PCs now not must be the large, ugly beige bins that devour desk actual property. These large machines have given strategy to the mini PC — a pc no greater than a hardback ebook, however able to dealing with demanding workloads.
The mini PC market could be considerably bewildering, so I’ve finished a substantial quantity of legwork to distill issues right down to a handful of decisions, from the Intel NUC 13 workhorse to the AceMagician AMD Ryzen 9 Mini gaming PC, to the oftentimes ignored Apple Mac Mini.
Additionally: The best power banks: Expert tested
What’s the finest mini PC proper now?
I’ve examined and researched the present mini PC choices available on the market, inspecting specs and paying shut consideration to consumer critiques, and my high decide for the most effective mini PC is the Intel NUC 13 Pro Arena Canyon, and it is available in at beneath $900. Whether or not you desire a mini PC for the house, workplace, or assembly room, it is a stable selection and a reliable workhorse.
There’s additionally by no means been a greater time to purchase, as a result of on the time of replace, costs have come down dramatically just about throughout the board.
The perfect mini PCs of 2025
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Why we prefer it: On the subject of mini PCs, it is laborious to beat a machine constructed to the Intel NUC specs. I’ve owned and examined a lot of them myself and have been very pleased with all of them.
With this mannequin, we’ve a system operating a 16-core Core i7 chip that may energy as much as 3.7 GHz with a built-in Iris Xe GPU. Backing that’s 32GB of RAM and 1TB M.2 SSD — that is fairly a spec for a system you’ll be able to maintain within the palm of your hand. As for ports, this technique has a large number of USB ports, together with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, and Ethernet. It is an actual powerhouse in a compact house.
Who it is for: It is a no-frills workhorse. No LED lights, no fancy design, only a highly effective pc in a field.
Who ought to look elsewhere: As mini PCs go, this one is probably going overkill for many, and that s mirrored within the worth. There are undoubtedly cheaper mini PCs on the market.
Intel NUC 13 Professional Area Canyon tech specs: Twelfth Era Intel Core i7-1360P | Intel Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | 32GB DDR4 RAM | 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD | 3x USB 3.2 sort A, 1x USB-A, 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack | Home windows 11 Professional | Worth: $859
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Why we prefer it: Simply while you thought this record would solely embrace Home windows techniques, we have got the Mac Mini. This was one of many authentic mini PCs, and with the swap to Apple Silicon processors, it has a brand new lease of life.
These have been as soon as thought-about the gateway Mac that bought individuals over to MacOS from Home windows as a result of they may exchange their Home windows PC with the Mac Mini and maintain utilizing their current keyboard, mouse, and monitor with their new Mac. It is now a staple of the Mac lineup, and the right selection for many who desire a compact system.
I’ve owned a couple of completely different Mac Mini techniques through the years, and I have been greater than glad by them. They’re dependable, well-built, and run cool and quiet.
Who it is for: It is a nice selection for many who desire a system they’ll take out of a field, arrange, and begin utilizing. I arrange numerous techniques, and I am at all times impressed by how fast it’s to get a Mac up and operating. That is additionally a strong system that will not disappoint.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The factor with the Mac Mini is that you just’re having to make use of the macOS, and if that is new to you since you’ve bought years on Home windows muscle reminiscence beneath your belt, then this might be an enormous, irritating studying curve.
The opposite draw back to this technique is upgrading — backside line, this Mac will reside and die with the identical processor, RAM, and storage that it left the manufacturing unit with. If upgrading is your factor, give Macs a miss.
Apple 2023 Mac mini tech specs: Apple Silicon M4 processor with 10 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores | 16GB RAM | 256GB storage | 2x USB-C, 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack | MacOS | Worth: Beginning at $539
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Why we prefer it: It is a tiny mini PC that could be a dice measuring 72 x 72 x 44.5mm, weighing solely 206g. Contained in the dice is a 4-core Intel N5105 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB M.2 SSD operating Home windows 10 Professional. I had no downside upgrading mine to Home windows 11.
Regardless of the tiny dimension, this mini PC encompasses a handful of USB ports, two HDMI ports, an audio jack, and an Ethernet port. This method has no issues operating two 4K at 60FPS (frames per second) shows for optimum productiveness.
