M4 iMac or M4 Mac mini? NOT an easy choice....

[@Geethepancake]

TL;DR, he thinks the better choice is the mac mini

[@mihailoaleksic3330]

Cuz it's cheaper since you can use any screen while the iMac has a screen built in so it's obviously more expensive, if you don't have an Apple display the Mac Mini will be better value even with the magic peripherals

[@herohour6496]

really? he told us that companies are buying 250 imacs!!!!

[@LouisLuzuka]

😮

[@ChrisPTY507]

Obviously. You can personalize the mini with the monitor, keyboard, and mouse that you want and Can change them anytime. Also the price of the mini is cheaper.

[@KC-bi9jw]

The iMac’s allure is the all in one set up. One power cable is all that is needed. Some people and businesses prefer that for a cleaner look. Also less power outlets used. More efficient.

[@FlintG]

Really wish they would give us a larger iMac 24 inches is too small.

[@tortuga7160]

It really is, 27inch would be better, but I’ve even moved on from 27inch by now

[@AdmiralCecil]

I heard M4 iMac will get a Pro and Max models in a 32" setup maybe in 2025.

[@TechGameDev]

@@AdmiralCecil dead imac pro will never come back to be replaced by the mac pro / mac studio with the studio display XDR which is 32 inches

[@juangil384]

What the mfs want is you to buy the Mini and display studio

[@jansix4287]

The Mac mini M4 combined with an 42" LG OLED C4 is the large screen (i)Mac. Every well-assorted household should have both a 24" iMac and a 5-inch Mac mini anyway.

[@pea1973]

I traded up from an 16” M1 Max (that was desk-bound) to the top-spec M4 Pro Mac Mini to run Motion Graphics (among other design tasks). No regrets… except for the nostalgia factor of owning a slice of history with that M1 transition.

[@Slambear]

how has the gpu performance been? I have an 14" M1 Pro, but I'm waiting on the studio with the m4 max.

[@_IMNNO]

I still use a 2018 15” MBP with the Coffee Lake 6 core as my daily. 😅

[@drkucalo1]

It is too bad they don't offer this as 27'' model as well

[@TechGameDev]

dead for ever sorry I want too but the studio display replace it according to apple

[@allmyownvideo]

@@TechGameDev 27 may be dead but rumours of a 30 inch being close to release, maybe mid 2025

[@TechGameDev]

@@allmyownvideo the iMac Pro dead too the Mac studio with pro display XDR 32 inch replace it the rumors have been around for 2 years still nothing (I miss the big iMacs)

[@bennym1956]

@@allmyownvideo Rumors.....

[@geoffstrickler]

Mini with Dell S2722QC (4k HDR) monitor, keyboard, mouse, and optional webcam. The Dell is currently $250, so it’s about $200 less than the BenQ Luke recommended. I’m a big fan of the BenQ monitors, but these Dell monitors are also very good. Definitely a better value than the iMac, maybe spend the savings on a 512GB SSD or 24GB RAM, depending on your needs. Personally, I’m going to wait until 3rd party SSD upgrades are available before I buy. Also, I already have monitors, keyboard, and mouse on a KVM with my 2018 Mac Mini, PC, and work computer so no rush and no need (nor space for) an iMac.

[@lorensims4846]

If you are looking at these two Macs you already know which one you want. They are specifically designed for two very different types of Mac users. I'm that third type of Mac users who doesn't have desk space for either of these so I'm sticking with the M1 MacBook Air that I bought last year because this is the last MacBook Air that actually LOOKS like a MacBook Air. I feel this is the pinnacle of the MacBook Air design. Maybe I'll wait for the M6 before I upgrade.

[@RyanMercer]

I am loving my M4 mini. Replaced my desk queen M1 Air with it.

[@petehoweexperience]

I just bought the base model M4 Mac mini. Fantastic machine. Killer design. And it can fit anywhere. Heck, it’s almost portable.

[@barryedwards0628]

Luke, I upgraded from a Mac Mini M2 setup with a Samsung 32” M8 smart monitor and a Samsung 28” monitor, both 4K. Also had a Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboards (both sizes), and Edifier desktop speakers. The M4 Mac Mini I chose was the 24 GB Ram w/ 512 GB storage option for $999 … kinda. After an education discount of $100, and trading in my M2 Mac Mini, my net cost was about $590. Of course, the key is the education discount (anyone can get it by just asking, though I’m a legitimate higher ed math instructor), the trade-in of the old device, and already owned peripherals.

