The Mac Mini is the cheapest way to own a modern Mac — but unlike a MacBook or an iMac, the box contains exactly two things: the computer and a power cord. No screen, no keyboard, no mouse, not even an HDMI cable. Before you order one, here is exactly what you need to actually use it, what you probably already own, and what you can skip.
The three things you must have
To turn a Mac Mini into a working computer you need a display, a keyboard, and a mouse or trackpad. That is the whole list. Everything else is optional.
1. A display — almost any monitor or TV works
The Mac Mini has a full-size HDMI port, so any monitor or television with an HDMI input works out of the box — the same screen you used with a PC, a spare TV in the den, whatever you have. It also has Thunderbolt/USB-C ports that drive USB-C and DisplayPort monitors with the right cable.
- The Mac Mini M2 ($897.99) drives up to two displays: one over Thunderbolt (up to 6K) plus one over HDMI (up to 4K).
- The Mac Mini M2 Pro ($999) drives up to three displays, including an 8K screen over HDMI.
You do not need an Apple Studio Display. A used 24–27″ 1080p or 1440p office monitor does the job for a fraction of the price. If a screen you plug in stays black, our external-monitor troubleshooting guide covers the fixes — they apply to the Mini too.
2. A keyboard — your old PC keyboard is fine
Any USB or Bluetooth keyboard works, including Windows keyboards. macOS simply remaps the keys: the Alt key acts as Option and the Windows key acts as Command. The only reason to buy an Apple keyboard is Touch ID — the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is the sole way to get fingerprint unlock on a Mac Mini. It is a nice-to-have, not a requirement; you can type your password like the rest of us.
3. A mouse or trackpad — same story
Any USB or Bluetooth mouse works, scroll wheel and side buttons included. You only need Apple’s Magic Trackpad if you specifically want macOS multi-touch gestures like three-finger swipe between desktops.
One setup tip: for the very first boot, a wired (or wireless-with-USB-dongle) keyboard and mouse make life easier. Third-party Bluetooth accessories sometimes cannot pair until macOS is already set up, which is a chicken-and-egg problem on a fresh Mini. Plug in anything wired for the 10-minute setup, then switch to Bluetooth after.
Cables: the one thing people forget
Apple does not include a video cable. Check which input your monitor has and grab the matching cable if you do not already own one:
- HDMI to HDMI — the simple option; the Mini has a full-size HDMI port.
- USB-C to DisplayPort — for most modern monitors, from a Thunderbolt port.
- USB-C to USB-C — for USB-C monitors, which can also carry audio.
What ports do you get?
The M2 Mac Mini has two Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The M2 Pro model doubles the Thunderbolt 4 ports to four. Both have Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, so Ethernet is optional. Two USB-A ports means your existing wired keyboard, mouse, printer, and flash drives plug straight in — no dongle required.
Nice-to-have extras (all optional)
- Webcam — the Mini has no built-in camera. Any USB webcam works for video calls, or use an iPhone as a wireless webcam with macOS Continuity Camera.
- Speakers or headphones — there is a small built-in speaker for alerts, but for music or calls use the headphone jack, Bluetooth, or your monitor’s speakers over HDMI.
- External drive — if you pick the 256GB model and shoot lots of video, a USB-C SSD is the cheap way to add space later.
What a complete setup actually costs
Here is the honest math for a full desk setup built around a refurbished Mini:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Refurbished Mac Mini M2 (8GB/256GB) | $897.99 |
| Used 24″ 1080p monitor | $40–$80 |
| USB keyboard + mouse (or ones you own) | $0–$30 |
| HDMI cable | $0–$10 |
Roughly $650–$720 for a complete modern Mac desk — still less than most new laptops. If you would rather skip the accessory shopping entirely, a refurbished iMac (from $749) bundles the screen — that guide walks through the trade-off. And if portability matters at all, read Mac Mini vs MacBook Air before you decide. Watching the budget? Check the Apple clearance collection first — Minis and monitors’ natural partners like iMacs show up there regularly.
FAQ
Can I use a TV as the monitor?
Yes. Any TV with HDMI works. Turn on “game mode” if typing feels laggy, and in System Settings set the display to “underscan” if the edges are cut off.
Do I need an Apple keyboard and mouse?
No. Any USB or Bluetooth set works. Apple peripherals only matter if you want Touch ID (Magic Keyboard) or macOS gestures (Magic Trackpad).
Does the Mac Mini come with a screen?
No — the box contains the Mini and a power cord only. You supply the display, keyboard, mouse, and video cable.
Is 8GB of RAM enough on the Mini?
For email, web, office work, and light photo editing, yes. For heavy multitasking, big spreadsheets, or video work, step up to the M2 Pro with 16GB ($999).