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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.

Mac mini vs Mac Pro

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.

These chips offer up to 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU.

Mac mini

Memory is available up to 64GB and storage up to 8TB.

You must start by choosing between a tower and rack model.

Both configurations include a 24-core CPU and a 32-core Neural Engine.

A Mac Pro next to a monitor

you could select from 64GB to 192GB of unified memory and 1TB to 8TB of storage.

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.

Mac Studio from above.

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.

Both processors have powerful Neural Engines, but the M2 Ultra’s is larger, enhancing machine learning performance.

Mac Pro

The Mac mini M4 has a compact design and limited upgrade options.

Both support Bluetooth 5.3 and Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax).

Both machines have HDMI ports, but the Mac mini has one, while the Mac Pro has two.

The inside of a Mac Pro

Nonetheless, the M4 Pro still offers respectable graphics performance and can handle demanding tasks adequately.

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.

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.

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 thebest MacBook and Macsand thebest video editing Mac and MacBookfor creatives.