[@terrywarnold]

For me the better value would be the Mac mini. As you stated, you can pair whatever size screen and the keyboard and mouse of your preference.

[@jansix4287]

But the OLED screen I prefer is much more expensive than what I'm willing to pay. And it doesn't even come with the necessary HDMI 2.1 cable. And I might need an extra soundbar as well. To have everything included in one package of decent quality is a great offer.

[@princashamletas8722]

I chose iMac! If you need great screen, speakers, speed, all-in-one-compact-aesthetic-really-nice-looking package. What are going to place on your desk in the middle of the room - plastic Dell monitor with many black cables? :) There are simply no alternatives for 24" 4.5K great looking, compact display with just one nice cable attached.

[@samlawrence4670]

Yeah I agree that screen is killer add in the peripherals built in camera and speakers add a small dock with built in storage and a few extra ports makes the iMac a great choice.

[@L0p3s]

The iMac is a nice buy in a certain context. But the problem with it is that it is significantly pricier than the M4 MM with a cheaper 4K monitor (even Dell has nice options below 300usd like that S2722QC). Then you probably already have a keyboard and mouse, at least I do. Granted the iMac has nice integrated speakers, center stage camera, mic, great screen (albeit small in my opinion), but for the price of the iMac I can the best of both worlds which is buy a base MBA (ok, still M3, but with M4 next march/april) that also as great screen, webcam, mic, speakers etc. and a 4K 27” monitor. And in this case I have the versatility of the MM (wel, kinda, you need dongles 😂) and the portability of a laptop. The MM makes the sacrifice of not having portability (albeit not as bad as the iMac) but at least it’s cheap. I find the iMac interesting, but has the problem of not having neither the price or the portability of other options.

[@L0p3s]

The iMac is a nice buy in a certain context. But the problem with it is that it is significantly pricier than the M4 MM with a cheaper 4K monitor (even Dell has nice options below 300usd like that S2722QC). Then you probably already have a keyboard and mouse, at least I do. Granted the iMac has nice integrated speakers, center stage camera, mic, great screen (albeit small in my opinion), but for the price of the iMac I can the best of both worlds which is buy a base MBA (ok, still M3, but with M4 next march/april) that also as great screen, webcam, mic, speakers etc. and a 4K 27” monitor. And in this case I have the versatility of the MM (well, kinda, you need dongles 😂) and the portability of a laptop. The MM makes the sacrifice of not having portability (albeit not as bad as the iMac) but at least it’s cheap. I find the iMac interesting, but has the problem of not having neither the price or the portability of other options. And at least in my country the iMac stars at a price that is double the price of the M4 MM plus a cheap 4K monitor. I know, this doesnt included a magic Magic Keyboard and a Magic Mouse, but still. And the Dell monitors have speakers, although worse than the iMac.

[@DustyKing]

@@L0p3sdell monitor is made of cheap plastic tho. The Dell monitor is not made of aluminum whereas the iMac is fully made of premium aluminum.

[@L0p3s]

@@DustyKingyes, the iMac monitor is also better with better colors and brightness. I didn’t say it was the best option for everyone, but also another problem with iMacs if you look at the past is the fact that the monitors life largely surpasses the life of the internals. Also another win for the the external monitor option. I have monitors with more than 10 years still working just fine.

[@bobcarter6143]

Basically I bought a new M4 Mini to replace my 4 year old M1 Mini and transferred all the accessories, sold my M1 machine the next day. The net cost was just £205 to upgrade. Base 16/256 M4 Mac Mini, with Apple Magic Mouse and Keyboards. An external 1TB Seacuda NVME in an Orico Thunderbolt 3 case. 2nd hand 2018 Dell S2718D 2516*1440 Ultra thin Monitor. My eyes can’t cope with any smaller pixels… Took around 90 minutes to move over using the Seacuda backup.

[@PeterEmery]

I already had a Mac mini, an M1 with 16GB memory and 512GB storage, This was attached to a Satechi dock/hub with a 1TB SSD in it, USB condenser mic, Insta 360 Link 4k webcam and Apple Studio Display. I chose the M4 Mac mini opting for 24GB memory and 1TB storage. I still use the Satechi dock/hub thing and am experimenting with using the Mac mini inverted with the power button effectively on the right rear corner at the top. Inverting it doesn't seem to affect the internal temperature.

