The new M4 Mac Mini is the best Mac for video editors who want power without breaking the bank. With its tiny size but mighty performance, it’s the perfect choice for both beginners and pros who need a reliable editing machine.

Key Takeaways

• Starting Price at $599: The new M4 Mac Mini offers incredible value with 16GB RAM standard – a major upgrade from previous 8GB models while maintaining the same entry price point.
• Compact Yet Powerful: The redesigned M4 Mac Mini is significantly smaller at just 1.5 lbs (down from 2.6 lbs) while delivering 46.3% faster single-core and 56.6% faster multi-core performance compared to M2.
• Advanced Connectivity: First Mac to feature Thunderbolt 5 ports (M4 Pro model) with speeds up to 120 Gbps, plus five USB-C ports total for maximum flexibility.
• Pro-Level Features: M4 Pro model starts with 24GB RAM (up from 18GB) and supports up to 64GB RAM, making it a viable alternative to the more expensive Mac Studio.
• Display Support: Even the base model supports up to three displays, including Apple Studio displays, while the M4 Pro version can drive three 6K Pro Display XDRs.

Why the M4 Mac Mini is Perfect for Video Editing

Performance Improvements Over Previous Mac Mini Models

The M4 chip brings stunning improvements over the M2 model. You’ll see a 46.3% boost in single-core speed and an amazing 56.6% increase in multi-core performance. This means your video editing software will run smoother and render faster than ever.

Even more impressive, the base M4 Mac Mini now beats the previous high-end 12-core M2 Pro model that cost $1,600.

RAM and Memory Configuration Options

Memory got a huge upgrade in the M4 Mac Mini. The base model now starts with 16GB of RAM instead of the old 8GB, which is perfect for most video editing tasks. If you need more power, the M4 Pro version can go up to 64GB of RAM, letting you work with multiple 4K video streams without breaking a sweat.

The best part? The base model still costs just $599.

Multiple Display Support Capabilities

You can now connect up to three displays to your M4 Mac Mini. The base model supports three Studio Displays, while the M4 Pro version can handle three 6K Pro Display XDRs. This setup is perfect for video editors who need a timeline monitor, preview screen, and workspace for tools and assets.

Thunderbolt Port Upgrades

The M4 Pro Mac Mini is the first Mac to feature Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering speeds up to 120 gigabits per second – three times faster than Thunderbolt 4. Even the base M4 model comes with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, giving you plenty of options for external drives and accessories. This means faster data transfer for your video files and better support for high-speed external storage.

M4 Mac Mini Design and Portability Features

The new M4 Mac Mini brings exciting changes to Apple’s smallest desktop computer. Let’s look at how Apple made this tiny powerhouse even better.

Compact Size and Weight Reduction

The M4 Mac Mini is incredibly small – you could almost fit it in a jacket pocket! At just 1.5 pounds, it’s much lighter than the M2 version which weighed 2.6 pounds. This makes it super easy to carry between home and office.

The smaller size doesn’t mean less power though. Apple managed to fit all the parts and cooling system into this tiny case without losing any performance. Think of it like a powerful computer that’s as portable as a thick book.

New Port Placement and Accessibility

Apple made some smart changes to where they put the ports. The headphone jack is now on the front, making it easier to plug in your headphones. The power button moved to the bottom to save space.

You’ll find up to five USB-C ports on the M4 Mac Mini – even on the base model. This gives you lots of options for plugging in devices. If you get the Pro version, you’ll get three Thunderbolt 5 ports that are super fast at 120 gigabits per second. The regular M4 version comes with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, which is still great for most users.

Power Management Improvements

The new design isn’t just about looking good – it’s also about working better. The M4 Mac Mini uses less power than older models while doing more work. This means it stays cool and quiet, even when you’re doing big tasks like video editing.

The improved power management also means the computer runs more efficiently. You get better performance without using more electricity, which is good for both your electric bill and the environment.

