Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) vs ASUS NUC 13 Pro
We compare the Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) and ASUS NUC 13 Pro head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024)
Scored 9.7/10 in our testing
Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024)
Best mini PC for most users — unmatched performance, silence, and macOS
ASUS NUC 13 Pro
Best Intel NUC mini PC for business users and home offices
Score Breakdown
| Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) | Category | ASUS NUC 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 9.8/10 ✓ | Performance | 9/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Features | 9.2/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Ease of Use | 9/10 |
| 9.2/10 ✓ | Value | 8.8/10 |
| 9.7/10 ✓ | Overall | 9/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) | Spec | ASUS NUC 13 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Chip | Intel Core i7-1360P (12-core) |
| 16GB unified memory | Memory | 16GB DDR4 (SO-DIMM upgradeable) |
| 256GB SSD (expandable via Thunderbolt) | Storage | 512GB NVMe |
| 3x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI | Ports | Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Under 30W idle, 39W load | Power | HDMI 2.1, 2x Thunderbolt 4, USB-A 3.2 |
Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024)
Pros
- + Extraordinary M4 performance — rivals desktop towers
- + Completely silent fan operation
- + Under 30W power draw
- + Thunderbolt 4 for displays and peripherals
Cons
- − macOS only — not Windows-compatible
- − RAM and storage not user-upgradeable
- − Expensive vs budget Windows alternatives
ASUS NUC 13 Pro
Pros
- + Intel i7-1360P strong single-core performance
- + Thunderbolt 4 for maximum peripheral flexibility
- + ASUS + Intel NUC reliability track record
- + Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
- − Intel iGPU weaker than AMD Radeon 780M for gaming
- − RAM not user-swappable on all configs
- − Pricier than AMD Beelink alternatives
Our Verdict
Based on our scoring, the Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) comes out on top with an overall score of 9.7/10. The M4 Mac Mini is the product that made us question why anyone builds a full-size desktop tower for general use. The M4 chip's performance rivals Intel Core i9 towers while drawing less power than a light bulb. Completely silent under normal use. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity drives up to two 6K displays. At $599, it's the best computer value at any size for macOS users and creatives who live in Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro.
Buy the Apple Mac Mini M4 (2024) on AmazonRead the full Best Mini PCs 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 10 products.