Based on reviews, these are the best small computers you can buy.
The best microcomputers may be small compared to standard-sized devices, but they have the power to handle a wide range of tasks, including gaming, content creation, and web browsing.
These small computers are not only more portable than huge PC towers, but they are also incredibly quiet.
Mini PCs come in a variety of designs, from compact desktops to computers you can carry in your pocket.
Mini PCs use the compact, energy-efficient components found in laptops to deliver a surprising amount of power in units small enough to hide behind a monitor.
There are small computers available for everything from VR to gaming and movie streaming.
The best small computers for everything from home entertainment to gaming and workstations are listed below.
Each examination includes a practical assessment.
This allows us to specifically inform you which systems are the best.
Every small computer on this list has been tested, and we currently have only the best models available.
Which small computers are the best
The Apple Mac mini, Apple’s compact desktop computer from late 2020, is the best mini PC overall.
It offers a lot of power at a lower price than ever before as one of the first Macs to use Apple’s M1 processor.
Consider Mac Studio if you want more power but would rather stick with macOS.
The largest stick PC tested is the Azulle Access3, which has a portable design and can be connected to any monitor or TV using an HDMI connector.
The incredible workstation-level capabilities of the Intel NUC 9 Pro are delivered in a deceptively small size, while the gaming-focused Intel Hades Canyon NUC shows that even AAA games and VR can be used with a well-designed mini PC.
Raspberry Pi 4 Model B from 70.00 KM provides a minimal setup that is ideal for experimentation and projects.
1. Apple Mac mini with M1
Overall ideal mini-PC.
- Size (inches) : 7.7 x 7.7 x 1.4.
- Weight : 2.6 pounds
- CPU: Apple M1.
- Storage: 256GB SSD.
- Geekbench 5 result: 6.005.
Advantages
- Extremely fast performance.
- Smooth support for most software.
- At more reasonable prices than ever.
Disadvantages
- No subsequent modifications.
- Lack of Thunderbolt 3 ports.
- A few minor feature and compatibility issues.
The Apple M1 CPU, Apple’s first significant departure from using Intel processors in Macs, is hidden inside the latest Apple Mac mini model, despite the fact that it may look identical to its predecessors.
The new CPU has a surprising level of power, competitive with the more expensive Intel Core i3 and Core i5 systems.
As long as it’s not Windows, it will do almost anything you need in conjunction with Apple’s Mac OS Big Sur and Rosetta 2.
It’s not an ideal desktop, and the fact that it only supports two displays and has fewer ports is a big bummer, but the overall value you get is great.
2. Apple Mac Studio
The ideal small computer for macOS users.
- Size (inches): 7.7 x 7.7 x 3.7 inches.
- Weight: 5.9/7.9 pounds (M1 Max/M1 Ultra).
- CPU: Apple M1 Max – M1 Ultra.
- Storage: 256GB – 2TB.
- Geekbench 5 result: 23,931.
Advantages
- The M1 Ultra works incredibly fast.
- Excellent design.
- Numerous ports.
- Quiet.
Disadvantages
- Expensive.
With the exception of the Mac Pro, the Mac Studio can deliver more power than any other Apple computer on the market right now, in a quiet, attractive case that sits well on a desk.
The Mac Studio with the M1 Ultra demonstrates that Apple’s chips have the ability to compete with the best desktop silicon from Intel and AMD, despite how much we enjoy seeing Apple silicon put to good use in MacBooks, where its power efficiency helps deliver some of the best battery life in the industry.
You will, of course, have to pay since we are talking about Apple.
Although the starting price of the Mac Studio of 4000.00 KM is not bad, you only get the basic model with the same M1 Max chip that is in the more expensive models.
3. Azulle Access3
The best stick computer.
- Size (inches): 5.5 x 2.36 x 0.76.
- Weight: 5.12 ounces.
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4100.
- Memory: 32GB.
- Geekbench 4 result: 4,541.
Advantages
- Fanless cooling is combined with a modern look in an elegant design.
- More ports have been added, including USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Performance with 4K video support.
Disadvantages
- Slow data transfer speeds.
- The included optional keyboard is inconvenient.
Our favorite little stick PC is the improved Azulle Access3.
The Access3 is the first stick PC we’ve tested with a compact design that’s almost small enough to fit on a keychain and flexible enough to be used with any monitor or TV.
It also gets a faster processor, faster USB 3.0 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet for better performance and communication.
The fast performance is great for streaming and even supports 4K video output.
Whether it’s used in your home theater, to power digital signals, or simply to let you watch Netflix on your TV, Access3 thrives in a way that the bigger manufacturers have largely ignored.
4. Geekom Mini IT8
The ideal small computer for hobbyists.
- Size (inches): 4.6 x 4.4 x 1.8.
- Weight: 2.2 pounds.
- CPU: Intel i5-8259U.
- Memory: 256GB, 512GB.
Advantages
- Very reasonably priced for the value.
- Numerous desktop and server software programs
- Positive performance.
- Four monitors are supported.
- Comes with Windows 11 Pro.
Disadvantages
- Outdated CPU.
- Neimpresivan GPU.
- The case attracts fingerprints.
Although the 8th Gen Intel Coffee Lake CPU in this cheap little computer is outdated, it still provides more than adequate power for everyday work.
The Mini IT8 is more than capable of meeting most users’ word processing and Internet browsing needs.
With VESA mounting, the Geekom Mini IT8 can be attached to the back of your monitor for a neat workstation.
While the pre-installed Windows 11 Pro is fantastic, our minds begin to wonder what you could do with it if you wanted to use this little PC as, say, a virtualization host for your home network or a media streaming hub.
The Tiny IT8 is a great mini PC because you can install Linux or anything else you want on it.
5. Intel Hades Canyon NUC
The best small gaming computer.
- Size (inches): 8.7 x 5.6 x 1.5.
- Weight: 4.75 pounds.
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8009G/AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH.
- Storage: Use your own.
Advantages
- Outstanding graphics performance.
- Simple, attractive design.
- Ports galore.
- Customizable RGB lighting.
Disadvantages
- Set when parts are added.
In a case, the size of a book, Intel’s small computer Hades Canyon NUC offers performance suitable for desktop gaming.
The Hades Canyon NUC can carry AAA games and VR in a compact, black brick that can fit in a backpack or attach to a home entertainment center thanks to its Intel Core i7-8009G/AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH hybrid chip, which combines processing and discrete graphics on one chip.
The Hades Canyon NUC is packed with connectors despite its compact size, with Thunderbolt 3 ports and HDMI output.
While you’ll need to provide your own memory, storage, and Windows installation if you get the base kit, this tiny gaming PC can compete head-to-head with an Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti gaming tower and even handle VR.
It’s the best small gaming computer you can buy.
See more on the blog.