Tom’s Guide assessment
Small dimensions, front ports and the 16GB base memory make it a capable everyday Mac, but the underside power button is awkward.
Tom’s GuideLaptops & desktops / Review roundup
Apple Mac mini M4
2024 M4, 16GB / 256GB; not M4 Pro
Roundup updated 2026-10-03 · 2 assessment sources
What reviewers found
A good starting point for a desk-based Mac when you already have a display.
The 256GB SSD is the main compromise; include external storage and peripherals in the total.
A roundup of published reviews; we haven’t tested this product. How we work
At a glance
Good for
A good starting point for a desk-based Mac when you already have a display.
The catch
Small base SSD; Awkward power button
Where to buy
Current prices are available at the retailer.Check price at Amazon Product search
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Strengths and limitations
Pros
- Compact desktop footprint
- 16GB base memory and front ports
Cons
- Small base SSD
- Awkward power button
In depth
Notebookcheck assessment
The base 16GB/256GB unit is quiet in light use and louder under heavy load; the small SSD and costly upgrades weaken the otherwise attractive package.
NotebookcheckWho should buy it
A good starting point for a desk-based Mac when you already have a display. The 256GB SSD is the main compromise; include external storage and peripherals in the total.
Tom’s GuideNotebookcheckReview observations
What reviewers reported in use; these are qualitative observations, not benchmark scores.
Review observation · Published assessment
Qualitative findingTom’s Guide: Small dimensions, front ports and the 16GB base memory make it a capable everyday Mac, but the underside power button is awkward.
Tom’s GuideSpecifications
Check the configuration: memory, storage and cooling can vary between models.
Hardware & configuration
- Chip
- Apple M4
- CPU cores
- 10
- GPU cores
- 10
- Memory
- 16 GB unified selected
- Storage
- 256 GB SSD selected
- Dimensions
- 12.7 × 12.7 × 5 cm
- Rear USB-C
- Three Thunderbolt 4
- Front USB-C
- Two USB 3 ports
- Display output
- HDMI and Thunderbolt; up to three displays
- Network
- Gigabit Ethernet; Wi-Fi 6E
- Audio
- 3.5mm jack / built-in speaker
- Power button
- On the underside
Still unknown
- No firsthand testing or long-term failure-rate study by Next Interrupt. Published measurements retain their original sample and test conditions.
Published reviews & comparisons
Tom’s Guide · Review ·
Apple Mac mini M4 review ↗
Small dimensions, front ports and the 16GB base memory make it a capable everyday Mac, but the underside power button is awkward.
Test scope
Small dimensions, front ports and the 16GB base memory make it a capable everyday Mac, but the underside power button is awkward.
Publisher group: Future
Notebookcheck · Review
Apple Mac mini M4 review ↗
The base 16GB/256GB unit is quiet in light use and louder under heavy load; the small SSD and costly upgrades weaken the otherwise attractive package.
Test scope
The base 16GB/256GB unit is quiet in light use and louder under heavy load; the small SSD and costly upgrades weaken the otherwise attractive package.
Publisher group: Notebookcheck
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