It may have been undercut by its younger M2 sibling, but you can still get a good deal on Apple mini PC.
(Image credit: Future/Apple)
We'll be honest. Although it's still worth getting 2020's M1-chipped Mac mini, it has to be far lower than the original retail price of $699. The reason? Apple released the updated Mac mini with M2 chip in 2023 at a stunning $599. That's $100 less than the M1 on release, and for that you get better specs.
So why don't you just go and check out the best Mac mini (M2, 2023) prices straight away? Well, the M1-chipped Mac mini didn't just become a terrible computer! It's actually still brilliant, and especially at the higher end specs, can offer a brilliant bargain for many users. But, again, it really has to be at the right price. Anything hanging even close to the original retail price, and we'd say look to the M2 model.
CPU: Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU | Graphics : M1 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB/16GB | Storage: 256GB SSD/512GB SSD/1TB SSD/2TB SSD | Size: 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6 cm
The best value Mac mini
Smooth performance thanks to Apple's M1 chip
Compact but powerful
Why not get the Mac mini M2?
The best Mac mini deals can make this compact but powerful little computer the best Mac for those who want a versatile device they can combine with their monitor of choosing. We found that Apple's M1 chip changes the game when it comes to performance, making this a very mighty mini package, while the classic Mac mini design remains in place.
With three times faster CPU performance and six times faster graphical performance compared to the previous model (see below), we found we could play AAA games, zip through detailed video editing software at 8K, and run iOS apps as you wish. And the good news is that since it's now two years old, we're starting to see some decent Mac mini deals.
Retailing at $699/£699 for the entry-level model, we've seen reductions take that down as low as $629/£599 on some of the big retail events, such as Black Friday. But even at the retail price, this is a fantastic amount of cutting-edge tech for your buck.
What is a Mac mini?
The Mac mini is a small desktop computer produced by Apple. Much like other traditional desktop computers, it doesn't come with features like a monitor, mouse or keyboard so you will need to purchase those separately. This makes the Mac mini a great product for those that want to customise their visual and technological accessories in their set up whilst still having that Apple power.
Get the Creative Bloq Newsletter
Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.
Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.