[@Ciboulon]

I’m a teacher and I plan to buy a Mac mini M4 next summer during “back to school”. I will pair it with my 2015 iMac 27” for its beautiful screen with Luna display. It’s cheaper than buying a 5K display.

[@bennym1956]

If the Luna display works great, I would consider doing that with my 2017 iMac.

[@jmsony]

I was a 27” iMac user and cant go back to a smaller screen. So I got a Mac mini m4 pro with a 32 inches 4k oled 240hz Alienware monitor 😊

[@chucky29949]

Still rocking a 27 inch 2010 iMac with Linux/SSD. Works pretty great for light tasks, even the GPU acceleration works and can play multiple 4K KZbin vids easily.

[@alistermccallum]

My setup. M4 Mac mini $1099nzd. Used Thunderbolt Display $150nzd. New in box old stock Magic Mouse 2 and Magic Keyboard 2 from a school supply store $85nz. $1334nzd. That’s $1165 cheaper than the base model iMac here.

[@d.r.martin6301]

I've had three iMacs. The first, from '08, is a trooper; still truckin' along doing homely work. The second died at six years. The third works, but crashes frequently and is super balky at booting. My Mac guy has tried to fix it, but no dice. He threw up his hands last time in frustration. So there's a new Mini in my future, with a nice 4k display.

[@KC-bi9jw]

I currently travel with a M2 Pro Mac mini with a 22” 1440p “travel” display packed in a pelican air case along with other audio gear. The constant setup and tear down has me looking at this iMac as a replacement for the road. 1 less power cable and 1 less display connector goes a long way lol. And now the M4 is a capable chip for I do it seems feasible now.

[@stevens1041]

The M4 iMac supporting a second display was a big and welcome change.

[@unknown81360]

Lol you mean that it wasn’t supported before?

[@dotapark]

@@unknown81360he meant 2 monitors I believe

[@bizpixvegas7651]

Hi Luke, thank you for this video. For me it is the Mac Mini. Mini allows for more powerful SOC (14/20) and more RAM (64) to form a powerhouse. You can pair up a nice 32" BenQ 4K monitor and have a powerful pro class set up for about $3K. The iMac all maxed out is at $2.5K and you have a less capable machine, half the RAM and limited to 24" monitor.

[@borremoonkey]

How much storage did you grab? The starting 512GB for pro or did you upgrade?

[@bennym1956]

@@borremoonkey Don't buy extra storage from Apple too $$$, buy external SSD ,cheaper.

[@borremoonkey]

@@bennym1956 I understand but 512GB would be sufficient for the OS and apps? I normally store all my files/projects on a different drive on my old PC, as a safety measure if the OS drive corrupts for whatever reason.

[@ollieheath555]

I’ve paired my new Mac Mini (base model) with 28.5 inch Samsung 4K monitor (£150), wired backlit numerical keyboard (£24), old AA battery Magic Mouse and 1TB m.2 thunderbolt 4 enclosure (£74) - super happy with it!

[@bennym1956]

Probably all cheaper than an 24" iMac.

[@ollieheath555]

@ very much so! And considering the screen is larger and the chip is not binned, it’s a no-brainer! The M4 Mac mini is seriously good value

[@johnwagner9257]

Another advantage of the Mini comes in is you make an investment in the keyboard/mouse/display and even speakers but then in the future when you are ready to upgrade you don't have to purchase those again. Or of course if you already own those now.

[@jansix4287]

That’s only the case because Apple can’t offer top tier displays in their iMacs anymore. In the past you got a better computer and a better display. And you needed one to run the other. It was an advantage they both came in one package, because they belonged together. But nowadays the very best displays are so expensive that they would absolutely destroy the price of an iMac. Especially the large iMac.

[@kinocchio]

I got the m4 iMac with 24 gb as a stopgap till the m4 max Mac Studio is released ... When using final cut, it is using swap memory about 700mb !! ... the computer is pretty good but screen too small and it's the base m4 chip ...

[@somelaveenguy6822]

Looking at your example Mac Mini setup, there should be a hole cutout in the lower portion of the Studio Display stand so you can place the Mac Mini on the base of the monitor and run you cables directly out the back.

