If you want a powerful, small Mac for video editing, you may be debating between the Mac mini M1 and M2. Both versions are powerful 4K and 8K video editors, but there are some major distinctions you should know before buying. This blog article compares the Mac mini M1 Vs M2 Video Editing Review in features, performance, pricing, and value to help you choose the best one for video editing.

The Specs

The Mac mini M1, introduced in late 2020, was the first Mac to use Apple’s M1 processor, an 8-core CPU and GPU that gives remarkable performance and economy. The Mac mini M1 comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB or 512GB of SSD storage. Both versions offer two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, and 3.5mm headphone jacks. Mac mini M1 supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.

Apple’s second-generation microprocessor, the M2 or M2 Pro, was launched in early 2023 in the Mac mini M2. The M2 Pro has a 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU, whereas the M2 has a 10-core CPU and GPU. Both chips feature a Media Engine system with ProRes and ProRes RAW video decoding and encode engines, making them better for video editing. The Mac mini M2 comes in four configurations: M2 chip, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD storage, M2 Pro chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and M2 Pro chip, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD storage. All variants offer four Thunderbolt/USB 4 connections, two USB-A ports, HDMI, Ethernet (up to 10GB), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. New Mac mini M2 supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.

Mac mini M1 Vs M2 Video Editing Review

For its size and affordability, the Mac mini M1 can edit videos well. Final Cut Pro X can edit proxy or optimized 8K material and multiple streams of 4K video without a problem. A Neural Engine on the M1 microprocessor accelerates face identification, object tracking, noise reduction, and color grading. The Mac mini M1’s power efficiency and thermal management keep it cool and quiet under load.

With the M2 Pro chip, the Mac mini M2 outperforms the M1. Final Cut Pro X can edit 30 4K or seven 8K streams without proxies or optimization1. The M2 Pro processor features up to 64GB of unified memory that the CPU and GPU may share, speeding data transmission and playback. Media Engine speeds up ProRes and ProRes RAW rendering and export4. The Mac mini M2 offers better thermal management and power efficiency than Intel-based Macs, but its increased performance may make it warmer and noisier than the M1.

Price and Value

The basic Mac mini M1 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage costs $6995. 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage cost $200 each. Upgrades cost $1099.

The basic Mac mini M2 with M2 CPU, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD storage costs $5991. 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage cost $200 each. Upgrades cost $999. The entry-level device with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage costs $1299 with the M2 Pro chip1. 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage cost $400 each. Upgrades cost $2099.

As seen, the Mac mini M2 is cheaper than the M1 for the same RAM and storage, but it has better performance and features. However, the M2 Pro chip is pricey and may not be worth it. If you edit 4K or lesser video, the Mac mini M1 may be adequate. If you edit 8K or higher video and require quicker rendering and exporting of ProRes and ProRes RAW formats, the Mac mini M2 with the M2 Pro chip may be preferable. Before choosing, examine your budget and other things like external displays, hard drives, eGPUs, etc.

Read This: Best Video Editing Laptops Under 50000

Conclusive

Both Mac mini M1 and M2 are great video editors, but they have various pros and cons. The Mac mini M1 is cheaper, more power-efficient, and can edit 4K footage. The Mac mini M2 is more costly, powerful, and ideal for 8K video editing and ProRes processes. Choose one based on your requirements, interests, and budget. I hope this blog article enlightened your choice. Thanks for reading!