In a world where space and portability matter, some of the best mini PCs have emerged as the perfect solution to streamline our digital lives. These compact powerhouses pack a punch, making them a versatile choice for both work and play, enhancing productivity, and simplifying entertainment experiences.
Best Overall | Bang for Your Buck | Best on a Budget |
Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF | ASUS ExpertCenter PN52 | Beelink Mini S Mini PC |
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| The Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF impresses with its powerful 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, ample RAM, and compact design, making it a well-rounded mini PC for various computing needs. | The ASUS ExpertCenter PN52 offers excellent performance, expandability options, and 4K display support, making it a top choice for those seeking great value in a mini PC. | The Beelink Mini S Mini PC offers a fanless design, 4K dual screen display support, and rich connectivity options, making it the best budget-friendly mini PC for various computing tasks. |
What Is a Mini PC?
Mini PCs are compact computing devices designed to deliver powerful performance while occupying minimal space. These tiny machines pack the functionality of a traditional desktop computer into a smaller form factor, often no larger than a few inches, making them ideal for tight spaces, home theaters, classrooms, and business environments.
Why Buy a Mini PC?
There are several compelling reasons to opt for a mini PC. Firstly, their small size makes them perfect for users with limited desk space or needing a portable computing solution. Additionally, the best mini PCs consume less power, saving energy and reducing environmental impact. They also offer a clutter-free setup for specific use cases like media centers, digital signage, and kiosks.
Best Mini PCs: What to Look For
In the quest for the perfect mini PC, consider these ten essential criteria to ensure you find the ideal blend of performance and versatility for your computing needs.
Best Overall: Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF
Image credit: Dell
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The Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF earns its position as the best mini PC on the market today due to its impressive combination of high-end components, efficient design, and versatility. The 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor ensures exceptional processing power, making it suitable for both office productivity and multimedia tasks. The ample 16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD ensure smooth multitasking and quick data access, enhancing overall performance.
The mini PCs compact form factor is perfect for users with limited desk space, while its modern aesthetic seamlessly blends into any workspace. With Windows 11 Professional, users can take advantage of the latest features and security enhancements, optimizing the overall computing experience.
Furthermore, the Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF provides comprehensive connectivity options, including multiple USB ports, DisplayPort outputs, and a high-speed Wi-Fi connection, catering to various peripherals and display setups. The inclusion of a 2-year warranty and TPM 2.0 adds to its appeal, providing peace of mind and enhanced data security. Overall, the Dell OptiPlex 7090 MFF offers a well-rounded package that meets the needs of both professional and home users, solidifying its position as the best mini PC choice in 2023.
Bang for Your Buck: ASUS ExpertCenter PN52
Image credit: Asus
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The ASUS ExpertCenter PN52 truly embodies “bang for your buck” with its excellent combination of features, performance, and price. The AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor, coupled with Radeon Graphics, delivers impressive processing power and graphical capabilities, making it ideal for both everyday tasks and gaming needs. The inclusion of 8GB DDR4 memory and a speedy 256GB PCIe SSD ensures smooth multitasking and quick data access, allowing users to navigate applications seamlessly.
Moreover, the mini PCs triple storage design provides users with flexibility and scalability to meet their storage requirements as they evolve. This adaptability is particularly valuable for budget-conscious users who want to invest in a mini PC that can grow with their needs over time. The quad-4K display support is another standout feature, enabling users to build immersive workstations with multiple high-resolution monitors.
Furthermore, the ASUS ExpertCenter PN52 comes with pre-installed Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth, enhancing connectivity options without the need for additional accessories. The compact 0.9-liter form factor ensures a space-saving solution, making it perfect for users with limited desk space or those seeking a minimalist setup. Overall, the ASUS ExpertCenter PN52 offers exceptional value for money, making it the best “bang for your buck” mini PC on the market in 2023.
Best Mini PCs on a Budget: Beelink Mini S Mini PC
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The Beelink Mini S stands out as the best budget mini PC on the market today due to its exceptional combination of performance, features, and affordability. Powered by the 11th Gen 4 Cores N5095 processor, it offers efficient multitasking and smooth performance, making it a versatile choice for business tasks, education, and personal use.
One of its major advantages is the support for 4K @60Hz dual-screen display through dual HDMI ports, allowing users to create a dual-monitor setup for improved productivity and seamless multitasking. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals who work with multiple applications or documents simultaneously.
The Beelink Mini S also comes with 8GB DDR RAM and a 256GB M.2 SSD, providing ample memory for smooth multitasking and quick data access. Moreover, the built-in cooling fan ensures optimal hardware temperature, reducing the risk of overheating and enhancing the mini PCs lifespan.
Considering its reasonable price point and the included accessories, such as the VESA mount and wall mount bracket, the Beelink Mini S offers excellent value for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable and versatile mini PC for various computing needs. The pre-installed Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro further add to its appeal, providing flexibility in the choice of operating system for users’ preferences. Overall, the Beelink Mini S Mini PC is a cost-effective and feature-rich option, making it the best budget mini PC on the market in 2023.
Best for Media Streaming/Home Theater: ZOTAC ZBOX CI325 Nano
Image credit: Zotac
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The ZOTAC ZBOX CI325 Nano is the best mini PC for media streaming and home theater setups due to its fan-less design and 4K video support. The passive cooling system ensures utterly silent operation, allowing users to enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows without distracting noise—making it an excellent choice for home theater setups, where a quiet environment is essential for an immersive entertainment experience.
The mini PCs multiple video outputs, including HDMI 1.4b, DisplayPort 1.1a, and VGA, offer versatility in connecting various displays and monitors, making it suitable for different home theater configurations. With support for 4K video at 30Hz, the ZBOX CI325 Nano delivers smooth and high-quality visuals, ensuring users enjoy their favorite content in stunning detail and clarity.
Furthermore, the computer’s compact size and lightweight design make integrating the ZOTAC ZBOX CI325 Nano easy into any home theater setup without taking up much space. The 8GB DDR3L RAM and 32GB SSD provide sufficient memory and storage for smooth media streaming and playback. The mini PCs compatibility with Microsoft DirectX 11.2 and Windows 10 enhances its multimedia capabilities, allowing for seamless playback of various multimedia formats.
Best for Apple Users: Mac Mini
Image credit: Apple
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The Mac Mini stands as the best mini PC for Apple users on the market today due to its integration with the Apple ecosystem and the exceptional performance provided by the M2 chip. Designed and optimized by Apple, the M2 chip delivers significant improvements in speed and efficiency, allowing users to handle resource-intensive tasks, such as multimedia editing and graphics-intensive applications, with ease.
The Mac Mini’s seamless integration with macOS Ventura ensures a user-friendly experience with intuitive features and excellent software compatibility. For Apple users who rely on the ecosystem for productivity, creativity, and entertainment, the Mac Mini provides a consistent and familiar computing environment.
Furthermore, with 16GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage, the Mac Mini delivers impressive performance in multitasking and data access, enhancing overall productivity. The fast SSD storage ensures quick boot times and app launches, making daily tasks more efficient.
The mini PCs sleek and compact design makes it an excellent addition to any workspace, blending seamlessly with other Apple devices. Its variety of ports, though limited in number, allows users to connect essential peripherals for their needs. Whether it’s for multimedia presentations, creative work, or simply day-to-day computing, the Mac Mini offers a powerful and elegant solution for Apple users seeking a mini PC that complements their Apple devices and delivers top-tier performance.
