Are there different types of mini PC?

There is a lot of variety when it comes to mini PCs: various sizes are available and they are designed for various use cases. Some mini PCs are designed to lay flat under a desk while others have a unique vertical design that allows them to be placed on top of your desk next to your monitor and within arm's reach. You can also completely conceal them behind your monitor if they come with VESA mounting holes. Today's best mini PCs are a great alternative to bulky full-size desktops and all-in-one systems for all kinds of uses: from administrative workers doing data entry, to customer service specialists and call center offices, to creative professionals and students learning at home.

What is the best use of a mini PC?

Mini PCs excel at everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, video streaming, and light gaming. You can easily connect them to your TV to play games and watch movies either via a platform like Netflix or through your own media server, with the effectively set acting as a monitor. With specs comparable to mid-range laptops, they don’t have the necessary CPU and GPU to run more resource-intensive apps and games. In those circumstances, it may be worth investing in high-spec devices like the best laptops for photo editing , video editing laptops , and so on.

What are the disadvantages of a mini computer?

While the best mini PCs absolutely shine, they’re not without a few downsides. When it comes to specs, mini PCs pale in comparison to modern desktop computers and the very best laptops . This makes it difficult to use hardware-intensive apps and processes, like any of the best video editing software tools. Upgrading those lower-specced internals is usually out of the question. You won’t generally be able to upgrade the components in your mini PC (at least, not without some technical knowledge and skill). They also need to be run from the mains, so while they’re an excellent portable option, you lack the built-in batteries found in laptops. Due to their form, some users may also experience issues with overheating. Mini PCs also lack peripherals, from screens to optical drives.

How much RAM do you need for a mini PC?

As with desktop computers and laptops, the best RAM is a lot of RAM - as much as you can get. Especially if you’re using the mini PC for a lot of tasks. We recommend a bare minimum of 8GB memory, although 16GB and above is better.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

It all depends on which games you want to play. Mini PCs can ably run lightweight or older games - in fact, many use them as emulators. However, they will typically struggle with newer games, like the triple-A offerings from the likes of Rockstar. They simply don’t have the required CPU and GPU to handle them.

Can you connect a mini PC to a laptop?

Yes, you can connect your mini PC to a laptop and use it as a monitor - but it’s also easy, as many mini PCs lack the required HDMI ports to output to the laptop screen. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is by using remote desktop software.

Are the best mini PCs better than laptops?

It depends how you intend to use your mini computer. While both are highly portable, mini PCs are more so, with a far smaller surface area. If you’re working on the go, be aware of the sometimes limited battery life on laptops - if you’re usually running off the mains, a mini PC may be the better choice. Laptops serve as a great all-in-one solution with everything you need to work and play. Accessories like keyboards and a dual monitor set-up are optional. They also come with a range of tech specs, with options for everyday computing tasks right up to high-powered gaming laptops . Like a traditional desktop computer, a mini PC is best when used in spaces with easy access to monitors (or TV), keyboards, and other peripherals on hand. For this reason, mini PCs are great for office use, allowing multiple users to access the device in a variety of locations. Cost is also a factor, as mini PCs tend to be cheaper than laptops - particularly high-spec or business laptops .

Best Mini PC of 2023

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REASONS TO BUY

REASONS TO AVOID

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REASONS TO BUY

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Quick menu

Geekom AS 5 Mini PC — (Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The quick list
1. Best overall
2. Best on a budget
3. Best for offices
4. Best barebones
5. Best for creators
6. Best for performance
7. Best for flexibility
8. Best Intel mini PC
9. Best for beginners
10. Best for basics
11. Best for conferencing
12. Best workstation
13. Best for ports
14. Best for editing
15. Best for gaming
16. Best tower
17. Best mobile chip
18. Best for storage
FAQs
How to choose
How we test

Don't let the size of the best mini PCs fool you - they may be small, but they're packed full of power, giving you the flexibility to work when, where, and how you want.

A lot of people use mini PCs for streaming videos, light gaming, coding, or office tasks - from to conferencing and data storage. Sometimes known as a NUC or thin client, they're a discreet choice compared desktop computers and laptops. Better still, they’re configurable, versatile, and often more affordable, too. The most powerful mini PC is capable of everything from gentle online browsing to gaming and video editing.

To find out, our team of expert reviewers have hand-tested the best mini PCs. As part of this process, we’ve detailed specs, connectivity, and compared overall performance between devices. We’ve included Windows and Mac systems, and everything from the best mini PC for gaming to the cheapest mini PC that still packs a punch.

Quick list

Best overall

1. Apple Mac mini

Aside from that big performance boost, the Mac mini is compact, relatively affordable compared to those other Macs, and perfect if you or your business have already bought into the Apple ecosystem.

Quick list

Best mini PC overall

1. Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Specifications

Reasons to buy