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Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 in review: Does Apple's M1 SoC also convince in the desktop?

On the desk it becomes colorful. Apple now also uses its own M1 processor for the iMac. The new model with a 23.5-inch 4.5K Retina display replaces the previous 21.5-inch model and is available in many different colors. In the test, the desktop computer convinces in many areas, only the loud cooling is a surprise.
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 (iMac Series)
Processor
Apple M1 8 x 2.1 - 3.2 GHz
Graphics adapter
Memory
8 GB 
, LPDDR4X-4266
Display
23.50 inch 16:9, 4480 x 2520 pixel 219 PPI, IPS, glossy: yes, 60 Hz
Storage
Apple SSD AP0512, 512 GB 
, 467 GB free
Connections
2 USB 3.1 Gen2, 2 USB 4.0 40 Gbps, 2 Thunderbolt, 2 DisplayPort, Audio Connections: 3.5 mm, 1 Fingerprint Reader, Brightness Sensor
Networking
Broadcom BCM57762 (10/100/1000MBit/s), 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/ac = Wi-Fi 5/ax = Wi-Fi 6/), Bluetooth 5.0
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 461 x 547 x 147 ( = 18.15 x 21.54 x 5.79 in)
Operating System
Apple macOS 11 Big Sur
Camera
Webcam: 1080p FaceTime HD
Primary Camera: 2 MPix
Additional features
Speakers: 6, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: no, 143W PSU, Magic Mouse, Magic Keyboard, Magic TrackPad, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
4.404 kg ( = 155.35 oz / 9.71 pounds) ( = 0 oz / 0 pounds)
Price
1800 Euro
Note: The manufacturer may use components from different suppliers including display panels, drives or memory sticks with similar specifications.

 

Possible competitors in comparison

Rating
Date
Model
Weight
Height
Size
Resolution
Best Price
85.4 %
10/2021
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1, M1 8-Core GPU
4.4 kg461 mm23.50"4480x2520
86.4 %
11/2020
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
i9-10910, Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop)
8.9 kg203 mm27.00"5120x2880
86.8 %
07/2018
Apple iMac Pro
W-2145, Pro Vega 56
9.8 kg516 mm27.00"5120x2880

Case, equipment and input devices

The case of the iMac differs from its predecessors. The thickness of the case is now the same in all places (previously very bulbous), but the use of plastic underneath the display means that the all-in-one no longer looks as high-quality. The width of the lower bezel also does not look particularly modern; more would certainly have been possible here. However, the build quality is still excellent and does not give reason for criticism. The built-in stand does not allow for height adjustment, only the tilt angle can be adjusted slightly. The iMac is also available as a version with an integrated VESA adapter (~50 Euros/~$58 surcharge), but there is no stand included and it cannot be retrofitted. Our test device in yellow looks very good, although every taste should find a suitable color here.

Inclination angle
Inclination angle
4 USB-C connectors (2x TB4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen.2), Gigabit Ethernet is available on the power supply unit
4 USB-C connectors (2x TB4, 2x USB 3.2 Gen.2), Gigabit Ethernet is available on the power supply unit
Magnetic power plug
Magnetic power plug

The base model with 7 GPU cores only offers two USB-C ports on the back (USB-4/Thunderbolt 3 with 40 GBit/s). Those who opt for a configuration with 8 GPU cores get two more USB-C ports (3.2 Gen.2) as well as the Gigabit Ethernet plug on the power supply as standard. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are also included, although the WLAN performance (as with the M1 MacBooks) is a bit low (Wi-Fi 6 only with 80 MHz). However, the signal quality was very good in the test.

The iMac is very flexible with these ports, but the position is not very practical in practice when you want to quickly connect an external hard drive or a USB stick. We would have liked to see an additional USB connector on the side, similar to the jack on the left edge. Thus, you will hardly get around a USB hub.

We already know the input devices from the predecessors and especially the TrackPad works very well. The keyboard is very practical thanks to the integrated Touch ID, but it only offers very little travel for desktop input (comparable to the MacBooks) and is also not illuminated. If you want to write a lot, you will certainly get better alternatives, but they do not offer all comfort features.

