Mac Mini (M2 Pro) vs Mac Studio (M1 Max): The most bang for your buck?

If you're in the market for a mid-range Mac desktop computer, then your choices are either the M2 Pro Mac mini or the M1 Max Mac Studio. We'll take a look at all the similarities and differences between these 2 machines so you can decide which one will better suit your needs.
00:00 Intro
00:54 Design
01:19 Ports: A Clear Advantage?
02:21 Display Support
03:39 Audio
04:13 Communications
05:02 M2 Pro vs M1 Max
06:12 Chip Upgrades
07:19 Media Engine Differences
07:37 Memory
08:25 Storage
09:16 SSD Speeds
10:21 Noise Levels
11:34 M2 Pro Mac mini or M1 Max Mac Studio?

[@Featherlightstudio]

Great comparison of these two powerhouse machines! Our M2Pro Mini was slightly quieter than our M1 Max Studio but ONLY at idle. In our normal workload of high track count audio and video tasks, the Mini was definitely louder than the Max Studio and pushing 200 degrees for sustained workloads was a concern as well. So much so, that we returned our M2Pro and kept the Studio.

[@MutePCdotcom]

The Mac Studio definitely seems like the winner when you need both silence and power simultaneously. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@majeds74]

One of the best video comparing the 2 systems. Informative and direct to the point. Thank you.

[@rawslawsaw]

Most comparison videos spout top level spec differences and leave the viewer to understand what the impact is (ex I had to go look up what's changed from BT5.0 to 5.3). You cover it all in the same video without skipping a beat; wonderful!

[@dekyras]

Excellent comparison video. Calm, informative and clear. Thanks.

[@piercedasian]

this was EXACTLY the comparison I was looking for. Torn between the studio and the mac mini and you answered everything I needed to know. Lots of youtube vids compare the mac mini against either the ultra (stupid comparison) or they're comparing a 12/19 mac mini against a studio when what I wanted was a comparison of the 10/16 mac mini against a base config 10/24 studio. Thanks for making this vid!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for stopping by!

[@toddshreve]

Holy moses, rapid fire megadata! Been watching random compare videos this evening. Picked up some stuff. Then this one. Everything you need in a nice tight bundle!

[@ebenezergarbrah5255]

Wow ! Made my day for such clarity for options

[@nileshroy6955]

This is exactly the video that I had been looking for! Your reviews are very detailed and on point. Covering all the important parts and giving an unbiased opinion based on data.

[@PlayStefan_misc]

A very nice and detailed comparison of these two devices. Keep up the good work.

[@neopickaze]

I am so glad I found this channel. Your videos are really well edited and the information is concise and useful +subscribed

[@DAANNNN1]

This video answered every question I had as I sit here trying to pick which config is best for me. Well done. Subbed

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad I could help! And thanks for subscribing!

[@VPC]

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR! THANK YOU!!!

[@Calixj23]

Excellent and very professional review. Very well done. Thank you!!!

[@shiftmr2t]

Love the way you do the cost vs performance benefit analysis!

[@MK-Life]

Best comparison for these products in all of KZbin! Great job 👍🏼

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you for the compliments!

[@gasnaked]

Best comparison and exactly what I need. Subscribed. Thanks!

[@frankhenderson3959]

Great video, you answered a lot of questions that others missed. This video makes it easier to understand my needs for my new Mac.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MrJmi]

Great comparison, exactly what i was looking for - thanks a lot!

[@Fridja]

WOW - Basically the exact video I was looking for. Thank you for your level of detail.

[@akiraetipola5444]

Amazing review, concise and easy to understand!

[@kadenhanks]

Very thorough and helpful, thank you!

[@hartmatterhorn]

Buddy, you did a great job in this video. Thanks!

[@MaxTooney]

Brilliant comparison! There is a LOT of really useful information (well-presented, too) crammed into this 14 minute video.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the compliment!

[@cyclinginberlin]

Thanks! You exactly explained what I am Looking for!

[@robertgaylord8263]

Wonderful, concise comparison of the M2m Mini Pro and the Max Studio. Helps my decision process. Thanks very much.

[@stephenwhittle7451]

That’s a lot of useful info in this video,great work 🎉

[@masterzzinfo7398]

Nice comparison video ❤

[@KyleStenson]

EXCELLENT video, brother. Thank you!

[@peterlai7702]

Wow great comparison video. Thank u for it.

[@baseplatecharlie]

great video and analysis!

