Key takeaways
- Chip generation: The M4 iMac is dramatically faster and more efficient than the older Intel Retina 5K models. If longevity matters, prioritize Apple Silicon over a higher clock speed on an aging Intel chip.
- Unified memory: 16GB is comfortable for browsing, email, and light photo work. Step up to 24GB if you juggle dozens of tabs, edit video, or run heavier creative apps.
- Storage: A 256GB SSD fills up fast once you add a photo library. A 512GB drive gives real breathing room, and external SSDs can extend either.
- Display size: The 24-inch Retina panel suits most desks. The older 27-inch 5K models offer more screen real estate if you find one in good condition.
- New vs. renewed: Renewed units cost less and are fine for basic use, but a new M4 machine will stay relevant years longer and carries full warranty coverage.
What's inside
If you have decided that a Mac is your next computer, the all-in-one iMac is one of the cleanest ways to get there. A single sculpted panel holds the display, the processor, the speakers, and the webcam, so your desk stays free of towers and tangled cables. For 2026, the lineup spans everything from the latest M4-powered 24-inch models to still-capable Retina 5K machines from previous generations.
Choosing the right one comes down to how much power you actually need and how long you plan to keep it. Below you will find our current favorites, followed by a straightforward buying guide so you can match the machine to your workflow instead of overpaying for specs you will never touch.
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Watch: Best Apple Desk Top — Video Review
How to Choose the Right iMac
- Chip generation: The M4 iMac is dramatically faster and more efficient than the older Intel Retina 5K models. If longevity matters, prioritize Apple Silicon over a higher clock speed on an aging Intel chip.
- Unified memory: 16GB is comfortable for browsing, email, and light photo work. Step up to 24GB if you juggle dozens of tabs, edit video, or run heavier creative apps.
- Storage: A 256GB SSD fills up fast once you add a photo library. A 512GB drive gives real breathing room, and external SSDs can extend either.
- Display size: The 24-inch Retina panel suits most desks. The older 27-inch 5K models offer more screen real estate if you find one in good condition.
- New vs. renewed: Renewed units cost less and are fine for basic use, but a new M4 machine will stay relevant years longer and carries full warranty coverage.
The Best Apple Desktops Reviewed
Apple 2024 iMac M4 (10-core, 24GB, 512GB)
This is the flagship of the current 24-inch lineup. The 10-core CPU and GPU, paired with 24GB of unified memory and a roomy 512GB SSD, make it the pick for anyone doing photo editing, light video, or heavy multitasking. It is built for Apple Intelligence features and should feel fast for many years.
Apple 2024 iMac M4 (8-core, 16GB, 256GB)
The more affordable M4 configuration keeps the same gorgeous 24-inch Retina display and modern chip, but trims to an 8-core layout, 16GB of memory, and a 256GB drive. For students, home offices, and everyday users, it hits a genuinely sweet spot on value.
Apple 2024 iMac M4 (Renewed)
A renewed M4 iMac lets you get into current-generation Apple Silicon for less. You still enjoy the 24-inch panel and modern performance, with the trade-off being cosmetic wear and a shorter warranty. It is a smart way to save if you buy from a reputable seller.
2020 Apple iMac Retina 5K 27-inch
The 27-inch Retina 5K remains a favorite for people who crave screen space. With 8GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, this Intel-era machine handles office work and web browsing well, though it will not match the efficiency of the newer chips.
Apple iMac 21.5-inch Renewed
The most budget-friendly option here, this renewed 21.5-inch model with a Core i5, 8GB of memory, and a 256GB SSD is aimed at simple tasks: documents, streaming, and email. It is a practical secondary computer rather than a long-term workhorse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the M4 iMac worth it over an older model?
For most buyers, yes. The efficiency, speed, and software support of Apple Silicon make it a better long-term investment than a discounted Intel machine.
How much memory do I really need?
16GB covers everyday computing comfortably. Choose 24GB only if you edit media or keep an enormous number of apps and tabs open at once.
Are renewed iMacs reliable?
Renewed units from trusted sellers are inspected and tested, making them a solid way to save. Just check the return policy and warranty before buying.
Can I upgrade the iMac later?
Apple Silicon iMacs are not user-upgradeable, so pick your memory and storage carefully up front. External SSDs are the easiest way to add space afterward.
Final Thoughts
The iMac remains one of the tidiest desktop experiences you can buy, and the M4 models are the ones worth prioritizing for their speed and longevity. If your budget is tighter, a renewed unit or an older Retina 5K still delivers a lovely display and dependable performance for everyday work. Match the memory and storage to your actual workflow, and you will end up with a desktop that stays pleasant to use for years.