M4 Mac Mini Performance Specifications

The new M4 Mac Mini brings game-changing performance that makes it a powerful choice for video editors. Let’s break down exactly what makes this tiny machine so mighty.

M4 vs M2 Chip Comparison

The M4 chip shows incredible improvements over its predecessor. You get a whopping 46.3% boost in single-core performance and an amazing 56.6% faster multi-core performance in Geekbench 6 tests.

What’s even more impressive? The base M4 Mac Mini outperforms the previous 12-core M2 Pro model that used to cost $1,600. The graphics see a modest but useful 20% speed bump from the M2, which helps with video rendering and effects.

Single Core and Multi Core Benchmarks

The M4 Pro version takes things even further with its new 14-core design. It packs 10 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores, making it faster than even the top-tier 16-core M3 Max in multi-core tasks. For video editors, this means faster exports, smoother timeline scrubbing, and better handling of complex projects.

Graphics Performance Updates

The graphics capabilities on both M4 models support up to three displays, even on the base model. You can run three Apple Studio displays at once, while the M4 Pro version handles three 6K Pro Display XDRs. This multi-display support is perfect for video editors who need space for their timeline, preview window, and assets.

Neural Engine Capabilities

Apple stepped up the AI game with the M4’s neural engine. Based on Geekbench AI tests, it scores over 50,000 points in quantization score – a significant jump from the M3 series. This means faster AI-powered effects, better machine learning features, and more on-device processing instead of relying on cloud servers.

For video editors, this translates to quicker AI-enhanced filters, smarter object tracking, and faster face detection in their projects.

M4 Pro Mac Mini Advanced Features

The M4 Pro Mac Mini takes everything great about the base model and adds features that pros will love. Let’s look at what makes this tiny powerhouse special.

Professional Grade Memory Options

The M4 Pro starts with 24GB of RAM – that’s a big jump from earlier models. You can now go up to 64GB of RAM, which used to only be possible with the much more expensive Mac Studio. This means you can run multiple pro apps at once without slowdown.

Whether you’re editing 4K videos or running complex software, the extra RAM makes a huge difference in how smooth everything runs.

Thunderbolt 5 Technology Benefits

The M4 Pro is Apple’s first Mac with Thunderbolt 5 ports, and it comes with three of them. These ports are blazing fast – they can transfer data at up to 120 gigabits per second, which is three times faster than Thunderbolt 4. This means you can:

• Transfer Speed: Move large video files between drives in seconds instead of minutes
• Display Support: Connect multiple high-resolution displays without any lag
• Future-Proof: Use the newest and fastest accessories for years to come

Display Support Configurations

Your M4 Pro Mac Mini can handle an impressive display setup. You can connect up to three Pro Display XDRs at 6K resolution each. Think about that – this tiny computer that fits in your jacket pocket can power three professional-grade displays at once. It’s perfect for video editors who need to see their timeline, preview window, and effects panels all at once, or developers who want to spread their work across multiple screens.

The flexibility to support so many high-resolution displays makes the M4 Pro Mac Mini a serious contender for professional workstations, all while taking up minimal desk space.

Best M4 Mac Mini Models for Different Users

Picking the right M4 Mac Mini can feel tricky, but we’ll help you choose the perfect model for your needs. Let’s break down each option so you can make a smart choice.

Base Model Configuration Analysis

The base M4 Mac Mini at $599 now comes with 16GB RAM standard – a huge improvement over the previous 8GB model. This entry-level version includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports and can support up to three displays.

While the 256GB storage might feel tight, upgrading to 512GB for $200 more makes this an excellent value for everyday users and light content creators.

Pro Model Recommendations

For professionals, we recommend the $1,999 configuration with the 14-core M4 Pro and 48GB RAM.

This model includes Thunderbolt 5 ports and can handle professional workflows better than the previous M2 Pro model, showing up to 56.6% faster multicore performance in benchmarks.