And but given the facility, this technique is quiet and really power environment friendly — utilizing solely 10W — making it an excellent selection for somebody who desires a PC for the house, workplace, or assembly room, and even to drive digital signage.
Who it is for: That is for individuals who need not only a small PC however a tiny PC. A very tiny PC.
Who ought to look elsewhere: It is a system that undoubtedly places dimension — or the shortage thereof — forward of energy and efficiency. Whereas that is nice for conditions the place you want a compact PC, if in case you have more room, you is likely to be higher going for one thing that provides a bit extra energy.
GMKtec Mini PC tech specs: eleventh Era Intel N5105 | Intel UHD Graphics | 8GB DDR4 RAM | 128GB M.2 NVMe SSD | 3x USB 3.2 sort A, USB-C, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, TF/microSD slot, audio jack | Home windows 10 Professional | Worth: $123
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Why we prefer it: It is small, and it is finances pleasant. That is a neat mixture. The Beelink S12 Professional affords numerous bang to your buck in a compact design that’s at house on a desk or connected to the again of a TV.
Who it is for: This method’s worth makes it an ideal selection for many who need an affordable but highly effective mini PC. So long as you are not operating AAA-title video games or different heavy workloads, this technique has you lined.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The one con to this technique is that it runs the older Twelfth-gen Intel silicon, however for $149, that is nonetheless a system that each holds its personal and will not break the financial institution.
Beelink S12 Mini PC tech specs: Twelfth Era Intel N100 | Intel UHD Graphics | 16GB DDR4 RAM | 500GB SSD | 4x USB 3.2 sort A, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack | Home windows 11 | Worth: $149
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Why we prefer it: This mini PC describes itself as a gaming system, and with good cause. The mixture of AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX and AMD Radeon 680M GPU provides this technique numerous horsepower to deal with a wide range of workloads, from work to video games.
This method encompasses a energy dial on the highest to change it between silent mode, auto, and efficiency, relying on whether or not you need energy or silence. It additionally features a multitude of LED lights, which you may love or hate. When you love them, nice, if not, there’s an app that turns them off for you.
Who it is for: That is for individuals who don’t need their mini PC to appear like little bins. This one throws away the design rulebook. Whereas most mini PCs are cube-like, this one is an upright tent form. Whereas that may appear to be purely a design selection, it does in actual fact make opening up the system to hold out upgrades a snap because the facet panel is held in place with magnets.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas I just like the design of this mini PC, it is not all that conducive in case your consequence is to tuck it behind a TV or beneath a desk. In these conditions, you would be higher on the lookout for a extra conventional mini PC.
AceMagician AMD Ryzen 9 Mini PC tech specs: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | AMD Radeon 680M GPU | 32GB DDR4 RAM | 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | 3x USB 3.2 sort A, 2x HDMI, Ethernet, USB-C, audio jack | Home windows 11 Professional | Worth: $499
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What are the tariffs within the U.S.?
The current U.S. tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India purpose to spice up home manufacturing however are more likely to drive up costs on shopper electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs could grow to be costlier as firms rethink international provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
Additionally: Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Laptops and PCs are additionally hit laborious by the brand new U.S. tariffs, with import duties probably rising costs by as much as 35%. Many main manufacturers nonetheless depend on Chinese language and Vietnamese factories for meeting, which means shoppers may quickly pay considerably extra for every part from finances Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs could speed up efforts to maneuver manufacturing to areas like Mexico or India, however consumers can count on larger prices and fewer reductions within the quick time period.
Proper now, it seems like some tech could also be exempt from the issued tariffs, however because it’s at all times altering and growing, we’re maintaining a tally of it and can replace you on the most recent.
