M1 vs M2 Mac mini: Which should you buy? Should you upgrade from M1 to M2?

[@TheFandangovideoguy]

I got a gently used M1 with 16GB ram and 512GB SSD for $570 Cdn less than getting a M2 with those specs...I think it is worth it. I will do video editing with it-1080p and some 4k 30 and maybe 4k60 with Premiere using either a Sandisk 2TB SSD or a Lacie 10TB 5tbig Thunderbolt. I will wait for next year for a Mac Studio M2...

[@MutePCdotcom]

Used machines can be a great value! Good choice!

[@thisthat1142]

One of the best breakdowns on this topic I've seen. Rational and succinct. Keep up the good work!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you!

[@ordinarygg]

m1 used, just no reason to buy m2) m1 or m1 max (studio) used

[@BadBoyBobby85]

The M2 Pro Mac mini is the only way to go for me, coming from an m1 Mac mini

[@harrison00xXx]

congratulations for spending a lot of money for barely anything. Im damn happy with a 16“ M1 Pro… its a notebook, a iMac, a Mac Pro….

[@michaelburrell4685]

I'm beginning to learn video editing and coding now. I bought a used M1 mini this morning for $300. I was considering the m2 mini but then I found out about the SSD speed problem. And after upgrading the SSD it would have been three times as much. Once I am proficient in editing I will probably get a MacBook Pro 16".

[@matthewtrow5698]

Seems to me, if you have an M1 base model and are an amateur video content producer, then upgrade to the M2 base model. For everyone else who has an M1, no reason to upgrade. I'm a little bit upset about the mac mini M2 release. I got the M1 base model to get into apple silicon at an affordable price point, but my ultimate hope was that we'd see a redesign of the mac minis form factor, to something smaller. I always intended to sell my M1 at that point, banking on the fact that macs tend to hold value well for some years. Apple blew my idea out of the window, because the M2 base model is cheaper than the M1 base model was - plus they didn't upgrade the form factor. So, I'm just going to keep my M1 for, I guess, a few years. I use it mainly for amateur music production, some light graphics work, some coding. To date, it hasn't let me down - 2 years in and I can see no compelling reason to upgrade. I guess it helps that the company I work for have provided me with a macBook M1 Pro - and I'll be straight up honest here, they could've given me an M1 macBook Air and I would've been happy. For so many users, a base M1 configuration with 256gb of storage and 8gb of RAM is _still_ an incredible power house bang for your buck machine. It is only when you get into video production and 3D modelling - at a semi-pro/pro level - that more expensive models start to make sense. But, as this video concludes, if you don't have an M1 mac mini and want a mac mini, get an M2 - the second hand market for the M1 models can't compete with a new machine that has a much cheaper entry model price. I guess the SSD storage speed has a LOT to do with this.

[@LordJasonKing]

So basically if you need a computer by a used M1. If you’re an apple sheeple or a nurd get M2

[@innnews6299]

I don’t see a reason why one would upgrade if he/she has an M1 Mac mini to an M2. But if one has a much older Intel Mac mini, then yes…if one can afford it.

[@Clandestinemonkey]

the comment about considering storage capacity over speed is totally wrong. The only reason to upgrade that internal storage is the speed. If you need space you can use a NAS or other attached solution.

[@Simplyyourdevice]

I've been watching hours of the differences between these 2 mini's. This just cleared the air. M1 open box from Best buy. Thanks !

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daft1235]

Dude the M1 is $50-$100 MORE than M2 right now… what the hell do I do? (Both 16GB, 512GB)

[@Simplyyourdevice]

@@daft1235 open box at my local Best buy. $449.99. I've got till the 20th to return it. If it' is trash I'll return it. This my 1st foray to Mac OS.

[@TomiTakamaa]

@@daft1235 Dude WHAT??? Of course you'll get the M2 then!!!

[@andreasbuder4417]

A refurbished M1 Mac Mini is just an incredible value right now. The amount of performance for under 500 bucks is bonkers. The M2 is double the price if you look after fast SSDs, because swap memory can really slow you down even in not so intensive multitasking, where the M1 base model has no issues.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Indeed, refurbished and used can be great deals!

[@hanovergreen4091]

Saw a base M2 for $499 on Amazon last night. That's insane. Best Regards and Best Wishes!

[@joemahma3457]

I have an M1 Air and although I know that either this M1 or M2 would work plenty enough, I’m going to save up for the M2 Pro - I want to have the option for 3 monitors without having to buy ding dong dongles 🙄

[@jojoowens9309]

I have decided to leave Windows and try my 1st Apple, being totally new to Apple, I have been trying to find the best bang for the dollar, so I have been looking at the Mac Mini M1 version, then I found the M2 version. I'm interested in the 16 gb w 512 memory but not the pro. I edit videos in 1080 and 4k, so I was wondering if you could kind of lean me on which way to go, the M1 or M2, I do not play games or download apps unless it's something to do with editing, I will be using Final Cut as well. Thank you for taking the time to read. Great video, thank you again.

[@tcaudiobooks737]

A 16gb M1 is more than enough for what you need.

