Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Which is the one for you?

Can't decide between the Mac mini M4 and Mac Pro M2? While both Apple machines offer exceptional performance, there are some major differences between the two. We compare the Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2 - from specs to performance - to see which is right for you.

The Apple Mac mini M4 remains our pick for best mini PC - read our full Mac mini M4 review to find out why we love this compact desktop computer. But how does this small-form PC compare against Apple's top-end Mac Pro M2? Although both are designed for demanding users, they take different approaches to handle intensive tasks. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of these two powerhouses, examining their strengths and weaknesses in various areas, including processing power, graphics capabilities, expandability, and price. Whether you are a creative professional, a software developer, or a power user seeking the ultimate macOS experience, this detailed analysis will help you determine which machine is best suited to your specific needs.

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Specs

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Prices & availability

The latest Mac mini is available with an M4 or M4 Pro chip. These chips offer up to 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU. Memory is available up to 64GB and storage up to 8TB. Starting prices for the M4 and M4 Pro Mac mini are:

• Mac mini, M4: $599
• Mac mini, M4 Pro: $1399

The current Mac Pro model is designed to be highly customizable but significantly less so than previous Intel-based models. You must start by choosing between a tower and rack model.

After that, you must decide whether to purchase the Mac Pro with the M2 Ultra chip, which offers a 60-core or a 76-core GPU. Both configurations include a 24-core CPU and a 32-core Neural Engine. You can select from 64GB to 192GB of unified memory and 1TB to 8TB of storage.

• Tower, 60-core GPU, 64GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, $6999
• Rack, 60-core GPU, 64GB of RAM and 1TB of storage, $7499

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Portability

Regarding portability, the Mac mini M4 and Mac Pro M2 are at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Mac mini M4 excels in this area, thanks to its compact and lightweight design, which makes it incredibly easy to transport. You can easily slip it into a backpack or carrying case, making it ideal for users who need a powerful machine on the go or who have limited desk space.

In stark contrast, the Mac Pro M2 is a large, stationary workstation. Its tower form factor and substantial weight make it impractical for frequent movement. This machine is designed to be set up in a dedicated workspace and left there.

So, if portability is your top priority, the Mac mini M4 is the clear choice. However, if you require the extreme performance and expansion capabilities of the Mac Pro M2, you'll need to sacrifice some portability.

Winner: Mac mini M4

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Performance

The Apple M4 and M2 Ultra processors serve different tiers in Apple's silicon line-up, showcasing a notable performance gap. The M4 is designed for everyday tasks and some demanding applications, while the M2 Ultra is built for extreme workloads with more CPU cores, a larger GPU, and greater memory bandwidth.

Unlike a sports car, the M4 excels in balance between performance and efficiency, whereas the M2 Ultra is like a high-performance racing machine. The M2 Ultra features up to 24 CPU cores compared to the M4 Pro's 14, offering faster rendering, smoother video editing, and quicker computations. Its GPU can have up to 76 cores versus the M4 Pro's 20, enabling it to tackle graphics-intensive tasks easily. The M2 Ultra's wider memory bandwidth also allows faster data processing, making it ideal for handling large datasets and demanding applications. Both processors have powerful Neural Engines, but the M2 Ultra's is larger, enhancing machine learning performance.

Winner: Mac Pro

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Upgradeablity

There is a significant difference between the Mac mini M4 and the Mac Pro M2 when considering upgradeability. The Mac mini M4 has a compact design and limited upgrade options. Its memory is soldered onto the motherboard, which means you must select your desired RAM capacity at the time of purchase, as there are no options for upgrades later on. While the storage can technically be upgraded, the process is complex and likely to be avoided by most users.

In contrast, the Mac Pro M2 offers PCIe slots for expansion cards, allowing you to enhance networking capabilities or incorporate specialized hardware to meet your changing needs. Therefore, if you value future-proofing your machine and being able to customize it over time, the Mac Pro M2 stands out as the better choice for upgradeability. However, if you prioritize a compact and affordable machine and feel comfortable with the specifications you choose when you purchase, the Mac mini M4 still provides an attractive option.

Winner: Mac Pro

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Connectivity

These two machines offer similar connectivity features, but significant differences exist. Both support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). However, the Mac mini M4 Pro includes three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the Mac Pro features eight Thunderbolt 4 ports, regardless of its configuration. Additionally, the Mac Pro has three USB-A ports for connecting older devices, whereas the Mac mini offers two USB-C ports.

Both machines have HDMI ports, but the Mac mini has one, while the Mac Pro has two. Regardingf Ethernet, the Mac mini supports Gigabit Ethernet or 100Gb Ethernet, while the Mac Pro supports Dual 10Gb Ethernet. Finally, the Mac Pro provides seven PCI Express expansion slots (with six available slots and one slot occupied by an Apple I/O card).

Winner: Tie (it depends on your needs)

Mac mini M4 vs Mac Pro M2: Final verdict

When comparing the Mac Mini M4 vs. Mac Pro M2, it’s important to exclude the entry-level Mac mini with the M4 chip, as it is significantly inferior to the Mac Pro. Comparing the Mac mini M4 Pro and the Mac Pro M2 is less straightforward and largely depends on your needs.

The Mac mini M4 Pro and the Mac Pro M2 are powerful machines designed for professional users but have key differences. In benchmark tests, the M4 Pro generally outperforms the M2 Ultra in single-core performance, which is crucial for everyday tasks and overall responsiveness. However, the M2 Ultra, with its higher core count, excels in multi-core performance, making it better suited for heavily multi-threaded workloads.

The M2 Ultra typically features a more powerful GPU with more cores, giving it an advantage in graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering. Nonetheless, the M4 Pro still offers respectable graphics performance and can handle demanding tasks adequately.

Regarding expandability, the Mac Pro provides more options, including PCIe slots for adding dedicated graphics cards, additional storage, and other components. It also offers a greater variety of ports, including more Thunderbolt ports. In contrast, the Mac mini M4 Pro has a fixed configuration with no PCIe slots and fewer ports.

Price is another significant factor, as the Mac mini M4 Pro is considerably more affordable than the Mac Pro. This makes it a more accessible option for users who require a powerful machine but do not need the extreme expandability or top-tier performance of the Mac Pro.

The Mac mini M4 Pro is a compact and robust machine that delivers excellent performance for most professional users at a more budget-friendly price. It is ideal for software development, photo editing, and video editing. On the other hand, the Mac Pro is a high-end workstation designed for the most demanding workflows. Its expandability and superior performance make it perfect for tasks like 3D animation, visual effects, and scientific computing.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and budget.

Winner: For most users, the Mac mini M4 Pro. For ultimate creatives, the Mac Pro.

For more Apple machines, we tested out the best MacBook and Macs and the best video editing Mac and MacBook for creatives.