Price to Performance Value

When comparing value for money, the M4 Mac Mini lineup offers incredible bang for your buck:

• Base Model ($599): Best for everyday users, students, and office work
• Base Model + 512GB SSD ($799): Ideal for content creators and multitaskers
• Pro Model ($1,399): Perfect for professionals needing more power
• Pro Model with 14 cores + 48GB RAM ($1,999): Great alternative to Mac Studio for heavy workloads

Storage Configuration Guide

Your storage needs will vary based on your usage, but here’s what we recommend:

• Basic users: 512GB is the sweet spot
• Content creators: 1TB minimum
• Video professionals: Consider 2TB, especially for 4K projects
• Pro users: External storage through Thunderbolt ports can provide additional flexibility

Remember, the M4 Mac Mini’s storage isn’t upgradeable after purchase, so it’s better to buy more than you think you’ll need initially. Would you rather have extra space or constantly manage storage?

Future Proofing Your Mac Mini Purchase

When you buy a Mac Mini today, you want it to serve you well for years to come. Let’s explore how the new M4 Mac Mini helps you stay ahead of technology changes.

Expandability Options

The M4 Mac Mini comes with impressive expansion possibilities right out of the box. With Thunderbolt 5 ports on the Pro version, you get speeds up to 120 gigabits per second – three times faster than older models. Even the base model includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, giving you plenty of room to connect devices.

You can also expand your memory up to 64GB of RAM on the M4 Pro model, something previously only possible with the more expensive Mac Studio. This means you won’t need to upgrade your whole computer just to handle bigger projects in the future.

Long Term Performance Benefits

The M4 chip brings significant performance improvements that will keep your Mac Mini running smoothly for years:

• Single Core Speed: 46.3% faster than the M2, meaning everyday tasks will stay snappy
• Multi Core Performance: 56.6% improvement over previous generation, ready for future demanding apps
• Neural Engine: Enhanced AI capabilities for upcoming macOS features and apps
• Memory Architecture: Starts at 16GB RAM, ensuring smooth operation even as apps get more demanding

Connectivity Standards

The M4 Mac Mini is built with tomorrow’s connectivity needs in mind. It supports up to three high-resolution displays – even Apple’s Pro Display XDR at 6K resolution on the Pro model. The switch to all USB-C ports prepares you for the future where this becomes the universal standard.

The inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 on the Pro model means your Mac Mini will support the fastest external devices for years to come. Whether you’re connecting storage drives, displays, or other peripherals, you won’t need to worry about your ports becoming outdated anytime soon.

Our Verdict

The $1,399 Mac Mini M4 Pro is hands down your best choice for pro-level video editing at a great price.

• Power-packed value: You get a mighty 12-core CPU (8 performance + 4 efficiency cores) that beats even the pricier M3 Max machines. Plus, you get Thunderbolt 5 ports which move data at a blazing 120 Gb/s – that’s 3x faster than before!
• Perfect RAM setup: The 24GB RAM that comes standard is plenty for heavy video editing tasks. You can run multiple apps, handle large video files, and keep lots of browser tabs open without slowing down.
• Smart storage strategy: While the built-in 512GB SSD might seem small, you’ll want external drives for video editing anyway. Get a couple of 2-4TB external SSDs – they’re must-haves for storing your video projects and footage.
• Amazing memory speed: The 273 GB/s memory bandwidth (vs just 120 GB/s in other models) makes everything faster – from timeline scrubbing to effects rendering and export times. This alone puts it miles ahead of the others base M4 Macs.
• Future-proof choice: With its tiny size, incredible power, and latest tech (like Thunderbolt 5), this machine will serve you well for the next 5 years of video editing work. At $1,399, it’s $600 cheaper than a similar 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro, but actually performs better since it doesn’t get as hot.

For serious video editors, this is an absolute no-brainer. Don’t be tempted by the cheaper models – the M4 Pro version’s extra power and features are worth every penny for professional work. And to complete your video editing setup, check out our best video editing mouse review that perfectly complements this powerful Mac Mini.