The Best Apple Desktop Computers
- Apr 8
- 9 min read
Prefer an iMac over a MacBook? Or looking to set up a home office with a Mac Mini? These are the Apple Macs to consider buying.
The Best Apple Desktop Computers
Apple desktop computers are sophisticated devices that can cater to a family or serve as a robust home office workstation. However, choosing the right Mac for your needs can be challenging due to the various models and chipsets available. Whether you're a creative professional needing a machine for graphic design or a student seeking a dependable PC for assignments, Apple offers a diverse range of options. From the sleek and user-friendly iMac to the powerful Mac Studio, we explore Apple's lineup to help you select the Mac that best fits your daily requirements.
Don't forget to explore our other Apple and home office buying guides, including the Best MacBooks, Best MacBook Accessories, Best iPads, Best iPhones, and Best Home Office Gear.
What Is the Latest M-Series Chip?
Apple first started designing its in-house chips back in 2020, which are dispersed throughout different Macs, MacBooks, and iPads. As of now, the company has released a total of 14 M-series chips. As new versions come out, machines with older chips are discontinued at Apple and tougher to find at third-party retailers.
The M4 series is the current generation of silicon from Apple. There's a choice between an M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. Each chip is built on a second-generation 3-nanometer process, which fits more transistors into a smaller space to enhance speed and efficiency. Both the M4 Pro and M4 Max come with mesh shading and ray tracing too, which Apple says is twice as fast as on the M3 chip.
The M4 (with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU) is the entry-level option and best for basic tasks. The M4 Pro (with a 14-core CPU and an up to 20-core GPU) is the better option for those who need a bit more power for tasks like heavy-duty video or photo editing. The M4 Max (with a 16-core CPU and up to a 40-core GPU) is the most powerful chip you can get in a MacBook but the second-most-powerful chip available in a Mac desktop.
The latest M3 Ultra holds that title. Even though the M3 series was introduced in 2023, Apple announced this one in 2025. It comes with an up to 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores) and a GPU with up to 80 cores. You'll also get 96 GB of unified memory, with the option to upgrade up to 512 GB, and storage can be increased to 16 TB. Apple claims it's up to 2.5 times faster than the M1 Ultra. It's only available in the 2025 Mac Studio.
It's worth noting that even if the M4 processor sounds newer and better than, say, an M3 Pro, the latter is actually the faster processor. You need to compare the tiers to one another, meaning an M4 is better than an M3, and the M4 Pro is better than the M3 Pro. Still, it's a good idea to hunt for older models with these Pro, Max, or Ultra chips if you're looking for the best bargain and a lot of power.
Which Macs Support Apple Intelligence?
What About Older Macs?
I do not recommend buying an Apple desktop computer with an Intel processor. They will not perform as well, and many of them are no longer supported (some are). Within the M-series, try to stick close to the current generation of chipsets. It might not make sense to snag an M1-powered iMac unless it's shockingly cheap.
The Best Apple Desktop Computers
Apple iMac (M4, 2024)
If you simply need a computer without the hassle of choosing peripherals or analyzing specifications, the Apple iMac is your ideal choice. This 24-inch all-in-one computer (9/10, Nerdcore PC Recommends) is straightforward to set up and includes all necessary accessories, such as a built-in webcam, speakers, a USB-C Magic Keyboard, and a Magic Mouse. You can also opt for the superior Magic Trackpad at checkout. It's the only desktop from Apple available in vibrant colors like pink, green, orange, and purple.
The 24-inch, 4.5K-resolution LCD offers clarity, and the 12-megapixel webcam supports Center Stage, which keeps your face within the frame. The base model features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while more expensive versions include four ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port, along with a six-speaker sound system and three studio-quality microphones. For an additional $200 on higher models, you can add nano-texture glass to the display, which is beneficial if you plan to use the iMac near a window to reduce glare.
The iMac is powered by Apple's latest M4 chipset, boasting the highest CPU benchmarks we've recorded on an all-in-one computer and top GPU scores for machines with integrated graphics. Starting at $1,299, it includes 16 GB of RAM, sufficient for most users. However, if you frequently have many browser tabs open or perform tasks beyond basic web browsing, you might consider adding more unified memory and storage. The highest-priced model is $3,000, but it eliminates the need for additional accessories.
Best for Most People
If you're looking for a straightforward computer without the hassle of choosing peripherals or deciphering specs, consider the Apple iMac. This 24-inch all-in-one device
is simple to set up and includes all necessary accessories, such as a built-in webcam, speakers, a USB-C Magic Keyboard, and a Magic Mouse. You can also opt for the superior Magic Trackpad at checkout. It's the only Apple desktop available in vibrant colors like pink, green, orange, and purple.
The Best Apple Desktop Computers
The 24-inch display boasts a 4.5K resolution and is very sharp. The 12-megapixel webcam supports Center Stage, which keeps your face in view. The base model features two Thunderbolt 4 ports, while more expensive versions offer four ports and a Gigabit Ethernet port. It also has a six-speaker audio system and three studio-quality microphones. For an additional $200 on higher configurations, you can add nano-texture glass to reduce glare if your iMac is near a window.
Powered by Apple's latest M4 chipset, this iMac achieved the highest CPU benchmarks we've seen on an all-in-one computer and the best GPU scores for devices with integrated graphics. Starting at $1,299, it includes 16 GB of RAM, which should suffice for most users. However, if you frequently have numerous browser tabs open or engage in more than basic web browsing, you might want to increase the unified memory and storage. The top-tier model is priced at $3,000, but you won't need to purchase additional accessories.
