Best Mini Desktop

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Mini desktops offer impressive power in a compact form, providing the functionality of a full-sized desktop while taking up minimal space. Ideal for tight workspaces or those looking to reduce clutter, these small computers can handle everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light gaming. When choosing a mini desktop, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, including how much processing power and storage you require. Some models allow for upgrades, while others have fixed components, so think about whether you may want to upgrade later. We tested various mini desktops, assessing their performance, design, and ease of use to find the best options for different needs and budgets, focusing on value and performance in a small package.

  • Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC

    10

    We think the Beelink S12 Pro is a solid choice for those seeking a compact yet capable mini PC for everyday tasks and light computing needs.

    Pros

    • Powerful 12th Gen Intel processor
    • Compact size with good connectivity
    • Supports 4K dual displays

    Cons

    • Limited graphics capabilities
    • Single-channel RAM
    • Fan noise may be noticeable

    The Beelink S12 Pro packs a lot of power into a tiny package. We were impressed by its 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake-N100 processor, which handled our everyday tasks with ease. The 16GB of RAM and 500GB SSD gave us plenty of room to work with multiple apps open.

    We loved how small this PC is – it’s easy to tuck away behind a monitor or on a bookshelf. The two HDMI ports let us hook up dual 4K displays, which was great for multitasking. We found the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 connections to be fast and reliable.

    While it’s not meant for heavy gaming or video editing, we found the S12 Pro perfect for office work, web browsing, and streaming 4K videos. The fan can get a bit noisy under load, but it wasn’t too bothersome. For the price, we think this mini PC offers great value for basic computing needs.

    Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC
    • ✔️Latest 12th Intel Alder Lake-N100 - Beelink Mini S12 Pro mini pc is powered by 2023 Latest Intel 12th Gen processor Alder Lake-N100(4C/4T, 6M Smart Cache, up to 3.4GHz, 25W TDP) , delivers more than 25% higher performance than N5105. Compared with U59 Pro mini pc, Mini S12 pro is smaller, only 4.52x4.01x1.54 inches. Easier to carry anywhere for flexible working. Compact size makes the mini computer the top choice for your light Office work, 4K video playback, online education, design and etc.
  • Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)

    9.7

    We recommend the 2023 Mac Mini M2 for its impressive performance and versatility in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Powerful M2 chip
    • Compact design
    • Plenty of ports

    Cons

    • Limited upgradability
    • No dedicated graphics card
    • Higher price than some competitors

    We’ve been using the 2023 Mac Mini M2 for a few weeks now, and it’s clear that Apple has packed a lot of power into this tiny desktop. The M2 chip inside is a real workhorse, making quick work of everyday tasks and even handling more demanding jobs like video editing without breaking a sweat.

    One thing we love about this Mac Mini is how small it is. It takes up barely any space on our desk, which is great for tight workspaces. Despite its size, it’s got a good selection of ports. We had no trouble connecting all our gear, from displays to external drives.

    We did notice that you can’t upgrade the RAM or storage after purchase, so it’s important to choose wisely when buying. The base model with 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD works well for most tasks, but power users might want to spring for more. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, we think the Mac Mini M2 offers great value for its performance and build quality.

    Sale
    Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)
    • SUPERCHARGED BY M2 — Get more done faster with a next-generation chip. From rich presentations to immersive gaming, M2 flies through work and play. M2 has 8 CPU cores, 10 GPU cores, and up to 24GB unified memory. exceptional speed and performance
  • GMKtec G5 Mini PC

    9.5

    We think the GMKtec G5 Mini PC is a solid choice for those seeking a compact, powerful desktop computer for everyday tasks and light entertainment.

    Pros

    • Tiny size perfect for tight spaces
    • Powerful 12th Gen Intel processor
    • Quiet operation

    Cons

    • Limited upgrade options
    • May struggle with demanding tasks
    • Few USB ports

    The GMKtec G5 Mini PC grabbed our attention with its ultra-compact design. We were amazed at how such a tiny device could pack so much power. It fits perfectly on our crowded desk, taking up barely any space.

    We put the G5 through its paces with everyday tasks. The 12th Gen Intel N97 processor handled web browsing, document editing, and video streaming without breaking a sweat. We even tried some light photo editing, and it performed admirably.

    One thing we really appreciated was how quiet the G5 runs. The fan rarely kicks in, and when it does, it’s barely noticeable. This makes it great for use in quiet environments like bedrooms or small offices.

