Apple Mac mini (M6) review

Apple Mac mini (M6) is the most complete small desktop on this list. Apple's spec page lists the M6 chip with a 12-core CPU made of 2 super cores, 4 performance cores and 6 efficiency cores, plus a 12-core GPU with hardware ray tracing and a dual 16-core Neural Engine. The base model has 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD, and both are chosen at checkout, up to 32GB and 2TB on the M6. The back panel carries three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI and 2.5Gb Ethernet, the front adds two 10Gb/s USB-C ports and a headphone jack, and wireless is Wi-Fi 7 with Bluetooth 6. It supports up to three external displays. Apple's US store listed the Mac mini from $899 when we checked, but the price loads in a way our checker could not confirm, so we mark it pending. A Mac mini with M5 Pro and Thunderbolt 5 is also sold. We compared documented features and published prices only.

Who it is for

Mac users and anyone who wants a complete desktop with no setup

Price

From $899 on Apple's US store (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Apple M6 chip with a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU and a dual 16-core Neural Engine
• 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD in the base model, configurable to 32GB and 2TB
• Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI and 2.5Gb Ethernet on the back, configurable to 10Gb Ethernet
• Two front USB-C ports at up to 10Gb/s and a 3.5 mm headphone jack
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 through Apple's N1 wireless chip

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Case measures 5.0 by 5.0 by 2.0 inches and weighs 1.5 pounds
• Strength: Drives up to three external displays, including two at 6K 60Hz
• Strength: Three 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 ports, more than any Windows pick on this list
• Weakness: Memory and storage are set when you order, so plan the configuration up front
• Weakness: No USB-A ports are listed in Apple's specs, so older accessories need adapters
• Weakness: Runs macOS only, which rules out some Windows games and business software

Key facts

• Listed price: From $899 (USD check pending)
• Chip: Apple M6, 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU
• Memory: 16GB, configurable to 24GB or 32GB
• Fast ports: 3 x Thunderbolt 4 (40Gb/s)
• Size: 5.0 x 5.0 x 2.0 inches, 1.5 lb

Where it ranks

Apple Mac mini (M6) is No. 1 in our Best Mini PCs verdict.