Why go big when you can go small? Not everyone has space for a monster PC set up, that’s why we’re here to bring you the best mini PCs you need in your life.
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1. Asus Chromebox M004U Mini PC (Editor’s Choice)
Pros:- Great performance for the price
- Great value for those who only need Chrome web browser and work apps
- Quiet PC has no fan
- Streams 1080P video without any problems
- Doesn’t generate much heat
Cons:- Only for using Google Chrome and offline apps
- Gaming selection isn't the same on PC
- Gets really cold when not in use
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Core i7-8550U| RAM 16GB DDR4 | Graphics Card Integrated 4K | Hard Drive 128GB SSD | Weight 2.3 lbs |
For those who want a super-powered computing experience, the Chromebox 3 offers a lot of power.
While it does not have a Windows 10 installation, just Chrome OS, the much lighter weight of this operating system means that the Chromebox is actually much more usable for web browsing than others on our list.
The Chromebox is only really good for web-browsing, there’s a shocking amount of things one can do online including edit Microsoft Office Documents, edit photos using Pixlr, and even edit videos (low-res, and in a pinch). If you don’t want to work online, there’s a huge selection of apps or app-equivalents on the Google Play store to download should you need to work offline.
For many, going exclusively Chrome on their desktop machine is a great way to save a ton of money, and have a PC that does what people mostly do on a PC anyway: browse the internet.
This computer is the editor’s choice because if you want a mini PC at a great price, this PC has better performance than any of the other very cheap minis (items one through four). Windows 10 is a massive drain on system resources. This PC eliminates that and therefore, even though it’s not more powerful on paper, in practice, it’s great.
Find more Asus Chromebox 3 Mini PC information and reviews here.
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2. HP Slimline 260
Pros:- DVD+/-RW Drive
- Full Windows 10 PC with more power than the smaller minis
- Solid price for the performance
- PLenty of outputs including three USB 3.0
Cons:- Not tiny
- A small percentage of users had issues with the boot time
- I'd personally prefer a straight black finish instead of the dots
Processor / Passmark Speed i3-6100T / 4835 | RAM 8GB | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 1TB (7200RPM) | Weight 9.7lbs | Extras Dimensions: 3.94 x 15.89 x 12.59 in |
The HP Slimline offers quite a big jump in performance from the minis, and isn’t huge.
With a much faster processor, solid RAM, and a big spacious hard drive. This is a great PC for student or office applications. IF you just need a computer with a smaller profile, but don’t want to sacrifice speed and functionality, this PC won’t let you down. Of course, it also won’t save quite as much space. It also includes a DVD drive with writing capabilities, something you won’t find on any of the above models. Another nice touch, often cheap PCs have 5400 RPM hard drives; it’s nice to a speedy 7200RPM on this model.
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3. Quantum Access Mini PC Stick
Pros:- Excellent stick for streaming media
- Tiny size, plug and play setup
- Includes full version of Windows 10
- Praised as great for a personal server
- Good for text editing and super basic office use
Cons:- Build quality isn’t great
- A small percentage of users had issues with the Wi-Fi
- With its slow processor and low RAM, doing anything else will be very slow
Processor / Passmark Speed Atom Z3735F / 908 | RAM 2GB | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 32GB SSD | Weight 4oz |
If you’re looking for a sub-$100 mini PC, the Quantum Mini-Stick will do the job.While it’s a great price, one should be warned that this stick is certainly for particular applications only.
Some great use cases include: watching YouTube, Netflix, or Hulu videos, for outputting images to a custom display (like at a store), or as a media player. For normal computer usage, however, it’s a bit on the slow side. Still, if you just need the basics here, this is a Mini PC that will do a few things well at an unreal price. It’s not advised as a general use PC.
Find more Quantum Access Mini PC Stick information and reviews here.
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4. Azulle Quantum Byte
Pros:- Decent price for the performance
- Fairly large SSD for a Mini PC
- Full Windows 10 PC
- Small, minimal appearance
- Only $80 more than a Roku with way more functionality
Cons:- Struggles with non-optimized video not from Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix
- Won’t work with Linux
- Problematic as a 1080P media center
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Atom Z3735F / 908 | RAM 2GB DDR3L | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 32GB | Weight 12.3oz |
While the specs of this Quantum Byte are comparable to the Quantum Access Mini PC on our list, the reality is that this PC is a lot better for workstation applications. It’s great for browsing the web, being used as a media player, and runs smoothly for most office or student uses. It’s quiet, a solid performer, and includes a full install of Windows 10.With 2GB of RAM, one can open a handful of Chrome tabs, for instance, but don’t expect the moon from this PC. For people who want a PC for video streaming or office work, it performs well.
