Apple sells a variety of Macs that target different users. Unlike the more popular MacBook product line, the Mac mini and the iMac are intended for desktop use. Thanks to Apple silicon, these Macs are now more similar than you might think.

Since both models target the desktop market, some of you may have trouble choosing the perfect Mac for your use case. Hence, we'll compare all the differences between the Mac mini and the iMac so that you can make an informed decision.

1. Mac mini vs. iMac: Internal Hardware and Performance

M2 Mac mini on a desk with monitor
Image Credit: Apple

The Mac mini and the iMac are very different from the outside, but you'll be surprised to know that they share similar internal hardware, although one's better than the other.

Apple refreshed the Mac mini in 2023 with the M2 chip, but the iMac, on the other hand, hasn't been updated since 2021, meaning it still packs the older M1 chip. While that seems like a bummer, the M1 is still great for everyday use, and the performance jump from M1 to M2 isn't all that great.

Remember that both these Macs feature an 8-core processor. They both pack the same 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage across all the standard configurations. However, the M2 chip in the Mac mini features three more GPU cores than the base iMac with a 7-core GPU, meaning it'd perform graphically intensive tasks better.

You can even get the Mac mini with the supercharged M2 Pro chip that features 12 CPU cores and 19 GPU cores, especially if you plan to use it professionally for demanding workloads. Unfortunately, that's not an option for those eyeing the iMac.

The Mac mini and iMac both have an internal fan to keep the temperatures down during intensive workloads. For general use, you can't go wrong with either option, but if performance is your top priority, the Mac mini is clearly the better choice.

That said, remember that the iMac is an all-in-one unit; you'll get a high-resolution display and an integrated camera for FaceTime calls. You'll need to purchase those separately if you choose the Mac mini. So, the cost adds up in the end.

2. Mac mini vs. iMac: Size Comparison and Portability

Mac mini next to an Xbox

The Mac mini is the smallest Mac you can buy. It looks like a bigger Apple TV at first glance, but fitting an entire computer into such a small device is seriously impressive. On the other hand, the iMac looks like a monitor, except that all the hardware is integrated into the bottom chin. It's very thin and sleek-looking too.

Due to the lack of a display, the Mac mini is easily the more compact and portable computer of the two, but the iMac isn't a heavy machine by any means. It weighs just under 10 pounds, meaning you should still be able to carry it around if you want to, as long as you can fit that screen somewhere.

The Mac mini can fit into your bag when you're traveling, and you'll be able to use it anywhere as long as you can connect it to a TV. You'll have a tougher time traveling with your iMac like that. So, the Mac mini wins in this department.

3. Mac mini vs. iMac: Port Selection and Connectivity

Mac mini ports
Image Credit: Apple

This is another area where the Mac mini wins easily. With the base M1 iMac, you get two USB 4 ports with Thunderbolt, and that's it. To get Gigabit Ethernet on your iMac, you must purchase the optional power adapter with the integrated Ethernet port for $30.

You can get two more USB 4 ports and the Ethernet adapter if you purchase the mid-tier or high-end iMac configurations.

On the other hand, the Mac mini gets two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.0 port, and Gigabit Ethernet with the option to upgrade to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. So, if you don't want to use dongles to connect your peripherals and accessories, the Mac mini is a no-brainer.

4. Mac mini vs. iMac: The Accessories You Get

iMac on a desk with a matching keyboard and mouse

Apple never bundles the Magic Keyboard or the Magic Mouse with the Mac mini lineup to keep the prices down. So, keep this in mind and be prepared to shell out a couple of hundred dollars. Of course, you can connect your existing PC keyboard and mouse to the USB ports if you don't want to spend any more money.

When you buy the base model M1 iMac, you get the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Mouse in the box. So, you're ready to go for the price you pay. However, it's worth noting that you need to get the more expensive models if you want a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID.

Unfortunately, Apple doesn't sell this new keyboard separately yet, so you cannot get Touch ID on your Mac mini even if you want to.

5. Mac mini vs. iMac: Desktop Experience

Two M1 iMacs on the desk

Now, let's discuss which Mac offers the better desktop experience. If you go with the iMac, you get a minimalistic setup. You'll only see a single cable on your desk for power, which is neatly hidden away.

The included accessories, like the Magic Keyboard and the Magic Mouse, are wireless. Also, since the Gigabit Ethernet port is integrated into the power adapter, you shouldn't have to worry about cable management at all.

When it comes to the Mac mini, your desktop experience will depend on the hardware and accessories you use it with. For instance, if you connect wired keyboards, your desk may look like a mess because all the cables plug into the back of your Mac, including the one for your display.

In most cases, you'll struggle to get the minimalistic setup that the M1 iMac can provide.

6. Mac mini vs. iMac: Price Comparison

Screenshot of Apple's comparison page for Mac

Pricing is a tough topic to discuss when comparing two completely different Macs. On paper, the Mac mini is the most affordable model you can buy, starting at just $599. However, remember it doesn't come with a keyboard, mouse, or monitor.

When you factor in all the accessories and peripherals, the total price will be upwards of at least a thousand dollars. And if you're considering the M2 Pro Mac mini that starts at $1,299, the total cost could easily approach the $2,000 mark.

In comparison, the M1 iMac costs $1,299 for the base model, but you get an all-in-one desktop with a beautiful color-accurate 4.5K display. Plus, you get the wireless Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. That said, the base iMac model has some limitations that can force you to consider the Mac mini.

You can easily save a few hundred dollars by purchasing third-party peripherals with your Mac mini. And don't forget that the Mac mini packs a 10-core GPU and has a much better port selection than the iMac.

The M2 Mac mini Is Hard to Beat

For just $599, the M2 Mac mini brings so much value and performance to the table. And even if you need to purchase the peripherals separately, which will bring the total cost closer to the M1 iMac's price tag, we think the M2 Mac mini is the more sensible option for most users, especially the ones that prioritize performance and want more flexibility.

However, the iMac is still the ideal choice if you want a clean and aesthetic desk setup. Plus, don't forget that the M1 chip is no slouch by any means; it's still great for everyday use, just like the M1 MacBook Air. Now that you know all the similarities and differences, it's up to you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.