Choosing the right 24-inch iMac in 2026 depends on your priorities—whether it’s raw performance, vibrant display quality, or budget-friendly options. The Apple 2024 iMac with M4 chip stands out for its blazing speed and color options, but it comes at a premium. Meanwhile, the 2021 M1-based iMacs offer solid performance and excellent display quality, especially for those willing to buy renewed models. Here, I’ll compare five top configurations, highlighting their strengths, tradeoffs, and who they are best suited for, so you can make an informed decision.
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Key Takeaways
- The Apple 2024 M4 iMac offers the best performance but commands a higher price.
- Refurbished 2021 models provide great value for those on a tighter budget.
- Display quality remains excellent across all models, with 4.5K Retina screens standard.
- Memory and storage options are critical for heavy multitasking and large files, but upgrades are limited in some models.
- Design and color choices can influence your aesthetic preference, especially with the latest colorful options.
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 24GB Memory, 512GB SSD, Blue |  | Best Overall Performance and Modern Features | Processor: M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Display: 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution | Memory: 24GB Unified Memory | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 2021 Apple iMac with M1 Chip (24-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) – Pink (Renewed) |  | Best Value for Everyday Use | Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina | Processor: Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU | Memory: 8GB RAM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2021 iMac with M1 Chip, 24-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – Silver (Renewed) |  | Best Compact and Affordable for Basic Needs | Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina | Processor: Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU | Memory: 8GB RAM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD – Silver |  | Best for Power Users Who Value Color and Design | Processor: M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU | Display: 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution | Memory: 16GB Unified Memory | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Silver (Renewed) |  | Best Thin, Stylish, and Efficient Model | Processor: M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU | Display: 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution | Memory: 16GB RAM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| inch imac configuration | Processor | Display | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution | 24GB Unified Memory | 512GB SSD |
| 2021 Apple iMac with M1 Chip | Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU | 24-inch 4.5K Retina | 8GB RAM | 512GB SSD |
| Apple 2021 iMac with M1 Chip | Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU | 24-inch 4.5K Retina | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD |
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU | 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution | 16GB Unified Memory | 256GB SSD |
| Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Ch | M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU | 24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution | 16GB RAM | 256GB SSD |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 24GB Memory, 512GB SSD, Blue
This model stands out for its powerful M4 chip, which delivers lightning-fast performance suitable for demanding multitasking, creative work, and even light gaming. Its vibrant 24-inch Retina display offers excellent color accuracy and clarity, making it ideal for creative professionals and media enthusiasts. Compared to older models, the M4’s efficiency translates into better battery life and future-proofing, although it comes with a premium price and limited upgrade options.
It’s best suited for users who want cutting-edge performance and seamless integration with other Apple devices. However, if budget constraints are tight or you prefer more customization, this might not be the best pick.
Pros:- Blazing fast M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and GPU
- Vivid 24-inch Retina display with 4.5K resolution
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
- Four Thunderbolt 4 ports for expansion
Cons:- Premium price point
- Limited upgradeability for storage and memory
- Available only in select colors
Best for: Power users, creative professionals, and those invested in the Apple ecosystem
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers or those seeking extensive hardware upgrades
- Processor:M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Display:24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution
- Memory:24GB Unified Memory
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Color:Blue
- Ports:Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Our verdict“This iMac offers the best combination of speed, display quality, and future readiness for demanding users willing to invest more.”
2021 Apple iMac with M1 Chip (24-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) – Pink (Renewed)
This refurbished 2021 iMac provides a reliable balance of performance and price, featuring the powerful M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and GPU. The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with P3 wide color gamut ensures vibrant visuals suitable for daily productivity, creative projects, and media consumption. While its design remains sleek and compact, the limited RAM of 8GB may restrict heavy multitasking or professional workflows. The two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports can also be a bottleneck for users with multiple peripherals.
Compared with the newer M4 models, this one sacrifices some speed but offers significant savings. It’s a smart choice for those who want Apple quality without the latest hardware, especially if they are okay with a renewed product’s warranty limitations.
Pros:- Vivid 4.5K Retina display with P3 wide color gamut
- Solid performance with M1 chip
- Compact, sleek design in pink
- Good wireless connectivity options
Cons:- Limited to 8GB RAM
- Only two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports
- Refurbished status may imply limited warranty
Best for: Casual users, students, and budget-conscious buyers
Not ideal for: Heavy multitaskers or professionals needing extensive RAM
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina
- Processor:Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU
- Memory:8GB RAM
- Storage:512GB SSD
- Color:Pink
- Ports:Two Thunderbolt / USB 4
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Our verdict“A dependable, budget-friendly choice for everyday users who prioritize display quality and Apple ecosystem compatibility.”
