Best Mini PC 2021

Because of computing advancements, smaller yet more capable computers are not only possible but widely available. Great performance doesn’t just come in a gargantuan desktop PC case. Now, many mini desktops exist for a variety of purposes. From tiny stick PCs to small-form-factor computers, there are loads of different options. Check out the best mini PCs in 2021 for all uses and budgets!

Why Should You Buy a Mini PC – Is a Mini PC Worth Buying?

A tiny computer can be a great purchase. Small PCs feature space-saving footprints and can often be mounted to the back of a television or monitor with ease. Additionally, the vast majority of mini PCs are extremely energy efficient. Because of computing advancements, powerful tiny desktops are available for gaming or computing-intensive tasks. As such, you won’t sacrifice processing capabilities even with a mini computer. Despite some limitations, a mini PC is totally worth buying. Tiny desktops yield the small footprint and portability of a laptop, but with more upgradability plus additional inputs/outputs. As such, mini PCs are arguably better than laptops.

Why buy a mini PC:

• Space-saving
• Energy-efficient
• Able to mount behind a TV or monitor
• Easy to tote around

What to Look for in a Mini Desktop

When selecting a mini PC, you’ll want to consider several different factors, from CPU and GPU specs to expandability.

CPU: The central processing unit or CPU of a computer is essential for completing various tasks from everyday workloads to video editing. For basic web browsing and media playback, most CPUs will do just fine. But power users seeking a gaming rig, video editing machine, or a mini PC to use as a media server will want a beefier CPU.

GPU: Gamers will need a good graphics processing unit, or GPU. While NVIDIA GPUs are typically better than their AMD counterparts, AMD’s GPUs boast better value. You can find both integrated GPUs or iGPUs, as well as dedicated GPUs or dGPUs. The average user should be fine with an iGPU, while gamers will want a dGPU. AMD’s APUs are solid integrated GPU options that can handle light gaming well.

RAM: RAM handles multi-tasking. If you’re regularly running multiple simultaneous applications or opening tons of Chrome browsers, you’ll want a decent amount of RAM. In general, at least 8GB of RAM is a good baseline.

OS compatibility: Think about what operating system (OS) you want to run: Windows, Linux, or macOS. You can also install Chrome OS or Android on many desktops. Most mini PCs ship either with an OS pre-installed or without one. But even if a tiny desktop comes with Windows pre-loaded, you can always install Linux yourself, for example.

Hard-drive space: Consider how much hard drive space you need, and what types of hard drives or SSDs you’ll want to install. This will determine what drive connectors are necessary, such as SATA, NVMe, or PCIe.

Pre-built vs. Barebones: A pre-built mini PC comes ready to use out-of-the-box with RAM, harddrives, and an operating system already installed. Alternatively, you can find barebones kits where you supply the RAM and hard drives as well as install an OS yourself.

Upgradeability: Think about potential expansion. While a computer may come with a certain amount of RAM and a hard drive of a certain size, you can always upgrade those components or add additional memory and storage drives. Plus, some mini PCs will let you upgrade the CPU or GPU.

Connectivity: Inputs and outputs (I/O) are crucial. Make sure that you’re getting a mini PC with the necessary connectivity to hook up your peripherals like a keyboard, mouse, and gamepad as well as send a signal to your monitor, TV, or projector.

Use case: How do you plan to use your computer? What you’ll need in a gaming desktop is drastically different from a basic PC for web browsing and office productivity.

Price: Set a budget. You can find small desktops at all prices, from cheap tiny PCs to high-end gaming rigs.

