I went from 4GB to 16GB and it was amazing the difference it makes. OSX takes 2GB on it’s own. Windows may be worse.
Minimum is 8GB these days. It’s cheap, $200. Step the processor down a notch or two but ram is the secret to ending slowdowns.
Install an SSD to see a real speed bump. Depending on which Mac you have this may be a difficult upgrade. iMacs are particularly difficult for the average user and Mac Mini's are no walk in the park either, macsales.com has installation videos that will scare all but the geeks among us.
I have not tried the Hybrid drives but am considering one, a 4 terabyte (3.5 inch) can be had for a couple hundred. A 1 terabyte hybrid laptop drive will run less than $80.00, so no reason not to try one.
“Minimum is 8GB these days. It’s cheap, $200. “
Only if you want to spend $150 more for it. My 8 gig set was only $50