Apple 2021 iMac with M1 Chip, 24-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD – Silver (Renewed)
This refurbished 2021 model emphasizes portability and affordability, featuring a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with high color fidelity. The M1 chip, with its 8-core CPU and GPU, ensures adequate performance for web browsing, media streaming, and office applications. Its lighter weight and smaller footprint make it an ideal secondary or space-saving desktop. However, the 256GB SSD can fill quickly with media files or large projects, and the limited ports—two Thunderbolt / USB 4 and up to two USB 3—may restrict expandability.
Compared with higher-storage models, this one might not suit users with large libraries or professional workflows, but its affordability and compact size make it perfect for basic computing or for those with space constraints.
Pros:- High-resolution 4.5K Retina display
- Efficient M1 chip with solid performance
- Lightweight and compact design
- Good multimedia features
Cons:- Limited to 256GB SSD storage
- Refurbished with potential warranty limits
- Limited port options for expansion
Best for: Light users, students, or secondary computer needs
Not ideal for: Power users or anyone requiring extensive storage or multitasking
- Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina
- Processor:Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU
- Memory:8GB RAM
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Color:Silver
- Ports:Two Thunderbolt / USB 4, up to two USB 3
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
Our verdict“A practical, space-saving option for casual users prioritizing display quality and affordability over extensive storage.”
Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD – Silver
This 2024 iMac variant offers a powerful M4 chip, with 8-core CPU and GPU, providing excellent performance for demanding tasks. Its 24-inch Retina display supports 1 billion colors at 4.5K resolution, delivering vibrant visuals perfect for creative professionals. The 16GB of unified memory enhances multitasking capacity, and the sleek, colorful design makes it a stylish addition to any workspace. The 256GB SSD might be limiting for large media libraries, but for most users, it balances speed and aesthetics well.
Compared to models with larger storage, this one emphasizes performance and visual quality over capacity, making it ideal for users who manage their files in the cloud or external drives. Its premium price reflects its high-end features.
Pros:- Robust M4 chip for demanding workflows
- Stunning 24-inch Retina display with vibrant color support
- All-in-one, colorful design
- Excellent multitasking with 16GB RAM
Cons:- Limited internal storage at 256GB
- Premium price
- No significant upgrade options
Best for: Creative professionals, designers, and users valuing aesthetics and performance
Not ideal for: Those with extensive local storage needs or on a tight budget
- Processor:M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU
- Display:24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution
- Memory:16GB Unified Memory
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Color:Silver
- Ports:Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Our verdict“Ideal for creative users who want a visually striking, high-performance iMac with ample RAM and excellent display quality, with the tradeoff of limited storage.”
Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Silver (Renewed)
This renewed iMac Air combines a slim profile with robust performance thanks to the M4 chip. Its 24-inch Retina display supports 4.5K resolution and over 1 billion colors, making it perfect for media consumption and light creative work. The 16GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking, and its sleek, vibrant design fits easily into any room. While the 256GB SSD might limit storage, this model emphasizes portability and style, making it suitable for users who prioritize aesthetics and mobility over large storage capacity.
Compared to larger or more storage-rich models, this iMac Air’s main strength lies in its portability and modern design. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a high-performance, eye-catching device that blends into any environment, provided their storage needs are modest.
Pros:- Vivid Retina display with 4.5K resolution
- Powerful M4 chip for fast performance
- Sleek and lightweight all-in-one design
- Enhanced privacy and Apple Intelligence features
Cons:- Limited storage at 256GB
- Renewed product may have warranty limitations
- No included peripherals specified
Best for: Stylish, portable use, light multitasking, and media consumption
Not ideal for: Power users with extensive local storage or demanding workflows
- Processor:M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU
- Display:24-inch Retina, 4.5K resolution
- Memory:16GB RAM
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Color:Silver
- Ports:Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Our verdict“A sleek, powerful, and portable iMac ideal for users who want style and performance in a slim profile, with the tradeoff of limited storage capacity.”
