Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) vs Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)

Updated September 2026

Data from Amazon and official Asus and Apple sites.

2026 verdict

Winner

$979.99

Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) wins this comparison on raw capability and on build, packing a 10-core M4 with a 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, 16GB of unified LPDDR5X memory and a 512GB SSD into a 127 mm aluminium square weighing 670 g, with three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two front USB-C, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, an internal power supply and a built-in speaker, running near-silently even under load. Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) is a much cheaper ChromeOS appliance whose strengths are elsewhere: automatic updates and Google admin console management, seven USB ports, dual HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, a micro SD reader, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.4, plus replaceable memory and storage where the Mac solders both and caps memory at 24GB. Its Celeron, 4GB configuration and 128GB drive define its ceiling. Buy Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) for managed browser terminals; buy Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) as a fast, quiet desktop for real work.

Asus

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)

10% OFF

$359.00

$399.00

Buy on Amazon USACheck price

Winner

Apple

Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)

$979.99

Buy on Amazon USACheck price

Price alerts

Mini PC prices change while you decide

We check the price of every Mini PC in the catalog daily and email you the drops, whichever one you pick.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Feature	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)	Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)	Winner
Price	$359.00	$979.99	Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)
Rating	4.4	4.7	Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
Memory Type	DDR4	LPDDR5X	Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
Memory Capacity	4 GB	16 GB	Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
Storage Capacity	128 GB	512 GB	Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)
CPU Model	Intel Celeron 7305	M4	Different strengths
Memory Configuration	Single-channel	Unified Memory	Different strengths
GPU Model	Intel UHD Graphics	10-core GPU	Different strengths

Asus

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)

10% OFF

$359.00

$399.00

Buy on Amazon USACheck price

+ Price: $359.00
- Rating: 4.4 vs 4.7
- Memory Type: DDR4 vs LPDDR5X

Winner

Apple

Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB)

$979.99

Buy on Amazon USACheck price

+ Rating: 4.7
+ Memory Type: LPDDR5X
+ Memory Capacity: 16 GB
- Price: $979.99 vs $359.00

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better overall, the Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) or the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)?

Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB), with a 10-core M4, 16GB of unified memory, a 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports and near-silent operation. Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) wins on price, on upgradeable parts and on ChromeOS central management.

Can either be upgraded after purchase?

Only Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB), which takes a DDR4 SODIMM to 16GB and a replaceable NVMe drive. Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) solders memory and storage, and this chip tops out at 24GB, so owners typically add an external drive or dock.

Which has more ports?

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB), with seven USB ports, dual HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a micro SD reader. Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) has three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two front USB-C and HDMI, which are faster but fewer, and owners often add a hub.

How do they differ in software?

Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB) runs ChromeOS, so it is a browser-first machine with automatic updates and admin console management. Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS with the full application catalogue, including video, audio and development tools.

Who should buy the Asus Chromebox 5a (Celeron 4GB + 128GB)?

Schools, kiosks and signage deployments that want ChromeOS simplicity, upgradeable memory and storage and many ports at a low price. For everyday speed, quiet operation and creative software, Apple Mac Mini (M4 16GB + 512GB) is a different class of machine.

Full comparison table

Compare all 68 Mini PCs side by side

You are looking at two of them. The full table lines up all Mini PCs in the catalog with the same specs, so you can filter by what you need and sort by price or rating.