[@jansix4287]

If you think you need that cutout, you can mill it yourself.

[@FDNY8231]

I picked up an M4 iMac with the 24GB RAM and 512GB storage. I upgraded from a 2019 27" intel iMac. I do miss the big display compared to the old iMac. My only other issue is that this iMac will eject my external disks quite regularly on it's own. Sometimes I have to reboot to get them back on line. Those are important as with 512GB of storage it would not take very long to filler up. Hopefully that problem works itself out. It's also disheartening when Apple longer offers the color matching options on the numbered magic keyboards, and trackpad. I use the trackpad WAY more than the mouse. While trivial, I also miss the Apple logo on the front of the machine too. That however can be rectified. In all it's fast, and quiet, and works well. I just have to work out the kinks.

[@bennym1956]

Geez. I wouldn't want to deal with kinks in any new Mac.

[@FDNY8231]

@@bennym1956 I mean more MY kinks than the machines. IE: Figuring out how everything works, and it's total capabilities. Coming from intel the fact that some items I used before may not work with Apple Silicon, and figuring ways around that if possible. Those are the kinks I'm talking about.

[@laserwizard1]

A point lost in this would be the Fruit Mini allows you to purchase a system at your current budget, but you could later upgrade to a much larger and better screen later. And I love my logi mx keyboard which I use for three different computers including my closed lid 2012 13 inch Macbook Pro.

[@gfabasic]

Made the switch to external monitors when Apple nix'd the iMac Pro. Glad I did, now I can swap the base unit out and I'm good to go. Waiting for the Studio M4 Max.

[@bennym1956]

Best path forward.

[@WillWatchAnything]

There’s actually a case for both. If you want the convenience of having everything in one package and working out of the box the iMac is for you. However if you prefer to have some customization in choosing your own accessories the Mini is the better option. It really boils down to a matter of personal preference and application.

[@davidhughes4489]

I had an M1 iMac, brilliant machine but that 27inch Studio display and M4 mini was a worthy upgrade,,I think reality is neither the iMac or mini would be a wrong choice. Both very nice products.

[@markingle8487]

After going from a 27 inch Intel iMac to an M1 Mac mini with a 32 inch display, I was in a similar conundrum; and in the end I chose the M4 iMac (not the base model though I wasn't that bothered by the cores - having touchid like my MacBook was a must). For me, the iMac feels like more than the sum of its parts, and it's so nice to have something packaged so well, so attractive with decent sound. I love the touchid on the keyboard; although I have an Apple Watch Ultra, the unlocking with the watch on the M1 mini was quite hit and miss. I have tried connecting my 32 inch screen, though now it looks quite ugly beside the gorgeous iMac.

[@ascendantP]

The old school 27" Thunderbolt displays sell on eBay for less than $200. Pair that with a macbook Pro or mini and I'll take that over the iMac any day

[@solracer66]

How does that display compare to the 5k 27” iMac display?

[@ZenithMusicNet]

I'm having the same consideration right now. Am leaning more towards the Mini because I already have that setup now with a 68 cm monitor. However, the iMac has a sharper display and is a cleaner setup.

[@adamr4198]

Luke, I literally just rewatched your M1 iMac vs M1 Mini video yesterday. 😅🔥🔥

[@gap9992]

I had a 27" iMac for many years and loved it. Just updated and because I wanted to retain a 27" screen the decision was easy. Shame because I definitely prefer the integration of the iMac

[@utubekullanicisi]

You might have forgotten it but the base model iMac has a single fan that is NOT connected directly to the heatsink on the chip, like the 2018-2020 MacBook Air models. That's why the temperature doesn't drop much even if you max out the fan. The higher-end models have 2 fans that are directly connected to the heatsink, so the cooling solution is much more effective.

[@johnchandy7101]

That's interesting - I really hope @LukeMiani does a video comparing the base model M4 iMac against the higher models - that would be interesting to see!

[@utubekullanicisi]

@@johnchandy7101 I think the difference will be similar to the difference between the base iMac and the base Mac mini, as the higher-end iMac has the same specs as the base Mac mini and the Mac mini has similarly effective cooling.

[@CMansfield]

My 2020 M1 Mac 512 Gb mini drives 2 x 23” monitors, boots from an external 2 TB drive and basically runs cool at 48C. I’m mostly using the latest Pro Tools but Davinci Resolve also runs at the same temp. I have not heard fan noise in 4 years.