[@happyaslarry5839]

Excellent video, presentation and content. Keep up the good work

[@MutePCdotcom]

Much appreciated!

[@ctjh373]

Great detailed video

[@bordel6121]

It was helpful, thanks.

[@christopherfrascino8316]

Absolutely fantastic video! As a professional film/television Editor, I'm weighing these two Macs (and their upgrade options) for an at home set up for daily use. I stumbled upon your channel and I really appreciate your cost comparison / $ for performance factors. An extremely helpful data point other than the same geek bench charts everyone seems to be using. Liked and thanks again!

[@MrStoicable]

Me too. At home set up for daily use. I am leaning towards the studio. I just don't know where Apple is headed with these. I'd like to get 64 gigs of ram, that's what kinda keeps me away from the mini. Kind of waiting to see if they're going to upgrade the studio or phase it out. (Studio Max). I have a late 2012 27 inch iMac running Catalina. With installed 2 TB flash drive. 3.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i7 32 gigs Ram. I just did a fresh install of the operating system so it feels like a brand new machine. Catalina is as high as I can upgrade to with this machine.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was able to help you! Thanks for sharing your feedback!

[@richf8334]

the best comparison of these two machines by far I've seen. Thanks

[@PierreBellefeuille_Muse]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@MMORAN117]

Best comparation video. Direct to the point. New subscriber 👍🏼

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thanks so much!

[@arniepress2095]

Thank You! VERY helpful.

[@jorgecaro5301]

Great comparison

[@michaelbrown7457]

You Killed this video man thanks alot

[@bab1671]

Great video, thank you!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad you liked it!

[@GarfieldZr]

Really good review, with many facts and none of YT BS.

[@MattHalpain]

Very helpful and entertaining video.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@raymondvegaphotographycine4304]

Thanks for all the great information

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MagDag_]

Thank you for comparing. I have Mac mini M1 and upgraded to Mac Studio M1max used for $900.

[@Danboi.]

Best review I've seen 👌

[@genericuser7319]

This was helpful, thank you. Please do another comparison like this when the next generation Mac Studio's drop. THANKS!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Will do!

[@enriqueruiz4751]

Got me subscribed. Excellent

[@justinfinch]

Super comparison. Thank you

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BurritoBrooks]

incredible video. thanks. i will get the studio cause its currently on sale and I could use the extra ports.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Good choice!

[@innnews6299]

The best and clearest comparison, especially on price vs performance aspect. Please do more between different Mac models. Like MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Pro M1, etc.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you! I'll try to make more of these!

[@photogol]

Excellent, thanks 👍

[@gardnercampbell9612]

Fine video: clear explanations, relevant comparisons, great inserts, perfect pacing. Bravo, and thank you!

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thanks for the compliments!

[@flappospammo]

Also nice to be able to understand your speech unlike a lot of other KZbinrs

[@Trusteft]

I like the way you talk/script. Like a massage to the brain. Good video, no idea why I watched it as I have no money to buy even an Apple mouse, but still enjoyed it and subscribing. Have a nice day.

[@tanthokg]

Very thorough comparison video. Wish you'd cover the cooling system, since the mac mini m2 pro has higher core clock speed, as well as less fan

[@driven01]

Excellent breakdown.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Thank you!

[@replicant_2049]

Great video, no crazy influencer shouting. Thanks!

[@stevem-h3562]

thats the choice I'm looking to make very soon....

[@kostis6]

Very nice thank you ;) Just ordered my first Mac. It’s the Mac Studio M1 Max with 32 core gpu. I was about to buy a maxed out M2 pro mini but I found the M1 Max brand new at 1800 euros almost 550 euro cheaper than the m2 pro. It was a no brainer:) can’t wait 😛 Cheers!

[@xplanet2112]

Great that, really useful.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it was helpful!

[@McSaggler]

Excellent video and you made my choice clear. M2 Pro Mac Mini it is!

[@philfyphil]

Excellent!

[@ggproductions7078]

I do enjoy your content and broadly speaking agree with many of your points. I would take a slight issue with the "more options" if you add the hub. I suspect you could get yourself a run of the mill cheap USB hub to add to your mac mini or studio, the studio has the built in card reader and so the only really benefit of the usual (lovely stylish to look at it has to be said) Satechi or other brands in perhaps the internal M.2 though I doubt that will run much faster than if you have one in an enclosure, one that you could attach to a USB C port on the front of the studio if you need it and have the benefit of being able to take it with you whenever that's required. I guess my point is the IO on the studio, even with a USB hub and an enclosure is still £60 ish cheaper than the type of hub you speak of for a mini, though not as attractive perhaps.

