The new Mac mini with M6 chip packs plenty of performance into Apple's familiar compact design, but Windows mini PCs can offer advantages such as upgradable memory and a wider choice of ports. I've selected 12 of my favorite Mac mini alternatives, covering everything from inexpensive everyday systems to powerful mini PCs built for demanding creative work.
My choices include models from Beelink, Geekom, GMKtec, Minisforum and Asus - all brands that have impressed us during testing. Some offer USB4 for connecting high-speed peripherals or an external GPU, which is useful for those who want a creator workstation like the Mac mini. Others give you accessible RAM and storage for future upgrades, something you can't do with Apple's compact machine.
Whatever your budget or performance requirements, these are the Windows mini PC alternatives I'd consider instead of a Mac mini. Click View Details for the key specs you'll want to know about.
My top 12 Windows mini PC alternatives to the Mac mini
How to choose a mini PC that's a genuine alternative to the Mac mini
This probably sounds obvious, but choosing the right mini PC depends on what you plan to do with it. For everyday office work, browsing and streaming, a modern processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB or 1TB SSD should be plenty. Gaming and content creation will benefit from a faster CPU and stronger integrated graphics.
Graphics
One of the big reasons people buy a Mac mini is the graphics output. It's especially good at creative workloads without relying on an external GPU. If you're looking to get the same performance (or even surpass it) from a Windows mini PC, look for OcuLink or USB4 ports. OcuLink provides a high-bandwidth PCIe connection that's particularly well suited to external graphics cards, while USB4 is more versatile and can also handle fast storage, docks and displays.
Components
Check whether the amount of RAM and storage can be upgraded, too. Some mini PCs use soldered memory, while others have accessible SO-DIMM slots and space for additional M.2 SSDs, making them easier to expand later. In general, memory listed as LPDDR4/LPDDR5 will be soldered to the motherboard, so it can't be upgraded, while DDR4/DDR5 means it can be expanded.
Other ports
Also check the number and speed of USB ports, Ethernet speed, Wi-Fi version and display outputs, particularly if you want to run multiple monitors. HDMI, DisplayPort and USB-C capabilities can vary massively between models.
Size
Finally, don't assume every mini PC is roughly the same size. They're all compact compared with a conventional desktop, but dimensions can vary considerably, particularly on gaming-focused models with larger cooling systems.
For context, the Mac mini measures 2 x 5 x 5 inches (or 5 x 12.7 x 12.7cm). Now, that's surprisingly large compared to most Windows mini PCs we test. But if desk space is important, check the actual measurements rather than just relying on them being a "mini PC."
Why I chose these mini PCs
I had three key areas of focus when selecting these mini PCs — performance, connectivity and value for money.
Performance was obviously high on my list, which is why I've included mini PCs powered by some seriously capable AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors. The Beelink SER9 Pro ranked as our best mini PC for business.
I also wanted plenty of memory and storage, although upgradeability obviously varies considerably between these machines.
There are some particularly well-connected choices among my top 12, too. The Minisforum UM890 Pro has two USB4 ports, OCuLink for connecting high-speed external hardware, dual 2.5GbE ports and enough display connections to drive four screens simultaneously.
The GMKtec EVO X1 also combines USB4 and OCuLink with dual 2.5GbE networking, alongside HDMI and DisplayPort outputs.
Price was important as well, so I tried to include options for different budgets rather than filling the list with flagship machines. We rate Acemagic's K1 as our best mid-range mini PC, and at under $290, GMKtec's G10 Mini PC is a very affordable choice.
For more options, check out the best mini PCs we've tested, and for more savings, see our round-up of this week's best mini PC deals.
