The M2 Mac mini is, in my opinion, the best bang for your buck on the market today. For $599, or $499 in the Education Store, you get the all-new M2 chip loaded into the relatively unchanged Mac mini chassis. The base computer gives you 256GB of storage, 8GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6e, Bluetooth 5.3, 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Again, for only $599! But with that price, Apple chose not to include anything in the box other than the power cable and the Mac mini itself. This means that you need certain accessories to be able to use this computer. Here are my picks!
Before you start
There are an endless number of accessories that can be used with the Mac mini, but I thought it best to keep it short with just the essentials. I also want to offer at least two options per category of accessories to give you options both from an aesthetic and price point of view. The best option is to use what you currently have around to start using the Mac mini, but if you’re missing any accessories or just want something new, these will get the job done. Let’s start!
1. Office Recommendations
Autonomous standing desk
I have personally used my Autonomous office for over four years now. It does everything I want an office to do. It is a motorized sit/stand desk that has heights ranging from 29.5 inches to 48 inches. It will therefore be suitable for a large majority of people for both seated and standing modes. It also has a memory controller to let you save up to four heights for easy setup, but the most important features of this desk are reliability and sturdiness. Not once did the engine fail or fail to run. Every time I press the arrows it works, even after four years. It has also survived four different moves – many other desks are said to have been chipped, warped or broken due to mishandling. I’ve moved across the country with this desk and every time I reinstall it it works.
FlexiSpot standing desk (economical)
FlexiSpot is another brand that I have known for years. I bought one for my brother years ago and he still uses it. FlexiSpot offers a much more economical option for motorized sit/stand desks. They have them from $169 (with $30 off coupon included), which is an absolute bargain. They’ve cut costs by using different construction materials for things like the tabletop, but the actual build quality is still great. If you need a sit/stand desk but are on a budget, FlexiSpot is an amazing option.
2. Keyboards
Satechi X1 Slim
I’ve been using some variants of Satechi’s X1 line of keyboards for years. It’s the closest thing Apple provides in terms of build quality and form. If you love typing on Magic Keyboards or Apple Macbooks, this keyboard is for you.
There are three main reasons I chose this keyboard over the regular Magic Keyboard. The first is the fact that it can connect to up to three different devices, so I can connect it to my Mac, iPad, and even iPhone. Then you have the fact that it charges via USB-C and not lightning, which I love. Finally, we have the price. You can get the Satechi X1 Slim for less than $70. Personally, I appreciate the slim as it is compact as it has removed the number pad on the right side of the keyboard. But if you are someone who needs this number pad, you can use the Satechi X3 for $90 which includes the number pad.
Nuphy Air 60 mechanical keyboard
Personally, I’m not a big fan of mechanical keyboards; I prefer the chicklet-style keyboard version a bit more. But if you’re looking for a mechanical keyboard designed to work with Apple products, the Nuphy Air 60 Worth to be considered. What drew me to the Nuphy Air 60 is that it emphasized a slim profile, even for a mechanical keyboard, without sacrificing the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard. It also connects to up to three different devices, provides a nice L-shaped USB-C cable for wired use, and also comes with a foldable travel case.
Apple Magic Keyboard with touchID
I had to briefly touch on this one simply because it brings wireless Touch ID, which is currently the only way to get touchID on the M2 Mac mini. If you really value Touch ID, then this is the only option. What I do is configure my Apple Watch to unlock my Mac mini. This way it’s always easy to log in and I can use my Satechi Keyboard. But if you need Touch ID, this will do.
3. Mouse and touchpad
Logitech Anywhere S2 and S3
I always tell people that Logitech Anywhere S is the cheapest quality mouse you can buy. I’ve been using the S2 version since 2019, and it still works like a champ. It’s got just enough heft to feel really high-quality – it connects to up to three different devices and has a clickable scroll wheel and two extra side buttons for shortcuts. It offers immense functionality and quality, especially for the price. The S3 version just adds a new white color, which looks great, and also gives us a USB-C input instead of the micro USB that the S2 brings.
Satechi M1 Mouse
I tested the new Satechi M1 mouse over the past few weeks, and I like it for the price. For $30, you get an easy-to-use, high-quality mouse that has, what seems like, everlasting battery life. It comes in five different colors – I have the silver version, which is extremely light, but has excellent build quality. If you need a budget mouse that looks great, charges via USB-C, has great battery life, and gets the job done, then this Satechi M1 Worth to be considered.
Apple Magic touchpad
If you’re like me and like to use a combination of mouse and trackpad, then there’s really no choice but the Apple touchpad. It’s a bit pricey ($109 on Amazon), but no other third-party trackpad can do the job as well as Apple’s, especially when it comes to gesture controls.
4. Displays and Monitors
Alogical Clarity
I’ve been using the Alogic Clarity 27 inch 4k for six months now; I’ve used it for my M2 MacBook Air, my iPad Pro and now my M2 Mac Mini. We have a full video And written exam which you can consult for a more in-depth examination.
I loved this monitor. It has a bright and crisp 60Hz UHD display that works great with the Mac mini. It features a single USB-C cable solution as well as 2 HDMI ports, a DisplayPort and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Koorui 24 inch HD (economic)
If you just need a monitor that works, is easy to set up, still looks high quality, and you don’t want to break the bank, then the Koorui 24 inch monitor is the way to go. It is currently selling for $91! It connects via HDMI, has a Full HD and 75Hz display and is VESA mountable. You could have a 24-inch dual monitor configured for less than $190. This is ideal for anyone who just needs their monitor to work!
5. Docks and hubs
Stand and hub for M2 Mac mini
Since I upgraded to the base Mac mini, I only get 256GB of storage with this. I was going to use any external SSD drive to supplement the onboard storage. But then I found Satechi Mac mini M2 hub and stand which also has an integrated SSD enclosure. This is a hub that’s designed to fit the shape of the Mac mini, so it sits under the computer and provides additional ports in the front while adding an SSD enclosure so you can add up to an additional 2 TB. Satechi also has the same version without the SSD case for $20 cheaper, which is amazing. Both of these give you three additional USB-A ports, a USB-C port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and SD/miniSD card readers.
Anker 577 Thunderbolt Hub
If you need a bit more powerful hub, then this Anker 577 hub is worth considering. This is a true 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 docking station. On the front, you get two USB-C PD ports, a USB-A port, a headphone jack, and a SD/MicroSD card slot. Then on the back you get two Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port, three more USB-A ports, and an Ethernet port. It’s like every port you’d ever need in a high quality, compact size. Anker also has it on sale for $40 off!
6. Miscellaneous
Orbitkey Desk Mat
I need to include the Orbitkey Desk Mat I use it because it has a few tricks up its sleeve.
First of all it has this quilting that runs along the entire top of the mat I use to hold my Apple Pencil, and it also has a magnetic cable organizer which is great when you need to charge a keyboard or mouse . But it also has a hidden layer that can be lifted up to store a few pieces of paper or a brochure – basically anything flat. It’s made with a really nice vegan layer, and then the bottom is felt, so it won’t harm the surface it’s sitting on.
Conclude
As I mentioned at the start, there are an abundance of options when it comes to Mac mini accessories. These are just a few of the few that I personally use, have tested, and can vouch for. At the end of the day, choose the items and accessories that will inspire you to sit down and get your work done. I love my desk setup and get excited every day to sit down and get to work and my accessories are a big part of that.
Let me know what you think of these recommendations. Have you heard of them? Do you own one of them? What accessories do you use that you would recommend to someone buying a Mac Mini? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!
FTC: We use revenue-generating automatic affiliate links. More.