143-watt power supply with Gigabit Ethernet port
Networking
iperf3 transmit AX12
Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  (405 - 1750, n=103)
787 MBit/s +4%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
754 (359min - 811max) MBit/s
Apple iMac Pro
Broadcom 802.11ac
713 MBit/s -5%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
649 (611min - 664max) MBit/s -14%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Broadcom 802.11ac
602 MBit/s -20%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Broadcom 802.11ac
581 (533min - 616max) MBit/s -23%
Average of class Desktop
  (200 - 821, n=2, last 2 years)
511 MBit/s -32%
iperf3 receive AX12
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Broadcom 802.11ac
817 (806min - 821max) MBit/s +15%
Average 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
  (284 - 1414, n=103)
765 MBit/s +7%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
757 (378min - 806max) MBit/s +6%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Broadcom 802.11ac
723 MBit/s +1%
Apple iMac Pro
Broadcom 802.11ac
721 MBit/s +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
713 (591min - 739max) MBit/s
Average of class Desktop
  (338 - 880, n=2, last 2 years)
609 MBit/s -15%
050100150200250300350400450500550600650700750800Tooltip
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; iperf3 receive AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø712 (591-739)
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; iperf3 transmit AX12; iperf 3.1.3: Ø742 (359-811)
ColorChecker
12.2 ∆E
8 ∆E
10.2 ∆E
14.8 ∆E
8.4 ∆E
7 ∆E
10.7 ∆E
7.3 ∆E
9.4 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
6.8 ∆E
4.5 ∆E
6.6 ∆E
12.4 ∆E
12.6 ∆E
4.9 ∆E
10.4 ∆E
11.1 ∆E
2.3 ∆E
7.6 ∆E
11.4 ∆E
14.4 ∆E
14 ∆E
4.3 ∆E
ColorChecker Apple iMac 24 M1 2021: 9.08 ∆E min: 2.33 - max: 14.79 ∆E

Display - iMac with 4.5K Retina Screen

Subpixel arrangement
Subpixel arrangement

The 23.5-inch display offers a very high resolution of 4,480 x 2,520 pixels with a pixel density of 218 PPI. The content is thus displayed razor-sharp and there are also no scaling problems in conjunction with macOS. The subjective picture impression of the IPS panel is excellent and things like True Tone (automatic adjustment of the color temperature to the environment) as well as the brightness sensor are simply very practical and they also work flawlessly.

Apple states a brightness of 500 nits, but we can only confirm this in the center of the display according to our analysis (CalMAN Professional & X-Rite i1 Pro 2). The average brightness is around 480 cd/m². Compared to the previous iMacs, Apple was able to reduce the black value, which is why the contrast ratio (>1,400:1) is also better. We did not notice PWM flickering and the response times are comparatively good for an IPS display (no ghosting).

427
cd/m²
489
cd/m²
468
cd/m²
481
cd/m²
523
cd/m²
492
cd/m²
475
cd/m²
482
cd/m²
477
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 523 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 479.3 cd/m² Minimum: 3.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 82 %
Contrast: 1414:1 (Black: 0.37 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 1.1 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5, calibrated: 0.4
ΔE Greyscale 1.5 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
86.6% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
100% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
97.7% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.16
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
IPS, 4480x2520, 23.50
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
APPAE32, IPS, 5120x2880, 27.00
Apple iMac Pro
APPAE1E, , 5120x2880, 27.00
Display
1%
1%
Display P3 Coverage
97.7
98.7
1%
99
1%
sRGB Coverage
100
100
0%
100
0%
AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage
86.6
89.5
3%
88.8
3%
Response Times
19%
-6%
Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% *
29.2 ?(15.6, 13.6)
27.2 ?(12.4, 14.8)
7%
30.4 ?(14, 16.4)
-4%
Response Time Black / White *
17.6 ?(10, 7.6)
12.4 ?(4.8, 7.6)
30%
18.8 ?(11.2, 7.6)
-7%
PWM Frequency
22730 ?(66)
208.3 ?(50)
Screen
-18%
-71%
Brightness middle
523
529
1%
496
-5%
Brightness
479
511
7%
468
-2%
Brightness Distribution
82
88
7%
87
6%
Black Level *
0.37
0.48
-30%
0.54
-46%
Contrast
1414
1102
-22%
919
-35%
Colorchecker dE 2000 *
1.1
1.4
-27%
3
-173%
Colorchecker dE 2000 max. *
2
2.6
-30%
5.8
-190%
Colorchecker dE 2000 calibrated *
0.4
0.9
-125%
Greyscale dE 2000 *
1.5
2.2
-47%
2.5
-67%
Gamma
2.16 102%
2.32 95%
2.22 99%
CCT
6729 97%
6826 95%
6824 95%
Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998)
80
79.4
Color Space (Percent of sRGB)
100
100
Total Average (Program / Settings)
1% / -8%
-25% / -46%