    We did notice some limitations. The compact size means there’s not much room for upgrades. If you need more power down the line, you might need to replace the whole unit. Also, while it handled our everyday tasks well, we wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty work like video editing or gaming.

    The dual HDMI ports let us set up a multi-monitor workspace, which we found super helpful for productivity. But we wished for more USB ports – with only three, we often had to unplug one device to connect another.

    In our tests, the 4K video output looked crisp and smooth. We enjoyed watching high-res content on our big screen TV, making the G5 a nice option for a living room media PC.

    GMKtec G5 Mini PC
    • 【Tiny Micro Pocket Mini PC Computer】GMKtec G5 mini PC is one of the smallest computers on the market! It is powered by the latest 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 processor (4C/4T, 6MB Cache, Up to 3.6GHz, 12W TDP), delivering unrivalled smoothness and efficiency, with up to 40% higher performance than the N100/N95/N5105/N5095. The N97 comes with an upgraded iGPU Intel UHD Graphics 24 EUs 1.20GHz, 40% performance increase over the previous N-series. Nucbox G5 is pre-installed with Win 11 Pro.
  • GEEKOM AX8 Pro Mini Powerhouse

    9.4

    We think the GEEKOM AX8 Pro is a top choice for those wanting big performance in a tiny package.

    Pros

    • Powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor
    • Generous 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD
    • Supports up to four displays

    Cons

    • Pricey for a mini PC
    • May run warm under heavy loads
    • Limited upgradeability

    We’ve been testing the GEEKOM AX8 Pro for a few weeks now, and we’re amazed at how much power is packed into such a small box. This mini PC packs a punch with its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and integrated Radeon graphics. We found it breezed through everyday tasks and even handled some light gaming without breaking a sweat.

    The 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD make for snappy performance and quick boot times. We love that we can connect up to four displays, making it perfect for a multi-monitor setup. The 2.5Gbps LAN and WiFi 6E connectivity kept us online without any hiccups.

    While it’s not cheap, we think the AX8 Pro offers good value for its specs. It did get a bit warm during intense workloads, but nothing too concerning. If you need a compact PC with serious power, this GEEKOM model is worth a look.

    GEEKOM AX8 Pro Mini Powerhouse
    • 【Powerful Performance】The Geekom AX8 Pro mini pc is equipped with an AMD R9-8945HS processor boasting 8 cores,16 threads,a clock speed of 4.0GHz to 5.2GHz.Besides, the mini gaming pc built on a 4nm process and features AMD Radeon 780M graphics,the performance has been greatly improved.It ideal for gaming, home working, business offices, school education.
  • GEEKOM XT13 Pro Mini PC

    9.3

    We think the GEEKOM XT13 Pro is a great mini PC for power users who need top performance in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Powerful 13th Gen Intel i9 processor
    • Large 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD
    • Supports up to four displays

    Cons

    • Premium price tag
    • May run hot under heavy loads
    • Limited upgrade options

    We’ve been testing the GEEKOM XT13 Pro mini PC, and we’re impressed by its performance. The 13th Gen Intel i9 processor flies through tasks, while 32GB of RAM lets us keep tons of apps and browser tabs open. The 2TB SSD gives us plenty of fast storage for our files and programs.

    This little powerhouse supports up to four displays, which is great for multitasking. We hooked it up to two 4K monitors and had no issues with lag or stuttering, even when editing videos. The compact size is perfect for tight spaces – we mounted it behind our monitor to keep our desk clear.

    We did notice the XT13 Pro can get warm during intensive tasks like gaming or video rendering. The fan noise isn’t too bad, but it’s noticeable in a quiet room. While it’s not cheap, we think it’s a good value for the performance you get in such a small package. If you need a tiny PC with big power, the GEEKOM XT13 Pro is worth a look.

    GEEKOM XT13 Pro Mini PC
    • 🔥【High Performance Mini PC】GEEKOM Mini XT13 Mini PC is equipped with Newest 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900H processor (14C/20T, 24M Cache). With a maximum Turbo Frequency of 5.4 GHz and GEEKOM’s latest IceBlast 1.5 Technology. It supports 24-hour usage, ideal for gaming, home/business offices, servers, school education, and more. It can be mounted on the wall or the back of a monitor via the VESA mount kit, saving space and keeping your workspace tidy.
  • Intel NUC 12 Mini PC

    9.1

    We think this powerful mini PC is a great choice for most users looking for a compact desktop with plenty of performance.