Additionally: Tariff exemptions for electronics offer a break for tech – but not for long
Newest data on mini PC in 2025
I maintain listening to whispers — in addition to seeing indicators on the benchmarking sites — of a Minisforum mini PC powered by the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 APU. This can be an absolute beast.
|
Select this mini PC… |
If you need… |
|
Intel NUC 13 Professional Area Canyon |
A general-purpose mini PC. The Intel NUC PCs proceed to be the most effective all-around mini PCs available on the market. Sure, there are higher, quicker, cheaper techniques out there, however these techniques have frequently impressed me through the years. |
|
Apple 2024 Mac Mini |
To go with MacOS. The Mac Mini was the best way that Home windows PC customers would begin to make the transition over to Mac. These days, they’re all-purpose desktop computer systems which might be good for anybody who does not desire a transportable system, from college students to builders. |
|
GMKtec Mini PC |
A really tiny PC. This is likely one of the smallest techniques I’ve seen, but it surely packs fairly a punch, hitting nicely above its dimension and weight. |
|
Beelink S12 Professional Mini PC |
An awesome finances mini PC. Low cost and cheerful, but packing sufficient energy to be a wonderfully succesful PC for college, work, or for house entrainment.. |
|
AceMagician AMD Ryzen 9 Mini PC |
A correct mini gaming PC. Right here you may have a full gaming PC packed right into a tiny footprint. Positive, there are going to be desktop techniques which might be far more highly effective than this technique, however for the dimensions, you may be hard-pressed to seek out something quicker. |
In some ways, selecting a mini PC is very like a daily PC. There are all the standard efficiency, worth, and assist for all of your peripherals to remember. However in case you are after a mini PC, then the mini half does come into play, so there’s a dimension situation to keep in mind. The excellent news is that mini PCs are available a spread of sizes, from techniques that may match within the palm of your hand to techniques so small you can match a number of of them within the palm of your hand.
- Do you want a mini PC? That is the highest query when selecting a mini PC. Do you really need one, or do you simply want a daily PC?
- Dimension: This actually is the differentiator in terms of mini PCs. Would you like a PC that is the dimensions of a biscuit tin, or one thing considerably smaller?
- Efficiency: Fairly customary PC consideration right here. What would you like your system to do? Do you need to perform normal PC duties like phrase processing and spreadsheets and searching the online, or do you may have extra specialist wants in thoughts, comparable to gaming?
- Price range: Small does not at all times imply low-cost, however it can save you cash by selecting a mini PC that fits your wants.
- Ports: Most mini PCs include an honest array of ports, however in the event you want one thing like two Ethernet ports or a bunch of USB ports, it is advisable make sure you’re getting the fitting mini PC for you.
There are numerous mini PCs available on the market from a wide range of completely different distributors, and I’ve examined and used mini PCs from all of the distributors listed right here, I’ve based mostly my picks on my expertise utilizing these manufacturers, in addition to present mannequin consumer critiques.
Product specs and worth additionally come into play, however with the ability to draw on dozens, and generally lots of, of different individuals’s views permits me to get a broad sense of how well-received a specific mini PC is. I’ve paid explicit consideration to reviews of efficiency, stability, how quiet or noisy the PC is, and weeded out many who appeared to have a poor lifespan.
What we’re left with is the most effective of the most effective, in a broad choice of classes which might be relevant to mini PCs.
A mini PC is a compact but absolutely purposeful pc that provides many, if not all of, the capabilities of a desktop PC, however is packaged right into a smaller dimension. Mini PCs are designed to save lots of house and can be utilized for a wide range of duties, from fundamental computing to extra demanding functions comparable to programming and even gaming.
Folks usually select to spend money on a mini PC for these causes:
- Area-saving: The highest good thing about going for a mini PC is that it takes up considerably much less house than conventional desktop PCs.
- Moveable: Mini PCs are light-weight and straightforward to maneuver, making them ideally suited for customers who want computing energy on the go.
- Power effectivity: Most mini PCs devour considerably much less energy than a similarly-specced desktop system, which might result in price financial savings on electrical energy.
- Quiet: Some fashions are fanless, leading to quieter operation, and even those who nonetheless have a fan are far quieter than a regular desktop system.
It relies on the mannequin. Some mini PCs enable for upgrades — generally very straightforward upgrades — to elements like RAM and storage, whereas others have mounted configurations.
