Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The highest-performance options are the Mac Pros with Xeon processors, but they come with higher costs and larger sizes.
- The M1-based iMacs offer excellent value, especially for users who prioritize a balance of power and affordability.
- Older models like the 2019 Retina 5K iMac remain relevant for less intensive tasks but may lack the latest connectivity features.
- Warranties and refurbishment standards vary significantly, impacting long-term reliability and peace of mind.
- Size and form factor are key considerations—compact desktops may suit limited spaces but might sacrifice some upgradeability.
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Blue | ![]() | Best Overall for Creative Professionals | Processor: M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU | Display: 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution, 500 nits brightness | Memory: 16GB Unified Memory | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple Mac Pro Desktop Computer – Intel Xeon E5 2.7GHz 12-Core, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD (Renewed) | ![]() | Best for Heavy-Duty Professional Workloads | Processor: 12-core 2.7 GHz Intel Xeon E5 | RAM: 32GB DDR3 ECC | Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2019 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K Display (Renewed) | ![]() | Best for Visual Professionals on a Budget | Display: 27-inch Retina 5K | Processor: 6-Core 9th-generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Radeon Pro 570x, 575x, or 580x | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2021 iMac with Apple M1 Chip, 24-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Blue (Renewed) | ![]() | Best for Everyday Users and Students | Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina | Processor: Apple M1 with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU | RAM: 8GB | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 27-inch iMac (Early 2019) with 3.0GHz Intel Core i5, Retina 5K Display, 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD | ![]() | Best for General Use with Large Display | Display: 27-inch Retina 5K | Processor: 6-core 3.0 GHz Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Radeon Pro 570x, 575x, or 580x | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2.7GHz Core i5 All-in-One Desktop (Renewed) | ![]() | Best Budget All-in-One | Display Size: 21.5 inches | Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | Processor: 2.7GHz Core i5 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple Mac Pro Quad Core 3.7GHz Xeon (ME253LL/A) 64GB RAM, 512GB SSD (Renewed) | ![]() | Best Professional Workstation | Processor: 3.7GHz Xeon Quad Core | RAM: 64 GB DDR3 ECC | Storage: 512 GB SSD | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 21.5-inch iMac Desktop Computer (Renewed) | ![]() | Best for Basic Computing | Processor: Intel Core i5-7360U 2.3 GHz | Display: 21.5-inch LED IPS | RAM: 8GB DDR4 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple iMac 27-Inch Retina 5K Desktop (Renewed) | ![]() | Best High-Resolution Display | Display: 27-inch Retina 5K | Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K 4GHz | Memory: 32GB DDR3 | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2023 Mac Mini with M2 Pro Chip, 10-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Silver | ![]() | Best Compact Powerhouse | Processor: Apple M2 Pro 10-core CPU | GPU: Up to 19-core GPU | Memory: 16GB unified | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| renewed mac pro desktop | Processor | Storage | Display | RAM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU | 256GB SSD | 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution, 500 nits brightness | — |
| Apple Mac Pro Desktop Computer | 12-core 2.7 GHz Intel Xeon E5 | 256GB PCIe SSD | — | 32GB DDR3 ECC |
| Apple 2019 27-inch iMac with R | 6-Core 9th-generation Intel Core i5 | 2TB | 27-inch Retina 5K | 8GB |
| Apple 2021 iMac with Apple M1 | Apple M1 with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU | 256GB SSD | 24-inch 4.5K Retina | 8GB |
| Apple 27-inch iMac | 6-core 3.0 GHz Intel Core i5 | 1TB SSD | 27-inch Retina 5K | 8GB |
| Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2.7GHz Co | 2.7GHz Core i5 | 256 GB SSD | — | — |
| Apple Mac Pro Quad Core 3.7GHz | 3.7GHz Xeon Quad Core | 512 GB SSD | — | 64 GB DDR3 ECC |
| Apple 21.5-inch iMac Desktop C | Intel Core i5-7360U 2.3 GHz | 1TB HDD | 21.5-inch LED IPS | 8GB DDR4 |
| Apple iMac 27-Inch Retina 5K D | Intel Core i7-4790K 4GHz | 3TB HDD + 128GB SSD | 27-inch Retina 5K | — |
| Apple 2023 Mac Mini with M2 Pr | Apple M2 Pro 10-core CPU | 512GB SSD | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Blue
This 2024 iMac stands out for its powerful M4 chip that handles demanding tasks like photo editing and light video work with ease, outperforming earlier models like the 2021 M1 iMac. Its vibrant 24-inch Retina display offers exceptional color accuracy, ideal for creatives who need precise visuals. Compared to the Mac Pro’s raw power, this all-in-one provides a more streamlined experience with less complexity but sacrifices upgradeability and storage space. The 256GB SSD may be limiting for large projects, and the premium price reflects its high-end features. This model’s seamless Apple ecosystem integration makes it perfect for those deeply invested in Apple devices.
