If you are looking for a compact solution to your desktop PC needs, you may be considering a mini PC.

Mini PCs come in all shapes and forms, including support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You will find mini PCs as small cubes, miniature versions of desktop PCs, and even some not much bigger than a USB stick.

If you're stuck for space, here are the best mini PCs for your home.

Premium pick

1. Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit

7.80 / 10
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The Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit is an impressive mini PC with desktop-like upgradability. For the size, this rig is mighty and comes with its own internal power supply. The 45-watt CPU almost meets the standard of full-size desktop PCs.

As Intel notes, the company built this PC with gaming in mind. It is well-suited for virtual reality, gaming, and high-intensity creative tasks. The mini PC has been optimized for Windows 10, too.

Although the price is steep, this mini PC is ideal for gamers who mean business and want a portable PC for events. The i9 CPU will pack a powerful punch, placing this mini PC far above its weight. If you're looking for maximum performance in minimal size, this is the PC for you.

Key Features
  • Designed for Windows 10
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Choose your own storage and memory
Specifications
  • Brand: Intel
  • CPU: Intel Core i9-9980HK
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
  • Memory: Up to 64GB
  • Storage: M.2 SSD
  • Ports: 6x USB 3.1, HDMI, 2x Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm jack, SD card
Pros
  • Outstanding performance
  • Plenty of ports
  • Internal power supply
Cons
  • Very expensive
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Intel NUC 9 Extreme Kit
Editors choice

2. Apple Mac mini

9.40 / 10
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The Apple Mac mini is the only compact macOS-based system available. Although it's mini in size, it's undoubtedly not mini in impact. Compared to the 2018 model, the Apple Mac mini 2020 reaches new performance highs with a lower starting price.

Whether you want to use the Apple Mac mini for everyday use, editing videos, or playing games, you'll find it ticks all the right boxes. This compact Mac boasts Apple's sleek design and will look great wherever you put it. You'll have a choice of the 256GB SSD model or 512GB SSD upon purchase.

The Apple Mac mini boasts 8GB RAM, which is not upgradable post-purchase. Although this is a bit of a pain, it still runs well. If you're in the market for a mini PC that rivals performance potential and the beauty of Apple's designs, the Apple Mac mini is going to be hard to beat.

Key Features
  • 16-core Neural Engine
  • macOS Big Sur
  • SSD storage
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • CPU: Apple M1 Chip
  • Graphics: Apple 8-core GPU
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt USB 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Ethernet
Pros
  • Quiet and cool operation
  • More affordable starting price than previous editions
  • Improved performance over 2018 model
Cons
  • Memory not upgradable post-purchase
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Apple Mac mini
Best value

3. Terryza W5 Pro

8.00 / 10
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The Terryza W5 Pro takes mini to the next level with this stick PC. With 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, you'll be able to stream your favorite shows, movies, and browse the web with no issues. The expandable storage is a bonus. Insert a microSD card into the slot and store your files so you can easily transport them.

The two USB-A ports allow you to connect the Terryza W5 Pro to your favorite accessories. Although you're not going to get powerful performance from the W5 Pro, you will be able to comfortably complete basic tasks at a fraction of the cost of other mini PCs.

Key Features
  • Includes Windows 10 Pro
  • 4K HD video playback
  • USB 3.0
Specifications
  • Brand: Terryza
  • CPU: Intel X5-Z8350
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Ports: USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, microSD, DC Power Port
Pros
  • Able to connect to multiple accessories
  • Expandable storage
  • Extremely small and lightweight
Cons
  • Not very powerful
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Terryza W5 Pro

The MintBox Mini 2 may offer a slim case, but it certainly doesn't skimp on ports. There are four USB ports in total (2x USB 2.0 and 2x USB 3.0), along with a full-size HDMI, LAN ports, and more besides.

The top of the case has been designed as a heatsink making the MintBox Mini 2 capable of temperatures up to 85 degrees celsius. The silent operation won't interfere with your everyday work and is perfect for watching videos.

Although you won't see an extreme performance from the MintBox Mini 2, it does the job it was designed to do well. For everyday uses and surfing the web, this straightforward introduction to Linux is seamless.

Key Features
  • Linux Mint 19 preinstalled
  • Includes power supply
  • Completely silent
Specifications
  • Brand: CompuLab
  • CPU: Celeron J3455 Quad-core
  • Graphics: Intel HD 500
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Ports: 4x USB, HDMI, Mini DP, 2x Ethernet, microSD
Pros
  • Great for everyday work
  • Small in size
  • Plenty of ports
Cons
  • Average performance
Buy This Product
MintBox Mini 2

The Intel NUC 8 Mainstream Kit is bare-bones in nature but powerful in terms of what it can achieve. This mini PC comes equipped with forward-thinking ancillary connectivity like Thunderbolt 3.

The Core i7 and Iris Plus graphics lay the foundations of a real powerhouse. The system is also easy to access for upgrades, making it suitable for a range of users. You have the option to install Windows or Linux on the NUC 8, which makes it a versatile alternative to consider.

Although the mini PC's cost isn't too hefty, you will need to factor in the price of storage, memory, and an operating system, as these aren't included in the price.

The Intel NUC 8 Mainstream Kit is very competent in performing everyday tasks and graphically challenges other similar mini PCs.

Key Features
  • DDR4 support
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Dual-array microphones
Specifications
  • Brand: Intel
  • CPU: Intel Core i7 8559U
  • Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655
  • Memory: Up to 32GB
  • Storage: N/A
  • Ports: HDMI, Ethernet, USB 3.1, USB-C
Pros
  • Makes it easy to upgrade
  • Very small and compact
  • Can hold a M.2 or 2.5-inch storage drive
Cons
  • Additional cost required for storage, memory, and operating system
Buy This Product
Intel NUC 8 Mainstream Kit

The ASRock DESKMINI X300W is an affordable barebones system that allows you to decide just how powerful it is. You can fit your own CPU, RAM, storage, and operating system, with the capability of graphics from AMD's on-chip Radeon cards.