On the entire nonetheless, like laptops, mini PCs are higher geared toward these conditions the place you purchase the PC with the spec that you just want somewhat than counting on an improve down the road.
|
Select this mini PC… |
If you need… |
|
Intel NUC 13 Professional Area Canyon |
A general-purpose mini PC. The Intel NUC PCs proceed to be the most effective all-around mini PCs available on the market. Sure, there are higher, quicker, cheaper techniques out there, however these techniques have frequently impressed me through the years. |
|
Apple 2024 Mac Mini |
To go with MacOS. The Mac Mini was the best way that Home windows PC customers would begin to make the transition over to Mac. These days, they’re all-purpose desktop computer systems which might be good for anybody who does not desire a transportable system, from college students to builders. |
|
GMKtec Mini PC |
A really tiny PC. This is likely one of the smallest techniques I’ve seen, but it surely packs fairly a punch, hitting nicely above its dimension and weight. |
|
Beelink S12 Professional Mini PC |
An awesome finances mini PC. Low cost and cheerful, but packing sufficient energy to be a wonderfully succesful PC for college, work, or for house entrainment.. |
|
AceMagician AMD Ryzen 9 Mini PC |
A correct mini gaming PC. Right here you may have a full gaming PC packed right into a tiny footprint. Positive, there are going to be desktop techniques which might be far more highly effective than this technique, however for the dimensions, you may be hard-pressed to seek out something quicker. |
In some ways, selecting a mini PC is very like a daily PC. There are all the standard efficiency, worth, and assist for all of your peripherals to remember. However in case you are after a mini PC, then the mini half does come into play, so there’s a dimension situation to keep in mind. The excellent news is that mini PCs are available a spread of sizes, from techniques that may match within the palm of your hand to techniques so small you can match a number of of them within the palm of your hand.
- Do you want a mini PC? That is the highest query when selecting a mini PC. Do you really need one, or do you simply want a daily PC?
- Dimension: This actually is the differentiator in terms of mini PCs. Would you like a PC that is the dimensions of a biscuit tin, or one thing considerably smaller?
- Efficiency: Fairly customary PC consideration right here. What would you like your system to do? Do you need to perform normal PC duties like phrase processing and spreadsheets and searching the online, or do you may have extra specialist wants in thoughts, comparable to gaming?
- Price range: Small does not at all times imply low-cost, however it can save you cash by selecting a mini PC that fits your wants.
- Ports: Most mini PCs include an honest array of ports, however in the event you want one thing like two Ethernet ports or a bunch of USB ports, it is advisable make sure you’re getting the fitting mini PC for you.
There are numerous mini PCs available on the market from a wide range of completely different distributors, and I’ve examined and used mini PCs from all of the distributors listed right here, I’ve based mostly my picks on my expertise utilizing these manufacturers, in addition to present mannequin consumer critiques.
Product specs and worth additionally come into play, however with the ability to draw on dozens, and generally lots of, of different individuals’s views permits me to get a broad sense of how well-received a specific mini PC is. I’ve paid explicit consideration to reviews of efficiency, stability, how quiet or noisy the PC is, and weeded out many who appeared to have a poor lifespan.
What we’re left with is the most effective of the most effective, in a broad choice of classes which might be relevant to mini PCs.
A mini PC is a compact but absolutely purposeful pc that provides many, if not all of, the capabilities of a desktop PC, however is packaged right into a smaller dimension. Mini PCs are designed to save lots of house and can be utilized for a wide range of duties, from fundamental computing to extra demanding functions comparable to programming and even gaming.
Folks usually select to spend money on a mini PC for these causes:
- Area-saving: The highest good thing about going for a mini PC is that it takes up considerably much less house than conventional desktop PCs.
- Moveable: Mini PCs are light-weight and straightforward to maneuver, making them ideally suited for customers who want computing energy on the go.
- Power effectivity: Most mini PCs devour considerably much less energy than a similarly-specced desktop system, which might result in price financial savings on electrical energy.
- Quiet: Some fashions are fanless, leading to quieter operation, and even those who nonetheless have a fan are far quieter than a regular desktop system.
It relies on the mannequin. Some mini PCs enable for upgrades — generally very straightforward upgrades — to elements like RAM and storage, whereas others have mounted configurations.
On the entire nonetheless, like laptops, mini PCs are higher geared toward these conditions the place you purchase the PC with the spec that you just want somewhat than counting on an improve down the road.
Different mini PCs value contemplating