Discover the Mac mini M4 vs M2 vs M3 comparison and find out why the M4 is the best Apple desktop upgrade for creators and power users in 2025. Beelink
Mac mini M4 vs M2 vs M3 – If you’re wondering which Apple desktop is truly worth your money in 2025, you’re in the right place. Apple’s Mac mini M4 has arrived with exciting improvements over the M2 and M3 models, but is it the upgrade you need? Let’s dive .
“Is this upgrade really worth it, or just marketing hype?”
I had an M2 Mac mini, which was already pretty fast. Safari, Xcode, Final Cut Pro — everything ran smoothly. When the M4 came out, I was curious: is it really faster, or just a minor refresh mac-mini-m4-vs-m2-vs-m3
Performance That You Can Actually Feel Mac mini M4 vs M2 vs M3
When I first started using the M4 Mac mini, it felt different right away.
- Boot time? Less than 10 seconds.
- Opening apps? Blink and they’re ready.
- Fan noise? It runs, but you basically don’t hear it.
Compared to the M2, multitasking on the M4 feels snappier. I’ve also tried the M3 on a friend’s setup, and honestly, the M4 feels tighter, especially when editing heavy timelines in Final Cut Pro Mac mini M4 vs M2 vs M3
AI Features That Aren’t Just Buzzwords
Apple’s new AI features in macOS Sequoia are cool, but they only feel smooth on the M4.
- Auto-summarize emails? Saves me tons of time.
- Live transcription on FaceTime? Shockingly accurate.
- Image background cleanup? Not Photoshop-level, but it gets the job done.
I tested some of these on M2, and they either ran slowly or weren’t available at all Mac mini M4 vs M2 vs M3
Ports Matter — Even the Small Stuff
For the first time, Apple added front-facing USB-C ports on the Mac mini.
It sounds small, but trust me, if you plug in flash drives regularly, you’ll appreciate not having to turn the machine around every time.
Also, the 10Gb Ethernet option is a game changer for clients who move huge files daily. For them, this Mac mini isn’t mini at all—it’s a beast.
Creators, Meet Your Silent Workhorse
I’m a freelance video editor. When you have a compact, quiet, and reliable machine that can handle 4K renders without heating up, your workflow stays smooth.
On my M2, fans would kick in during peak rendering times. The M4? Not once did I hear the fan. It just quietly gets the job done Mac mini M4 vs M2 vs M3
So, Should You Get the M4?
- If you’re still using an M1 or Intel Mac, upgrading to the M4 is like jumping into the future.
- If you have an M2 or M3 and use your Mac for basic tasks, maybe hold off for now.
- But if you do heavy work—AI, video editing, multitasking—you’ll really enjoy the M4.
My Personal Verdict
The M4 Mac mini isn’t for everyone, but for those who need it, it’s a nearly perfect desktop.
Apple didn’t just add bells and whistles this time—they improved the quality where it counts.
Real Talk
I’m writing this as a user, not a professional reviewer.
I sold my M2 Mac mini to get the M4, and honestly, I have zero regrets.
Are you thinking about switching? Drop a comment or ask if you have questions!