* ... smaller is better

CalMAN Grayscale (target color space P3)
CalMAN Grayscale (target color space P3)
CalMAN Saturation (target color space P3)
CalMAN Saturation (target color space P3)
CalMAN ColorChecker (target color space P3)
CalMAN ColorChecker (target color space P3)
CalMAN Grayscale calibrated (target color space P3)
CalMAN Grayscale calibrated (target color space P3)
CalMAN Saturation calibrated (target color space P3)
CalMAN Saturation calibrated (target color space P3)
CalMAN ColorChecker calibrated (target color space P3)
CalMAN ColorChecker calibrated (target color space P3)

The display covers the P3 color space almost completely, and the panel is already very well calibrated in its factory state. There is no color cast in the grayscale and all color deviations are below the important mark of 3. We can still improve the display minimally with our calibration, but you can only see that in the measured values. Thus, the new iMac 24 is suitable for editing pictures/videos without restrictions.

vs. sRGB
vs. sRGB
vs. DCI-P3
vs. DCI-P3
vs. AdobeRGB
vs. AdobeRGB

Display Response Times

Display response times show how fast the screen is able to change from one color to the next. Slow response times can lead to afterimages and can cause moving objects to appear blurry (ghosting). Gamers of fast-paced 3D titles should pay special attention to fast response times.
       Response Time Black to White
17.6 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 10 ms rise
↘ 7.6 ms fall
The screen shows good response rates in our tests, but may be too slow for competitive gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.1 (minimum) to 240 (maximum) ms. » 34 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (21.6 ms).
       Response Time 50% Grey to 80% Grey
29.2 ms ... rise ↗ and fall ↘ combined↗ 15.6 ms rise
↘ 13.6 ms fall
The screen shows relatively slow response rates in our tests and may be too slow for gamers.
In comparison, all tested devices range from 0.2 (minimum) to 636 (maximum) ms. » 33 % of all devices are better.
This means that the measured response time is better than the average of all tested devices (33.9 ms).

Screen Flickering / PWM (Pulse-Width Modulation)

To dim the screen, some notebooks will simply cycle the backlight on and off in rapid succession - a method called Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) . This cycling frequency should ideally be undetectable to the human eye. If said frequency is too low, users with sensitive eyes may experience strain or headaches or even notice the flickering altogether.
Screen flickering / PWM not detected

In comparison: 53 % of all tested devices do not use PWM to dim the display. If PWM was detected, an average of 18071 (minimum: 5 - maximum: 3846000) Hz was measured.

The viewing angle stability of the IPS screen is very good. However, you should not place the iMac 24 opposite windows due to the glossy surface, otherwise you might have problems with reflections. At full brightness and a dark background you can also see clear halos. In this respect the previous iMacs were better.

Viewing angle stability from the side
Viewing angle stability from the side
Viewing angle stability from below
Viewing angle stability from below
Visible backlight bleeding
Visible backlight bleeding

Performance and emissions

The Apple M1 SoC we already know from the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13 and the Mac Mini. Two fans are used in the iMac with 8 GPU cores (model with 7 GPU cores only one fan), which is why the performance is stable. The results are on par with the Mac Mini as well as the MacBook Pro 13. In practice, the iMac 24 is an extremely responsive system, but the old Intel models offer even more performance, especially in multi-core tests.