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5. Intel NUC Mini PC
Pros:- Insane levels of power
- Great SSD size
- Still small
Cons:- Pricey
- If you don't plan on playing games, skip this one
- Not everyone will like the skull design
- 32GB/2TB version is even more expensive
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Core i7-8705G | RAM 8GB DDR4 | Graphics Card AMD Radeon RX Vega | Hard Drive 256GB SSD | Weight 3 lbs |
If we’re talking about the best mini PCs, there’s no way I couldn’t mention this Intel NUC Mini PC.
If you’re after a PC to game on, this is it.
The AMD Radeon RX Vega combined with a lush 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD means this thing will fly. Of course, if you’re after something you won’t need to replace for years upon years, there are a few customizable options here, with the top version maxing out at 32GB of RAM and an insane 2TB SSD. That is some top-tier specs right there.
Whichever version you end up getting, this is one gaming PC that mixes pure power and form factor.
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6. Intel NUC 7 – Windows 10 Mini PC (i7)
Pros:- Great business desktop at good price
- Powerful graphics, fast processor for business and workstation applications
- Enough RAM for solid multitasking
- Optane memory makes accessing files faster
- Plenty of space on the data drive
- Small, form factor; includes SD card reader
Cons:- Overkill for most users
- No gaming abilities
- Price to performance is only OK
Processor / Passmark Speed i7-7567U / 6532 | RAM 8GB DDR4 | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 2TB (with Intel Optane) | Weight 2.9lbs | Dimensions 4.5 x 4.4 x 2 inches
If you want a robust and powerful PC for a media center and more, the Intel NUC PC brings enough power to do pretty much anything but play graphically intense games (it doesn’t have a graphics card).It’s an awesome business or student desktop, has enough RAM for plenty of multitasking, and with Intel Optane technology on its hard drive, loading files is faster than it would be on an ordinary drive. While this PC doesn’t offer the best value on our list, sometimes it’s worth spending the extra money to have a machine that runs fast and smooth with many applications open at once, or for doing things like editing photos or videos.
This is truly a no-compromises machine at a decent price.
Find more Intel NUC 7 – Windows 10 Mini PC (i7) information and reviews here.
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7. LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit
Pros:- Affordable
- Great for running retro games
- Runs Linux
- Comes with everything you need to build your own mini PC
Cons:- Not everyone wants to build their own PC
- Isn't as powerful as others on this list
- Runs Linix
Processor / Passmark Speed Integrated | RAM 4GB DDR4 | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 64GB Micro SD | Weight 1.45 lbs |
If you’re after something that’s a little different and more hands-on, the LABISTS Raspberry Pi 4 Starter Kit is well worth considering.
This isn’t a Windows PC. Raspberry Pi kits are, generally, designed to run Linux. Not only will you be assembling everything, you’ll also be downloading a free copy of Linux and installing it onto the system.
In terms of power, the Raspberry Pi isn’t really on the same level as Windows PCs. But for writing or playing retro games, it’s an affordable alternative with a lot of customization options.
Just keep in mind, this isn’t going to be as straightforward as plugging it in and it’ll work, so be aware of who’s going to be using this and how they’ll fair.
Find more Raspberry Pi4 Starter Kit information and reviews here.
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8. Azulle Access3 Mini PC Stick
Pros:- 4GB of RAM is a solid amount
- 64GB means you shouldn't need to worry about storage
- Comes with Windows 10 (64-bit)
- Has Wi-Fi
Cons:- Pricier than some lesser powered mini PCs
- 8GB is recommended for Windows, generally
- Only two USB ports
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Core Apollo Lake N3450 | RAM 4GB DDR4 | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 64GB eMMC | Weight 0.9 lbs |
It is WILD how much power you can fit into such a small space.
The Azulle Access3 Mini PC Stick is the one to go with if you want the 64-bit version of Windows to run pretty well.
The 4GB of RAM combined with the N3450 processor should result in a fairly speedy experience. The 64GB storage is a decent size, too. That’s plenty of space for images, documents, and other smaller files.