[@MutePCdotcom]

That's a great point. Depending what your needs are, the Mac Studio may mean you don't need any expansion devices, or just very inexpensive ones. On the other hand, if you need one of those multifunctional hubs anyway, then they usually also come with SD card readers, negating the advantage of the Studio. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@ggproductions7078]

@@MutePCdotcom the negating or otherwise was kinda my point! If IO and GPU cores are what matter then we know which one is likely of more use. If your CPU use is the main thing then you will likely want an M2 though if you want the same functionality you will have to pay extra to get it and if you spec it out to the same level including one of the ones we both enjoy then your price will exceed the cost of the studio. It will be interesting to see where the cooling performance lands if the M" chips in a small body struggle, I know Apple are letting you run them hotter but I have no idea whether that actually limits performance. Have a great day.

[@Chrisa1112]

A very useful and timely video as Costco UK currently have the M1 Max Studio on offer for £1299. Bargain considering the (fairly) similar performances!

[@Treydmusicmedia]

Excellent Review! Thank you! In the world of photography and standard KZbin video lengths, do you still consider the M2 Pro Mac Mini, with 1 TB storage and increased core pkg, the better buy? BTW, I'd be using only two monitors at most (1080 - 4K range). I look forward to watching more of your videos!

[@arbr_i]

Good and detailed video. What do you think between the 16gb vs 32gb? Is thag worth it to upgrade?

[@yodathejedi]

This was really an awesome comparison, best I've seen & i've seen plenty :) It's sad the prices of upgraded memore & ssd is very expensive, if they were decent priced, like half the price I would have switched from long time PC user to mac a while back already. Still thinking of doing it anyway though :) We will see. 1tb & 32gb would have been nice to have.

[@ilyaisakovich2465]

Don’t waste your money on 32 Gb, I got the 12/19 core version with 1Tb SSD, everything is crazy fast with 16Gb of RAM

[@rondeangelis7384]

@@ilyaisakovich2465 what about memory swapping? If we are talking m2 mini, I rather go with 32gb memory and leave 256 ssd .. just a thought

[@ilyaisakovich2465]

@@rondeangelis7384 256Gb SSD is much slower

[@Amy-J]

One thing I want to ask; how is HDR and Resolution Scaling on the Studio? I use the GP27U as my monitor and would likely use the HDMI Port. I’m happy to sacrifice refresh rate in exchange for image quality and quality HDR. But I know that the M2 Pro Mac Mini’s HDMI 2.1 stops outputting HDR at a certain point. To me the base Studio with a 1TB SSD looks like far greater value than a similarly spec’d M2 Pro Mini, but my purchase does hinge on how its HDMI fares.

[@crearg8259]

I believe the TB4 on Mac Studio also supports 8K60 or 4K120.

[@ssmith2019]

Excellent viddy ! Best I've seen on the subject . . made my choice easier (mac mini m2 pro 16gb 1Tb) ! Cheers !😀

[@MutePCdotcom]

Glad it helped! And good choice!

[@RatkoAsanovic]

Nice video... also just to put some value on Mac Studio is that Mac Studio have beefier cooling system. So not only components like more SSD space, RAM, processor cost money. You get bigger enclosure that vent better along with better cooling system. Anyway M2 Mac Mini is superb machine for what is worth. At the end it depends for what you will be using it for one have advantages/disadvantage over another.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Indeed, the cooling on the Mac Studio is able to bring out the power of these chips while keeping things pretty quiet.

[@adrianjenkins2447]

Thanks for an interesting and useful Video. Now the M2 Studio os out, the M1 Studio max, in the uK can be as cheap as £1350 on 2nd hand sites, while the M2-Pro is often only around £1200 2nd hand. So on the 2nd hand market the M1 Studio is ~£200 more on average than a 2nd hand M2Pro and a similar price to a new M2Pro @£1399.00 So probably get a 2nd hand M1 when I see one at a suitable price.

[@Chrisa1112]

Costco UK dude!

