If you want a little more headroom on the memory and storage front, you can upgrade to 16GB of unified memory($180) and up to 2TB of storage ($720 max). It doesn’t quite compete with the MacBook Pro, but it is impressive nonetheless. Plus, the Air is fanless, so it packs all this power and performance into a silent design.

That’s a huge upgrade from prior Air models. The M1 makes the MacBook Air a powerhouse in performance, blowing away essentially every computer in its class.

The base configuration starts at $899 and comes with the M1 processor, 8GB of unified memory, and 256GB of solid-state drive storage. Since the only option is the M1 chip for the processor, you’re left with upping the memory to 16GB and the storage up to 2TB. The hardware options for the MacBook Air are limited. You don’t necessarily need a huge selection of video outputs with a laptop, but the Mac Mini is far more versatile when it comes to wired connections.īoth devices support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11.ax) wireless networking and Bluetooth 5.0. The MacBook Air is far more restrictive, with only two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The M1 Mac Mini has an Ethernet port, a Thunderbolt/USB 4 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone hack. Since it’s a laptop, you can use it anywhere, unlike the Mac Mini.įor connectivity, the Mac Mini packs its smaller footprint with a decent array of ports - though not as wide as prior models. It’s longer and broader than the Mac Mini due to the integrated screen, but it’s also much thinner. The MacBook Air is a different beast entirely. You can essentially put it wherever your monitor cables can reach, but it’s still a desktop, meaning it’s designed to remain stationary. It can be an attractive centerpiece in your office or remain hidden beneath a monitor or under the desk. The Mac Mini is a thin slab with a metallic casing that’s incredibly understated in its design. Both devices are exceptionally well-built, with sturdy frames that don’t creak or bend. The Mac Mini and MacBook Air build upon the design choices of their predecessors. Both have Apple’s new M1 chip, but which is more worth your time and money? Let’s see which comes out on top. In this comparison, we pit Apple’s fantastic Mac Mini against the MacBook Air. Don’t need a laptop? The Mac Mini is mightier.

Apple 2017 mac mini