Best computer 2019: the best PCs we've tested

The best computers are more powerful now than ever. They’ve evolved to the point of boasting eight-core processors and super high-end graphics cards, some of which offer real time ray tracing – things that would not have been possible only a few years ago. So stay on the cutting edge in 2019, and get one of the best computers included on this list. Even if most of what you’ll do is use Facebook and surf the internet.

Luckily, the best computers on the market are also more affordable than ever, which means that whatever your budget is, you'll find one that's ideal for you and your needs. You can pick up a solid PC or even an all-in-one desktop for around $500 (about £390, AU$715), for example. Plus, many of them will last you a lifetime – because the best computers are upgradeable, it’s easy to keep them current by fitting in new and improved PC components, like fast SSDs, more RAM and maybe even the best graphics card.

With so many options on hand however, deciding on the best computer for you, your needs and your budget may not be that easy. So we gathered all the best computers out there, paying close attention to those that hit that sweet spot between price and performance. 

Go through our list of the best computers and pick out what you like, depending on what you need and can afford. Here are our top picks for the best computers 2019 has on offer.

Best PC: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition

CPU: Intel Core i5 – Core i9 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – 1080 | RAM: 8GB –64GB

The Dell XPS Tower looks low-key. That is, it looks like that PC your parents used to have shoved underneath the desk when you were a kid. However, its no-nonsense exterior hides an array of exciting components. One of the best computers available right now, the Dell XPS Tower is fitted with up to an RTX 2070 graphics card, a 9th-generation Intel Core processor, and a spacious hard drive and/or SSD. This excellent special edition PC configuration is only available in the US, but UK and Australian readers can pick up the regular Dell XPS Tower and then beef it up, though there are some limitations such as the graphics card options topping out with the GTX 1060.

Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition

Best all-in-one PC: Microsoft Surface Studio 2

CPU: Intel Core i7-7820HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 – 1070 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Storage: 1TB-2TB SSD

The Surface Studio quickly rose to fame as one of the best computers for artists when it was first released. It’s no surprise, therefore, that its sequel has taken up the mantle. Packed with a Kaby Lake mobile processor and Nvidia Pascal graphics, the Surface Studio 2 has a lot more power than the original, and it can handle anything you throw at it for the next couple of years, at the very least. It’s also inherited that gorgeous PixelSense display with Surface Pen support, allowing it to retain the privilege of being one of the best all-in-one – not to mention, the best computers on this list – for creatives.

Read the full review: Surface Studio 2

• See more like this: the best all-in-one PCs

Best mini PC: Intel Hades Canyon NUC

CPU: Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Radeon RX Vega M GL – GH | RAM: 4GB – 64GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB SSD; up to 2TB secondary SSD

If you want an outstanding desktop experience, but you don’t have a ton of space on your desk, then Intel Hades Canyon NUC might just be the computer for you. This small bare-bones PC has a ridiculously fast 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete-class AMD Radeon graphics. Throw some RAM and storage in, and you will be conquering the best PC games without breaking a sweat. Granted, it won’t stand up against a full-sized desktop. But, when you’re short on space – or you’d rather have a PC that looks like a set-top box – this is one of the best computers to consider.

Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC 

Best gaming PC: Alienware Aurora R7

CPU: Intel Core i7 8700K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD

With the Aurora R7, there’s no stopping Alienware in making its way back to the top of the best computers, especially for gaming. The Alienware Aurora R7 isn’t just one of the greatest gaming PCs; it’s also among the best computers money can buy. It boasts blazing fast performance with its 8th-generation Intel Core processor and GTX 10-series graphics, all that power conveniently hidden away in its appealing and sleek chassis. It’s also surprisingly affordable, considering the power under the hood. Did we mention that this PC is also easily upgradeable, despite the unique form-factor?

Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R7

• See more like this: the best gaming PCs

Best living room PC: Corsair One i160

CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K – i9-9900K | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 – 2080 Ti | RAM: 32GB DDR4 | Storage: 480GB SSD; 2TB HDD

If you’re looking for a computer that will look just as good in your living room as it does in your home office, then the Corsair One i160 is your best bet. It hides an unbelievable amount of power inside its sleek, compact chassis, packing a Coffee Lake Refresh processor and Nvidia Turing graphics – not to mention a whopping 32GB of RAM. This is an absolute monster, and will chew through any game you throw at it, even on that nice 4K TV you just bought. Just prepare yourself, as that high price tag might send you reeling.

Read the full review: Corsair One i160 

Best Mac: Apple Mac mini (Late 2018)

CPU: Intel Core i3 – i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Storage: 128GB – 2TB SSD

It’s easy to think that Apple is overpriced, but your wallet might be spared if you jump on the Mac mini bandwagon. The Mac mini 2018 isn’t just a small form-factor PC that looks adorable, but it’s also packed tight with high-end desktop parts. And, that’s all for a much cheaper price than any other Mac on the market, making it a solid investment for anyone who already has a slew of Mac-ready peripherals or a Mac fan who doesn’t want to spring for a Mac Pro. Plus, unlike many of Apple’s recent products, the Mac mini is partially upgradeable – you can boost your memory up to 64GB of RAM.

Read the full review: Apple Mac mini

• See more like this: the best Macs 2019

Best budget PC: HP Pavilion Wave

CPU: Intel Core i3 – Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530 – AMD Radeon R9 M470 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 1TB HDD

Don’t confuse the HP Pavilion Wave for a fabric-woven old Mac Pro wannabe, as it is something else entirely. This compact Windows machine packs 6th-generation Intel Core processors, coupled with optional discrete AMD graphics and uniquely integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers. It’s also wrapped in an urbane fabric exterior, definitely making it the most fetching of the best computers to have on your desk or even a bookshelf. Plus, it radiates crisp sound as you browse the web or watch movies.

Read the first look: HP Pavilion Wave

Best stick PC: Intel Compute Stick

CPU: Intel Atom – Intel Core m5 | Graphics: : Intel HD Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 1GB – 4GB | Storage: 8GB-64GB eMMC

Some people have issues with desktop PCs, as they tend to be bulky. The Intel Core Compute Stick has really made that moot. Looking more like a thumb drive than an actual PC, this little renegade can connect to any display with an HDMI input. It starts out with a lowly 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor running Linux, but can be configured up to an Intel Core m5 processor. This is one of the best computers to literally slip in your pocket, whether you need to get some work done during your daily commute or squeeze in some PC time while you’re on vacation.

Specifications (as reviewed)

Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article

Image Credits: TechRadar

• While you’re at it, we’ve also found the best gaming desktop PC you can buy