Pros:- Fast performance with the new M4 chip, suitable for demanding creative tasks
- Vibrant 24-inch Retina display with high color accuracy
- Seamless ecosystem integration with other Apple devices
- Compact, all-in-one design reduces clutter
Cons:- Limited storage capacity at 256GB SSD
- Premium cost could be prohibitive for some users
- Only available in blue may restrict aesthetic choices
Best for: Creative professionals and home office users who prioritize display quality and integrated performance without needing extensive upgrade options.
Not ideal for: Power users requiring expandable storage or high-end graphics, or those on a tight budget due to its premium price.
- Processor:M4 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU
- Display:24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution, 500 nits brightness
- Memory:16GB Unified Memory
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Color:Blue
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, supports two 6K displays
Our verdict“This is an excellent choice for creative professionals seeking a powerful, visually stunning all-in-one with Apple’s latest chip.”
Apple Mac Pro Desktop Computer – Intel Xeon E5 2.7GHz 12-Core, 32GB RAM, 256GB SSD (Renewed)
This refurbished Mac Pro offers a 12-core Intel Xeon E5 processor and 32GB of RAM, making it ideal for demanding workflows like 3D rendering or large-scale data analysis. Its compact cylindrical form rivals the Mac mini in footprint but packs serious power, similar to the older Mac Pro towers but with a less upgrade-friendly design. Compared to the 2019 27-inch iMac, this setup provides more raw multitasking capacity, though with older graphics capabilities and limited upgrade options. The 256GB SSD is fast but may require external storage for larger projects. It’s best suited for professionals who need stable, high-performance computing in a small form factor.
Pros:- High-performance 12-core processor suitable for demanding tasks
- Ample 32GB RAM for multitasking and heavy workloads
- Fast PCIe SSD for quick data access
- Compact design conserves space
Cons:- Refurbished condition may have minor signs of wear
- Older graphics cards with limited VRAM
- Limited upgradeability due to design constraints
Best for: Professional creators and developers who need reliable, multi-core processing without the need for GPU upgrades.
Not ideal for: Gamers or GPU-intensive users, since the graphics are older and limited in VRAM, or those seeking future-proof upgrade paths.
- Processor:12-core 2.7 GHz Intel Xeon E5
- RAM:32GB DDR3 ECC
- Storage:256GB PCIe SSD
- Graphics:Dual AMD FirePro D300 with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM each
- Wi-Fi:802.11ac
- Ports:Six Thunderbolt 2, four USB 3.0
Our verdict“This Mac Pro is a solid choice for professionals who prioritize raw processing power in a compact, reliable package.”
Apple 2019 27-inch iMac with Retina 5K Display (Renewed)
This 2019 27-inch iMac provides a stunning 5K Retina display, making it perfect for photo editors and designers who need high visual fidelity. Its 6-core 9th-generation Intel Core i5 processor delivers solid performance, but it falls behind newer models like the 2024 iMac with M4 chips, especially in multitasking and energy efficiency. Compared to the 2021 M1 iMac, it offers a larger display but less modern hardware, which may impact long-term usability. The 8GB RAM is manageable but might require upgrading for heavy multitasking. The 2TB storage offers ample space, but the lack of advanced connectivity options limits peripherals. Overall, it’s a cost-effective choice for those prioritizing display quality over raw performance.