What to look for in a mini PC:

• CPU
• GPU
• RAM
• HDD capacity
• OS compatibility
• Expandability
• Pre-built vs. barebones
• Connectivity
• Expandability
• Use case
• Price

Best Mini PC Overall – Intel Hades Canyon NUC

The Intel Hades Canyon NUC is hands-down the best mini PC overall. It’s a solid gaming NUC that’s virtual reality (VR) ready. Pairing an Intel i7-8809G CPU with an AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH GPU, the Hades Canyon gaming tiny computer is an absolute beast. Onboard, you’ll find 4GB of DDR5 VRAM. And connectivity, despite the small footprint, is top-notch. 802.11ac Wi-Fi, dual Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports, and Bluetooth come standard. Additionally, there’s a Thunderbolt 3 Type-C, whopping five USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, dual mini DisplayPort outputs, 3.5mm audio jack, TOSLINK audio out, and an SDXC slot. That’s more I/O (inputs/outputs) than many laptops.

Intel’s Hades Canyon NUC comes equipped with M.2 slots for blisteringly fast SSD storage. But unfortunately, you won’t find a 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch drive bay. While the solid-state drive (SSD) storage means you’ll benefit from excellent storage performance, you’re limited to pricier M.2 SSDs. What’s more, its price tag is pretty high at over $1,000 USD sans RAM or harddrives. Although performance is fantastic, you can get a more powerful rig for less money, albeit at a higher price tag. You might also consider the somewhat cheaper and slightly less powerful, albeit still capable, Intel Skull Canyon NUC.

Pros:

• Intel i7-8809G CPU
• AMD Radeon RX Vega M GH GPU with 4GB of DDR5 VRAM
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi, 2 x Gigabit Ethernet LAN ports
• 8.7 x 5.6 x 1.54 inches
• VR-ready
• Excellent I/O: 2 x HDMI, 2 x mini DisplayPort, TOSLINK audio out, 3.5mm audio jack, SDXC slot, 5 x USB 3.0, 3x Thunderbolt 3 Type-C
• Cool glowing skull on top

Cons:

• Expensive
• No 2.5-inch drive bay, only dual M.2 Type-2280 slots

Best Mini PC for Gaming – Kingdel A3

Whereas many tiny desktops feature integrated Intel graphics or AMD embedded APUs, the Kingdel A3 boasts an NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU. You’ve got a choice between several different CPUs including an Intel i5-9300H CPU, i7 9750H, or an i9-8950H. Available as a barebones kit or with RAM and a hard drive, the Kingdel A3 is a great gaming desktop.

While it’s a GTX 1650-powered desktop, this small form-factor desktop does come with the mobile variant. Still, performance is absolutely phenomenal. In Fortnite, you can hit around 80-90 frames per second (FPS) on 1080p high. Overwatch clocks in over 100 FPS on high at 1080p, while Doom Eternal achieves a steady 70-80 FPS at high on 1080p, and Grand Theft Auto 5 manages 80-90 FPS on high/normal on 1080p. You won’t be able to max out every game on 4K, but for 1080p gaming, the Kingdel A3 is more than up to the challenge.

Pros:

• Choice of Intel i5-9300H CPU or i9-8950H CPUs
• Dedicated GTX 1650 GPU
• Upgradeable RAM, hard drive

Cons:

• Stock cooler can’t handle theoretical highest boost of 4.6GHz
• Limited upgradeability

Best Budget Mini Desktop for Gaming – Minisforum Elite H31G

Packing an NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti dedicated GPU, the Minisforum Elite H31G is a fantastic PC that packs punch without taking up much desk space. You can pick from an Intel Core i5 9500F or an Intel i7 9700F CPU. It’s available as a barebones kit or with CPU, RAM, and an SSD installed. The H31G delivers a great all-around gaming experience. It’s capable of running most modern AAA PC titles at 1080p on high or medium. Skyrim Special Edition runs at a stable 60 frames per second (FPS) on high while Grand Theft Auto V manages well over 100 FPS at 1080p high. Doom Eternal plays at 60 FPS at 1080p on high.

Unfortunately, the GTX 1050 Ti can’t handle 4K gaming. While 4K video playback from streaming video platforms and local files works flawlessly, gaming in 4K won’t happen. And you do pay a premium for the performance gains when compared to computers with larger form factors. Still, the Minisforum Elite H31G is hands-down the best budget mini desktop for gaming.

