How we find the best Mac mini deals

To select the best Mac mini deals, our editors employ a comprehensive, year-round strategy that combines continuous market monitoring with expert evaluation.

Here’s why you can trust the deals Macworld identifies:

1. We check top resellers in the U.S. and the U.K. for the best prices throughout the year, ensuring we always have a finger on the pulse of the best savings.
2. We also check Apple’s refurbished store for even bigger price drops.
3. We use price comparison tools to watch resellers and compare their current discounts so we know who has the best deal right now.
4. We hand-pick deals based on the product’s long-term price history and our own in-depth reviews.
5. We consider the product’s release cycle and whether a significant update is due soon.
6. We also advise on whether a shopping event is likely to happen soon in which you might get an even better deal, or if you might be able to qualify for specific deals.

We regularly check prices, but it’s worth checking various retailers in the price comparison tables below, as prices can fluctuate daily. If you want to buy a particular model you will find the best prices right now in the tables below.

We also have a guide to the best Apple deals right now on all Apple products, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Is now a good time to buy a new Mac mini?

Simon Jary / Foundry

The current models, featuring the M4 and M4 Pro chips, were released in October 2024. This was a significant update that included a new, more compact design that measures just 5 by 5 inches. The base unified memory (RAM) was upgraded to 16GB, a welcome upgrade from the previous generation’s 8GB.

More than a year on, this is still an excellent Mac and a solid investment.

While an update to the M5 chips is expected, this is not likely to happen until the summer of 2026. Read more here: What we know about the upcoming Mac mini M5 update.

The current discounts right now are ok, though not as large as they were over Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In fact, our advice is to look to the Apple Refurbished Store for bigger savings.

The next sale event isn’t expected until the spring of 2026, when Amazon might hold the Spring Deal Days event. After that you can expect to see larger discounts at Amazon’s Prime Days in July and October.

Does Apple have sales?

The deals rarely come from Apple itself. While Apple will sometimes offer vouchers as an incentive to buy a new Mac (that’s Apple’s usual Black Friday giveaway), the company never discounts prices. Apple does sell refurbished Macs at a lower price though, so that might be something to consider.

If you are a student you can take advantage of Apple’s education discounts and save a little money on the full price of Macs (and iPads). And in the summer months Apple gives away Apple Pencils or AirPods with the sale of certain Macs (and iPads) to students in it’s Higher Education offer.

Which Mac mini to buy

Simon Jary / Foundry

The Mac mini lineup offers strong performance across its configurations, making it a great value proposition.

M4 Mac mini is a great option for someone looking for a low-cost Mac. Starting at $599/£599, this model is ideal for general use, home offices, and even as a secondary computer integrated into a home entertainment system. It offers the same M4 chip found in more expensive Macs, providing an excellent performance-to-price ratio. The performance and value on offer for just $599/£599 is excellent, but for another $200/£200 you can get twice the storage, which we would recommend if your budget stretches that far.

M4 Pro Mac mini is one of our favourite Macs because it It features the same 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU as the M4 Pro MacBook Pro at a significantly lower price point. It is perfect for professionals on a budget and a great choice for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D software. The M4 Pro model provides a powerful and affordable desktop solution.

Factors to consider before buying a Mac mini

Apple

When purchasing a Mac mini, it’s crucial to choose the right specifications, as the unified memory (RAM) and internal storage cannot be upgraded later.

Memory (RAM): The base 16GB is sufficient for everyday tasks like browsing and email. However, if your workflow involves demanding applications like editing large videos or training AI models, you should configure your Mac mini with at least 24GB of memory.

Storage (SSD): While you can supplement internal storage with external drives, it’s wise to consider your future needs. Apple charges a premium for storage upgrades, so carefully evaluate how much space you’ll require for applications and files. We recommend spending a bit more to get 512GB if you can afford to. Also consider whether iCloud storage might be sufficient for your needs. You could get 2TB iCloud Storage for $9.99/£8.99 a month, for example.

Another consideration for all Mac mini models is that you will need to provide your own display, keyboard, and mouse – indeed you will need a wireless or USB-C mouse before you can set the new Mac up – but these can be purchased on a budget too. Take a look at our top recommendations in each category to find one that matches your budget.

• Best Mac Monitors
• Best Mac mice
• Best Mac keyboards

Best deals at Apple Refurbished Store

One of the best places to look for Mac mini deals all year round is the Apple Refurbished Store. There, you’ll find discounts on Mac mini that have been returned to Apple for various reasons, and then completely revamped for resale. If you buy a refurbished Mac mini from Apple it will come with a one-year warranty so Apple may fix or replace it for free should anything happen to it in that first year.

In the U.S.:

• Right now there is a Mac mini M4 Pro available for $1,189, which is $210 off the usual price of $1,399.

In the U.K.:

• You can get a Mac mini M4 Pro for £1,189, £210 off the usual price of £1,399.
• There’s also £90 off the Mac mini M4, you can get it for £509, rather than £599.