Every M1 Mac compared: Which Apple silicon computer is right for you?

The rollout of Apple silicon continues with the introduction of the 24-inch iMac. Now there are 4 completely different Macs with Apple’s M1 system-on-a-chip (SoC) on the coronary heart of every mannequin: two laptops and two desktop computer systems. That means you have got extra decisions, and that’s good—however that additionally means there are actually extra designs, options, specs, and costs to think about, which may make choosing the right one difficult.

To show you how to resolve with M1 Mac to purchase, let’s break down every mannequin and have a look at every of their similarities and variations. If you understand for certain that you really want an M1 Mac laptop computer and never a desktop computer, check out our M1 Mac laptop guide that compares the MacGuide Air and 13-inch MacGuide Pro. Plus Apple still sells Macs with Intel processors, so there’s quite a bit to think about earlier than you plunk down a thousand-plus {dollars} on a brand new Mac.

M1: Laptop versus desktop

The 4 M1 Macs that Apple sells might be simply divided into laptops and desktop computer systems. The variations are apparent—skip to the following part in the event you don’t want it spelled out for you. Read on if you would like extra data that will help you resolve.

Laptops. Apple sells two M1 Mac laptops, the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. Laptops are all-in-one computer systems, with a built-in show, keyboard, and trackpad. Mac laptops have a built-in battery that you just cost by plugging in an influence adapter to one of many Thunderbolt/USB Four ports. You can cost the battery, unplug it once you journey, after which use the laptop computer on battery energy at a distant location.

Mac laptops are usually a slower than Mac desktop computer systems as a result of the laptops must do extra to keep up a cushty temperature. But with the M1, the efficiency hole isn’t as huge because it was once with Intel processors, which we’ll define under. Even earlier than the change to Apple silicon, Mac laptops present sufficient efficiency for use as a major computer each on an workplace desk and on the go.

Desktop. Apple presents two desktop M1 Macs, the Mac mini and the 24-inch iMac. These computer systems are designed to remain on a desk and will not be typically thought of to be cell gadgets. The Mac mini requires you to supply a show and enter gadgets, which it’s also possible to purchase on the level of buy from Apple or use your individual. The iMac is an all-in-one computer with a built-in show and it comes with enter gadgets.

The desktop M1 Macs are quicker than the M1 laptops, however not by quite a bit generally use. A desktop has a pace benefit with work that is very processor intensive, comparable to with professional apps like Final Cut, Logic Pro, and Xcode. Laptops have to be extra attentive to the operating temperature and can decelerate if it begins to get too sizzling. Desktops, in the meantime, can run at the next temperature for an extended interval.

Our take: Laptops are in style and with good cause. They have sufficient processing energy for most customers, are simple to journey with, and have the options most individuals want. A laptop computer may look like the apparent alternative, however in the event you’re not going to be touring a lot, Apple’s M1 desktop computer systems are best for customers who want essentially the most processing energy and an in depth setup with exterior {hardware}. If you want a monitor, have a look at the iMac, if not the Mac mini is a improbable possibility.

M1: Processor and graphics

All 4 Macs use the M1 SoC, which has an 8-core CPU with 4 carry out­ance cores and 4 effectivity cores. Based on our testing of three of the 4 Macs launched to date, it gives impressively quick efficiency, with related outcomes throughout all 4 fashions.

As of this writing, the 24-inch iMac had not but began delivery. Apple mentioned the iMac would begin making its method to prospects within the second half of May. We gained’t be stunned if the 24-inch iMac posts Geekbench 5 scores much like what has been posted by the M1 Mac mini, however we’ll replace this publish as soon as we get our arms on one.

Here’s a have a look at the Geekbench 5 CPU outcomes. The M1 laptops have scores which are decrease than the Mac mini, most likely as a result of the laptops run a tad slower for temperature management. But the distinction is actually small—we’re speaking about 1.5 %—and in on a regular basis use, you gained’t discover a distinction between the three.

Geekbench 5 CPU benchmark

Apple

Analyzing and evaluating the graphics efficiency of the M1 Macs is just a little extra concerned. The variety of GPU cores varies based mostly on the mannequin. Here’s a have a look at what Apple presents when it comes to GPU.

