CUPERTINO, CA—With the highly anticipated M5 MacBook Pro now available for pre-order, Apple has ushered in its next generation of portable computing. However, for users who primarily work from a desk, the absolute best value deal in the entire Mac ecosystem just returned to an incredible price: the M4 Mac mini is on sale for just $499.
This desktop powerhouse, now priced at a fraction of the new MacBook Pro’s starting cost, offers a silent, powerful entry point into the macOS ecosystem.
The Details of the $499 Mac mini Deal
The discount, which has been offered by major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, brings the M4 Mac mini’s price down by $100 from its regular $599 retail price.
- Model: Mac mini M4 (Base Configuration)
- Sale Price: $499 (U.S.)
- Key Specifications at $499:
- Chip: Apple M4 (10-core CPU / 10-core GPU)
- Memory: 16GB of Unified Memory
- Storage: 256GB SSD
The inclusion of 16GB of Unified Memory as the base standard is a key feature that eliminates a major performance bottleneck for multitasking, coding, and pro applications. It delivers performance that rivals many mid-range laptops costing significantly more.
Why the Mac mini is the Smart Buy
The introduction of the M5 MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,599 (U.S. equivalent), highlights the massive cost difference between portability and pure desktop power:
- Price Comparison: At $499, the Mac mini costs $1,100 less than the new M5 MacBook Pro. For the price of one M5 MacBook Pro, a user could buy three M4 Mac minis.
- Performance Value: The M4 Mac mini provides more than enough power for tasks like 4K video editing, photo workflows in Lightroom, office applications, and coding, all with near-silent operation and incredible energy efficiency.
- Connectivity: The compact 5×5-inch desktop offers advanced connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet, making it ideal for clean, clutter-free desk setups.
The Mac mini is the obvious choice for students, developers, or professionals who already own a high-quality monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Conclusion
The sale on the M4 Mac mini is a compelling deal that emphasizes value over portability. While the new M5 MacBook Pro pushes the envelope for mobile performance, the Mac mini at $499 is arguably the best “bang for your buck” Mac desktop computer available. Shoppers looking to upgrade their home office or desktop workflow should grab this deal before the price returns to its standard level.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a news report and does not contain affiliate links. We do not receive compensation for any links or products mentioned.
Disclaimer
The pricing ($499 sale price, $599 MSRP) and specifications are based on the Apple Mac mini M4 base model as sold by authorized retailers like Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/) and Best Buy (https://www.bestbuy.com/) in October 2025. Prices are subject to change. The comparison to the M5 MacBook Pro is for value assessment only. Always check the official Apple website for the full technical specifications.
Official Website Links:
- Apple (Mac mini Product Page): https://www.apple.com/mac-mini/
- Amazon (To check current pricing): https://www.amazon.com/
- Best Buy: https://www.bestbuy.com/