[@danielmhodges]

This is the exact video I was needing. Thanks Luke!

[@islandtony5009]

Great video thanks! I'm considering either the mac mini ($800CDN) with my current Dell 2721QS (4k, 60hz, 158ppi) 27" monitor or getting an iMac (mostly to get the 4.5K display, higher PPI and speakers) for $1700 CDN (or $1900 CDN for the mid range iMac that actually matches the processor/core specs of the mini) and I have 2 questions for you: I do really basic video editing in Movavi for a KZbin channel, vids just filmed with an iPhone. I play in a band, and may start taking home recording more seriously in Garageband (maybe Logic Pro one day). The videos aren't action shots or anything, just reviews on music & recording gear etc. Do you think I will notice/benefit from the better monitor & speakers enough to justify the $$$? Or am I better off sticking with my Dell monitor, and getting a MINI (maybe bump up the SSD to 512 and still only be out $1049 CDN) and still saving almost $1000? Would appreciate your thoughts!

[@joshj88]

Honestly what I’d do is likely get the Thunderbolt Display and the 1st gen Magic Mouse and aluminum keyboard. The ones with AA batteries. Then pair them with the M4 mini

[@thomasquigley7040]

I’m still getting the Mini and studio display. My logic is I am amortizing the display across this purchase and my next Mac Mini 3-4 years down the road. Then the math makes better sense.

[@radman53]

Got the iMac as my first apple computer. Still getting use to it.

[@mendodsoregonbackroads6632]

My setup comparison would not be the base models, because the storage is inadequate and in the case of the iMac Touch ID doesn’t come on the binned chips for some reason. So comparing straight across the board as much as possible with All Apple products it would be. iMac 16GB/1TB with 10 core CPU 10 core GPU $1,899 Vs. Mac Mini 16/1TB with 10 core CPU 10 core GPU $999 + Studio Display $1,599 + Magic Mouse $99 Magic Keyboard with Touch ID $149 Total $2,846 So the iMac setup is more expensive, is not an all in one but it is modular. The fact that the storage is removable at this point is a big nothing because there nothing to replace it with, unless Dos Dude does it for you. The upside with the mini setup is a larger 27” screen, but I’m OK with the 24” size, been using one since 2020 and honestly it fine.

[@RichTallent]

Can you do a video on the best alternate cheap monitors to the Apple studio display?

[@cheekyoscar1353]

brilliant video absolutely spot on . For me I purchased my first Apple computer ( I've had iPads and phones for years) my first Apple computer about two years ago A imac M1 don't get me wrong I've enjoyed having it and it still does what I need to do , at times it does struggle with doing photography imagery or video . Knowing what i know now and I didn't know two years ago I wish I purchased a separate screen and keyboard option . now I would like to have the Mac mini M4 but I also have to purchase a screen as you have mentioned .... I'm also waiting for the new M4 studio to be released to see if it's just worth hanging on for a moment ... thanks for the video 10/10 ❤

[@oddbirds8315]

IF you are considering the m4 iMac or the m4 Mac mini, you are not looking at the binned m4 but rather the equivalent chipset. This is the though choice, are you okay with the all-in-screen? are you okay potentially going down from a 27" display, are you ok with it being less portable, are you okay with slight less ports and so on. Anyways, nice video and I do appreciate the comparison!

[@BradMacPro]

That 27” 4K monitor has a far higher dot pitch than Apple’s 24” 4.5K display. That is significant. And LG discontinued their 24” 4K monitor which was closer.

[@gabesz]

One thing against the iMac. Dust. My old iMac got very dusty inside quickly, and I have to clean it at least once every year, and that is a painful process, considering that the screen glued in. Never ever want to own a computer again where a basic maintenance task like cleaning the fan and the cooler was so complicated. That is why I switched to the new M4 mini. Super easy to clean the dust, and also have the possibility to upgrade the storage later. I used my old 75Hz 23 inch Asus monitor with it and kept the keyboard and moise from the iMac.

[@erickbeaudry]

For me it was bugging me that each time the iMac was on its last legs as a computer I was scrapping a perfectly good monitor. Then by not doing a 27inch it convinced me to have a look at the Mini. To leave the iMac behind can be expensive, but long term will be way cheaper. I went from the iBook to the iMac because the iMac was a great value, now not so much.