Pros:- High-resolution Retina 5K display with vivid visuals
- Powerful 6-core processor suitable for demanding tasks
- Sleek, attractive design with multiple ports
Cons:- Limited RAM for intensive multitasking without upgrades
- Older hardware that may become outdated sooner
- No modern connectivity options like Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C
Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a large, high-resolution display for creative work without the latest hardware.
Not ideal for: Power users needing the latest processing speeds or extensive upgrade options; heavy multitaskers or gamers may find performance lacking.
- Display:27-inch Retina 5K
- Processor:6-Core 9th-generation Intel Core i5
- Graphics:Radeon Pro 570x, 575x, or 580x
- Storage:2TB
- RAM:8GB
- Ports:Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)
Our verdict“This iMac offers excellent display quality at a lower cost, making it suitable for creative professionals on a budget who don’t need the latest hardware.”
Apple 2021 iMac with Apple M1 Chip, 24-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Blue (Renewed)
The 2021 M1 iMac offers a compelling balance of performance and style, with its vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display and efficient M1 chip. It’s a step up from older Intel-based iMacs in terms of speed and power efficiency, making it great for students, casual users, and light creatives. Its 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD are sufficient for daily tasks, but heavy multitasking or large files may require external storage or RAM upgrades. Compared to the 2024 M4-powered iMac, it’s less powerful but more affordable and energy-efficient. The colorful design and high-quality audio/video features make it a favorite for general use in homes and classrooms.
Pros:- Vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
- Efficient M1 chip with strong daily performance
- Colorful, modern design with high-quality audio/video features
- Good value for casual and light professional use
Cons:- Limited RAM for multitasking-intensive applications
- Refurbished condition may vary
- Less future-proof compared to newer models
Best for: Students, home users, and casual creatives who want a stylish, capable all-in-one without needing the latest hardware.
Not ideal for: Power users or professionals handling large files or complex workflows that require more RAM and processing power.
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina
- Processor:Apple M1 with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU
- RAM:8GB
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Color:Blue
- Brightness:500 nits
Our verdict“This iMac is ideal for everyday users who want a stylish, capable computer that handles typical tasks smoothly.”
Apple 27-inch iMac (Early 2019) with 3.0GHz Intel Core i5, Retina 5K Display, 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD
This 2019 27-inch iMac combines a stunning Retina 5K display with a 6-core 3.0GHz Intel Core i5 processor, making it suitable for users who need a large, vibrant screen paired with decent processing power. Its 1TB SSD provides ample storage, and its multiple ports—including Thunderbolt 3 and HDMI—offer good peripheral flexibility. Compared to the newer 2021 M1 iMac, it’s less energy-efficient and slightly bulkier, but its larger screen and traditional design appeal to those who prefer familiarity. The 8GB RAM might limit multitasking unless upgraded, and the pre-owned condition could vary, so buyers should inspect carefully.
Pros:- Large, vibrant 5K Retina display
- Decent processing power with 6-core i5
- Ample 1TB SSD storage
- Multiple ports for flexible connectivity
Cons:- Older hardware with limited future longevity
- Limited RAM without upgrades
- Pre-owned condition may vary
Best for: Home users or professionals who need a large, high-quality display and reliable performance at a lower price point.
Not ideal for: Power users needing the latest hardware or extensive upgrade options; gamers or VR enthusiasts might find the graphics underpowered.
- Display:27-inch Retina 5K
- Processor:6-core 3.0 GHz Intel Core i5
- Graphics:Radeon Pro 570x, 575x, or 580x
- Storage:1TB SSD
- RAM:8GB
- Ports:2 Thunderbolt 3, 1 HDMI, multiple USB-C
Our verdict“This 2019 iMac provides excellent visual quality for basic to moderate tasks, especially where a large display is desired at a lower cost.”
Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2.7GHz Core i5 All-in-One Desktop (Renewed)
This 21.5-inch iMac offers a straightforward, space-saving all-in-one design suitable for everyday tasks. Compared with the larger 27-inch Retina model, this version is more compact, but its 1080p resolution and older macOS Sierra limit its appeal for users needing sharper visuals or up-to-date software. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a reliable, entry-level Apple experience without demanding high-end performance. The inclusion of a 2.7GHz Core i5 and SSD delivers decent speed for browsing, email, and light productivity, but the outdated OS and lack of dedicated graphics could hinder more intensive workflows. This model makes the most sense for students or home users seeking a renewed Apple desktop at a lower price point.
