The best mini PCs are more powerful than you can possibly imagine

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As a powerful and portable substitute for laptops and desktop computers, tiny PCs are available.

Our experience has shown that Apple’s reasonably priced, elegantly built Mac mini is the greatest compact PC available. Our top picks for Windows tiny PCs are the more capable Minisforum UM790 Pro, which is excellent at video editing, and the less expensive Beelink U59. However, there are a tonne more options.

Similar to our evaluations of the top business laptops and desktops, we’ve carefully examined features and benchmarked every device—from the best tiny PC for video editing to the least expensive mini PC for individuals seeking excellent performance at an affordable price.

QUICK LIST

• BEST OVERALL : Apple Mac mini
• BEST ON A BUDGET : Beelink U59
• BEST FOR VIDEO EDITING : Minisforum UM790 Pro
• BEST FOR GAMING : Minisforum Neptune HX100G
• MOST POWERFULL : Apple Mac Studio

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1. Apple Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Apple’s little PC gets a big upgrade

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: Apple M2 (up to 12-core)

Graphics: Integrated GPU (up to 19-core)

RAM: Up to 32GB

Storage: 256GB SSD

Connectivity: Up to 4x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), 2x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack. Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

With its stunning design and outstanding performance, the Apple Mac mini is our choice for the finest little PC. It’s a fantastic option for most people searching for a desktop computer with a small form factor.

The Mac mini—named “mini” to emphasise its small size—is equipped with the lightning-fast M2 and M2 Pro CPUs. It is ideal for running office productivity software, browsing, and even demanding creative tasks like editing photos and videos.

We didn’t run into any performance problems with the Mac mini. It performed flawlessly on all benchmark tests and tasks, trailing only slightly in performance behind the somewhat smaller but still quite portable MacBook Pro. At about $600 / £600, the device is also among the least expensive mini PCs in relation to its performance capacity. You can still occasionally get the M1 model, which is a very nice alternative at a lower cost, if you’re not too concerned about the best processors.

But this is an Apple product, and it’s a great way to get started in its exclusive community. However, unlike most tiny PCs, this one doesn’t have a barebones option, upgrade the OS, change the distribution, or allow for any other customisation. For those who want a tiny PC that is ready to use right away, this is it.

Do you like Windows small PCs? See our top choice for a Mac mini substitute below, or read our evaluation of the GMKtec NucBox K8.

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2. Beelink U59

Good value for a low cost mini PC

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: Intel Celeron Processor

Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics

RAM: 16GB

Storage: 512GB M.2 2280 SATA SSD

Connectivity: 1x USB 3.1 Gen 1 USB-C, 4x USB3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2x HDMI 1.4, 1 x audio jack, Intel WiFi 6E, 2x Gigabit LAN adapter, Bluetooth v5.2

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Beelink U59 is the finest affordable tiny PC for simple tasks like browsing and using office software. It performs well in these areas. Built around the Intel Celeron Processor N5105 (4C/4T, 4M Cache, 2.0GHz up to 2.9GHz), it doesn’t have the best specs we’ve seen. It can be purchased with 512GB of SATA SSD added in addition to 8GB or 16GB of RAM.

The U59 has potential as a small office machine or for embedded applications, and it performs well at fundamental tasks even with that low silicon. Customers having 8GB RAM can upgrade to 16GB RAM and M.2 SATA storage. For even more storage possibilities, there is a 2.5-inch drive bay located within.

The bloatware-free Windows 11 installation and the comparatively modest asking price of the 8GB and 16GB variants are what close this deal. The U59’s dual gigabit LAN connections and dual HDMI outputs neatly position it for embedded use, making it perfect for serving as a standalone firewall or for presenting products. The Beelink U59 is undoubtedly among the best small PCs we’ve tried at a reasonable price.

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3. Minisforum UM790 Pro

For editing videos and beyond

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9

Graphics: Radeon 780M

RAM: 32GB DDR5 (expandable to 64GB)

Storage: 1TB M.2 2280 PCIe4.0 SSD

Connectivity: 4x USB3.2 Type-A, 2x HDMI 2.1, 2x USB 4, 1x 3.5mm audio jack, 1x RJ45 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Minisforum UM790 Pro dazzles with its potent performance and small size. It’s crucial to select a tiny PC that is fully equipped and capable of handling even the resource-hungry software when it comes to video editing. While many of the small PCs we suggest are capable, the Venus UM790 Pro is particularly good. In our tests, it performed exceptionally well in jobs requiring a lot of processing power and graphics, such as 4K video editing and gaming, thanks to its AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS CPU and AMD Radeon 780M GPU.

Fast data access and ample storage capacity are guaranteed by the machine’s two M.2 PCIe 4.0 SSD slots (1TB installed) and 32GB DDR5 dual-channel RAM (expandable to 64GB). The UM790 Pro provides excellent cooling, VESA mounting compatibility, and diverse connectivity. Its outstanding real-world performance is reflected in its benchmark scores, which make it ideal for both milder office duties and creative professionals and gamers.

Although the design is simple, it emphasises utility and is useful. Although it is priced in the middle range for a high-end mini PC, its robust features and performance make it worthwhile investment for individuals looking for powerful performance in a small package.

For expert video editors, we would instead suggest the Apple Mac Studio or Mac mini.

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4. Minisforum Neptune HX100G

A potent combo of desktop and mini PC gaming rig

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 7840HX

Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6600M

RAM: 32GB – 64GB

Storage: 1TB SSD

Connectivity: 3x USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-A, 2x USB4 Type-C, 2x HDMI, 1x USB3.2 Gen1 Type-C, 1x 3.5mm audio in, 1x 3.5mm audio out, 1x RJ45, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

The Minisforum Neptune HX100G, a powerful yet small device that bridges the gap between desktop and tiny gaming PC, put on an amazing performance display throughout our tests.