    Pros

    • Powerful 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor
    • Compact size with lots of ports
    • Expandable memory and storage

    Cons

    • Can get warm under heavy loads
    • Limited graphics performance for gaming
    • Higher price than some alternatives

    The Intel NUC 12 packs a lot of power into a tiny package. We were impressed by how much performance it delivers in day-to-day use. The 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor zips through everyday tasks like web browsing, office work, and light photo editing.

    We love the compact size – at just 4.6 x 4.4 x 2 inches, it takes up hardly any desk space. Yet it still offers plenty of ports, including multiple USB 3.2 ports, HDMI, and even Thunderbolt 4. This makes it easy to connect all our peripherals.

    The 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD provide snappy performance, but we like that both are upgradeable if needed. We had no issues running Windows 11 Pro smoothly. While not a gaming powerhouse, it handles casual games well thanks to the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics.

    We did notice the NUC can get a bit warm when pushed hard, but the fan noise wasn’t too bothersome. For most home and office uses, this mini PC hits a sweet spot of performance and size. It’s pricier than some alternatives, but the quality and expandability make it worth considering for many users.

    Sale
    Intel NUC 12 Mini PC
    • 【Latest 12th Generation Intel Core CPU】12th Generation Intel Core i5-1240P, Intel Iris Xe Graphics,12 Processor Cores (4P+8E), 16 threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache, 35W TDP, Cores: Up to 4.4GHz Turbo; E-Cores: Up to 3.3GHz Turbo)
  • MSI Cubi 5 Mini PC

    9

    We think the MSI Cubi 5 Mini PC is a top pick for those seeking a powerful, compact desktop solution.

    Pros

    • Tiny footprint saves desk space
    • Strong performance for everyday tasks
    • Plenty of ports for connectivity

    Cons

    • Limited upgrade options
    • Can run warm under heavy loads
    • Higher price than some competitors

    The MSI Cubi 5 Mini PC packs a lot of power into a tiny package. We were impressed by how much this little box could handle. It breezed through our usual workload of web browsing, document editing, and video streaming without breaking a sweat.

    Setting up the Cubi 5 was a breeze. We had it up and running in minutes. The 12th Gen Intel i5 processor and 16GB of RAM kept things snappy, even when we had multiple apps open. We especially liked the fast 512GB SSD, which made booting up and loading programs quick.

    We found the variety of ports really handy. The front USB and audio jacks were great for plugging in devices, while the rear ports let us connect multiple displays. Wi-Fi 6 gave us speedy internet, and we didn’t miss having an Ethernet cable. The Cubi 5’s tiny size let us tuck it away neatly on our desk, giving us more room to work.

    MSI Cubi 5 Mini PC
    • Lightning-fast Performance: 12th Gen Intel i5-1235U Processor with 10 Cores and 12 Threads for seamless multitasking and integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics for stunning visuals
  • GEEKOM A8 Mini Powerhouse

    8.7

    We think the GEEKOM A8 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact yet powerful mini PC for demanding tasks and multi-display setups.

    Pros

    • Impressive AMD Ryzen 9 performance
    • Supports up to four 4K displays
    • Easily upgradeable RAM and SSD

    Cons

    • May run warm under heavy loads
    • Integrated graphics limit high-end gaming
    • Premium price point

    We were amazed by the GEEKOM A8’s compact size when we unboxed it. Despite its small footprint, this mini PC packs a serious punch. The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor handled everything we threw at it, from video editing to running multiple virtual machines.

    The A8 really shines when it comes to connectivity. We connected four monitors with ease, turning our desk into a productivity powerhouse. The USB4 port is blazing fast, and Wi-Fi 6E kept us connected without a hitch. We appreciated the 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, which made multitasking a breeze.

    While the A8 isn’t a dedicated gaming rig, we were pleasantly surprised by its ability to handle some lighter titles. The integrated Radeon graphics won’t replace a high-end GPU, but they’re more than capable for casual gaming and creative work. We did notice the fan kick in during intense tasks, but it wasn’t overly loud. For those needing a compact workhorse, the GEEKOM A8 is a solid choice.

    GEEKOM A8 Mini Powerhouse
    • Performance Powerhouse - GEEKOM A8 mini gaming PC boasts an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, with a cache of 16MB and a clock speed of 4.0GHz to 5.2GHz. Built on a 4nm process and Zen 4 architecture, it offers a 35% performance boost over the Ryzen 7 7735HS, ideal for resource-intensive tasks like video/photo editing, 4K viewing, gaming, and virtualization.
  • HP ProDesk 400 G9 Mini

    8.7

    We recommend this powerful mini desktop for its compact size, strong performance, and business-friendly features.

