The Apple Mac mini (M4) is easily one of the best machines our team has ever tested. But if I had to find fault with it, it's that the front-facing ports and storage options can be limiting. Especially for content creators using the machine for editing large photo and video files.
And that's where I think Ugreen's M4 Dock & Stand for $55 (was $90) at Amazon really comes into play. It's a sleek, cleverly designed way of protecting the Mac mini's compact footprint, while boosting the connectivity and storage capacity.
For me, it's one of those 'secret weapon' gadgets that you never really realize you need, but you absolutely rely on once you have it. In the UK, it's currently down to £70 (was £90) at Amazon, too.
Today's top dock deal
The standout feature is the built-in M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure, which supports drives up to 8TB. Compatible with 2230, 2242, 2260, and 2280 SSDs, it gives you an easy way to add high-speed storage for 4K video editing, photo libraries, backups, and other demanding workloads without relying on external drives scattered across your desk.
Transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps also help move large files quickly, making this a superb, highly affordable upgrade for creators and professionals working with sizeable media projects.
It's important to note however, that the SSD isn't included, so you'll need to supply your own.
Beyond storage, the dock transforms the Mac mini into a much more capable workstation.
It adds 11 ports, including three USB-A 10Gbps ports, two additional USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, and SD and microSD card readers, giving you plenty of room for external drives, cameras, peripherals, and other accessories.
Ugreen has also paid attention to lots of little details. The dock follows the Mac mini's shape, includes anti-slip silicone pads, and even adds a clever power button lever, so you can switch on your Mac without lifting the computer.
A short 4cm cable helps keep your workspace tidy, while the dock can draw power directly from the Mac mini or use an external adapter if you're connecting several devices.
In our five star review, we called the Mac mini "smaller, faster, better" and said it might even be the "best Mac ever."
If your Mac mini M4 or M4 Pro is starting to feel short on storage or ports, this dock is a brilliant upgrade and a 39% saving makes it even more attractive.
