Is a used Mac mini M2 better than a new budget Windows mini PC?

Yes — a used Mac mini M2 is usually the better buy than a new budget Windows mini PC if you want a smoother, quieter, and more reliable everyday desktop. For fair used pricing, a good deal is about $300–$400 for a Mac mini M2, with $400–$500 more typical for nicer 16GB/512GB configurations. A new budget Windows mini PC is usually worth it around $180–$300 for basic models and $300–$450 for better-specced units with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD.

Rule of thumb: buy the Mac mini M2 if it’s only modestly more expensive than the Windows box; buy the Windows mini PC if you specifically need Windows, want easier upgrades, or the price gap is large.

Main caveat: prices move a lot, so check sold/completed listings before buying, especially for used Mac minis and low-end mini PCs.