Pros:- Compact all-in-one design saves space
- Fast SSD improves overall responsiveness
- Renewed product tested to work like new with warranty
Cons:- Outdated macOS Sierra limits software compatibility
- Limited resolution may feel cramped compared to larger displays
- No dedicated graphics card for graphics-intensive work
Best for: Students or casual home users who want a dependable, affordable Apple desktop for basic tasks.
Not ideal for: Creative professionals or power users who need higher resolution, modern OS, or dedicated graphics.
- Display Size:21.5 inches
- Display Resolution:1920 x 1080
- Processor:2.7GHz Core i5
- Memory:8 GB DDR3
- Storage:256 GB SSD
- Operating System:macOS Sierra
Our verdict“This iMac suits beginners or budget-conscious users seeking an Apple desktop for simple tasks, despite its aging software and display limitations.”
Apple Mac Pro Quad Core 3.7GHz Xeon (ME253LL/A) 64GB RAM, 512GB SSD (Renewed)
This Mac Pro stands out for its high-performance capabilities, with a 3.7GHz Xeon quad-core processor and a massive 64GB of RAM, making it ideal for demanding creative or scientific workloads. Compared to the 21.5-inch iMac, this model offers professional-grade expandability and raw power, but it sacrifices the sleek all-in-one design for a more traditional tower setup. Its dual AMD FirePro D300 graphics and extensive connectivity make it suited for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and large data processing. However, as a refurbished product, it may show cosmetic imperfections, and its higher price reflects its professional focus. This pick makes the most sense for creative studios or high-end professionals needing serious computing muscle.
Pros:- High-end Xeon processor ensures top-tier performance
- Large 64GB RAM supports multitasking and heavy workloads
- Multiple Thunderbolt 2 ports for extensive connectivity
Cons:- Refurbished product may have cosmetic imperfections
- Lacks modern USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports
- Higher cost may be prohibitive for casual users
Best for: Creative professionals or scientists requiring a powerful, expandable workstation.
Not ideal for: Casual users or those with limited space who prefer all-in-one designs.
- Processor:3.7GHz Xeon Quad Core
- RAM:64 GB DDR3 ECC
- Storage:512 GB SSD
- Graphics:Dual AMD FirePro D300 2GB
- Connectivity:Six Thunderbolt 2, USB 3.0, HDMI
Our verdict“This Mac Pro is tailored for professionals demanding maximum power and expandability, despite its bulk and higher price.”
Apple 21.5-inch iMac Desktop Computer (Renewed)
This 21.5-inch iMac provides a reliable, everyday computing experience suitable for users who need a straightforward desktop. Unlike the 27-inch Retina model, it offers a more manageable size but with a less sharp 1080p display and an older macOS version. Its Intel Core i5-7360U processor and 8GB RAM handle web browsing, document editing, and media playback well, though the 1TB HDD could slow down performance for storage-heavy tasks. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers, students, or small offices that don’t require cutting-edge specs. The absence of bundled peripherals and outdated OS are drawbacks for those seeking a more modern setup. Overall, this device makes sense for buyers prioritizing affordability over high performance or display quality.
Pros:- Affordable renewed option with reliable hardware
- Decent 21.5-inch display for everyday use
- 8GB RAM supports multitasking
Cons:- HDD storage is slower than SSDs
- Pre-installed macOS 10.12 is outdated
- No dedicated graphics card for multimedia editing
Best for: Budget-conscious students or home users needing a dependable, simple desktop.
Not ideal for: Power users or creative professionals who need fast storage and newer software.
- Processor:Intel Core i5-7360U 2.3 GHz
- Display:21.5-inch LED IPS
- RAM:8GB DDR4
- Storage:1TB HDD
- Operating System:macOS 10.12
Our verdict“This iMac offers a practical, low-cost solution for basic computing needs, with some compromises on speed and software freshness.”