While this one is a little pricier than the mini PCs around the $100 mark, the extra power means you’re going to get a much cleaner user experience.
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9. Minix Neo Z83-4
Pros:- Full Windows 10 computer, 64-bit
- 4GB of RAM
- Can play 4K at 30FPS
- Great thermal design, no fan
- Quiet
Cons:- Turn off “fast reboot” from the settings; memory can be corrupted
- A small percentage of users had issues with the Wi-Fi
- Hard-drive isn't large enough for constant updates
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Atom x5-Z8300 / 1201 | RAM 4GB | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 32GB | Weight 1.4lbs |
If you’re adamant about a full Windows 10 system, then this mini PC brings a lot to the table. Boasting 4GB of RAM, this mini is good to go for up to 10 tabs of Chrome, working as a media center, and even outputs to multiple displays.
Adding the extra gigabytes of RAM is probably the biggest strong point here, since this allows one to have more applications open at once. This mini PC is also capable of outputting 4K at 30hz, meaning for watching movies, it’s a great way to go.
That said, for using a workstation at 4k, 30hz doesn’t look great (this means there are 30 frames per second, so moving the mouse feels choppy). It’ll serve its purpose best on a lower resolution workstation, but it should suffice for a 4K media center, given that one doesn’t like that super-smooth TV look at 60hz.
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10. Zotac ZBox CI325 Mini PC
Pros:- Outputs 4K at 30hz
- No moving parts means more reliability
- Can upgrade RAM to 16GB
- Great device for streaming media
- Only gets warm not hot
- Silent
Cons:- A small percentage of users found the PC overheated
- A very small number of users had issues with reliability
- Name makes it sound like a third-party Xbox knock-off
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel N3160 / 1699 | RAM 4GB RAM | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 32GB SSD | Weight 3lbs |
With a more powerful processor, and more RAM, the Zotac Zbox is ready to do the job. It boasts a 32GB SSD, and a small profile. Plus, it can output to three displays. This is a reliable machine from a great manufacturer. If you are willing to spend the extra couple of bucks, it’s a great way to get a snappier processor with roughly the same power as some of the other minis. If you need a full Windows 10 installation, having a more powerful processor certainly helps create a smooth experience.Find more Zotac ZBox CI325 Mini PC information and reviews here.
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11. Lenovo ThinkCentre M625
Pros:- Comes with Windows 10 Pro (64-bit)
- Fast and quiet; powerful processor with enough RAM for business or student applications
- Quick boot time
Cons:- SSD isn't large enough for gaming
- May include bloatware you'll need to uninstall
- Graphics card isn't super-powered
Processor / Passmark Speed AMD A9-9420e | RAM 8GB DDR4 | Graphics Card AMD Radeon R5 | Hard Drive 120GB SSD |
If storage isn’t your priority, this Lenovo Thinkcentre switches out the hard disk drive with an SSD and adds in a decent processor, the AMD A9-9420e.
With 8GB of RAM, it’s good for multitasking, editing photos or videos, or surfing the web. Plus it comes with the 64-bit version of Windows 10. It’s got pretty much everything.
This is a good PC to go with if you’re not planning on storing a ton of media on your computer. Having an SSD means the boot time is faster and in general, everything will be a bit more responsive. That said, if you do plan on having a lot of files available locally, a PC with a larger storage space may be a better investment.
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12. Omen X (Gamer’s Pick)
Pros:- Fast processor for all applications
- Great graphics card for playing modern games on medium to high
- Quiet PC
- VR is possible
Cons:- No DVD/CD burner
- Overkill if you're just looking to surf the web
- Pricey
Processor / Passmark Speed i7-7820HK | RAM 16GB DDR4 | Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080, 8GB | Hard Drive 1TB SSD, 1TB HDD | Weight 8 lbs | Dimensions: 9.02 x 2.39 x 13.07 inches
For those who want a small machine that can still play games, the Omen X pulls no punches and is the best mini PC for gamers.Boasting a powerful i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a MASSIVE 1TB SSD, it really does have it all.
The one weakness of this machine is the relatively low RAM. Nonetheless, it will still be fine for any office or student use, but for video editing and other intensive applications, you shouldn’t need to upgrade, just don’t expect lightning-fast responses.