Below are the Geekbench 5 GPU outcomes. The $999 MacGuide Air and the $1,299 iMac have a 7-core GPU that’s slower than the opposite M1 Macs, however you most likely gained’t discover a distinction generally on a regular basis use. The distinction is 9 % between the 2 MacGuide Air fashions, and better in comparison with the MacGuide Pro and Mac mini, so in case your work is graphic-heavy, think about spending just a little extra on the 8-core mannequin.

The 24-inch iMac has three normal configurations, beginning with the low-end $1,299 mannequin that has a 7-core GPU, and the $1,499 and $1,699 fashions with an 8-core GPU. We anticipate the $1,299 iMac’s 7-core GPU to be barely quicker than the MacGuide Air’s 7-core GPU, whereas the iMac’s 8-core GPU efficiency may very well be much like the Mac mini. We’ll replace the efficiency chart with iMac information as quickly as attainable.

Geekbench 5 Compute GPU benchmark

Our take: If all you care about is getting the top-performing M1 Mac, then the Mac mini is for you. If you’ll be able to wait, maintain off till outcomes from the 24-inch iMac are in, however we anticipate they’ll be related. The 13-inch MacGuide Pro’s efficiency is very near the Mac mini, so it’s a worthy contender as nicely, however if you would like the very best price-to-performance ratio, the Mac mini is the best way to go.

M1: Memory and storage

All 4 of those Macs have 8GB of “unified memory” of their normal configurations. (If you don’t know, reminiscence or RAM is utilized by a computer when it is doing work and processing information. Having the next quantity of reminiscence may also help efficiency.) If you assume 8GB isn’t sufficient, you have got the choice to improve to a most of 16GB of reminiscence for a further price. However, Apple changed the way memory is used in the M1 in comparison with Intel-based Macs, and most common customers can be tremendous with 8GB. 

Apple

Then there’s storage, the place the place recordsdata and software program is stored. Apple makes use of solid-state drives (SSDs) in its M1 Macs, providing 256GB to start out and 512GB on the higher-priced fashions. You may also configure your Mac with as much as 2TB of storage.

Our take: Buy as a lot reminiscence and storage as you’ll be able to afford. Most folks can be tremendous with 8GB of reminiscence, however in the event you like to make use of skilled apps and plan to maintain your MacGuide for some time, improve to 16GB. As for the SSD, in the event you depend on cloud storage comparable to iCloud, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive, you’ll be able to go together with a smaller SSD, however bear in mind, you want an web connection to entry these providers.

M1: Ports and growth

Even as extra exterior gadgets provide wi-fi connectivity, ports are crucial. Ports provide quicker connections than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and typically you may want (or haven’t any alternative) to make use of a wired connection. And in fact, you most likely have gadgets that you just’ve had for some time that you just use in your older Mac and wish to use in your new one.

All of Apple’s M1 Macs closely depend on Thunderbolt/USB Four ports—they every have two. A number of different M1 Macs have extra ports. Here’s a fast have a look at the ports on every M1 Mac.

Our take: Because the Mac mini is usually utilized in residence leisure facilities, kiosks, servers, and different setups, it has extra ports inbuilt which are helpful for such conditions, comparable to gigabit ethernet and HDMI. All the opposite Macs would require an adapter to connect with non-Thunderbolt/USB Four plugs, comparable to Apple’s USB-C to USB Adapter, or a Thunderbolt hub. So be ready to shell out further money to have the ability to use your gadgets.

Apple

M1: Price

There’s quite a bit to think about when fascinated by value, as a result of the M1 Macs are completely different. But it helps to have the knowledge in entrance of you and to name out what you’re getting in every machine. Here are the costs of the usual configurations for every M1 Mac.

Our take: The Mac mini is a pleasant mixture of value and efficiency, however you need to present your individual enter gadgets and show, which may add to the value in the event you’re shopping for these new. If you just like the iMac, we advocate the $1,499 mannequin—the additional $200 spent over the entry-level mannequin provides you much more options in comparison with the opposite Macs. The $1,249 MacGuide Air does stand out—you get the identical measurement SSD and the identical M1 CPU and GPU configuration because the $1,499 13-inch MacGuide Pro, which does have a greater audio system, a barely brighter display, and the Touch Bar.

Whichever Mac you select, get the very best machine you’ll be able to afford on the time of buy—which means customizing the configuration so as to add extra reminiscence or storage. It will improve the value, however you’ll be able to’t improve these parts after you purchase your Mac.