[@kulimeya123]

If you do absolute basic stuff, maybe in a store or something and you want it to look fancy and be all in one and you don't see the need to upgrade for years, probably iMac, but the Mac Mini is way cheaper to upgrade down the line, because you can just keep the expensive screen. You can also carry it around and hook it up to other screens. If you want to get down to the iMac price you also could check some used Studio Displays, they're going for way less than new.

[@SmegHain]

Mac Mini M4 setup is Gigabyte 34 ultrawide monitor, M4 512 ssd 16gb ram Mx Keyboard and Ergo Trackball... works great...plus with the KVM on the monitor I can use the mouse/trackball and monitor for the i7 Nuc I have......works for me.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

The iMac is gorgeous, I believe that a 27" will sale as hotcakes. The problem is that it's a thermal dead end. Today we have small high energy budget chips. But if I compare my setup with two monitors the Mac Studio extra internal array and network cables it's a mess.

[@aelaan12]

I would pick the iMac but in upgraded format. If it has to last 4 years, I would get 32Gb of RAM in it. Since it sits in a well lit office, I might opt for the nano texture. Yes, I could maybe save a little bit going with the M4M. The cohesiveness of an iMac still has a dear spot in my mind and heart.

[@SnoopySnoo]

i’ve been using an M4 mac mini for the past 2 weeks now to replace an old 2018 13” i7 MBP that i kept at my desk, and it’s been perfect for powering my dual monitor setup. i already had the whole setup in place, so buying the imac wouldv’ve been a waste for me (plus i wouldn’t want to shrink from my 32” main monitor)

[@RonLeblanc]

Gotta go with the M4 Mini. Replacing my M1 Mini. I already have screens, keyboard and trackpad.

[@pahkjeemean6461]

I bought an M1 iMac when it first came out for the family and then bought myself a studio display later on and just connected my Intel Macbook Air. My MBA is getting old though so I’m thinking of getting an M4 Mac mini but the M1 iMac has been so great that I kind of feel like it’s pointless to spend another $600 when I can just go to our family computer in the living room. Kind of wanting to sell the Studio Display 😂

[@darthastrius]

Got the iMac dual 10-core option. Worth every penny.

[@allmyownvideo]

Just got a mac mini with 1tb drive and 24 memory upgrades (i know it may be an expensive way of doing it but its done now) bought a 2011 thunderbolt display and had to buy a £50 apple adaptor to marry things up and use my old but as new mouse and keyboard, This after 20 years of Imac usage having to throw them away (almost) due to apples built in obsolesence. i have decided that the modular process is the way forwards for me , rather than throwing the whole system away i can upgrade the monitor when funds allow , likewise with - potentialy -storage mouse and keyboards. I must be daft or something but i dont see much of a performance increase , prpbably due to my usage of just browsing and spreaadsheets , but i am gonna try again with video editing as my old units were not up to it , maybe than i will realise the power i have at my fingertips ( i couldnt afford a mac pro)

[@TechGameDev]

2011-2020 imac >mac mini 2020-NOW imac

[@herohour6496]

nah, no one works at home. I need a portable mustang with triple monitors and a bad boy speaker

[@BrianMoore-uk6js]

I'm seriously considering the iMac, as it has a great display built in. I think the Mini makes sense if you already own a 5K display. But for those of us who don't, the iMac is very tempting.

[@rollingtroll]

The thing in this comparison is; No one needs that screen. And most people don't even need a great screen. So you can literally have that setup with a 2nd hand screen well under a grand. Just get a second hand MX Keys Mini, an M705 mouse (dirt cheap and remarkably good) and a slightly older 25" IPS panel and you got all of the pheripherals well under 200 bucks. Does it look fancy? Maybe not. Does it work just as well? Yes, it absolutely will. It's a no brainer really, unless you really want to overpay for looks, and less functionality.

[@ken1w]

I used to be a Desktop Mac user, but Apple Silicon has turned me into a MacBook fan. For me, the top benefit is battery life for the high level of performance, and that’s not directly relevant for a Desktop Mac. I love using my MacBook completely disconnected, like how I use my iPad. So, I currently would not choose either iMac or Mac mini, I’d get a MacBook, probably the Air (when it gets an M4). FYI - My current MacBook is M1-nothing 13-inch Pro (2020) 16GB/1TB, and I find it more than enough for what I do on a Mac and wonderfully sturdy but compact.

