Buying a new computer is a bit of a minefield lately. You’re looking at your desk, thinking it’s finally time to ditch that sluggish laptop or that ancient tower that sounds like a jet engine, and the question hits you: how much is a mac desktop actually going to set you back right now?
Honestly, the answer isn't just one number. It’s a range that starts at a surprisingly reasonable "student-friendly" level and ends somewhere in the "I could have bought a decent used car" territory.
If you’re walking into an Apple Store today—or, more likely, scrolling through their site with a cup of coffee in hand—you’re looking at four distinct families. We’ve got the tiny-but-mighty Mac mini, the colorful all-in-one iMac, the powerhouse Mac Studio, and the "I do Hollywood special effects for a living" Mac Pro.
Prices have shifted a bit in early 2026. While the base models often look tempting, Apple still loves its "upsell" game. You start at $599, and before you know it, you’ve clicked a few buttons for extra storage and you're staring at a $1,200 bill.
The Budget King: Mac mini Pricing
The Mac mini is the cheapest way to get into the ecosystem. Period. Right now, the entry-level model with the M4 chip starts at $599.
That sounds great, right? It is. But remember, that $599 doesn't include a monitor, a keyboard, or a mouse. If you already have those on your desk, you’re golden. If not, you’re looking at adding at least another $200–$300 for decent peripherals, or way more if you want the official Apple Studio Display.
Here is how the Mac mini stack usually breaks down:
- The Base Model ($599): You get the standard M4 chip, 16GB of memory (which finally became the standard last year), and 256GB of storage. It's perfect for 90% of people.
- The Mid-Tier ($799 - $999): Usually, this is just the base model with more storage or a slightly beefier chip.
- The M4 Pro Version ($1,399+): This is for the folks who edit 4K video or write code all day. It’s significantly faster and has more ports on the back.
One thing I’ve noticed? If you go for the M4 Pro and start adding RAM, you quickly hit the $2,000 mark. At 그 point, you have to ask yourself if you should just buy a Mac Studio instead.
The "Everything in One Box" Choice: iMac Costs
If you hate cables, the iMac is basically your only option. It’s a 24-inch 4.5K display with a computer hidden inside.
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The starting price for the iMac is $1,299.
For that price, you get the M4 chip and 16GB of RAM. But be careful. The "cheapest" iMac only has two ports on the back. If you want the version with four ports and the keyboard that has the Touch ID fingerprint sensor, you have to jump up to $1,499.
Apple basically charges you $200 for two extra ports and a better keyboard. It feels a bit cheeky, but that’s the "Apple Tax" in action. Most people I know end up buying the $1,499 version because, let’s be real, two ports is just not enough in 2026.
When You Need Real Power: Mac Studio and Mac Pro
Now we’re getting into the heavy hitters. If you’re asking how much is a mac desktop because you’re a professional photographer, a 3D designer, or someone who works with massive datasets, these are your targets.
The Mac Studio was refreshed recently. It starts at $1,999.
That base model comes with the M4 Max chip. It’s a beast. If you want the M3 Ultra version (or the rumored M4 Ultra later this year), you’re looking at a starting price of $3,999.
Then there’s the Mac Pro.
It starts at $6,999.
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Why is it so expensive? Because it’s the only Mac you can actually open up and stick PCIe cards into. It’s for a very specific type of user—think high-end recording studios or data centers. For everyone else, it’s overkill. Most pros are better off with a maxed-out Mac Studio for $4,000 than a base Mac Pro for $7,000.
The Hidden Costs: Upgrades and Extras
This is where the marketing prices die. Apple's upgrade pricing is, quite frankly, painful.
Want to go from 256GB of storage to 1TB? That’ll be an extra $400. Want more RAM? Expect to pay $200 for every jump. Since you can't upgrade these machines later—the chips are literally soldered together—you have to buy what you need on day one.
- Studio Display: $1,599 (Standard glass)
- Magic Keyboard with Touch ID: $149
- Magic Mouse: $79
- AppleCare+: $99 - $499 depending on the model
If you're buying a Mac mini or a Mac Studio, don't forget to budget for these. A "cheap" $599 Mac mini can easily become a $2,500 setup once you add a nice screen and some accessories.
Is it Better to Wait for the M5?
We are currently seeing rumors about the M5 chip launching in late 2026. If you have a working computer right now and you don't need an upgrade, waiting might get you a faster machine for the same price.
However, Apple's base prices have been remarkably stable. The $599 entry point for the mini has stayed the same for years. If you buy an M4 Mac today, it’s going to be fast enough for the next five to seven years easily.
Actionable Next Steps for Buyers
- Check the Refurbished Store: Apple has an official "Certified Refurbished" section on its website. You can often find a Mac Studio or an iMac for 15% off, and they come with the same one-year warranty as a new one.
- Education Discount: If you are a student or a teacher (or know one), use the Education Store. You can usually save $50 to $100 on a desktop and sometimes get a gift card during "Back to School" season.
- Audit Your Storage: Don't pay Apple $400 for a storage upgrade if you can buy a fast external 2TB SSD for $150. Use the internal drive for your apps and the external drive for your photos and videos.
- The 16GB Rule: In 2026, do not buy a Mac with less than 16GB of RAM. Apple Intelligence and modern web browsers will eat anything less for breakfast. Luckily, 16GB is now the standard base for most models.
Knowing how much is a mac desktop is the first step, but figuring out which one fits your specific workflow is how you avoid overspending. Start with the Mac mini—it’s the best value in tech right now.