The system is only suitable for gaming to a limited extent because not many titles are supported. However, thanks to the ARM base, you have access to Apple's arcade collection, which you can get from the iPhones and iPads. We also really like the 6 speakers that can easily replace cheap external speakers. Apple uses the space in the case cleverly and the built-in modules will be completely sufficient for most users.

We were surprised by the loud cooling. In everyday use (browsing, videos), the system is almost always silent and even pure GPU load is practically inaudible, but under high CPU load, the two fans quickly reach more than 40 dB(A), both in native and emulated apps. We can even measure a maximum of 46 dB(A). When compared to the Mac Mini, which remains practically inaudible at the same performance, the new iMac 24 simply gets much too loud under load.

The included 143-watt power supply is perfectly sufficient and still has enough reserves for Thunderbolt or USB-C accessories, because we could measure a maximum of ~79 watts even in the stress test at full brightness.

Cinebench R15 Multi Endurance test

012024036048060072084096010801200132014401560168018001920204021602280Tooltip
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 Apple M1: Ø1068 (1047.92-1074)
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 Intel Core i9-10910: Ø2171 (2137.21-2302.16)
Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145; Win10: Ø1694 (1676.31-1706.48)
Apple iMac Pro Intel Xeon W-2145; macOS: Ø1687 (1658.31-1695.42)
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) Apple M1: Ø1046 (1039.99-1048.33)
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB) Apple M1: Ø1066 (1062.05-1069.6)
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H; macOS 10.15.1: Ø1407 (1386-1435)
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M Intel Core i9-9880H; Win 10: Ø1296 (1268.87-1362.31)
CPU Performance Rating: Percent
Cinebench R23: Multi Core | Single Core
Cinebench R20: CPU (Multi Core) | CPU (Single Core)
Cinebench R15: CPU Multi 64Bit | CPU Single 64Bit
Geekbench 5.5: Multi-Core | Single-Core
CPU Performance Rating
Average of class Desktop
 
98.2 pt
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 -2!
Intel Core i9-10910
92.3 pt
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
72.4 pt
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
72.2 pt
Apple iMac Pro -6!
Intel Xeon W-2145
71.8 pt
Average Apple M1
 
