TLDR Dev · OPINIONS & ADVICE

WHICH MAC SHOULD YOU BUY TO RUN LOCAL LLMS IN 2026? A MEMORY-FIRST BUYER'S GUIDE

vettedconsumer.com10 min read

Summary from the TLDR Dev newsletter

When selecting a Mac for local LLMs in 2026, prioritize unified memory and memory bandwidth over chip type, as these factors impact model size and processing speed. The best choices vary by need: the Mac mini M4 Pro offers great value for 30B-class models, while the new M5 Max and Ultra models are great for heavy workloads requiring larger capacities.