Winner
Updated October 2026
Data from Amazon and official GMKtec and Apple sites.
2026 verdict
SSD capacity favors the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) when this mini PC pair is scored on storage.
It is the more affordable machine, with a 1 TB drive, a second bay, 16 GB of DDR4 that can reach 64 GB, 2.5G Ethernet and Windows 11 Pro. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) brings macOS, a 10-core M2 Pro, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, 16 GB of soldered LPDDR5, a 512 GB SSD, speakers and an internal power supply. The storage gap is 1 TB against 512 GB, and the Mac cannot be upgraded later. The GMKtec has no Thunderbolt.
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| Feature | GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $649.99 | $1273.46 | GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) |
| Rating | 4.4 | 4.7 | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) |
| Memory Type | DDR4 | LPDDR5 | Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) |
| Storage Capacity | 1 TB | 512 GB | GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) |
| CPU Model | Intel Core i7-1185G7 | M2 Pro (10-core CPU) | Different strengths |
| Memory Configuration | Dual-channel | Unified Memory | Different strengths |
| GPU Model | Intel Iris Xe Graphics G7 (96 EUs, 1.35 GHz) | 16-core GPU | Different strengths |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | Tie |
| Memory Capacity | 16 GB | 16 GB | Tie |
What the differences mean
Storage and memory slots
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) ships 1 TB on PCIe 4.0 and leaves an M.2 2242 bay free, and its DDR4 SODIMM can go from 16 GB to 64 GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) ships 512 GB and 16 GB of LPDDR5, both soldered, with memory capped at 32 GB. You can open the GMKtec. You cannot open the Mac.
Thunderbolt and the OS
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) runs macOS and has four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB 3 Type-A ports and one HDMI output, plus a 16-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) runs Windows 11 Pro on an Intel Core i7-1185G7 with Iris Xe graphics, and it has no USB4 and no Thunderbolt. Its USB-C port is 5Gbps.
Ethernet, power and sound
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) has 2.5G Ethernet and an external adapter, and it has no speakers. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has gigabit Ethernet, an internal power supply and built-in speakers. Wi-Fi is 6 on the GMKtec and 6E on the Mac. Bluetooth is 5.2 against 5.3. Neither has an SD card reader or a microphone.
Size and what is in the box
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) weighs 361 g and includes a VESA mount and an HDMI cable. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) weighs 1280 g, measures 197 mm square, and includes neither a VESA mount nor an HDMI cable. Both are covered for one year. The Mac is the heavier aluminium desktop. The GMKtec is the one that can hang behind a monitor.
Which one to buy if
- you want 1 TB of storage and RAM you can add on Windows
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) is the more affordable mini PC, with a 1 TB SSD and DDR4 up to 64 GB.
- you need macOS and four Thunderbolt 4 ports
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has both, plus speakers and an internal power supply.
- you want 2.5G Ethernet and a VESA mount in the box
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) includes both. The Mac Mini has gigabit Ethernet and no VESA mount.
- you want built-in speakers and no power brick
The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has speakers and an internal supply. The GMKtec has neither.
Winner
$649.99
- + Price: $649.99
- + Storage Capacity: 1 TB
- - Rating: 4.4 vs 4.7
- - Memory Type: DDR4 vs LPDDR5
$1273.46
- + Rating: 4.7
- + Memory Type: LPDDR5
- - Price: $1273.46 vs $649.99
- - Storage Capacity: 512 GB vs 1 TB
Price history compared
Every price change of both, in the same store, so the gap between the two lines is what one costs more than the other.
- GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB)
- Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)
Loading price history...
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better overall: GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) or Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB), on price and storage. It has a 1 TB SSD and DDR4 you can raise to 64 GB. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) is the machine for macOS, four Thunderbolt 4 ports and soldered LPDDR5.
What is the biggest difference between the M2 Pro S and the Mac Mini M2 Pro?
Upgradeable Windows parts against a soldered Mac. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) has 1 TB, a free bay and 2.5G Ethernet. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has four Thunderbolt 4 ports, 16 GB of LPDDR5 capped at 32 GB, and macOS.
Can you add RAM to the Mac Mini M2 Pro?
No. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) uses soldered LPDDR5, up to 32 GB. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) uses DDR4 SODIMM up to 64 GB, so only the GMKtec can take more memory later.
Does the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S have Thunderbolt?
No. The GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB) has no USB4 and no Thunderbolt. The Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB) has four Thunderbolt 4 ports. That is the port gap if you already own a Thunderbolt dock.
Who should buy the GMKtec NucBox M2 Pro S (16GB + 1TB)?
Someone who wants Windows 11 Pro, a 1 TB SSD, 2.5G Ethernet and memory up to 64 GB, at the lower price, and who does not need macOS or Thunderbolt.
Who should buy the Apple Mac Mini (M2 Pro 16GB + 512GB)?
Someone who wants macOS, a 10-core M2 Pro, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, speakers and an internal power supply, and who accepts soldered 16 GB and a 512 GB SSD.
Full comparison table
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