[@denisleblanc4506]

I am getting a new Mac Mini. Just thinking about futur proofing. I don't do anything demanding. (This old brain doesn't multitask very well.) I'm leaning towards going for a 512 upgrade just so it won't be working as hard. I presently have a 2012 Mini with 16 gigs of ram and an SSD. It's way past updating the OS to anything modern. I don't need more than 256 really. I'm only at about 90 gigs right now after 10 years. Would you upgrade the SSD or spend the $250 on something else?

[@MutePCdotcom]

Sounds like you don't really need a storage upgrade, or any upgrades really. I'd personally save the money and get the base model. Future proofing is really hard to do with tech that is always getting better. If it really becomes a limit in the future, then the money saved will actually get you an upgrade sooner to something even better, so in my opinion the best way to "future proof" is to buy only what you need at the moment and save that money for the future.

[@denisleblanc4506]

@@MutePCdotcom I'm still rocking a 10 year old Mini that I replaced the hard drive with a SSD and bumped it up to 16 Gigs of Ram. Mind you even with the storage upgrade, the new Mini would be about the same price I sunk in my present Mini. I know the base would be fine for me, but what if they don't support it in 5 years. I can't upgrade the new one.

[@bryans8656]

I appreciate your objective comparisons and conclusions. I think your best point is if you already have an M1 mini that isn't giving you problems (I'm paraphrasing here) there's no need to upgrade.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you!

[@clarknova7331]

Hi - that was an excellent video with great detail and logical explanations. Would you say the base M2 Mini is good enough to act as a media hub for the living room (given the reduced SSD speeds on the 256GB model)? Mainly playing video from an external hard drive, streaming audio and video from the web and maybe some Steam/retro game emulation? No one else seems to have mentioned this use case but I think it would make perfect sense.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you! The base mini is more than enough to be a great media hub for your listed use cases, as long as the games don't require too much GPU power. You may want to check if there are others who have done benchmarks or tried the types of games/emulators you are wanting to use on the M1 or M2 chips. The reduced SSD speeds shouldn't be any issue.

[@bamber119]

If you’re going to upgrade like for like computers every year then you’re wasting money. Stick to the model you bought for about 3-4 years and you’ll see noticeable improvements rather than a minor speed bump. With that being said I would say a jump from the m1 Mac mini to the M2 mini Pro would be a huge one, but that’s the only exception to the rule.

[@markstevens1729]

Just ordered an M2 to replace my 2010 Mini, which was upgraded years back to 16gb and ssd. Still rocks, but after 13 years, why not?

[@MutePCdotcom]

A 13 year upgrade cycle means you got great value out of that mini!

[@markstevens1729]

@@MutePCdotcom yeah, always have seen amazing value with Apple products. Exclusive supplier to my life since 1981.

[@Danny-BigD]

NO... you should not. Well is the SSD just as fast as the M1 :) From what I have read seen on the M2 the $599 is slower then the M1

[@BCE-111]

Thanks! Well done! Just bought a brand new unopen 2TB/16GB M1 Mac Mini with AppleCare + through next February a few weeks ago for $999 + tax = $1085. Great price. And it's running great. But I have been considering a 1TB M2 Mac Mini Pro which with tax for a student is $1499. So about $400 more. It would I guess be about twice as fast and I'd be gaining 2 more Thunderbolt ports plus the other component improvements you mentioned. But I would be losing 1TB of internal storage which is great as I have a ton of VSTs installed, a number of which must be stored on the main drive. And I watched a video from a DaVinci Resolve expert where he was showing you can even edit up to 12K videos on the M1 although at the resolution not preview them at full speed while you're editing. We'll see how it all unfolds.:) Thanks. Subscribed.

[@carlopriolo1130]

Help please so if i buy a m1 256 gb is faster than m2?? Cause the m2 has less speedssd idk

[@Burtronic]

This was great, thanks. I think if I am to go M1 at this point I’d look for 16Gb RAM and aim for the 256Gb SSD without the speed issue, however M2 would need to be 16Gb RAM and the 512Gb SSD. I think both would be more than enough for me but I think those configurations will not only future proof in terms of power and speed but also in resale if circumstances change.

[@TomiTakamaa]

Great video. It's really weird you have only 239 subscribers as of now. You deserve a lot more! Keep up the good work!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@Mystic.Q]

mute pc just notice the M1 mini at my costco is at $299 and the M2 is at $579 would you recommend the M1 or M2? coming from a Windows user. i did have a Mac about 5 years ago.

[@MutePCdotcom]

M1 Mac mini for $299 is a steal at that price. Go for the M1. If for some reason it isn't enough to meet your needs, you'd probably have to consider something more than the base model M2 as well. Luckily Costco return policy is awesome.

[@Chatsworth1979]

Hey, a question, is the new M2 mac mini noisy (fan noise)? I've heard the M1 mac mini is absolutely silent, wich is important to me. Thanks for any info.

[@MutePCdotcom]

I just posted a video talking about the noise levels of the M2 Pro Mac mini: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2qWp3aAiMt4p68 Not quite the M2 non-Pro, but logically the non-Pro should consume less power and thus be less noisy than the M2 Pro I tested.