71.8 pt
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB) -1!
Apple M1
70 pt
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
69.1 pt
Cinebench R23 / Multi Core
Average of class Desktop
  (277 - 38314, n=32, last 2 years)
13146 Points +68%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
8758 Points +12%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
8747 (8681.12min - 8746.74max) Points +12%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
7811 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
7802 Points
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
7799 Points 0%
Average Apple M1
  (7409 - 7830, n=6)
7728 Points -1%
Cinebench R23 / Single Core
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
1520 Points +1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
1513 Points 0%
Average Apple M1
  (1496 - 1520, n=6)
1512 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
1508 Points
Average of class Desktop
  (439 - 2210, n=29, last 2 years)
1490 Points -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
1140 Points -24%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Multi Core)
Average of class Desktop
  (285 - 14891, n=30, last 2 years)
5197 Points +147%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Intel Core i9-10910
5196 Points +147%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
3422 Points +63%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
3057 Points +46%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
2109 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
2101 Points
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
2086 Points -1%
Average Apple M1
  (1863 - 2109, n=4)
2040 Points -3%
Cinebench R20 / CPU (Single Core)
Average of class Desktop
  (174 - 853, n=30, last 2 years)
557 Points +39%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Intel Core i9-10910
501 Points +25%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
453 Points +13%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
442 Points +10%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
406 Points +1%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
403 Points 0%
Average Apple M1
  (401 - 406, n=4)
403 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
402 Points
Cinebench R15 / CPU Multi 64Bit
Average of class Desktop
  (128 - 6236, n=34, last 2 years)
2501 Points +133%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Intel Core i9-10910
2302 (2137min - 2302max) Points +114%
Apple iMac Pro
Intel Xeon W-2145
1686 Points +57%
Apple iMac Pro
Intel Xeon W-2145
1678 Points +56%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
1435 (1401min - 1435max) Points +34%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
1362 (1268.87min - 1362.31max) Points +27%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
1087 Points +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
1074 (1048min - 1074max) Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
1070 (1060min - 1070max) Points 0%
Average Apple M1
  (1020 - 1087, n=4)
1063 Points -1%
Cinebench R15 / CPU Single 64Bit
Average of class Desktop
  (76 - 319, n=34, last 2 years)
232 Points +13%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Intel Core i9-10910
215 Points +4%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
208 Points +1%
Average Apple M1
  (206 - 208, n=3)
207 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
206 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
184 Points -11%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
184 Points -11%
Apple iMac Pro
Intel Xeon W-2145
177 Points -14%
Geekbench 5.5 / Multi-Core
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Intel Core i9-10910
10244 Points +33%
Average of class Desktop
  (844 - 24033, n=29, last 2 years)
10095 Points +31%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
7695 Points
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
7690 Points 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
7590 Points -1%
Average Apple M1
  (7034 - 7710, n=9)
7501 Points -3%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
7109 Points -8%
Geekbench 5.5 / Single-Core
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1
1741 Points 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1
1740 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1
1737 Points
Average Apple M1
  (1710 - 1745, n=9)
1729 Points 0%
Average of class Desktop
  (556 - 2241, n=29, last 2 years)
1550 Points -11%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Intel Core i9-10910
1381 Points -20%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Intel Core i9-9880H
1115 Points -36%
Jetstream 2: Total Score
WebXPRT 3: Overall
Octane V2: Total Score
Mozilla Kraken 1.1: Total
Speedometer 2.0: Result
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test: 5GB Read | 5GB Write
Jetstream 2 / Total Score
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024
203.1 Points +16%
Average of class Desktop
  (90.1 - 295, n=6, last 2 years)
186.7 Points +6%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (175.4 - 184.3, n=6)
179.2 Points +2%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
177.5 Points +1%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
177.3 Points +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
175.4 Points
WebXPRT 3 / Overall
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
293 Points +5%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
281 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
280 Points
Average of class Desktop
  (89.2 - 402, n=30, last 2 years)
263 Points -6%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (216 - 293, n=6)
258 Points -8%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024
236 Points -16%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171
184 Points -34%
Octane V2 / Total Score
Average of class Desktop
  (70973 - 94804, n=3, last 2 years)
80796 Points +30%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (62055 - 66974, n=6)
63211 Points +2%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
62390 Points +1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
62113 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
62055 Points
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024
55976 Points -10%
Apple iMac Pro
Pro Vega 56, W-2145
46837 Points -25%
Mozilla Kraken 1.1 / Total
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171
905 ms * -101%
Average of class Desktop
  (423 - 1971, n=30, last 2 years)
767 ms * -70%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024
737 ms * -64%
Apple iMac Pro
Pro Vega 56, W-2145
598 ms * -33%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
516 ms * -15%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (446 - 516, n=6)
481 ms * -7%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
450.6 ms *
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
446.1 ms * +1%
Speedometer 2.0 / Result
Average of class Desktop
  (349 - 422, n=2, last 2 years)
386 runs/min +80%
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (209 - 255, n=6)
220 runs/min +2%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
219 runs/min +2%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
215 runs/min
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
213 runs/min -1%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024
161 runs/min -25%
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test / 5GB Read
Average of class Desktop
  (2896 - 5499, n=2, last 2 years)
4197 MB/s +49%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
2870 MB/s +2%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
2820 MB/s
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (2728 - 2870, n=4)
2804 MB/s -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
2798 MB/s -1%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171
2788 MB/s -1%
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test / 5GB Write
Average of class Desktop
  (3123 - 5808, n=2, last 2 years)
4466 MB/s +56%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
Radeon Pro 5500M, i9-9880H, Apple SSD AP1024 7171
2880 MB/s +1%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
2864 MB/s
Average Apple M1, Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (2194 - 2895, n=4)
2542 MB/s -11%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
2214 MB/s -23%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
2194 MB/s -23%