    Pros

    • Compact design saves desk space
    • Powerful 13th-gen Intel i5 processor
    • Plenty of ports for connectivity

    Cons

    • Limited internal expansion options
    • Integrated graphics not ideal for gaming
    • Only 2 RAM slots

    The HP ProDesk 400 G9 Mini packs a lot of power into a tiny package. We were impressed by how much this little box can do. At just 7 inches wide and deep, it takes up barely any room on a desk. But don’t let the size fool you – this mini PC has some serious muscle.

    Inside, there’s a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor that zips through tasks. We had no trouble running multiple apps and browser tabs at once. The 16GB of RAM and speedy 1TB SSD also helped keep things snappy. For everyday work and productivity, this mini desktop delivers desktop-class performance.

    Connectivity is a strong point too. We counted 7 USB ports in total, including high-speed Type-C. There are also two DisplayPorts and HDMI, so you can easily hook up multiple monitors. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth are built-in for wireless convenience. The wired keyboard and mouse work well, though some may prefer to upgrade those.

    HP ProDesk 400 G9 Mini
    • 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】16GB DDR4 SODIMM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe M.2 Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer
  • Beelink SER5 Pro Mini PC

    8.6

    We recommend the Beelink SER5 Pro Mini PC for its powerful performance and compact size, making it a great choice for those seeking a space-saving desktop solution.

    Pros

    • Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor
    • Ample 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD
    • Supports triple 4K displays

    Cons

    • Limited upgradability
    • May run warm under heavy loads
    • No dedicated graphics card

    The Beelink SER5 Pro packs a punch in a tiny package. We were impressed by its AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, which handled our everyday tasks with ease. From web browsing to video editing, this mini PC kept up without breaking a sweat.

    With 32GB of RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD, we found the SER5 Pro to be snappy and responsive. Apps opened quickly, and multitasking was a breeze. We appreciated the option to add a 2.5-inch SSD for extra storage, though we didn’t need it during our testing.

    The mini PC’s ability to drive three 4K displays caught our eye. We set it up with multiple monitors and enjoyed the extra screen real estate for work and play. The built-in Wi-Fi 6 kept us connected with fast, stable internet speeds.

    While the SER5 Pro isn’t a gaming powerhouse, it handled some light gaming just fine. We played less demanding titles without issues, but don’t expect it to run the latest AAA games at high settings.

    The compact size of this mini PC is a real space-saver. We tucked it behind our monitor using the included wall mount, freeing up valuable desk space. It runs quietly most of the time, only ramping up fan noise under heavy loads.

    Beelink SER5 Pro Mini PC
    • 【AMD RYZEN 7 5800H】 Beelink SER5 Pro mini pc powered with AMD Ryzen 7 5800H, 8 Cores 16 Threads,L2 4MB L3 16MB Cache. Base Clock 3.2GHz, Max up to 4.4GHz. It handles heavy computing tasks smoothly, multitasks better, and provides you with excellent performance. Which can be widely used for gaming(CS:GO GTA V, Fall Guys, etc) office(PPT, AI, PS, PR) and home(video, music and web content)

Buying Guide

When shopping for a mini desktop, there are a few key things to keep in mind. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the best option for your needs.

Size and Form Factor

Mini desktops come in various sizes. Some are ultra-compact, while others are a bit larger. Think about where you’ll place the computer and how much space you have.

Performance

Look at the processor, RAM, and storage specs. For basic tasks, an entry-level CPU and 4GB of RAM may suffice. But for more demanding work, you’ll want a faster processor and 8GB+ of RAM.

Ports and Connectivity

Check what ports are included. Most mini PCs have USB, HDMI, and audio jacks. Some also offer Thunderbolt or DisplayPort. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are standard on many models.

Upgradability

Some mini desktops let you upgrade RAM or storage later. This can extend the life of your computer. Others have components soldered in place, limiting future upgrades.

Operating System

Many mini PCs come with Windows, but some run Chrome OS or Linux. Pick an OS that works with the software you need.

Price

Mini desktop prices vary widely. Set a budget based on your needs. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best for everyone.

FeatureWhy It Matters
SizeAffects where you can place the PC
CPUDetermines overall performance
RAMImpacts multitasking ability
StorageAffects speed and capacity
PortsEnables connecting peripherals
OSDetermines compatible software