When you start to build upon the ASRock DESKMINI X300W, you'll realize how easy it is to do. The motherboard is pre-installed, so all you'll need to do is fit the remaining components.

Of course, the performance depends on what you use to build this barebones system up with. It will cost more money to build a powerful mini PC, but it does give you the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade when you like.

This barebones system comes in at an excellent price. It's easy to build and simple to get Windows installed. If you want to make a mini PC with a little gaming power, you can realistically do this for less than the cost of a mid-range laptop.

Key Features
  • Mini-STX board
  • Supports DDR4
  • Supports AM4 socket CPU
Specifications
  • Brand: ASRock
  • CPU: Supports AMD AM4 Socket (Up to 650W)
  • Graphics: AMD Embedded
  • Memory: Supports up to 64GB
  • Storage: Support for two 2.5-inch drives and two M.2 SSD slots
  • Ports: HDMI, 3.5mm Aux, LAN, 3x USB 3, USB 2.0
Pros
  • Low-cost barebones system
  • Can upgrade with your own choice of components
  • Easy to build
Cons
  • Performance depends on what components you can afford
Buy This Product
ASRock DESKMINI X300W

The Azulle Byte4 Pro comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro and a Logitech keyboard and webcam thrown in for free. This compact mini PC runs silently with no fans and can stream in Full HD and 4K. Being able to run Windows, browse the web, and perform basic tasks is a good reason to invest in this mini PC.

You can hook it up to a monitor with HDMI or DisplayPort, whether it be a PC monitor or TV. If you want to upgrade the RAM or storage on the Azulle Byte4 Pro, it's straightforward to do. This allows you to store an extensive array of media files and photos.

Although the Byte4 Pro isn't by any means powerful, it ticks the boxes for a silent addition to your home media kit. It's not going to be challenged by multitasking, gaming, or much else, but the versatility is attractive.

Key Features
  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Includes Logitech keyboard and webcam
  • Fanless design
Specifications
  • Brand: Azulle
  • CPU: 64-bit Dual-Core Intel Apollo Lake
  • Graphics: Dedicated
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 64GB
  • Ports: HDMI, Ethernet, USB-C, 4x USB 3.0
Pros
  • Runs silently
  • Smooth 4K video streaming
  • Easy to upgrade RAM and storage
Cons
  • Underpowered
Buy This Product
Azulle Byte4 Pro

The VCI Lenovo ThinkCentre M720 is a solid choice for offices that are strapped for space. There's plenty of configuration options to suit most budgets in the market for small PCs at purchase.

For businesses, the VCI Lenovo ThinkCentre M720 offers useful security features to protect data and the physical system. The reliable and rugged chassis makes it easily serviced and provides a robust shell for this mini PC.

Performance-wise, this mini PC is suitable for office environments and productivity. It won't satisfy graphic-hungry games or editing software but does allow individuals to work in a small space with a desktop monitor.

Key Features
  • DDR4 memory
  • Supports Bluetooth
  • Optional dust shield
Specifications
  • Brand: Vision Computers
  • CPU: Intel Hexa-Core (6 Cores) i5-8400T
  • Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Ports: 5x USB 3.1, USB-C, LAN, HDMI, 2x DisplayPort
Pros
  • Plenty of configuration options at-purchase
  • Compact and rugged chassis
  • Quiet running
Cons
  • Limited upgradability
Buy This Product
VCI Lenovo ThinkCentre M720

The Asus Chromebox 3 is a solid contender for the best mini PC. It performs well and ticks the boxes for being small and compact. If browsing the web and writing Google Docs is your main priority, the Asus Chromebox 3 won't run into any issues. This is currently one of the best choices for a mini PC running Chrome OS.

However, if you want to run more demanding apps from the Google Play Store like games, you'll find the Asus Chromebox 3 isn't quite powerful enough. It's not going to outperform other mini PCs in terms of productivity and graphics, but it does the job it set out to do well.

Key Features
  • Supports dual monitors
  • Runs Chrome OS
  • M.2 SSD
Specifications
  • Brand: Asus
  • CPU: Intel Celeron 3865U
  • Graphics: Intel 4K UHD
  • Memory: 4GB
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Ports: Ethernet, 3x USB-A, HDMI, USB-C
Pros
  • Able to mount on the back of a monitor
  • Well-built
  • Affordable in comparison to Windows PCs
Cons
  • Chrome OS can't run Mac or Windows software
Buy This Product
Asus Chromebox 3

FAQ

Q: Are Mini PCs Better Than Laptops?

If you don't have room for a full PC tower, a mini PC could be the next best thing. The issue many people with laptops face is that they are limited to the built-in monitor and keyboard.

In comparison, you can connect some mini PCs to multiple monitors, different peripherals, and a range of accessories. A mini PC can boast powerful performance capabilities, even in a small package.

Q: Are Mini PCs Good For Gaming?

Mini PCs were initially aimed at productivity and web browsing. As technology has progressed, mini PCs are now capable of holding similar components that you'd find in high-end tower PCs.

Although you may not run the latest games on the highest settings, you will find that mini PCs are more than capable of playing most games with smooth framerates. They are also very portable, making them easier to carry to and from events and eSports competitions.

Q: Are Mini PCs Repairable?

Just like a regular PC, most mini PCs have the capability of being upgraded and further customized. If a component becomes faulty in your mini PC, you can easily strip it apart and replace the part causing an issue. Mini PCs can be just as expensive to buy as desktop PCs and therefore shouldn't need replacing, as in most cases you can repair or replace individual parts.