Guides · Updated 2026-10-17
VPS vs Mac mini for AI agents: the 3-year math
If your model runs in the cloud via an API, a VPS is cheaper over 3 years than a new Mac mini at today's prices. The Mac mini wins if you need macOS features or want to run local models on the same box.
The numbers
| Option | Upfront | Monthly | 3-year total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Mac mini M6 (16GB / 256GB) | $899 | ~$0.53 power | $918.25 |
| Hostinger KVM 2 (8 GB) | $215.76 (24-mo prepay) | $8.99 then $14.99 | $395.64 |
| OVHcloud VPS-1 (4 GB) | $0 | $4.54 | $163.44 (renewal assumed flat) |
Mac mini power uses Apple's published idle figure (4 W, Apple support). An agent is mostly idle, but local models will push draw toward the 70 W max. Electricity is 18.31¢/kWh, the US residential average (EIA, July 2026). Price is the "from" price on Apple's store page, checked 2026-10-17.
When a Mac mini makes sense
- You want a local model on the same machine. The base M6 comes with 16 GB of unified memory, and you can configure more.
- You need macOS-only integrations. Hermes' macOS desktop package is Apple Silicon only (docs).
- You'd rather own the hardware and keep your data at home.
When a VPS makes sense
- Your model is an API (OpenAI, Anthropic, Nous Portal, OpenRouter…).
- You want datacenter uptime, snapshots, and an agent that can reach your accounts while staying off your home network.
- You'd rather pay $4.54–$14.99 a month than $899 upfront.