For the gamer’s, this PC is capable of playing modern games at medium to high settings. The GTX 1060 is a great graphics card, and this PC offers a lot of value, plus it’s cool looking with a small form factor. It’s a little pricey compared to full-size models, but if you need a small device, it can’t be beat.
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13. GUZILA Fanless Mini PC
Pros:- Super, super affordable
- Compact
- Again, it's really cheap
Cons:- Not enough RAM to anything other than surfing
- Only one HDMI port
- HDD will get filled quickly
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Atom x5-Z8350 | RAM 2GB | Graphics Card Integrated | Hard Drive 32GB HDD | Weight 0.8 lbs |
Okay, so. The Guzila Mini PC is the absolute bare minimum. That said, if you’re on a budget, it’ll do.
In terms of power, there isn’t much when compared to everything else on this list. 2GB of RAM isn’t going to be gaming any time soon, and it may struggle to run Windows 10 depending on how much hard-drive space you fill.
It does have a micro SD slot (up to 128GB) which if you’re planning on hosting stuff offline, you’ll need to make use of.
Sure, this is isn’t the most powerful machine in the world, and it doesn’t have a lot of options, but if it’s just surfing the web you’re after and not much else, you’re onto a winner.
Find more Guzila Mini PC Cylinder information and reviews here.
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14. W5 PC Stick
Pros:- Affordable
- Decent for work and online
- Really, really small
Cons:- Processor isn't great
- Neither is the amount of RAM
- Isn't USB-sized
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Atom Z8350 | RAM 2GB DDR4 | Graphics Card Integrated 4K | Hard Drive 32GB eMMc | Weight 0.6 lbs |
How small can we go while still remaining worthwhile? Let’s find out.
The W5 PC Stick is surprisingly useful. It runs Windows (64-bit), has a 2.4Ghz wifi-adaptor, and Bluetooth. That’s all you really need to get online or work.
The only downside here is the lack of RAM and the processor. It’ll do what’s intended but not much else.
If we’re factoring power to price, though, that’s a totally understandable downside.
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15. Intel Mini PC (NUC8i7BEH)
Pros:- HUGE amount of RAM
- HUGE amount of SSD storage
- HUGE amount of processing power
Cons:- Super pricey
- Not ideal for games
- Price needs mentioning twice
Processor / Passmark Speed Intel Quad-Core i7-8559U | RAM 32GB DDR4 | Graphics Card Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650 | Hard Drive 1TB SSD | Weight 3 lbs |
The Intel NUC8i7BEH Mini PC is an absolute beast.
I wouldn’t think of this as a gaming machine, mostly due to the graphics card, but in terms of speed, this is the one.
The i7 backed by 32GB of RAM and a MASSIVE 1TB SSD means this is not only one of the best mini pcs, it’s also one of the fastest. It will fly.
There is the question of price. Is this too much much for a mini PC? Is the fact you could buy a desktop that can play games for less a better option? We’ll leave that choice up to you.
Why Buy a Mini PC?
If you are looking to get a new PC, but want something small, Mini PCs are the answer. These tiny computers offer a variety of functionality from being mini a media center to a full-blown workstation. You can even take it one step further and turn it into a legit gaming PC.
These mico machines all have one thing in common: they're on the small side. That said, they are not all of the same size. The smallest device on our list is little more than an HDMI dongle, while the bigger PCs are about the size of a modern video game console.
If you're looking for a media center or workstation PC, most of these devices will do just fine. However, only a few are fast enough for video games, and not all of them are capable of 4K streaming.
HDD vs SSD vs eMMC - What the Heck Are They?
All three of these terms are different types of hard-drives with different performances. Confusing, right? Don't worry, we're about to break it down.
HDD is your standard run of the mill hard-drive. These bad boys have high storage capacities, are technically the cheapest, but also the slowest out of the three.
Next is the eMMC, which is another type of storage that's normally soldered onto the PC's motherboard. EMMC is faster than a regular HDD, but the jump in speed isn't comparable with our third entry.
The SSD, or Solid State Drive if you want to sound clever, is by far the fastest hard-drive around. If you're after something to load the operating system like Windows faster or boot games at higher speeds, an SSD is the way forward.
The downside, of course, is because of how relatively new SSDs are, they cost quite a bit more than your standard HDD or eMMC and, generally, have a lower storage capacity.
Which is the best? Ideally, an SSD for the operating system and a handful of apps backed by a second HDD for storing everything else is the way to go, money pending, obviously.
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