Apple currently offers three standalone desktop computers: the Mac mini, the Mac Studio, and the Mac Pro. Since the Mac Pro is aimed at high-end professionals with prices far beyond everyday buyers, the real question is which of the other two models makes the smarter purchase right now.
Amazon has created an unusual situation by pricing the renewed M2 Max Mac Studio at $899, while the latest M4 Mac mini in a comparable configuration is also listed at $899. That means shoppers looking to spend under $900 are faced with an unexpected head-to-head choice.
Breaking down the Mac Studio deal
The renewed Mac Studio available on Amazon comes with 512GB of storage, 32GB of unified memory, and a one-year return window. It also carries Apple’s M2 Max chip, which was designed with professional creators in mind.
This computer has significant GPU power and a thermal system built for heavy workloads. It also includes more connectivity: an extra Thunderbolt port, 10Gb ethernet, an SD card slot, and a stronger media engine with double the video encode engines and an additional ProRes encode/decode engine.
Perhaps even more compelling, the Mac Studio supports up to eight 4K displays compared to the Mac mini’s three.
The M4 Mac mini advantage
On the other hand, the Mac mini with Apple’s new M4 chip is not to be overlooked. It ships brand new, rather than renewed, and has a smaller footprint that many people find more practical for their desks. It’s also available in cheaper configurations starting at just $499, making it more accessible for budget-minded buyers.
Performance-wise, the M4 chip is no slouch. In Geekbench 6, the M4 pulls ahead in single-core performance by roughly 35% compared to the M2 Max. That makes it excellent for tasks that rely on single-threaded speed.
CPU vs GPU: where the chips stand
When comparing CPU performance, the M2 Max and M4 are surprisingly close. In multicore benchmarks, they’re essentially neck and neck, despite the Mac Studio’s higher core count. The real difference comes in graphics power.
The Mac Studio boasts a 2.5x higher Metal score than the M4 Mac mini, which translates to better performance in workflows that lean on GPU acceleration, such as video editing, 3D rendering, or graphics-intensive design.
Which one should you buy?
The decision ultimately comes down to your needs. If you value brand-new hardware, want a compact form factor, or prefer lower-cost entry points, the Mac mini is the obvious choice.
The far mightier, way tinier Mac mini desktop computer is five by five inches of pure power. Built for Apple Intelligence. Redesigned around Apple silicon to unleash the full speed and capabilities of the spectacular M4 chip. With ports at your convenience, on the front and back.
Price: Check now 👇
Mac mini Desktop Computer
However, if your focus is performance, memory, and long-term expandability, the Mac Studio stands out. With more RAM, better GPU power, and superior thermal design, the M2 Max Mac Studio is arguably the better buy at this exact price point.
For creative professionals or anyone planning to push their machine hard, the Mac Studio at $899 is difficult to pass up. If it were up to me, I’d pick the Mac Studio, mainly because it’s a cooler computer.
Delivering faster performance than the 27 inch iMac, it’s built to handle demanding pro apps, graphics-intensive workflows, and advanced machine learning with ease.
Price: Check now 👇
Apple Mac Studio
Final thoughts
While benchmarks and specs tell part of the story, real-world performance matters most. In many workflows, the M2 Max will edge ahead of the M4, especially where GPU power and memory capacity are critical.
For casual users, the Mac mini provides enough power in a compact, modern package. But for those chasing maximum value under $900, the Mac Studio is the sleeper deal.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
