MacBooks may be all the rage today when it comes to MacOS computing, but it’s a big mistake to overlook Apple’s excellent desktop offerings. The iMac and Mac Mini represent arguably the best value to be found in the MacOS computer family, and even if there are some good MacBook deals and iMac deals to be found here and there, nothing compares to a cheap Mac Mini if you’re after a desktop and looking for the most affordable entry point into the wider MacOS ecosystem.
Since it might be the least-known member of the MacOS family, the Mac Mini isn’t always easy to find at a worthy discount. Let us save you some time: We’ve combed through the big online retailers to bring you a rundown of the best cheap Mac Mini deals you can find right now, along with a quick buying guide.
Today’s best Mac Mini deals
- Mac Mini 2018 (Core i3 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) — $689, was $799
- Mac Mini 2020 (Core i3 CPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $765, was $799
- Mac Mini 2020 (Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049, was $1,099
- Mac Mini 2018 (Core i5 CPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499, was $1,699
How to choose a Mac Mini
The aptly named Mac Mini is Apple’s pint-sized desktop computer. Small PCs such as this have been around for a while, but as an Apple device, the Mac Mini runs on MacOS rather than Windows — if you like the idea of a desktop computer but you want something with a small footprint, the Mac Mini is your best option if you favor Apple software.
Unlike the MacBook or the iMac, there is essentially only one model of the Mac Mini, although it is available in several different hardware configurations. Apple has kept this small desktop computer updated nicely over the years as well, so you also have some different model years to choose from (meaning that opting for a last-generation unit is often an easy way to save some cash if you aren’t picky about having the latest hardware).
The Mac Mini saw its most recent refresh this year; before that, it was updated in 2018, so these two model years are the ones you’ll see the most and the ones we recommend you spring for — any older than that and the hardware might feel a bit long in the tooth in 2020 for anything other than basic computing needs.
Despite its pared-down case, the Mac Mini boasts the same modern computer hardware as full-sized desktop towers as well as the same MacOS software that you get with iMacs and MacBooks. It also features very good thermal performance that keeps it running surprisingly cool under load (something that can be a problem with smaller computers).
The most appealing feature of the Mac Mini for many buyers is its price. This tiny computer is far and away the cheapest entry point into the world of MacOS computing, with the latest entry-level 2020 models starting at a retail price of around $800 — Mac Mini deals like the ones above often let you score one for even less, and if you’re willing to opt for slightly older hardware, then the 2019 Mac Mini can be had for cheaper still.
The catch here is that the Mac Mini obviously doesn’t include a display or peripherals (namely a keyboard, a mouse, and speakers), unlike the iMac and MacBook. These add-ons will cost extra, but if you already have peripherals you can use — perhaps you’re just upgrading an old desktop tower — then the Mac Mini offers a lot of value and power in a small footprint. If not, however, then you might want to consider an iMac instead, as it could be a better bargain depending on your needs.
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