* ... smaller is better

3DMark - Wild Life Unlimited Score
Average of class Desktop
  (8622 - 198505, n=11, last 2 years)
118353 Points +553%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
18177 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
18117 Points
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (17731 - 18326, n=7)
18099 Points 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
17731 Points -2%
Geekbench 5.5
Metal Score
Average of class Desktop
  (last 2 years)
77213 Points +253%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
21951 Points 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
21897 Points
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (20411 - 21951, n=6)
21378 Points -2%
OpenCL Score
Average of class Desktop
  (1233 - 350353, n=32, last 2 years)
117747 Points +509%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Intel Core i9-10910
56327 Points +192%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
19323 Points
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
19078 Points -1%
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (18352 - 19323, n=3)
18918 Points -2%
GFXBench
2560x1440 Aztec Ruins High Tier Offscreen
Average of class Desktop
  (62.7 - 326, n=3, last 2 years)
232 fps +185%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Intel Core i9-10910
188.4 fps +131%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, Intel Core i9-9880H
94.7 fps +16%
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
81.7 fps 0%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
81.4 fps
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
78.2 fps -4%
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (60.9 - 81.7, n=8)
74.3 fps -9%
1920x1080 Aztec Ruins Normal Tier Offscreen
Average of class Desktop
  (155.2 - 853, n=3, last 2 years)
576 fps +167%
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Intel Core i9-10910
493.2 fps +128%
Apple MacBook Pro 16 2019 i9 5500M
AMD Radeon Pro 5500M, Intel Core i9-9880H
254 fps +18%
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
216.1 fps
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
215.4 fps 0%
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
Apple M1 8-Core GPU, Apple M1
207 fps -4%
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU
  (149 - 216, n=8)
196.9 fps -9%
low med. high ultra
Total War: Three Kingdoms (2019) 100 33 20 15
Borderlands 3 (2019) 54 33 20
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0512
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), i9-10910, Apple SSD AP1024
Apple iMac Pro
Pro Vega 56, W-2145
Apple Mac Mini Late 2020 Entry (M1, 8GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
Apple MacBook Pro 13 Late 2020 M1 Entry (8 / 256 GB)
M1 8-Core GPU, M1, Apple SSD AP0256
Noise
-21%
-25%
-17%
off / environment *
24.2
29.1
-20%
29.1
-20%
29.2
-21%
Idle Minimum *
24.2
29.7
-23%
29.8
-23%
29.2
-21%
Idle Average *
24.2
29.7
-23%
29.8
-23%
29.2
-21%
Idle Maximum *
24.2
29.7
-23%
29.8
-23%
29.2
-21%
Load Average *
25
35
-40%
39.7
-59%
32.1
-28%
Load Maximum *
46
43.6
5%
47.9
-4%
41.9
9%
Witcher 3 ultra *
35

* ... smaller is better

Noise Level

Idle
24.2 / 24.2 / 24.2 dB(A)
Load
25 / 46 dB(A)
  red to green bar
 
 
30 dB
silent
40 dB(A)
audible
50 dB(A)
loud
 
min: dark, med: mid, max: light   Earthworks M23R, Arta (15 cm distance)   environment noise: 24.2 dB(A)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2042.530.933.828.1342542.63334.42834.13134.731.626.425.429.2403429.726.624.731.65028.828.925.422.127.16323.128.222.620.923.88021.521.72022.524.510022.516.92317.72412523.318.120.517.922.816020.517.120.218.420.320021.71621.117.119.62502315.721.115.219.631526.616.224.716.122.740027.814.925.913.923.650031.114.327.913.827.263033.31432.113.829.880035.712.934.212.331.6100037.61334.911.933.3125037.911.935.211.532.8160035.513.832.11129.6200033.112.33010.827.3250033.211.630.21127.5315032.111.628.711.325.2400034.112.230.611.926.650003512.531.311.927.6630026.912.724.312.120.7800028.312.621.612.116.71000027.412.722.612.318.31250026.312.521.91217.91600019.711.915.611.513.1SPL462543.124.240.5N5.20.64.10.63.3median 28.3median 12.9median 25.9median 12.1median 24Delta5.71.74.91.54.4hearing rangehide median Fan NoiseApple iMac 24 M1 2021
Max. Load
 29.4 °C
85 F
30.1 °C
86 F
30.3 °C
87 F
 