Pros:

• Discrete Nvidia GTX 1050 Ti GPU
• Choice of Intel Core i5 9500F or i7 9700F CPUs
• Available as a barebones kit or with a CPU, RAM, and SSD
• Good price-to-performance ratio
• Can run most modern AAA titles at 1080p on medium-high
• Great I/O: 1 x HDMI output, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x USB Type-C with DisplayPort, 4 x USB 3.0 headers, 1 x microSD card slot,3 x audio ports

Cons:

• Not the strongest GPU
• Gets noisy under a heavy load

Best macOS Mini Computer – Apple Mac Mini

If you’re an Apple fan, the Mac Mini is a solid choice. The aptly-named Mac Mini carries the sleek Apple aesthetic. What’s more, its underpinnings provide an excellent overall experience. Measuring 7.7. x 7.7 x 1.4 inches and weighing under 3 pounds, the Mac Mini is unassuming yet competent with its 8th-generation Intel Coffee Lake CPUs. Processor performance of both its quad- and hexa-core Intel CPUs is fantastic with Turbo Boost speeds reaching as high as 4.6GHz. And the Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics chip is more than capable of photo editing, video playback, and most basic tasks.

Unfortunately, the Apple Mac Mini desktop isn’t very upgradable. Moreover, the Intel UHD GPU lacks the oomph or a dedicated graphics processing unit or even an AMD APU integrated graphics chip. As such, the Mac Mini is a letdown for gamers, and won’t provide the necessary power for hardcore video editing or 3D modeling. Still, Apple crams shockingly robust I/O into the Mac Mini’s modest chassis. You’ll find four USB-C Thunderbolt 3 ports. Accordingly, you could add on an eGPU for better graphical performance. Despite its lack of GPU power and limited upgradability, the Mac Mini is the best macOS mini desktop PC money can buy.

Pros:

• Intel Coffee Lake CPUs, quad-core and hexa-core options available
• Great I/O including four Thunderbolt-3 USB-C ports
• Compatible with eGPUs
• Small form factor
• Sleek chassis
• macOS onboard
• A range of CPU, RAM, and SSD options

Cons:

• Intel UHD integrated graphics are a letdown
• Limited upgradability

Best Linux Mini PC – System76 Meerkat

While you can install Linux on virtually any computer available, buying a pre-built system saves you the hassle. Hands-down the top Linux PC manufacturer on the planet, System76 offers its Meerkat, a superb Linux mini PC. Onboard, you’ll find a 10th-gen Intel core i series CPU. With its tiny 4-inch square footprint, the Meerkat comes in two different variants, one with a bit more height to accommodate additional storage space.

You’ll find a whole host of different CPU, RAM, and hard drive options. Its larger iteration lets you use up to 6TB of HDD space. Since System76 machines come with Linux installed, you can choose from between Ubuntu or Pop!_OS. Unfortunately, you’re limited to Intel UHD graphics. That should be fine for most applications aside from more intense gaming, video editing, or 3D modeling. Still, the System76 Meerkat is a compelling tiny computer that comes with Linux already installed and serves several purposes, from home theatre PC (HTPC) use to desktop functionality, media server capabilities, and even retro gaming emulation.

Pros:

• Intel 10th-gen core i7
• Intel UHD integrated graphics
• Up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM
• Up to 6TB of HDD storage
• Excellent I/O including 4 x USB Type-C, USB 3.1, and SDXC
• Small 4-inch footprint
• Linux (Ubuntu or Pop!_OS) pre-installed

Cons:

• Intel UHD graphics are lacking

Best Budget Mini Gaming PC – Minisforum X400

 

The Minisforum X400 packs a beefy AMD Ryzen Pro 4650G 4th gen Ryzen 5 6-core, 12-thread APU. Its performance is outstanding. Despite sporting integrated graphics, the Minisforum EliteMini Box X400 can handle many newer AAA titles on medium-high at 1080p. Grand Theft Auto V clocks in around 40-50 frames per second (FPS) on 1080p normal, Skyrim Special Edition runs around 50 FPS at 1080p on medium settings, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive plays at a solid 60-70 FPS on 1080p medium.

