Don't be fooled by its size or name: a Mac mini can offer great performance for very little money. And now that M-series Mac minis are available in Apple's Certified Refurbished store, they are a good deal cost-wise and offer serious amounts of power.
What Is a Mac mini?
The Mac mini is Apple's smallest, least-expensive desktop Mac. You'll need to supply your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
But to answer the main question: Yes, it's worth buying a used Mac mini. Now, the usual caveats apply, of course. It needs to be completely functional, and it needs to run the software you plan to use.
Despite the low price, the Mac mini is a practical and reliable used Mac desktop. Much older models allow users to replace or upgrade the RAM or storage, but that's generally not possible with more recent Macs. The most practical way to think about it is, "What you see is what you get."
All Mac mini models offer a wide variety of ports. You can connect your existing peripherals, including a monitor, to reduce the used Mac mini's overall cost. You can upgrade the monitor to a new model anytime—a significant advantage over a used iMac.
Should You Buy a Mac mini 2020 (or Newer)?
Yes, yes, yes. Seriously, Mac minis from November 2020 with M-series chips are simply terrific Macs at a great price. Most Mac mini sold since November 2020 have Apple's M1 chip.
Nearly all shoppers looking for a late-model used Mac mini should consider the Mac mini M1 version. It will provide better real-world performance, handle the most demanding tasks, and consume little power.
Let's Talk About Intel-based Mac minis
Intel-based Mac minis were sold new into 2023, so they are perfectly capable Macs. Intel-based Macs do run hotter, but sometimes faster than M1-based Mac minis. They also support Boot Camp, so if you need to run some Windows software, it's easier to use an Intel-based Mac mini.
Apple has not yet dropped support for Intel-based Macs, but if you plan on keeping the new-to-you Mac mini around for a while, consider getting an M-series Mac mini. It's just a matter of time before Apple only supports its own chips. In fact, Apple has now converted all Mac models to chips of its design. and we'd be worried that Intel-based models will miss out on future macOS feature updates.
What About Refurbished Mac mini Models?
Refurbished Mac mini models are frequently available from Apple's Certified Refurbished online store. This official store typically offers refurbished models at a 15 percent discount.
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While you might find other retailers offering refurbished Mac minis at a discount, here's why we recommend buying refurbished ones directly from Apple: They have the same warranty, are eligible for AppleCare, and come with all the accessories originally shipped with the Mac.
It's true that third-party sellers often provide more of a discount, but the Mac likely won't be covered by Apple's warranty. You'll have to resolve any issues with the refurbished Mac mini through the retailer.
How Long Does a Mac mini Usually Last?
A used (or new) Mac mini can last exceptionally long. Now that Mac minis have no moving parts (no hard drives and optical disks), there's very little to go wrong. If the Mac mini you buy meets your needs, it will likely last several years.
FAQ
What is a Mac mini server used for?
As a server, the Mac mini can act as a file-sharing device for other users on your network to access. You can also set up a Mac mini as a dedicated server for Time Machine backups. Another option is to use your Mac mini as a home theater PC by connecting the device to your TV and AV receiver or surround sound system.
What RAM does a 2018 Mac mini use?
The 2018 Mac mini uses DDR4 SO-DIMM RAM and supports up to 64GB RAM. This generation of the Mac mini doesn't offer the option for users to install or upgrade RAM. Visit Apple's support site to see if your Mac mini has upgradeable memory.
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