[@sly2792004]

for $300 more is mac studio better choice over base m2 pro

[@tomdfrog]

Great info. One item I never see explained in the performance characteristics...How does the "memory bandwidth" specs actually impact the performance numbers? The mini (Pro) has 200GB/s while the Studio (Max) has 400GB/s

[@waltersumofan]

saw in a different channel that the memory bandwidth affects exporting video encoding times. So if you want to half the time you'll want the higher bandwidth but if that doesn't matter for cost then 200GB/s is fine. Should note M3 is 150GB/s and only making the higher speeds on MAX chips for more cashola while some M2 processes work faster not being a part of the new marketing scheme

[@emanuele9962]

Hi ,for editing videos in premier or davinci resolve, it is better the Mac Mini m2pro cpu 12, gpu 19, 32 ram or the Mac studio m1 max base model or mac studio 10cpu, 32 gpu, 32/64 gb. Thank you

[@BillyKueekSG]

I am thinking of getting a Mac Mini for music ( I am a headphone enthusiast with some pretty serious equipments), word processing, PowerPoint, browsing etc… instead of using my work machine - a 14-inch M1 MacBook Pro. I am thinking of these options: 1. M2 Mac Mini with 16 GB 2. M2 Mac Mini Pro 3. A used M1 Mac Mini but more rams and HDD Please advise me, thank you,

[@King_504]

I was considering the studio, but then the m2pro mini came out with HDMI 2.1 Instant cop. Glad I waited

[@GreggK6EGG]

B&H photo is having a great deal on mac mini m2 pro

[@yanhao5703]

Hi. With the new Mac Studio. Would you make the a new video since the new Mac Studio base model will be the same price as upgraded Mac mini pro

[@ricktague1891]

Hello and thank you for your channel. I have one question, Costco is selling the basic Mac Mini M1 Max Studio now for $ 1499.00 would that price change your mind? Thank You.

[@TheNameOfJesus]

The Neural Engine is another reason one may prefer the M2. I think they said it's 30% faster on the M2. My software uses the NE, but I'm not sure if 30% is enough for me.

[@MutePCdotcom]

Good point!

[@LiLBitsDK]

found it interesting that I could get a Studio M1 Max 10/24 32GB/1TB cheaper than a Mini M2 Pro 10/19 32GB/1TB difference is like 45 USD here from this info it is "slightly" slower in CPU... but it has 5 more GPU cores and is cheaper... for otherwise same stats and better cooling... can add another 258 USD for the additional 8 GPU cores

[@RutaseBRs]

I still can't decide which one to buy. I am a professional photographer and videographer and still using a 2013 iMac hahaha. With one would you recommend for me? Mac Studio M1 base model or Mini M2 Pro? I appreciate it if you can help. Thanks

[@blakespot]

You mentioned briefly that the M1 Max offers 400GB/sec memory bandwidth while the M2 Pro offers half that -- 200MB/sec, then you mentioned it's a metric that could be forgotten, as it's just due to the nature of the chip. I rather disagree with this. If the CPU and GPU are both under substantial load, it's been shown that the M1 Max can saturate its memory bus well beyond 200MB/sec being transferred. As I recall, tests did not find a scenario where it could be completely saturated under load by both GPU and CPU, but certainly space above 200MB/sec was taken advantage of.

[@AJ-on-youtube]

The biggest selling point of Apple Silicon so far is that the cheap models aren't terrible for casual use. If you're doing the kind of high-powered work that would seem to suggest a Mac Studio Pro, you would be better off building a custom PC with a real graphics card in it (unless you just really want/need to be doing it on a Mac). Much better performance for less cost.

[@Elrevisor2k]

I’d like to know the experience on actual use for instance editing video saw some videos on specs and export but I’d rather have a better experience during the making of the video than jus exporting it

[@MutePCdotcom]

Indeed, the live editing experience is often the most important for video editing performance. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make a video on the topic, but I can say that my personal experience is that more GPU performance really helps when using more advanced effects and being able to render them in "real time". The M1 (non Pro or Max) Mac I had really struggled once I tried to do some green screen editing, for example, while the M2 Pro was able to do it with only some slight hiccups on occasion. That said, I don't really go crazy with effects when editing video, but I think an advantage of the Max chips with its higher GPU core count would be allowing you to go further without having to use render cache or other methods (and getting the render cache built faster if it is needed). But if you don't use GPU-heavy processing in your editing, then the benefits are lost.

[@johnwade7430]

Also, for me, it’s the noise level plus the mention of that high-pitched whine…..

[@flappospammo]

yes def put off , so much for use in a studio ....

[@lordflinty]

@@flappospammo no whine from my Studio and so far haven't heard any fan noise (heavy duty graphic design user)

[@teteatale]

Very nicely done, however, now M2 Max Studio takes the cake.

[@salarsadri]

Apple can address this issue of "bandwidth" by simply unlocking the Thunderbolt 4 to HDMI 2.1 or 4K 120hz playback from that combo on Mac Studio.