Apple's Smallest Desktop Computer
Apple Mac Mini (M4, 2024)
If you're particular about your peripherals, the Mac Mini (8/10, Nerdcore pc Recommends) is an excellent foundation for your home computer setup. Simply connect it to a power outlet and attach a monitor, keyboard, and mouse of your choice. It's Apple's most budget-friendly PC and also the smallest. You can even take it with you to use at the office or in a hotel room.
The entry-level model is priced at $599 and features an M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. This is more than adequate for basic tasks such as emailing, web surfing, writing, and video conferencing. It can handle multiple tabs and windows effortlessly. This model also includes two USB-C ports (supporting USB 3.0) and a 3.5-mm headphone jack on the front. At the back, you'll find three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI, an Ethernet connection, and a power port.
If you require more power, you can upgrade to the M4 Pro. This is ideal for those intending to use creative applications like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, although you might also consider increasing the unified memory. This configuration includes three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports for faster data transfer speeds.
The Best Upgrade
Apple Mac Studio (M4 Max)
This is the next level up from the Mac Mini. The Mac Studio (9/10, nerdcore pc Recommends) is Apple's most powerful and compact desktop, thanks to the M3 Ultra chip. It's also significantly more affordable than the Mac Pro. The chipset, made up of two M3 Max chips, features up to a 32-core CPU (with 24 performance cores) and a GPU with up to 80 cores. More cores mean more power, but if you don't need that much power, you can opt for the Mac Studio with an M4 Max, which offers up to a 16-core CPU and a 40-core GPU.
While the Mac Studio isn't as small as the Mac Mini, it's still compact and fits easily on your desk (it fits perfectly under Apple's Studio Display too). It includes more ports, such as two USB-C ports and an SD card slot on the front. The back features four Thunderbolt USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, a 10-gigabit Ethernet port, and a headphone jack. Apple has upgraded the USB-C to the Thunderbolt 5 standard for faster data transfer speeds. Depending on the chip, multiple display support is available. The M4 Max can connect to up to five displays, while the M3 Ultra supports up to six. The built-in speaker system is decent, but if sound quality is crucial, it's better to invest in a pair of computer speakers or use headphones.
Undecided between this model and the Mac Mini? Your decision should be guided by your workflow needs. Most users seeking a bit more power than a basic PC provides will likely be content with the M4 Pro on the Mini. However, if your work involves intensive tasks like photo and video editing or creating 3D models in apps like Blender, the M3 Ultra or M4 Max in the Mac Studio are more suitable options.
The Expandable Mac
Apple Mac Pro
While anyone can purchase a Mac Pro from Apple, this costly machine is tailored for a specific audience. It is primarily aimed at creative professionals who require a computer for intensive workloads and those who need modularity and internal expansion. The Mac Pro features seven PCI Express expansion slots and more ports than any other Apple desktop: eight Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A ports (up to 5 Gb/s), two HDMI ports, and two 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports. You'll definitely know if a Mac Pro is what you need.
The Mac Pro is available in two M2 Ultra configurations. The standard model includes a 24-core CPU and a 60-core GPU. For an additional $1,000, you can upgrade to a 76-core GPU. It also offers up to 192 GB of unified memory and up to 8 TB of storage. The more you upgrade, the higher the cost. The most expensive model is priced at an impressive $11,799. It's important to note that the Mac Pro was launched in 2023 alongside a Mac Studio. With Apple having introduced a new Mac Studio in 2025, there is a possibility of seeing a new Mac Pro later this year.
Or Consider a MacBook
Apple MacBook Pro (16 Inch, 2024)
Indeed, this is a MacBook featured in an Apple desktop computer guide. The 16-inch MacBook Pro (7/10, nerdcore pc Review) is the largest of Apple's laptops, making it an excellent desktop replacement. You can enhance it by connecting the sizable 16-inch screen to up to two external monitors (with the lid closed) and other peripherals. Additionally, it offers the advantage of portability, even though it is a hefty device.
This is the most powerful MacBook available. It can be customized with the latest M4 Pro or M4 Max chipsets. The M4 Pro chip showed impressive performance in our tests. For even more power, you can choose the M4 Max. It also includes several notable features, such as the stunning mini-LED screen, 1080p webcam, six-speaker audio system, and a 120-Hz refresh rate.
Apple has also incorporated Thunderbolt 5 (120 Gbps/sec) for faster data transfer, a new 12-megapixel webcam with Center Stage support (to keep you centered during video calls), and the option to upgrade to nano-texture glass for an additional $150 (highly recommended to reduce glare). Check out our Best MacBooks guide for more information.
Great Mac Accessories
Satechi M1 Mouse for $30: This is my current favorite mouse—I've been using it with the MacBook Pro (2024). Its ergonomic design fits comfortably in my palm, the buttons are highly responsive, and the scroll wheel operates smoothly. It includes a Type-C port at the front, allowing you to use it while charging.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for $179: Apple's accessories are hard to surpass. The Magic Keyboard (with USB-C) features the same function row keys as an M-series MacBook, including playback controls, a Do Not Disturb key, and a Mission Control key. It also has Touch ID, eliminating the need to type your password for login.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $130: If you're familiar with using a trackpad on a laptop, you can replicate that experience on your desktop with the Magic Trackpad 2. It offers the same Force Touch and Multi-Touch gestures, making it feel just like a MacBook. It pairs automatically with your device, and the battery lasts about a month, rechargeable via a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad for $70: While a desk mat isn't essential for your workspace, it adds a decorative element. This option from Grovemade is excellent. It's stylish and easy to clean (I effortlessly wiped up coffee spills). It also comes in vibrant colors like light green, blue, and dark orange.
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