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Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB vs Apple Mac mini (M6)

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against mini PCs at a similar price

The Apple Mac mini (M6) scores 6.2/10 overall, ahead of the Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB at 5.8/10.

The Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB leads on efficiency and noise and ports and expansion.

The Apple Mac mini (M6) leads on upgradeability and networking.

They score the same on CPU performance and build and support.

The biggest difference is networking, where the Apple Mac mini (M6) scores 8/10 to the Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB's 4/10.

Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB

Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB

5.8/10verdict: good, not the best

The Mac mini M4 suits anyone who wants a small, always-on machine with very low idle power draw. It fits users who are happy with 16GB of memory and a modest internal drive, or who will pay for a larger configuration up front. It is a better match for fixed, well-planned setups than for tinkerers who like to swap parts.

Typically about £799 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Apple Mac mini (M6)

Apple Mac mini (M6)

6.2/10verdict: good, not the best

The Mac mini (M6) is for buyers who want a fast desktop with strong networking options and are happy with fixed memory. It suits people who can pick the right memory size at purchase and want 2.5Gb or 10Gb Ethernet plus Thunderbolt 4. It is a poor match for anyone who expects to upgrade RAM later.

Typically about £824 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightApple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GBApple Mac mini (M6)
CPU performance25%8/108/10
Upgradeability20%1/102/10
Networking20%4/108/10
Efficiency and noise15%9/106/10
Ports and expansion10%8/107/10
Build and support10%6/106/10
Overall5.8/106.2/10

Specifications

SpecApple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GBApple Mac mini (M6)
CPUApple M4: 10-core CPU (4 performance + 6 efficiency cores), 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineApple M6, 12 cores (2 super, 4 performance, 6 efficiency), 12-core GPU, dual 16-core Neural Engine
Memory16GB unified memory16GB unified memory
Storage256GB SSD256GB SSD
NetworkingWi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BASE-T, RJ-45)Apple N1 chip, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6, Thread, 2.5Gb Ethernet configurable to 10Gb Ethernet
Maximum memory32GB (configurable at purchase on the M4 chip)32GB
PortsFront: two USB-C ports (USB 3, up to 10Gb/s) and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Back: Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports supporting USB 4 (up to 40Gb/s) and DisplayPortFront: two USB-C ports (USB 3, up to 10Gb/s), 3.5 mm headphone jack. Rear: 2.5Gb Ethernet, HDMI, three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Power drawIdle 4W, maximum 65W, measured at the wall for this configurationMaximum continuous power 155W

Strengths and weaknesses

Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB

  • + Idle draw of just 4W at the wall
  • + 10-core M4 with 10-core GPU
  • + Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI
  • − RAM is soldered with no upgrade slot
  • − Internal SSD is not user-upgradable
  • − Base model has only Gigabit Ethernet

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to upgrade RAM or storage later
  • Anyone needing faster than Gigabit Ethernet from the base unit
  • Users with many USB-A devices who don't want adapters
Read the full Apple Mac mini (2024), Apple M4, 16GB, 256GB review ›

Apple Mac mini (M6)

  • + 12-core M6 with 12-core GPU
  • + 2.5Gb Ethernet, configurable to 10Gb, plus Wi-Fi 7
  • + Three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI
  • − Memory is onboard and not user-upgradeable
  • − Maximum memory is 32GB
  • − Warranty is 12 months, per Notebookcheck

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who want to add or swap RAM after purchase
  • Anyone needing several network ports for router or firewall use
  • Home lab users who need published idle power figures before buying
Read the full Apple Mac mini (M6) review ›

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