides more than enough power to drive both displays while handling intensive creative applications without breaking a sweat.
The M3 Ultra chip inside this Mac Studio delivers astonishing performance.
- Gorgeous Apple design
- M3 Ultra chip for extreme performance
- Lots of I/O capabilities
- High-performance computing comes at a high price
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
7. 5-computer workstation with gargantuan 57-inch display
Photo: [email protected]
Believe it or not, this magnificent setup includes five computers — three Macs and two PCs — each with a specific job to do. The centerpiece is an absolutely massive 57-inch curved ultra-wide Samsung display that equals two 27-inch 4K displays side by side. Among the Mac contingent is even the vintage trash-can Mac Pro still earning its keep. But the display setup is just the beginning.
This workstation also features a Rode PodMic for quality audio recording, open-back Sennheiser headphones, and powerful Klipsch bookshelf speakers paired with a subwoofer for truly immersive sound. The user, a digital marketer, has created a command center that can handle virtually any computing task thrown at it. The sheer scale of that 57-inch display provides unprecedented screen real estate, though it might be pushing the limits of too much of a good thing for some users.
This big display is equivalent to dual 27-inch 4K UHD monitors. The 1000R curved gaming monitor features a 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, DisplayPort 2.1 support, Quantum Mini-LED, DisplayHDR 1000 and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (LS57CG952NNXZA, 2023).
- Massive screen real estate
- Great for gaming
- Fast refresh rate and response time
- Pretty pricey
This pair of compact but powerful bookshelf speakers achieves peak power of 200 watts. Each speakers features a 4-inch spun-copper IMG woofer and a 1-inch LTS tweeter mated to a Tractrix Horn.
- 50W continuous power, 200W peak
- Pair with subwoofer for more bass
- Amazon marks them "frequently returned" despite good reviews and 4.7 rating
6. M4 Pro MacBook Pro with dual 5K touchscreen displays
Photo: David Snow/Cult of Mac
After several years of covering setups, this Cult of Mac writer — yeah, me — finally achieved his ideal configuration with an M4 Pro MacBook Pro driving a pair of beautiful 5K touchscreen displays from Alogic — a brand many readers might not know. The Clarity Touch displays combine 5K resolution with touchscreen functionality, opening up new interaction possibilities.
Paired with a new mechanical keyboard and upgraded audio featuring Edifier studio monitor speakers, this setup represents a carefully considered evolution toward better productivity and enjoyment. The M4 Pro chip’s enhanced performance makes light work of demanding tasks, while the dual 5K displays provide crisp text and vibrant colors. The touchscreen capability adds an extra dimension of control, particularly useful for photo editing and design work where direct manipulation can speed up workflow significantly.
Alogic's innovative new Studio Display competitor combines 5K resolution with touchscreen functionality. Also includes USB-C power delivery and a highly adjustable stand.
- Super clear 5K resolution
- 10-point multitouch screen
- Adjustable stand included
- Unremarkable speakers
- No Thunderbolt port
This Mac, Windows and Linux-compatible CNC aluminum mechanical keeb feels solid and sturdy and offers great typing sounds. It features triple-mode connectivity, RGB lighting and VIA/QMK customization.
- Solid build quality, premium feel and sound
- 3 connectivity modes
- Customizable (RGB lighting and key mapping)
- It's hefty; not very portable
- VIA/QMK customization can be tricky
- No Mac keycaps
This Apple laptop features an M4 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU, a 16-core GPU and the same lightweight design we all know and love. Available in space black or silver.
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- 24GB unified memory (configurable from 16GB to 36GB)
- 512GB SSD storage (configurable to 1TB)
- Same design as previous models
5. Ultra-wide curved Samsung display with Mac Studio
Photo: [email protected]
When it comes to selecting a display, this user chose ultra-wide over multiple monitors for their workflow. The Mac Studio drives an enormously wide 49-inch Samsung G9 curved display sporting DQHD resolution (5120 x 1440p). With a 144Hz refresh rate and DisplayHDR 600, it’s equally at home with creative work and gaming. The user graduated to this setup from two 27-inch 4K displays and loves the single-screen simplicity, though they admitted it took some getting used to.
The curved design helps reduce neck strain by keeping all content within comfortable viewing angles, while the massive screen real estate eliminates the bezels that interrupt workflow on multi-monitor setups. Paired with a Keychron mechanical keyboard, Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, and BenQ monitor light, this setup strikes an excellent balance between power, functionality, and visual appeal.
Apple calls the 2025 Mac Studio “the most powerful Mac ever made.” It runs on either an M4 Max or a new M3 Ultra chip. It delivers professional-grade performance, extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 5, and new capabilities in a compact and quiet design.
- High-end performance
- Loads of ports, including Thunderbolt 5
- Compact chassis
- Way more power than average users need
This QMK/VIA-programmable, 87-key wired TKL-layout keeb features a gasket mount, red LED backlighting and Red switches. For Mac/Windows/Linux.
- TKL ("tenkelyess") semi-compact layout
- Gasket mount adds to build quality
- Reliable wired connectivity
- Not wireless
With DQHD resolution (5120p x 1440p) this ultra-wide display features a 144Hz refresh rate, a 32:9 screen, DisplayHDR 600, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and an ergonomic stand (LS49FG910ENXZA, 2025).
- Huge curved screen
- Great for gaming
- Too wide for some preferences
- Comes with stand but not arm
4. Dual MacBook Pro setup with Pro Display XDR and vintage Cinema Display
Photo: [email protected]
Sometimes, even a MacBook in a vertical stand takes up too much space on a desk. This dual MacBook Pro user with a 14-inch M4 model for work and a 16-inch M1 Pro for personal use sought advice on mounting options to get the laptops out of the way. But what really grabs attention is the “odd couple” of monitors — Apple’s vaunted 32-inch, 6K Pro Display XDR paired with a 20-year-old 23-inch Cinema Display.
