Best 5 Mac Mini Desktop Alternatives 2025

Mac Mini Desktop Alternatives: Apple makes the Mac Mini Desktop a popular compact PC with powerful hardware within its small form factor but some users seek alternatives because pricing or compatibility issues or hardware flexibility problems exist. Some of the best alternatives are described below based on specifications, performance, and value for money.

Table of Contents

Top 5 Mac Mini Desktop Alternatives

1. Intel NUC 13 Extreme

Why it’s a great alternative: The Intel NUC series offers compact, high-performance mini-PCs with customizable options. Small size and high power make the NUC 13 Extreme a great choice for professionals searching for a Mac Mini alternative.

Key Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i7/i9 (13th Gen)
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: NVMe SSD support (up to 4TB)
Graphics: Intel Arc or NVIDIA RTX 40 series (customizable)
Ports: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort
OS Compatibility: Windows 11, Linux

Pros:

Compact yet powerful
Upgradeable storage and RAM
Multiple connectivity options

Cons:

Expensive for high-end models
No macOS support

2. ASUS PN64-E1 Mini PC

Why it’s a great alternative: This is an excellent choice for users who want a powerful piece of hardware in a Mac Mini like form, but with Windows compatibility.

Key Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i7/i9 (12th/13th Gen)
RAM: Up to 32GB DDR5
Storage: NVMe SSD support (up to 2TB)
Graphics: Integrated Intel Iris Xe
Ports: USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet
OS Compatibility: Windows 11, Linux

Pros:

Affordable compared to Mac Mini
Dual storage support (SSD & HDD)
Good thermal management

Cons:

No dedicated GPU option
Not as sleek as Mac Mini

3. Beelink GTR6 Mini PC

Why it’s a great alternative: I think Beelink’s mini PCs are great value for money and are a much cheaper alternative to the Mac Mini.

Key Specifications:

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: NVMe SSD (up to 2TB)
Graphics: Integrated AMD Radeon 680M
Ports: USB 3.2, HDMI, Ethernet
OS Compatibility: Windows 11, Linux

Pros:

Affordable with high-end specs
Great for gaming and multimedia
Good power efficiency

Cons:

Limited upgrade options
Not as polished as Apple’s ecosystem

4. HP Elite Mini 800 G9

Why it’s a great alternative: The HP Elite Mini is intended for the professional or business user who requires a small desktop computer with high-end performance.

Key Specifications:

Processor: Intel Core i7/i9 (12th Gen)
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage: NVMe SSD (up to 2TB)
Graphics: Intel UHD or optional NVIDIA GPU
Ports: USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet, DisplayPort
OS Compatibility: Windows 11, Linux

Pros:

Professional-grade build quality
Reliable performance for business use
Security-focused features

Cons:

Higher price for fully upgraded models
Not designed for gaming

5. M1 Mac Mini (Older Model)

Why it’s a great alternative: The previous M1 Mac Mini is a good option if you are a mac user but looking for a Mac Mini at a lower price.

Key Specifications:

Processor: Apple M1 Chip
RAM: 8GB/16GB Unified Memory
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB SSD
Graphics: Integrated M1 GPU
Ports: USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet
OS Compatibility: macOS Ventura

Pros:

Seamless macOS experience
Power-efficient and quiet operation
Affordable compared to M2/M3 Mac Mini

Cons:

Not upgradeable (RAM and storage soldered)
Limited external monitor support

Final Comparison Table

Mini PC Model	CPU	RAM	Storage	Graphics	Ports	OS Support
Intel NUC 13 Extreme	Intel i7/i9 (13th Gen)	Up to 64GB	Up to 4TB SSD	Intel Arc/NVIDIA	Thunderbolt 4, USB-C	Windows, Linux
ASUS PN64-E1	Intel i7/i9 (12th/13th Gen)	Up to 32GB	Up to 2TB SSD	Intel Iris Xe	USB-C, HDMI	Windows, Linux
Beelink GTR6	AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX	Up to 64GB	Up to 2TB SSD	Radeon 680M	USB 3.2, HDMI	Windows, Linux
HP Elite Mini 800 G9	Intel i7/i9 (12th Gen)	Up to 64GB	Up to 2TB SSD	Intel UHD/NVIDIA	USB-C, HDMI	Windows, Linux
M1 Mac Mini (Older)	Apple M1 Chip	8GB/16GB	256GB/1TB SSD	Integrated M1 GPU	USB-C, HDMI	macOS

Conclusion

Each of these alternatives offers something unique depending on your needs:

Here are some suggestions based on the user’s requirements which include price, performance, and upgradeability of the devices.

For raw performance and upgradeability, go with the Intel NUC 13 Extreme.
For a budget-friendly yet powerful option, the Beelink GTR6 is excellent.
For business and security features, the HP Elite Mini 800 G9 is a solid choice.
For a macOS experience at a lower cost, the M1 Mac Mini remains viable.
For an all-rounder Windows alternative, the ASUS PN64-E1 is a great pick.

The Mac Mini alternative you select depends heavily on your specific use case when choosing one.