Apple iMac 27-Inch Retina 5K Desktop (Renewed)
The 27-inch Retina 5K iMac excels for creative professionals who need crisp visuals and a powerful CPU. Its 4GHz Core i7 processor and 32GB RAM support intensive tasks like video editing and graphic design, and the 3TB hard drive plus 128GB SSD provide ample storage and fast caching. Compared with the 21.5-inch models, this desktop offers significantly better display quality and more processing punch, but it’s heavier and more expensive, especially considering some conflicting specs about the processor. The pre-installed macOS Yosemite is outdated, which could limit compatibility with newer software. It’s best suited for users who prioritize display accuracy and processing power over size and weight. This machine is ideal for dedicated creative studios or professionals who need a large, high-res screen.
Pros:- Retina 5K display offers exceptional clarity
- Powerful Intel i7 CPU with 32GB RAM for demanding apps
- Large 3TB drive with SSD cache enhances performance
Cons:- Older macOS Yosemite limits software compatibility
- Heavy and less portable for small spaces
- Some conflicting specs about processor details
Best for: Creative professionals needing a large 5K display and substantial processing power.
Not ideal for: Small office spaces or casual users who don’t require the high-resolution display.
- Display:27-inch Retina 5K
- Processor:Intel Core i7-4790K 4GHz
- Memory:32GB DDR3
- Storage:3TB HDD + 128GB SSD
- Graphics:AMD Radeon R9 M290X 2GB
Our verdict“This high-end iMac delivers stunning visuals and robust performance for professional creatives, despite its size and outdated OS.”
Apple 2023 Mac Mini with M2 Pro Chip, 10-core CPU, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Silver
This Mac Mini with the M2 Pro chip packs a punch in a tiny footprint, making it perfect for demanding workflows in a minimal space. Its 10-core CPU and up to 19-core GPU outperform many traditional desktops, including the older Mac Pro or 21.5-inch iMac, thanks to Apple’s latest silicon. The 16GB of unified memory and 512GB SSD provide fast, responsive performance for creative projects, programming, or media editing. The extensive connectivity options like Thunderbolt 4 and Ethernet make it flexible for various setups. Unlike the other desktops in this roundup, this device’s compact size and power make it a clear choice for users who need high performance but lack space for a tower. However, being a renewed product, it might come with some warranty limitations, and upgrade options are limited after purchase.
Pros:- Powerful M2 Pro chip with high-performance CPU and GPU
- Compact size fits small desks or multimedia setups
- Multiple ports including Thunderbolt 4 and Ethernet
Cons:- Renewed product may have limited warranty coverage
- Limited upgradeability post-purchase
- Higher cost for upgraded configurations
Best for: Developers, creative professionals, or home office users who need power in a compact form.
Not ideal for: Users who prefer traditional desktops with upgrade options or need a larger screen integrated.
- Processor:Apple M2 Pro 10-core CPU
- GPU:Up to 19-core GPU
- Memory:16GB unified
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Connectivity:Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E
Our verdict“This Mac Mini offers a remarkable blend of power and size, ideal for demanding users with limited space seeking future-proof performance.”

How We Picked
I evaluated these renewed Mac Pro desktops based on performance, build quality, and value for money. Priority was given to models with recent hardware that can handle demanding professional tasks, while also considering the longevity and warranty coverage typical of renewed products. I also looked at user reviews and resale standards to determine which options offer reliable performance over time. The ranking reflects a balance between power, price, and practicality, ensuring each pick serves a distinct user need.| renewed mac pro desktop | Graphics |
|---|---|
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | — |
| Apple Mac Pro Desktop Computer | Dual AMD FirePro D300 with 2GB GDDR5 VRAM each |
| Apple 2019 27-inch iMac with R | Radeon Pro 570x, 575x, or 580x |
| Apple 2021 iMac with Apple M1 | — |
| Apple 27-inch iMac | Radeon Pro 570x, 575x, or 580x |
| Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2.7GHz Co | — |
| Apple Mac Pro Quad Core 3.7GHz | Dual AMD FirePro D300 2GB |
| Apple 21.5-inch iMac Desktop C | — |
| Apple iMac 27-Inch Retina 5K D | AMD Radeon R9 M290X 2GB |
| Apple 2023 Mac Mini with M2 Pr | — |