[@davidbailey9464]

Last year in 2022 I got a refurbished Mac Mini M1 16GB ram, 256GB SSD for only $720. That's $900 original price down to $720. That's $280 savings! Thanks refurbished Apple! Oh and letting you know I just subscribed to you!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Apple Refurbished can be a great deal for like new machines! Thank you!

[@daft1235]

Can someone tell me why the Mac Mini’s can’t support 3 displays like every other computer on the market? I need 3 screens for my job. Is there a way to make it work? I don’t need the 3rd to be 4k or anything, I just need a 3rd display. Please help! :)

[@MutePCdotcom]

Apple puts a limit on the non-Pro Mac mini to 2 displays unfortunately. The only mini that supports 3 displays is the M2 Pro version. Not sure if a digital solution like an iPad with Sidecar could work?

[@harrison00xXx]

None, M1 MacBook Air!

[@nvasudeva]

Great content ! Is it better than mac studio ? I am planning to start my youtube channel, and i am wondering if i should go for this or buy studio or wait for mac pro refresh which is expected in spring ?

[@MutePCdotcom]

A Mac mini should be more than enough to get started with KZbin video editing. The M2 Pro version could be a good middle ground instead of opting for a Mac Studio/Pro Max or Ultra chip, which are quite a bit more expensive.

[@nvasudeva]

@@MutePCdotcom thank you for the response, appreciate it.

[@edmundnieginski6142]

Great information. What monitor are you using? Thank you

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thanks! I'm using a 48" LG C1 TV.

[@ST-ry7lr]

You said it all at the 5 minute mark. The M2 Mac Mini is an anachronism. The only people who really NEED the performance this brings would also need additional memory and storage. Oh, and I need the additional thunderbolt 4 ports, and probably the 10GB ethernet. At that point this device isn't attractive at all, except to someone who's requirement are pretty basic. And for them, even the M1 was overkill. So .. if your needs are basic (90+% of buyers), buy the base model low end Mac Mini M2. Or used M1 if it's significantly cheaper. If you need NEED to upgrade from the base model you consider other options.

[@superiorbeing95]

I'm looking to snap up a 16gb ram M1 used from someone who's upgrading, some great deals out there on barely used macs.

[@cliftoncunningham8975]

I have Mac mini1 with those features 16g 1tb for sale

[@superiorbeing95]

@@cliftoncunningham8975 oh, how much?

[@rocheuro]

m1 16gb 256gb is the same price now as new M2 base model 8gb 256gb. which would be faster ? i assume these particular two should be approx the same in performance.

[@TomiTakamaa]

M2 hands down.

[@Queeg500RD]

M1 hands down with 16GB

[@kevinshea5819]

Thanks for the video. I believe many, if not most, apple users buy things because they are new...not because they need the upgrade. I had the m1 mini and upgraded to m2. With trade in and school discount the upgrade was about $220. Well worth it for me.

[@Mzansi74]

Answer: Neither... 🤣🤣🤣

[@harrison00xXx]

true

[@peteandpuy]

I'm filthy rich and decided to sell my M1 for an M2. I sincerely hope the bluetooth mouse disconnect and the ethernet issues have been addressed. I did upgrade to the 512 otherwise they're the same. Delivery next week.

[@S4NN]

If you were filthy rich you wouldn't buy a mac mini instead you would go for a mac studio instead, its really embarrassing to see a grown and mature person flexing with his money like a kid

[@peteandpuy]

@@S4NN The Bluetooth issues are over as well as the ethernet issues with the upgrades in speed, money well spent. Couldn't justify a Mac Studio and don't need anything else at this point. Happy man!

[@S4NN]

@peteandpuy hope u enjoy my man, but its not nice that u call urself filthy rich, I mean what are the audiences, poor they are not by any means because they wouldn't be watching a video that talks about a product that can go for 1000$+

[@peteandpuy]

@@S4NN Jesus Christ, you're an idiot.

[@formosadowns]

Thankyou for explain everything we need to know. You are Legend, thank you again all the way from Australia :), im thinking to get M2

[@aaronc1746]

Definitely one of the best analysis out there. Thank you. Great content !

[@clarityofthought]

thanks for the side by side no frills comparison

[@Chatsworth1979]

Perfect analysis. Thanks!! +1

[@tonyl9516]

fantastic video . i think you covered every possible iteration

[@MutePCdotcom]

Many thanks!

[@callmeNeno]

What if I have MacBook M1 Air 8gm ram & 8gpu and 512ssd second tiered one hooked up to my Dell ultra-wide 34” should I have a dedicated desktop like M2 Mac mini instead.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Keep your setup if it's working for you! No need to change unless it's not meeting your needs for some reason.

[@callmeNeno]

@@MutePCdotcom awesome! Appreciate your input.

[@jonnyrotten9676]

can it run WOW? the base?

[@TheMacGeek]

I run WOW perfectly fine and smoothly on the base M1 Mac Mini, so the base M2 Mac Mini should run it even better.