[@rogermuggleton8127]

Horses for courses. The iMac is really ideal for public-facing tasks such as reception desks where the workload is light, the back of the machine can be very tidy - this is the part the public sees. Most people won't be doing complex 4K video editing so the binned M4 model is fine. My desktop is very messy, a Mac studio with a cheap 27 inch monitor, multiple drives, wired keyboard and mouse receiver, USB printers and speakers etc all plugged in. The view of the back of my desk is a horror. But only the wall sees that. An iMac isn't my choice but can be ideal for an image-conscious office.

[@TheGippy30]

The video I’ve been waiting for thanks

[@joshuavega4563]

just as what i was looking for! thanks!

[@Shimeih]

better chip at half price. can get a nice display and apple keyboard and mouse or better plus a great display and still be lower than iMac price. No brainer.

[@PappaMike-vc1qv]

I would use an old iMac as the display and as a bonus hack the internal drive for extra storage.

[@josephlbradford]

Thanks for the video, always amazing content! Do you know that there is actually 3rd party storage options coming out as you hinted at in the video for the Mac MIni's?

[@CubikingFBGaming]

In a nutshell, the iMac's display is overkilling for most people. iMac is not a bad deal for people who really that high quality display.

[@wertywerrtyson5529]

The iMac looks amazing but I’d pick the Mac mini because it’s much cheaper and I can use the monitor, keyboard and mouse that I already have from before which means no cost. If the iMac could be used as a screen when it gets obsolete it would help it a bit. It really should be possible to put a Mac mini in an iMac and use it as a screen without modding it.

[@ryanwest1164]

Most people watching this video will be picking the Mac Mini

[@arthurwatts1680]

No sane power user is going to tie themselves to a screen that small in 2025. The iMac would make an incredible Xmas present for someone with less demanding needs but to be handing our presents like that, I would need half a million YT subscribers, eh Luke ?

[@akin242002]

Team Mac Mini. A QHD monitor is good for me with higher screen refresh rate if I have to sacrifice resolution. Also, the ports are far better with Mac Mini.

[@sbarneaionut]

Cheap dead 27 inch imac 5k with the adaptor to turn it into a monitor, m4 pro mac mini and any keyboard and mouse, probably still under 2k. Killer setup that.

[@chrisproductions6262]

For me it was easy, whilst I adore iMacs, I already had a 4K Monitor at home and honestly, it's better to just have a mini pc on my desk than having to worry about breaking my PC that also happens to be my monitor

[@vincemerrell3993]

Apple lost a whole market segment when they ditched the 27 inch iMac. The 'upfront' of buying a Studio/Mini (screen, keyboard, mouse/trackpad) is a leap in money, especially if you're sticking with Apple peripherals. I'm not a fan of the new 24 inch iMac, it feels plasticky, the speakers are a serious letdown and the screen is just too small for a lot of use. Maybe the increase in use of plastic in the body of the 24inch iMac explains some of the thermal oddities in the CPU temps. Hopefully there's a new, larger iMac coming soon and it will go back to the metal body and feel premium again.

[@Mcvanilla83]

i reused my intel 27" imac as a monitor and now have the mac mini m4 pro on it and it works and looks perfect. the fit perfect on the foot of the imac. the screen did cost me nothing instead i earned money from it with the butchered internals.

[@buddhagem]

How did you manage to use your iMac as a monitor for your Mac mini?

[@tedleer9296]

One more advantage about ARM, they can run at 100C without any issues.

[@macrumpton]

The fact that the mini is upgradable, and your monitor does not become useless when some hardware in your computer becomes outdated makes it the winner. It really annoys me that my 2019 imac has a screen that is just as good as the modern imac, but it is useless because it is chained to the outdated computing parts. They should have made the imac a mac mini that docks onto a monitor.

[@martyk656]

The Mini. Duh! ;) My new base M4 Mini is attached to an LG 32" and an Innocn 40" ultrawide. The 32" pivots between landscape and portrait. MIcrosoft BT mouse & keyboard. My 9th Gen iPad attached via BT as a 3rd screen.

[@ovigilante2k5]

I’m the person that have this same dilemma! Thank you for the video!