[@chrisryan8894]

I’m leaning towards the m2 pro Mac mini. But the only thing I’m wondering g about is can it handle game emulators? Or would the studio be better since it has more gpu cores ?

[@MutePCdotcom]

I've not tried it personally yet, though some other comments I've seen say it seems to do very well with emulators.

[@jibester1]

On the Studio, how easy is it to lower the fan control speed to 1,100 rpm from 1,300 rpm? Do you need to open it up to do that?

[@MutePCdotcom]

No need to open any hardware, you just need to install the right fan control software. The video used a visual from crystalidea.com/macs-fan-control but other fan control apps can do it as well.

[@jibester1]

@@MutePCdotcom Thank you very much. Really informative video, by the way. At this point, I'm leaning toward the Studio. I don't trust the overheating chance with the Mini.

[@gardnerc]

Quick follow-up. You do a fine job of analyzing performance vs. cost to determine value, with use cases also factored in. Costco currently has the M1 Max Studio (base configuration) on sale fo4r 1500.00. Obviously the performance vs. cost evaluation changes with that large reduction in price. How would you evaluate value between 1299 (base Mac Mini M2 Pro) and this sale price for the Studio? I am leaning toward the Studio, even with the slightly lower CPU performance, given the extra ports, the doubled RAM, and the greater encode-decode-render performance for video . Your thoughts?

[@jimhall1131]

Wish I had seen the Costco deal. I would have picked one up for sure. Sadly, the sale is over.

[@LiLBitsDK]

@@jimhall1131 yeah that is a pretty neat deal

[@AngeAlexiel]

I hesitated a lot when the studio was released cos I had an intel iMac , so I waited for an 27 iMac that never came, and I finally bought the M2 pro Mac mini 1Tb, 32Gb, 10Gb Ethernet , and it's a blazing fast machine , these new Apple silicons Mac are Emulation heaven, I cannot believe how fast all games runs from older generation consoles to PS3 and 360, but I love the Studio design, I would have preferred a Mac Studio with wifi 6E, HDMI 2.1, and newer BT , and if the older studio would have got these I sure would have ordered this one . I feel like the studio will either never be updated cos the mini could replace it cos there is a lot of free space inside, and with the launch of the Mac Pro M2 or M3 I feel like I would be weird to have the studio between the mini and Mac Pro... I hope I'm wrong cos Apple should continue to refresh this machine who is a GPU beast . it feels weird that Apple didn't reveal an M2 max Studio , maybe the ultra isn't ready yet but I do not see why cos ultra is just 2 Max ... I'm curious to see what will happen to the Studio , why we see so many studio on sale ? does these people prefer to buy an M2 pro Mac mini ? or a laptop ? it's a bit weird .. but again I love this design and I hope Apple will not abandon it so early.

[@MutePCdotcom]

I also hope they upgrade the Mac Studio, or if they want to replace it with a new Mac Pro, that could be fine too if it's not too big and they lower the starting price into the $2000-$2500 range from $6000.

[@AngeAlexiel]

@@MutePCdotcom I guess the new Mac Pro will not be as modular as the actual one , but it's the "cost" of these SoC , but maybe Apple will surprise us with a mixed studio / Mac Pro Hybrid with a bit of modularity , that would be cool for mega pro users. but to be honest , I'm putting the mini to the test in a lot of apps in video, Music, Gaming and I'm already so impressed compared to intel Mac that for me it is no more that a revolution that others will follow for sure and Apple will have a huge lead on Arm systems...

[@reverendbarker650]

The cost of upgrading apple HD is insane in Australia, $300 to go from 512gb to 1TB . Mac mini pro with 1tb and 32gb RAM IS $3400 vs base model M2 max studio $3299., no comparison !

[@brhodes0]

I am making this decision at the moment - as other comments have said - this is how these vids should be done, no waffle or stupid graphics, no distracting library music. Just well presented solid info. Many thanks guv!

[@DarrellWingerak]

Can I ask which way you are leaning?

[@steb0ne]

Crazy to think these are "mid range"... I just got a M1 Max Studio and it's by far the most powerful Mac I've ever had lol!

[@codking227]

goat

[@Tvj_films8452]

I have m1 Mac mini, m1 mba, m2 mba…. Don’t know why i keep window shopping and watching these reviews. Lol

[@Jimbojam]

Mac Studio Apple M1 Max are now $1550 refurbished from Apple. great value as of June 14th, 2023