Apple's new M6 Mac mini is faster and better connected than the M4 model it replaces, but the older machine is now heavily discounted. With the M4 Mac mini at $649 and the M6 at $779.99, the gap is about $130. Here is what that extra money buys and which one makes more sense for you.
Mac mini M4 vs M6: specs compared
| Mac mini M4 (2024) | Mac mini M6 (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| CPU / GPU | 10-core / 10-core | 12-core / 12-core |
| Memory / storage | 16GB / 256GB | 16GB / 256GB |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 7 / Bluetooth 6 |
| Ethernet | Gigabit | 2.5Gb |
| Rear ports | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI |
| Deal price | $649 (was $799) | $779.99 (was $899) |
Performance: what the M6 adds
Both base models ship with 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD. The M6 steps up from a 10-core to a 12-core CPU and GPU, which helps with video editing, large photo libraries, code compilation and other sustained workloads. For email, office apps, web browsing and streaming, the M4 is still more than fast enough. If you are waiting for higher-end chips, note that Apple appears to be skipping M6 Pro and Max models.
Connectivity and design
The M6 brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet, compared with Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and Gigabit Ethernet on the M4. Those upgrades matter if you have a Wi-Fi 7 router or a multi-gig home network; otherwise you will not notice them. Both keep the same compact design with three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI on the back, and neither includes a keyboard, mouse or display.
Price: M4 at $649 vs M6 at $779.99
Best Buy has cut the M4 Mac mini (16GB/256GB) by $150 to $649, according to TechRadar, while Amazon has the M6 Mac mini (16GB/256GB) at $779.99, down from $899. With memory prices rising across the industry, as explained in our 2026 memory shortage buying advice, either deal is a good time to buy rather than wait.
Which Mac mini should you buy?
- Choose the M4 if you want the most Mac for the money for office work, school, browsing and light photo editing.
- Choose the M6 if you edit video, compile code, run heavier creative apps or want Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for the long term.
- Consider more memory if you plan to run AI models on the machine; our guide to running AI models locally explains how much you need.
What is the difference between the Mac mini M4 and M6?
The M6 has a 12-core CPU and GPU versus 10 cores on the M4, plus Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 and Gigabit Ethernet.
Is the M4 Mac mini still worth buying in 2026?
Yes. At $649 it remains very capable for everyday computing and light creative work, and it is about $130 cheaper than the discounted M6.
Do both Mac mini models have the same ports?
Both have three Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI on the back. The M4 also has two front USB-C ports.
