Is a used Mac mini M1 still good for automation?

Yes — a used Mac mini M1 can still be a very good choice for automation in 2026, especially for tasks like Home Assistant, scripting, scheduled jobs, lightweight Docker containers, and other small always-on home-server uses.

Why it’s still a good fit:

• It is compact, quiet, and generally efficient for 24/7 use.
• It has more than enough performance for common automation workloads.
• Many automation tools and container images work on Apple Silicon, but you should still check compatibility for the specific software you plan to run.

What to look for:

• Prefer 16GB of RAM if you can find it. 8GB can work for light use, but 16GB gives more headroom.
• Be cautious with 256GB storage, which can fill up quickly if you keep logs, backups, or containers locally.
• RAM and internal storage are not realistically upgradeable later, so buy the configuration you need.

Important caveat:
Compatibility and performance depend on the exact automation stack, macOS version, and whether the tools you use support ARM64 well. Also, exact power use and suitability can vary by workload, so it’s worth checking the official documentation for any specific app, database, or Docker image before buying.

Bottom line:
If you want a reliable, quiet, energy-efficient machine for home automation or light server duties, a used M1 Mac mini is still a solid buy. If you expect lots of RAM demand, many virtual machines, or heavy storage expansion, a mini PC or small server may be a better fit.