In addition to gaming, the Minisforum X400 is a solid productivity and entertainment PC. With an up to 4.2GHz boost clock speed, everything from web browsing to media playback works great on the Minisforum X400. Connectivity is fantastic, especially for a small-form-factor desktop. You’ll find a pair of Ethernet LAN ports, four USB 3.0 jacks, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, a line-in jack, one microphone input, and a headphone output. Internally, the X400 features two DDR4 RAM slots, an NVMe SSD slot, M.2 PCIe storage space, plus a 2.5-inch hard drive bay for holding SATA and SSD drives. What’s more, there’s a microSD card slot. Although it’s now a gaming powerhouse, the Minisforum X400 delivers good bang for your buck, and is the best AMD-powered mini PC on the market.

Pros:

• Ryzen 5 Pro 4650G CPU 4th-gen Ryzen 5, 6-core 12-thread APU
• Radeon GPU
• Excellent I/O: 4 x USB 3.0, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, dual Gigabyte Ethernet jacks, 1 x line-in, 1 x mic in, 1 x headphone out
• 2 x DDR4 RAM slot, 1 x NVMe SSD slot, 1 x 2.5-inch hard drive bay, 1 x microSD card slot
• Runs many newer AAA PC games at medium-high on 1080p, great for emulation

Cons:

• Can’t handle 4K gaming
• Not able to run tons of newer AAA titles at 1080p on high or ultra

Best Mini PC for TV – Azulle Access4 Pro

If you need a truly tiny PC, the Azulle Access4 Pro is a super-compact desktop. In its USB drive-sized form factor, the Azulle crams 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage space. The Intel Gemini Lake CPU basic tasks such as web browsing and media playback just fine. There’s a USB 3.0 port, Ethernet jack, Wi-Fi, headphone port, and even a microSD card slot. Thus, you can add tons of storage space with ease. Since it’s an under-$300 PC that runs a full version of Windows 10, the Access4 Pro provides a good value. And as a fanless computer, it’s ultra-silent. With a candybar-style, the Access4 Pro is the best mini PC for TV use since it slots into an HDMI port and stows away easily.

Particularly for a micro PC, the Azulle Access4 Pro features wonderful I/O. Still, performance isn’t great. For basic use, the Access3 mini desktop suffices. It can easily tackle everyday tasks like web browsing, office productivity, video conferencing, and more. As a streaming stick, media PC, or living room PC, the Azulle Access4 Pro is a worthy choice capable of pumping out buttery smooth 4K visuals.

Pros:

• Fanless
• Windows 10 onboard
• 4GB RAM
• 64GB of space
• Good I/O including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, microSD, USB
• Stick-style stows easily
• Great as a streaming stick or living room PC
• Ethernet jack
• Gemini Lake Intel CPU

Cons:

• Middling performance only suited to basic tasks

Best Budget Mini PC – Chuwi HeroBox

If you want an affordable tiny computer that’s actually able to keep up with daily use, you’ll want a rig with at least 8GB of RAM. Enter the Chuwi HeroBox. A fanless mini PC, it’s powered by an Intel Gemini Lake N4100, and features 8GB or RAM with a 180GB SSD. Connectivity is surprisingly good, especially for its $200 price tag. There’s dual-band Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0, and 4K video output support. Capable of running Linux and Windows well, the Chuwi HeroBox is small but mighty.