The specifications make it clear that this little desktop computer is intended for use by gamers, artists, and video editors. It has a Radeon RX 6650M graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS processor. The HX100G’s dimensions and weight do a little something to redefine “mini.” It’s a reasonable trade-off, though, as the extra size aids in cooling. We also can’t bemoan its gaming abilities. We examined a number of games during our study, such as Tekken 8, Cyberpunk 2077, and Assassin’s Creed. All of these games performed well, though we did observe some Ray Tracing settings being reduced.

The PC’s external power adapter is rather large considering its small size. Although the pricing isn’t really “mini,” you still get a lot of value for your money, whether you’re using your small PC for emulation or crushing triple-A games. If you are unable to obtain the HX100G, consider the Minisforum Neptune HX99G, which has comparable specifications.

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5. Apple Mac Studio

A beast of a machine

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU: Apple M1 – M2

Graphics: 24 – 60 core GPU

RAM: 32 – 64GB

Storage: 512GB – 1TB SSD

Connectivity: Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB 4, USB 3.1, USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, audio jack

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

Our top pick for the most powerful tiny PC is a fully specced Apple Mac Studio. The Mac Studio, a more robust iteration of the Mac mini, has a height of 3.7 inches and a square footprint of 7.7 inches. It is constructed from a single aluminium extrusion.

We tested the Mac Studio, and it worked flawlessly. It handled Adobe Photoshop’s sophisticated AI-powered photo editing capabilities and 8K video processing with ease. We even witnessed the Mac Studio load a complex 3D picture that required more RAM than the majority of discrete professional PC GPUs. It accomplished all of this almost silently.

In the end, you just won’t find another PC with this performance level in a chassis this small. Although it won’t be suitable for everyone due to its intense focus on creative pros, the Apple Mac Studio is a powerful and small creative mini PC with lots of ports.

Best mini PCs: FAQs

Are there different types of mini PC?

When it comes to micro PCs, there is a wide range of options: different sizes and purposes are intended for each one.

Certain little PCs are made to fit flat beneath desks, but others have a special vertical shape that lets you set them on top of your desk, right next to your monitor, and at arm’s length. If they have VESA mounting holes, you can also hide them fully behind your monitor.

The greatest tiny PCs available today are a wonderful substitute for large, cumbersome full-size desktop computers and all-in-one systems for a variety of applications, including data input for administrative staff, customer support agents, call centre offices, creative professionals, and at-home learning for students.

What is the best use of a mini PC?

Mini PCs are great at commonplace chores like word processing, streaming videos, web browsing, and light gaming. With the effectively set functioning as a monitor, you can effortlessly link them to your TV to play games and watch movies using services like Netflix or through your own media server. Their specifications are similar to those of mid-range laptops, meaning they lack the CPU and GPU needed to run games and apps that require more resources. Under those conditions, it might make sense to spend money on high-end equipment, such as the best laptops for video editing, which are designed to withstand demanding workloads.

What are the disadvantages of a mini computer?

Even while the greatest little PCs are quite impressive, they do have some drawbacks. Mini PCs lack the specifications of the greatest laptops and contemporary desktop computers. It can be challenging to utilise hardware-intensive programmes and procedures, like any of the best video editing software, but you shouldn’t have any problems using most as a space-saving substitute for the best laptops for graphic design or photo editing.

Generally, it is not feasible to upgrade those internals with lesser specifications. Better components can’t be added to even some of the greatest tiny PCs (at least not without some technical knowledge and competence).

They lack the built-in batteries seen in laptops, yet they are still a great portable option because they must be powered by the mains. Owing to their design, certain users can potentially have problems with overheating. Peripherals like optical drives and screens are also absent from mini PCs.

How much RAM do you need for a mini PC?

The best RAM is the most RAM you can afford, much like with desktop and laptop computers. Performance will be considerably more fluid as a result, particularly if you use the small PC for numerous tasks. We advise having at least 8GB of memory, but 16GB or more is better.

Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Everything is dependent upon the games you wish to play. The greatest small PCs are capable of running older or lighter games; in fact, many of them use these PCs as emulators. They will, however, usually have trouble with more recent titles, such as the triple-A productions from companies like Rockstar. They just lack the necessary GPU and CPU to process them.

Can you connect a mini PC to a laptop?

It is possible to utilise your mini PC as a monitor by connecting it to a laptop, but doing so is simple because many micro PCs do not have the necessary HDMI connectors to output to a laptop screen. Using remote desktop software is among the simplest ways to do this.

Are the best mini PCs better than laptops?

It depends on how you want to utilise your tablet PC. Despite having a much smaller surface area, micro PCs are more portable than regular PCs. Be mindful of the occasionally short battery life of laptops if you’re working on the road; if you typically use the mains, a tiny PC might be a better option.

Laptops are an excellent all-in-one device that can accommodate all of your work and pleasure needs. It’s optional to add extras like the finest dual monitor setup monitors and office keyboards. Additionally, they have a variety of tech specifications, ranging from solutions for standard computing jobs to the top gaming laptops.

Similar to a conventional desktop computer, a small PC functions best in areas where keyboards, monitors (or TVs), and other accessories are readily available. Mini PCs are therefore ideal for usage in offices as they enable numerous users to access the device from different locations. Another consideration is price, since tiny PCs are typically less expensive than laptops.