Despite the vast differences in size, resolution, and technology, the user loves both displays. Flanked by Audioengine A2+ speakers, this setup represents a bridge between Apple’s past and present. The commentary thread that followed offered numerous clever mounting solutions, from under-desk brackets to wall-mounted options, proving that the community is always ready to help solve ergonomic challenges.
There's no better monitor for your Mac than Apple's 32-inch Pro Display XDR. Apple even sells a variant with a nano-texture glass that helps cut down on unwanted glare.
- Incredible 6K resolution
- Generous screen space
- Nano-texture glass option
- Expensive, and options add more cost
This under-desk or wall-mounted rack mount can hold a laptop, keyboard or other small devices like a cable box or router. It's great for keeping your MacBook hidden from view and out of the way.
This is a no-drill steel hanging desk organizer that can hold a connected laptop and other items. Great for the home office, it creates a storage area off the side of your desk.
This Ikea Skadis pegboard in white measures 30 inches by 22 inches. It also comes in black or wood colors. You can buy accessories like hooks and bins separately.
3. M4 Pro Mac mini with iVanky 20-in-1 Thunderbolt dock
Photo: [email protected]
A well-equipped M4 Pro Mac mini combined with an excellent docking station delivers loads of computing power and connectivity for years to come. This workstation showcases the iVanky FusionDock Max 1, a Thunderbolt 4 dock with a whopping 20 connection options.
The setup drives both a 40-inch Innocn ultra-wide monitor and a 22-inch UPerfect portable monitor for maximum flexibility. Additional highlights include two mechanical keyboards (Satechi SM1 and Keychron K2 HE), Edifier bookshelf speakers, a BenQ monitor light, and even a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 vlogging camera.
The industrial-style pegboard wall storage and Edison desk lamp add character to the functional setup. This represents the modern Mac mini’s incredible potential when paired with the right accessories—transforming Apple’s smallest desktop into a productivity powerhouse.
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. High-end M2 Ultra Mac Pro with Pro Display XDR and dual Studio Displays
Photo: [email protected]
Looking at world-beating setups like this one can lead to cases of crippling envy. This user possesses not just a high-end M2 Ultra Mac Pro paired with Apple’s vaunted Pro Display XDR, but also a Mac Studio backup machine and two Studio Displays. Talk about having all your bases covered.
The Pro Display XDR alone starts at $5,000, making this one of the most expensive and capable setups featured in 2025. For creative professionals who demand the absolute best — and have the budget to match — this represents the pinnacle of Apple’s desktop computing ecosystem. The M2 Ultra Mac Pro delivers professional-grade performance for the most demanding workflows, while the Pro Display XDR provides reference-quality color accuracy and stunning brightness.
Having a Mac Studio as backup ensures redundancy for mission-critical work, and those Studio Displays? They’re just icing on an already extravagant cake.
Get supercharged Apple silicon with the Apple Mac Pro. Featuring the M2 Ultra 24-Core CPU, Mac Pro allows creative professionals to tackle the most demanding workflows with speed and efficiency.
- Apple M2 Ultra 24-Core CPU
- 60-Core GPU, 32-Core Neural Engine
- 8 x Thunderbolt 4 Ports
- Choice of memory and storage capacity
- Expensive
Apple calls the 2025 Mac Studio “the most powerful Mac ever made.” It runs on either an M4 Max or a new M3 Ultra chip. It delivers professional-grade performance, extensive connectivity with Thunderbolt 5, and new capabilities in a compact and quiet design.
- High-end performance
- Loads of ports, including Thunderbolt 5
- Compact chassis
- Way more power than average users need
The 32-inch Retina 6K display comes with standard or Nano Texture glass.
The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel with the nano-texture glass helping cut down unwanted reflections. This is backed by a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
While not the best 5K monitor around, the Studio Display delivers deep Apple ecosystem integration, making it stand out from the crowd.
- 5K resolution
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Six-speaker sound system
- Nano-texture glass cuts down reflections
- No HDR support
- Height-adjustable stand costs extra
1. Mac mini with killer Kanto audio system
Photo: [email protected]
The M4 Mac mini comes with a built-in speaker, but it’s meant for alerts and calls rather than high-quality music streaming. This M4 Mac mini user addressed that limitation head-on by adding Kanto OraMP powered computer speakers on rising stands plus a powerful Kanto subwoofer tucked under the desk.
The OraMP speakers deliver 100 watts of DSP-tuned, bi-amplified Class-D power for near-studio-grade sound quality. Their compact size makes them perfect for smaller spaces, while the 3-inch woofers provide deep bass. Kanto designed these as reference-quality speakers capable of pulling double duty as studio monitors and multimedia speakers.
Mounted on stands to direct sound straight toward the user’s ears and combined with the subwoofer for low-end punch, this setup proves that taking audio seriously doesn’t require breaking the bank — it just requires making smart choices about where to invest your setup budget.
These compact computer speakers bring studio-reference quality sound. They feature Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C input, bi-amplification and 100Hz automatic crossover.
- 100 watts of power
- Compact size
- Reference quality
- Some people may prefer larger speakers
- May not equal premium studio monitor speaker sound quality
Paired with speakers, this powerful bass box boots up 300 watts at peak power through an 8-inch woofer.
- Adds substantial low end to any speakers
- 300W peak power
- Not a cheap addition to your speaker system
These stands suit small-to-medium kookshelf speakers and compact-to-midsize studio monitor speakers.
- Brings speakers to ear level
- Absorbs resonance to avoid muddy sound
- Adjustable placement and height
- Takes up some space
- Adds to sound system cost
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