The versatile Chuwi HeroBox works well for a home theatre PC (HTPC), basic desktop, or any number of purposes. Unfortunately, it’s not able to game, although its low cost and Intel Gemini Lake N4100 should make that clear. For general basic tasks, the HeroBox provides a reliable budget mini PC desktop that won’t break the bank. It’s even got a VGA output for older TVs and monitors.

Pros:

• Affordable
• 8GB RAM, 180Gb SSD
• Dual-monitor output support
• 4K video capable
• Great I/O: HDMI, Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth

Cons:

• Not for gaming

Best Budget Mini PC with AMD Graphics – Beeelink GT-R

The Beelink GT-R is an AMD-powered budget gaming mini PC. Rocking an AMD Ryzen 5 3350H processor with Radeon Vega 8 graphics, it’s a phenomenal value. AMD’s Vega 8 APU lends the tiny and unassuming GT-R top-notch bang for your buck. Whereas many small-form-factor gaming PCs in its class suffer from thermal throttling, the Beelink counters this with its cooling fan that provides efficient heat dispersal.

And you’ll find superb connectivity. There are six USB 3.0 ports, dual HDMI outputs, a DisplayPort, USB Type-C, a pair of Ethernet LAN ports, Bluetooth, and 802.11ac Wi-Fi. Gaming performance will be pretty decent on 1080p at medium to low settings, You won’t be able to max our AAA titles even at 1080p, much less 4K. Still, the Beelink GT-R handles moderate gaming and emulation with ease, and without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Budget-priced
• Excellent price-to-performance ration
• AMD Ryzen 5 3550H CPU
• Radeon RX Vega 8 GPU
• Great I/O: 2 x HDMI, DisplayPort, 2 X Ethernet LAN, 6 X USB 3.0, USB Type-C
• Dual cooling fans
• Good for medium 1080p AAA gaming
• Great for emulation up to Wii U and PS3

Cons:

• Not able to game in 4K

Best Mini PC for DIYers – Raspberry Pi 4

While lots of mini PCs are somewhat do-it-yourself (DIY), offering options to add your own harddrive, RAM, and even install an operating system, the Raspberry Pi is completely DIY. With pricing starting at $35 for the 2GB RAM model, it’s affordable, incredibly small, and versatile. You can use the Raspberry Pi 4 as a basic desktop, media server, retro gaming emulation console, or any number of other projects. New for the Raspberry Pi 4 is a choice of 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM. There’s also a faster processor in its 1.5GHz quad-core 64-bit ARM Cortex-A72 CPU. On the networking side, the Pi 4 boasts Gigabit Ethernet and dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi. There’s Bluetooth 5.0, dual-monitor support up to 4K, and dual micro HDMI ports.

Although the Pi 4 benefits from a complete overhaul, it’s not going to compete with even budget-priced mini PCs. What’s more, its ARM architecture limits app and operating system compatibility. Nevertheless, at under $100 even for the top-of-the-line 8GB RasPi 4, the Raspberry Pi is a superb DIY mini PC. It runs loads of Linux operating systems and non-Linux OSes alike.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Choices of 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB RAM
• ARM
• Well-supported, large community
• Runs many Linux and non-Linux distros

Cons:

• Not the most powerful
• ARM architecture is somewhat limiting

Best Mini PC Options – Final Thoughts

Whether you’re on the hunt for a mini PC for gaming, cheap microcomputer, or high-end productivity machine, there are plenty of options. The Raspberry Pi 4 is a utilitarian device that, despite its incredibly modest specs can power a lot of projects ranging from emulation PCs to desktops and media servers. Intel NUCs are excellent, and the Hades Canyon is a VR-capable gaming machine. The System76 Meerkat is a good pre-built Linux mini PC. Beelink offers a few different AMD-powered small desktops which deliver unrivaled bang-for-the-buck. Minisforms delivers AMD- and NVIDIA-powered gaming desktops. On the macOS side, the Apple Mac Mini is your best bet. Overall, you have plenty of choices for tiny desktops.

Your turn: Which mini PC do you recommend in 2020?