M2 vs M2 Pro Mac mini: Is the Pro worth $700 more?

In early 2023, Apple updated the Mac mini from the M1 chip to the M2 chip, and also introduced the option for an M2 Pro chip. Let's take a look at what the similarities and differences are between the 2 chip options, and see what that $700 price premium actually gets you to help you make a better purchase decision.

00:00 Intro
00:29 Design
00:58 Communications: Wireless, Bluetooth, and Ethernet
01:11 Audio
01:39 Ports: Thunderbolt and HDMI
02:25 Display Support
04:05 M2 vs M2 Pro Chip
05:55 Media Engine
06:17 Unified Memory
07:51 Storage
09:38 SSD Speeds
11:55 Should You Go M2 or M2 Pro?

[robertcote]

Thanks for a No-Hype, clear, complete and fact based review. Surely an example to be followed!

[billschnake]

That was hands down the best comparison video of the M2 Mac Mini to the M2 Pro Mac Mini that I have seen. You did an amazing job of being clear and concise while describing options and the pros and cons of each. I don't know what you do for a living, but teaching would seem to be a great fit. I have been using my M1 MacBook Pro for the heart of my recording studio for the last year. I decided that I wanted to get a Mac Mini to replace the laptop so I could have the laptop ready for remote recording. This video help to clarify what it is I need vs what I want. I have decided to go with the M2 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 32 gig of memory and a 1TB SSD storage. The reason for the increase in memory is the amount of audio plug-ins I use with Cubase Pro. I checked my MacBook Pro M1 and I am using 400 gig of my 1 TB drive so a 1 TB drive over a 512 gig is a no-brainer for me. I keep all of my samples, video editing and non essential data on one of my 2 TB external Thunderbolt 4 drives. You are correct the external are much less expensive than upgrading the Mac Mini to a 5 TB machine. Thanks for making this video it is excellent.

[Tutorialist]

Excellent explanation with no annoying background music. Thank you. 👍🏻

[laughyourashevilleoff]

I went with the M2 Pro, and honestly feel like I'm not using the extra power at all. Mostly wanted the extra I/O and display capabilities, but from a performance perspective the base model probably would have met my needs just fine.

[PhillProbst]

From my perspective the reasons to go for the Pro over the base model are: (1) 4 vs 2 thunderbolt ports, (2) 512 vs 256 base storage, (3) HDMI 2.1 vs 2.0 display ports ... in that order.

[OnkelBermuda]

Great video. It was very pleasant to listen to, and I like the straight forward way you explain things. No dramatic editing or bad jokes, just informative. I appreciate that.

[iGobyy]

Better than 90% of reviewers on yt. Instead of just reading specs, he breaks em down and compares em. Great review.

[MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

I seldom comment on videos, but I just had to take the time to compliment you for how well-done this video is. I wish more tech reviewers were like you.

[Golden-pmsn]

Easily one of the most straight forward and well explained reviews on this topic I’ve seen, really well done!

[bryans]

I think the M2 Pro mini is ideally situated for folks who want more power than the base model mini but don't need the extra power and expense of the Studio Max.

[semeano]

Finally someone that shows the reasons why we should go one or the other option, instead of just saying "it depends on your usage".

[mxnrg]

Great detail on the exact two and three monitor combinations, I had not seen this explained as well elsewhere. Also the cost per GB storage was nicely shown in a graphic 👏🏽

[ayfj]

Best analytical review without any fluff I've seen, just facts. Helped me a lot, thanks.

[leighmosley]

Thanks much for this rundown. I’m trying to make a decision this week, and yours was one of the better explanations on which model to consider.

[josephtrainor]

Great comparison of the two models, personally I wish the Studio would be available with the M2 Pro chip. For myself I will probably buy the M2 Pro fairly maxed out to future proof my purchase. I currently have a 2012 I7 iMac with the 3TB fusion drive and 32GB of memory. I would be extremely happy to get 10+ years out of my next purchase especially since I am coming up on my 67th birthday soon!

[radharcanna]

An excellent review. Clear and concise. And no shouting! Subscribed. Thank you.

[stephen]

There are many tech videos on youtube. This channel is one of the best - very clear explanations. Thanks.

[brentsmithline]

Fight the SWAP!!!! Purchase more than 8GB memory, and 512TB SSD. Person I use to work with always said when it to computer memory, and storage..."Crap will always grow to fill the space available".

[Albert-the-Astro]

Great review dude, you’re straight to the point with zero fluff. Well done.

[biasindustries]

Best reviewer yet! Very concise break down