 28.4 °C
83 F
30.3 °C
87 F
30 °C
86 F
 
 30.3 °C
87 F
39.1 °C
102 F
32.4 °C
90 F
 
Maximum: 39.1 °C = 102 F
Average: 31.1 °C = 88 F
28.8 °C
84 F
28.5 °C
83 F
28.2 °C
83 F
28.9 °C
84 F
30.8 °C
87 F
28.2 °C
83 F
30.8 °C
87 F
38.1 °C
101 F
28.7 °C
84 F
Maximum: 38.1 °C = 101 F
Average: 30.1 °C = 86 F
Power Supply (max.)  38.3 °C = 101 F | Room Temperature 21.8 °C = 71 F | Fluke t3000FC (calibrated), Voltcraft IR-900
(+) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 31.1 °C / 88 F, compared to the average of 29.7 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Desktop.
(+) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 39.1 °C / 102 F, compared to the average of 34.4 °C / 94 F, ranging from 25 to 47 °C for the class Desktop.
(+) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 38.1 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 34 °C / 93 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 26.2 °C / 79 F, compared to the device average of 29.7 °C / 85 F.
Surface temperatures stress test (front)
Surface temperatures stress test (front)
Surface temperatures stress test (back)
Surface temperatures stress test (back)
Surface temperatures stress test (back)
Surface temperatures stress test (back)
dB(A) 0102030405060708090Deep BassMiddle BassHigh BassLower RangeMidsHigher MidsLower HighsMid HighsUpper HighsSuper Highs2028.138.2252841.23125.441.94024.743.75022.150.16320.9638022.568.910017.775.712517.976.416018.473.120017.174.225015.271.431516.174.240013.977.950013.878.163013.87280012.377.5100011.975.3125011.574.616001176.9200010.877.525001173.3315011.373.3400011.971.4500011.973.2630012.173.5800012.175.61000012.367.7125001261.51600011.559.4SPL24.286.9N0.682.3median 12.1median 74.2Delta1.52.433.232.124.728.528.832.827.733.825.344.523.560.722.165.523.572.42273.322.375.6227522.675.921.273.720.572.319.272.11975.118.269.617.968.717.171.816.668.316.372.51675.815.669.915.567.515.56415.561.515.561.315.459.815.358.51567.229.182.91.262.1median 17.1median 71.82.53.7hearing rangehide median Pink NoiseApple iMac 24 M1 2021Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
Frequency diagram (checkboxes can be checked and unchecked to compare devices)
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (86.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(+) | good bass - only 1.3% away from median
(+) | bass is linear (4.7% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (4.3% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(+) | balanced highs - only 2% away from median
(+) | highs are linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (5.9% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 0% of all tested devices in this class were better, 13% similar, 88% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 17%, worst was 46%
Compared to all devices tested
» 0% of all tested devices were better, 0% similar, 100% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020 audio analysis

(+) | speakers can play relatively loud (82.9 dB)
Bass 100 - 315 Hz
(+) | good bass - only 2.6% away from median
(+) | bass is linear (4.2% delta to prev. frequency)
Mids 400 - 2000 Hz
(+) | balanced mids - only 1.7% away from median
(+) | mids are linear (5% delta to prev. frequency)
Highs 2 - 16 kHz
(±) | reduced highs - on average 7.3% lower than median
(+) | highs are linear (5.1% delta to prev. frequency)
Overall 100 - 16.000 Hz
(+) | overall sound is linear (8.7% difference to median)
Compared to same class
» 13% of all tested devices in this class were better, 13% similar, 75% worse
» The best had a delta of 6%, average was 17%, worst was 46%
Compared to all devices tested
» 2% of all tested devices were better, 0% similar, 98% worse
» The best had a delta of 4%, average was 25%, worst was 134%

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.13 / 0.9 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 9.7 / 42.3 / 42.6 Watt
Load midlight 59.2 / 78.7 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Metrahit Energy
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021
M1, M1 8-Core GPU, Apple SSD AP0512, IPS, 4480x2520, 23.50
Apple iMac 27 Mid 2020
i9-10910, Radeon RX 5700 XT (Desktop), Apple SSD AP1024, IPS, 5120x2880, 27.00
Apple iMac Pro
W-2145, Pro Vega 56, , , 5120x2880, 27.00
Average Apple M1 8-Core GPU
 
