Apple might have just updated the Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra chips, but if all you need is a good daily driver, they’re completely overkill. The M4-powered Mac Mini is probably the better option in most instances, especially since the desktop is currently matching its all-time low of $529 ($70 off) at Amazon with 256GB of storage. You can also pick up the 512GB configuration for $699 ($100 off), which remains the best price we’ve seen on the step-up model.

Even at its full price of $599, the latest Mac Mini offers exceptional value. The tiny desktop machine is less than half the size of the 2023 Mac Mini, yet it manages to rival the M4 iMac and MacBook Pro in terms of power thanks to its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. The base-model Mini also now comes with 16GB of RAM by default, rendering it more than capable of powering through everyday tasks.

In addition, the new Mini boasts can run up to three displays at once, up from two on the previous model. It also has an excellent port selection that includes three Thunderbolt 4 (USB 4) ports, a gigabit ethernet jack, and an HDMI port. It sports a pair of 10Gbps USB-C ports (USB 3) and a 3.5mm audio jack on the front as well, providing easy access when you need it. That, combined with its futureproof support for Wi-Fi 6E, makes it an all-around great investment if you don’t mind supplying your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Brandon Widder also contributed to this post.