MacBook Pro vs Mac Mini: Everything You Need to Know
Apple’s MacBook Pro and Mac Mini have been around for over 15 years, proving to be valuable tools for any workspace.
But which one is right for you? What’s different about the MacBook Pro vs. Mac Mini, anyways?
Lucky for you, we’ve compiled everything you need to know regarding design, performance, features, and price so you can decide the best fit for your needs.
MacBook Pro vs Mac Mini Price
Whether you’re buying a new Apple product or trying to sell your old device, it’s important to know what price you can expect.
MacBook Pro Prices
If you’re buying through Apple, prices for their available models of MacBook Pro range from $1200-$2500 depending on the display size (13-16 inches).
But if you’re looking for something more affordable, you can find older used, or refurbished models for sale online for a lot less.
Mac Mini Prices
You can purchase a brand new Mac Mini from Apple for about $700, making it much cheaper than a MacBook Pro, but keep in mind the extra costs for a display, keyboard, and mouse.
MacBook Pro vs Mac Mini Features
The most obvious difference between the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini is that the MacBook Pro comes equipped with a display, keyboard, and mousepad, while the Mac Mini does not.
Display
The MacBook Pro is available with a 13-inch Retina display and 14- or 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, making it a popular choice for design professionals and creatives.
The Mac Mini does not have a display. However, it can be connected via HDMI or USB-C to a monitor, including an HDTV or a projector.
Audio
The Mac Mini has a headphone jack and built-in speaker. Still, the speaker’s sound quality isn’t fantastic, so you’ll probably want a separate speaker if you listen to a lot of audio.
MacBook Pro boasts studio-quality microphones and high-quality speakers with spatial audio, giving MacBook Pros some of the best audio quality on the market.
Keyboard
The MacBook Pro keyboard is a fan favorite, featuring a black design with a white backlight, a smooth touchpad, and Touch ID for easy access.
The Mac Mini does not have a keyboard. However, you can link it to any Bluetooth-enabled keyboard, including the Apple Magic Keyboard.
MacBook Pro vs Mac Mini Design
Apple has genuinely nailed the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini designs.
Size
The Mac Mini is 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4 inches (basically a thick square) and weighs only 2.6 pounds, making it easy to carry in your backpack, suitcase, or purse from place to place.
The MacBook Pro is also easy to take on the go; dimensions for available models can be found in the table below:
|
Model |
Size (inches) |
Weight (pounds) |
|
MacBook Pro 13”: |
0.61 x 11.97 x 8.36 |
3 |
|
MacBook Pro 14”: |
0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 |
3.5 |
|
MacBook Pro 16”: |
0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 |
4.7 |
Connectivity
The Mac Mini has the following connection ports:
- 2 Thunderbolt (USB 4) ports
- 2 USB-A ports
- HDMI port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
Meanwhile, the MacBook Pro has these connection ports:
- SDXC card slot
- HDMI port
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
- MagSafe 3 port
- 3 Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports
Each device has a unique collection of connections, so consider which are most important.
MacBook Pro vs Mac Mini: Takeway
MacBook Pro and Mac Mini provide fast speeds, portability, and user-focused design. However, the MacBook Pro is an all-in-one workspace, while the Mac Mini requires a separate monitor and keyboard but allows for more customization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy Mac mini or MacBook?
The MacBook Pro is great for keeping your entire workspace on one device you can use anywhere. However, you may want to customize your workspace or switch seamlessly between multiple monitors. In that case, the Mac Mini is better suited to your needs.
Is Mac mini faster than Mac Pro?
Mac Pro is the fastest computer Apple offers. However, the Mac Mini with an M1 processor is still surprisingly fast and a fraction of the price, making it a smarter option for the average consumer.
What are the disadvantages of a Mac mini?
Notable disadvantages of the Mac Mini are that it cannot be upgraded after purchase to improve memory or speed. Another disadvantage is that the Mac Mini does not come with a display, keyboard, or mouse, leading to extra expenses.
Is Mac mini same as Mac Pro?
Mac Mini is different from Mac Pro. Mac Pro is designed for professionals. It is larger and significantly more expensive than Mac Mini, and is equipped with faster processing speeds and more memory. The Mac Mini is designed to be portable, while the Mac Pro is not.
Can you use Mac mini with a MacBook Pro?
You can easily use a Mac Mini with a MacBook Pro. Ensure both devices are connected to the same network, then enable screen sharing on the Mac Mini. Open “Finder” on your MacBook Pro, click “Go to,” then click “connect to server,” and enter your Mac Mini’s IP address. Done!
Why do people use Mac mini?
Mac Mini is famous not only because it’s Apple’s cheapest computer but because it allows you to customize your workspace. You can use a Mac Mini with multiple displays and it’s small and easy to take with you on the go. It also allows you to move your workspace to any monitor, HDTV, or projector.
Can I use Mac mini with any monitor?
You can use a Mac Mini with any monitor with an HDMI or USB-C port. If your monitor doesn’t have one of those ports, you can get adapters to connect the Mac Mini to DVI or VGA monitors. The Mac Mini allows you to switch monitors anytime or use multiple monitors simultaneously.
Is the Mac mini being discontinued?
Apple has not announced any intentions to discontinue the Mac Mini. Apple recently released the Mac Studio, but it isn’t a replacement for the Mac Mini; it’s a step between the Mac Mini and Mac Pro.
Is M1 MacBook Pro still good?
The M1 MacBook Pro continues to be one of the best laptops on the market. It has the power necessary for tasks like video editing. It has an excellent display, lightweight design, and reasonable price compared to similar laptops you can buy today.
How long does a Mac mini usually last?
A Mac Mini generally lasts between 3-5 years, but some users still use the same Mac Mini they bought in 2014. Mac Minis cannot be upgraded after purchase, so if you want to extend its lifespan consider paying extra for more speed and storage at the time of sale.
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