Average of class Desktop
 
Power Consumption
-189%
-265%
64%
-29%
Idle Minimum *
9.7
27.6
-185%
49.5
-410%
3.34 ?(1.01 - 9.7, n=6)
66%
19.4 ?(4.1 - 78.5, n=16, last 2 years)
-100%
Idle Average *
42.3
64.7
-53%
86.7
-105%
14.6 ?(6.2 - 42.3, n=5)
65%
21.1 ?(4.1 - 80.1, n=15, last 2 years)
50%
Idle Maximum *
42.6
65.3
-53%
88.9
-109%
13.3 ?(4.4 - 42.6, n=6)
69%
24.6 ?(4.6 - 96.7, n=17, last 2 years)
42%
Load Average *
59.2
162
-174%
150.1
-154%
23 ?(8.99 - 59.2, n=6)
61%
85.2 ?(11.3 - 228, n=17, last 2 years)
-44%
Witcher 3 ultra *
59.2
247
-317%
Load Maximum *
78.7
354
-350%
508.5
-546%
33.2 ?(9.89 - 78.7, n=6)
58%
150.2 ?(11.8 - 778, n=17, last 2 years)
-91%

* ... smaller is better

Energy consumption Unigine Valley / Stress test

051015202530354045505560657075Tooltip
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; Witcher 3 ultra: Ø59.2 (56.8-61.6)
Apple iMac 24 M1 2021; 1280x720 Prime95 28.10 and Furmark 1.25: Ø74.9 (70.2-78.7)

Pros

+ great display
+ very good system performance
+ very good speakers
+ USB 4 and Wi-Fi 6

Cons

- loud cooling
- Plastic frame under the display
- Wi-Fi 6 only with 80 MHz
- no maintenance options

Verdict - The iMac gets too loud

In review: Apple iMac 24 M1 2021. Test device provided by Apple Germany.
In review: Apple iMac 24 M1 2021. Test device provided by Apple Germany.

The new iMac 24 M1 replaces the previous iMac 21.5 and is primarily suitable for everyday tasks with the M1 processor. Here, the all-in-one can also convince with a silent operation, but the iMac gets too loud during high CPU loads (e.g. video editing), especially in comparison with the Mac Mini M1. The larger iMac 27 is still in the lineup and offers more performance with the Intel CPUs and can also be equipped with significantly more memory and dedicated GPUs, so it remains the better (but also more expensive) solution for demanding users.

The new 23.5-inch IPS display leaves a very good impression and is also suitable for color-accurate editing of pictures or videos. The user experience is improved, especially thanks to features like True Tone or the sensitive brightness sensor. The new speaker system is also convincing and can easily replace many inexpensive external speakers.

The Apple iMac 24 M1 is a good all-in-one computer for everyday use, where you will have a lot of fun with the screen and the speakers. However, the iMac gets significantly too loud under load and there are also no maintenance options.

Besides the too loud fans under high CPU load, the same disadvantages remain that we already know from the previous iMacs. The ports on the back are difficult to reach, there are now no maintenance options at all, and the included keyboard is hardly convincing due to the short key travel and the lack of backlight. Furthermore, you have to decide whether you want to use the iMac 24 with the stand or a VESA mount before buying it.

Price and availability

Our test unit of the new iMac 24 M1 is available at online stores like Cyberport for 1,869 Euro (~$2170) available. The cheapest model (silver) with 256 GB SSD storage and the slightly slower 7-core GPU, which is also perfectly sufficient for everyday use, starts at Amazon US for around $1,299.

Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 - 10/17/2021 v7
Andreas Osthoff

Chassis
84 / 98 → 86%
Keyboard
81%
Pointing Device
98%
Connectivity
64 / 81 → 80%
Weight
0%
Battery
0%
Display
82%
Games Performance
80%
Application Performance
93%
Temperature
93%
Noise
92%
Audio
97%
Camera
31 / 85 → 36%
Average
69%
85%
Desktop - Weighted Average

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Apple iMac 24 M1 2021 in review: Does Apple's M1 SoC also convince in the desktop?
Andreas Osthoff, 2021-10-18 (Update: 2021-10-18)