[@TheGippy30]

I can’t understand why you didn’t test the £1499 iMac with the same chips as the cheapest Mac mini, that would be the true test, on equal footing

[@laserwizard1]

Luke once again shows why he is the only HONEST Fruit Fly when discussing Fruit products. Most are bloviating about what might be coming next (and wrong about it); Luke lives in realville.

[@melissakratsas-daugherty7572]

Will probably be going with the Mac mini. Wish the iMac came with a 27 inch or larger monitor.

[@VPR2B]

I’m in the VERY small group that prefers smaller screens, so the 24-inch iMac is ideal for my needs. However, I will not buy one as I find the white bezels quite ugly - the Studio Display is so much more visually appealing.

[@TechGameDev]

sorry for big iMac fan (me too) but apple said that the 27 inch imac will never come back probably replaced by the mac mini and the studio display 27 inch and imac pro is replaced by the studio display XDR 32 inch with mac studio/mac pro

[@bighill8272]

Simple - if you want a poxy 24" screen get the iMac. If not, the Mini.

[@ericbauer4559]

24in is too small. Also really like the portability of the m4 mini. I can just throw it in my windows laptop bag along with a 16” portable monitor and now I have my Mac with me, or I can take it to work with me like I have now and connect it to my 27” 4K or bring it home and connect it to wherever I like all while not spending the extra money for a Mac book.

[@deadrockstar49]

C'mon Luke - there's no comparison here. No one doing any real work is opting for the iMac.

[@DigiDriftZone]

Seems like an easy one, do you want more than 24"? - Do you want the Pro chip? - Do you want 10gbit? - Do you want to save money? - if any of those are yes, then it's the Mini.

[@Carl_sock]

im watching this on my 2011 imac

[@clorophilla]

For my money I'd go for an upgraded Mac Mini, a 32in monitor, a 1st gen Apple Mouse and whatever keyboard fits my budget. I'm not the audience for the iMac.

[@AyaWetts]

Mac Mini all the time... not getting locked into 1 screen is the best part. Can later upgrade the screen easier, fit it in better areas even maybe with multiple computers and shared screens... I don't really get why anyone wants a built in screen stuck on a desktop... it annoys me enough on laptops, but its understandable since it has to be portable. You can get much better monitors than Apple sells if you really want them. Anyways, I'd never buy a Mac desktop. Only desktop I ever do is home built for games. Macs need to be portable for me.

[@ryanbell773]

Just to counter your last point about the tech department. That is my exact job but you need to account for repair. its a lot cheaper to replace a monitor since its most likely to break or the mac mini itself than replace an iMac

[@TraneFrancks]

A 32" 6k iMac M4 Ultra with 8 TB of storage would be my pick. Sorry. I guess I"m having a fever dream.

[@grahamhurst6212]

Sorry Luke but if you worked in an IT department it would be a complete disaster

[@sennpowerhv6922]

Mac mini (M4 series only) is obviously the better choice because it unlike the iMac it has upgradeable storage! And its way cheaper! Its practically now an alternative to the Mac Pro as it now can compete with it

[@APPLE1TO1]

Our IT department just switched to Mac mini due to the screen size. Screen size doesn’t make a difference for a lot of users.

[@XeiyrosDogon]

You know....I feel this was a missed opportunity with apple's thunderbolt display. The mac mini literally sips power. Why could we not have a single thunderbolt cable power this thing? Like yes, i get it, have the standard connector there, but also one thunderbolt cable, that delivers power, video and expansion for additional ports on the back of the studio display?

[@j340_official]

Mac mini is way more portable can be used with any hdmi monitor. iMac’s built in monitor is locked to the same resolution forever. Mac mini can grow with you as you increase resolution from 1080p to 1440p to 4k or 5k or 6k. iMac built in display cannot do this. iMac monitor is locked to the internal chip and cannot be used as a generic monitor. So 7 years from now when m11 is around, you can’t use those future faster Macs with the iMac’s display. Therefore, i would not personally get an iMac for those reasons. Too bad apple doesn’t sell generic monitors in the same color schemes and industrial design as the iMac! Instead of studio display call it Mac Display or something along those lines.

[@robertdotfox]

Hey Luke, thanks for the video. What’s the custom keyboard you’re using with the Mac Mini in this video?