How We Picked
Our selection process focused on evaluating each iMac’s performance capabilities, display quality, design, and value. We prioritized models that embody the core features users seek in a 24-inch iMac—speed, clarity, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration—while considering price and upgradeability. We also included renewed options to reflect real-world affordability without sacrificing quality, and compared their specs and user-focused features to identify clear distinctions and tradeoffs.
| inch imac configuration | Processor | Color | Ports | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Blue | Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| 2021 Apple iMac with M1 Chip | Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU | Pink | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Apple 2021 iMac with M1 Chip | Apple M1, 8-core CPU and GPU | Silver | Two Thunderbolt / USB 4, up to two USB 3 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Des | M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU | Silver | Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Apple 2024 iMac Air with M4 Ch | M4 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU | Silver | Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Factors to Consider When Choosing 24 Inch Imac Configurations
Choosing between these 24-inch iMac configurations involves balancing performance, display quality, price, and design. Your decision should align with your primary use case—whether for demanding creative tasks, everyday productivity, or space-saving needs. The latest M4 models bring significant power and new features, but their higher prices and limited upgrade options may not suit everyone. Conversely, refurbished and older models can provide excellent value, especially for casual or budget-conscious buyers. Consider your storage needs, desired aesthetics, and how future-proof you want your investment to be.Performance
If raw power and speed are your priorities, the 2024 M4 iMac delivers unmatched performance with its 10-core CPU and GPU. For everyday tasks or light creative work, the M1-based models still handle most workloads efficiently, but be mindful of their RAM and storage limits. Heavy multitasking or professional workflows benefit from the newer M4’s enhanced capabilities, while casual users can comfortably stick with older or renewed options.
Display Quality
All models feature a 24-inch Retina display with 4.5K resolution, ensuring vibrant, sharp visuals. The P3 wide color gamut in the M1 models guarantees rich colors, but the M4 models support over a billion colors, making them even more suitable for color-sensitive work. If your work involves detailed color grading or media editing, prioritizing the latest display tech may be worth the extra cost.
Budget and Value
Refurbished 2021 models, particularly those with the M1 chip, offer solid performance at significantly lower prices, making them appealing for students or casual users. The latest M4-based iMacs, however, come with a premium but provide future-proofing and the newest features. If storage capacity is a concern, look for models with larger SSDs or consider external storage options.
Design and Aesthetics
Color options vary across models—while the 2024 M4 iMac offers vibrant choices like blue and silver, the older models come in standard options like pink and silver. The all-in-one design remains sleek and space-efficient across all configurations, with the latest models emphasizing style and portability, especially the iMac Air variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the 2021 iMac models still a good choice in 2026?
Yes, especially for users who prioritize value and do not require the latest hardware. The M1 chips in these models remain capable of handling everyday tasks, media consumption, and light creative work. The main tradeoff lies in their limited upgradeability and slightly outdated features compared to the newer M4 models, but for many users, they still provide solid performance and excellent display quality.What are the main advantages of the M4 chip in the 2024 iMac?
The M4 chip offers significant performance improvements over the M1, including faster processing speeds, better graphics, and enhanced power efficiency. These improvements translate into smoother multitasking, quicker rendering, and a more future-proof device. For demanding creative workflows or intensive multitasking, the M4 makes a noticeable difference, but it comes with a higher price tag and fewer upgrade options.Should I buy a renewed or refurbished iMac?
Buying a renewed or refurbished iMac can be a smart way to save money while still getting a high-quality device. However, it’s important to verify warranty and seller reputation. Refurbished models often have been tested and certified, but they may have limited warranties and slightly less assurance of long-term reliability. For casual or secondary use, they are generally a good deal.How much storage do I really need in a 24-inch iMac?
It depends on your usage. If you mainly store files in the cloud or on external drives, 256GB or 512GB SSDs might suffice. However, for users who work with large media files or install many applications locally, opting for 512GB or more is advisable. Remember, some models limit upgradeability, so choose a storage configuration that aligns with your current and near-future needs.Are the latest 24-inch iMacs worth the investment?
If you need high performance, excellent display quality, and future-proof features, the latest M4 models are worth considering. They provide faster processing, better graphics, and more memory options, making them suitable for professional use and demanding workflows. However, if your needs are basic or your budget is limited, earlier models or renewed options still deliver great value for everyday tasks.Conclusion
For users seeking top-tier performance and cutting-edge features, the 2024 M4 iMac is the best choice. Budget-conscious buyers or those with moderate needs will find excellent value in the refurbished 2021 models, especially the M1 variants. Creative professionals should prioritize models with higher RAM and superior display tech, while casual users can comfortably opt for older or renewed options that still offer vibrant visuals and reliable performance.
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