Unlike the more popular MacBook line, the Mac Mini and iMac are designed for desktop use. Both models are aimed at the desktop market.
We’ll compare the differences between the Mac Mini and the iMac to make a choice.
- Mac Mini vs. iMac: Internal Hardware and Performance
The Mac Mini and iMac are very different from the outside, but share nearly the same internal hardware.
Current models of the Mac Mini and iMac include Apple Silicon M1, an 8-core processor. They contain the same 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage in all standard configurations.
However, when we compare the basic models, there are slight differences. The base M1 Mac Mini comes with an 8-core GPU, while the base M1 iMac comes with a 7-core GPU. Both basic models are equipped with internal fans to cool down during intensive workloads.
So whether it’s a Mac mini or an iMac, it’s pretty much the same performance. The difference is that the iMac is an all-in-one machine with a high-resolution display and an integrated camera for FaceTime calling. If you choose the Mac Mini, you’ll need to buy it separately.
- Mac Mini vs. iMac: Size comparison and portability
Apple’s Mac Mini is the smallest Mac you can buy. It looks like a bigger Apple TV. On the other hand, the iMac looks like a display, only all the hardware is integrated.
Without a display, the Mac Mini became the more compact and portable Mac of the two, but the iMac wasn’t a heavy machine either. As long as the screen can be installed somewhere, you can carry it with you.
The Mac Mini can be tucked into a bag when you travel, and you can use it anywhere, as long as you can connect it to a TV. Traveling with an iMac like this is a little awkward. So, the Mac Mini wins on that score.
- Mac Mini vs. iMac: Port selection and connectivity
The basic M1 iMac, two USB 4 ports with Thunderbolt, and that’s it. Getting gigabit Ethernet on an iMac costs extra.
In mid-range or high-end iMac configurations, you can get two additional USB 4 ports and Ethernet adapters.
The Mac Mini has two USB 4 ports, two USB 3 ports, an HDMI 2.0 port and Gigabit Ethernet. Then the Mac Mini has a clear advantage.
- Mac Mini vs. iMac: The accessories you get
The Mac Mini won’t come with a click-control keyboard or mouse. Of course, it’s possible to connect an existing PC keyboard and mouse to a USB port. Otherwise, you still have to pay more.
The M1 iMac will come with a keyboard and mouse. But if you want the new fancy keyboard with Touch ID, you’ll need to buy a more expensive model.
- Mac Mini vs. iMac: Desktop Experience
With an iMac, you get a minimalist setup.
Accompanied accessories, such as the keyboard and mouse, are wireless. Also, because the Gigabit Ethernet port is integrated into the power adapter, you don’t have to worry about power management at all.
For the Mac Mini, the desktop experience will depend on the hardware and accessories used.
In most cases, the iMac’s minimalist Settings are hard to come by.
- Mac Mini vs. iMac: Price
On paper, the Mac Mini is the most affordable model you can get.
However, consider that it doesn’t come with a keyboard, mouse or monitor.
By contrast, the basic model of the M1 iMac gets an all-in-one desktop with a nice, color-accurate 4.5K display. In addition, you can also get wireless control keyboard and control mouse. That said, the basic iMac model has some limitations that might force you to consider the Mac Mini.
You can easily save hundreds of dollars by buying third-party peripherals using the Mac Mini. Also, the Mac Mini has an 8-core GPU and has more ports than the iMac.
Both Macs perform equally well. If you want a clean desktop setup, the iMac will be ideal, but if you want more flexibility, the compact Mac Mini is the way to go.