These Are the Best Mini PCs You Can Buy

The world of desktop computing has shrunk, literally. Mini PCs now pack a serious punch, offering powerful performance in a compact form factor that can fit in the palm of your hand. Whether you’re looking for a productivity workhorse for your home office, a mighty machine for gaming, or a budget-friendly option for daily tasks, there’s a mini-PC out there for you. In this guide, we’ll explore the best mini-PCs on the market, helping you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget.

Gone are the days when small size meant big compromises. Today’s mini PCs are equipped with cutting-edge processors, speedy storage, and ample connectivity, making them a viable alternative to traditional desktop towers for many users. They are also more energy-efficient, which can lead to long-term savings on your electricity bill.

What to Look for in a Mini PC

Before we dive into our top picks, here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a mini PC:

• Processor (CPU): This is the brain of the computer. For general use, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is a great starting point. For more demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, look for a Core i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9. The latest models are even starting to include Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for AI-accelerated tasks.
• Memory (RAM): 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for most users, providing smooth multitasking. If you plan on heavy gaming or professional creative work, 32GB or more is recommended. DDR5 is the newer, faster standard to look for.
• Storage (SSD): A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a must for a snappy and responsive system. Aim for at least 512GB of storage. Many of the best mini PCs now use incredibly fast NVMe SSDs.
• Graphics (GPU): For everyday tasks and media streaming, the integrated graphics found in most CPUs are sufficient. For serious gaming or graphic design, you’ll want a model with a dedicated (discrete) graphics card.
• Connectivity: Consider the ports you’ll need. Look for a good selection of USB ports (including USB4 or Thunderbolt for high-speed data transfer), HDMI or DisplayPort for your monitors, and an Ethernet port for a stable internet connection. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are the latest wireless standards.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mini PCs in 2025

We’ve categorized our top picks to help you find the perfect mini PC for your specific needs.

Best Overall: Apple Mac mini (M4)

The Apple Mac mini has long been a top contender in the compact computing space, and the latest version with the M4 chip continues that legacy. It offers a phenomenal blend of power and efficiency in a sleek, iconic design. The M4 chip provides a significant performance boost over its predecessors, handling everything from everyday Browse to demanding 4K video editing with ease.

This tiny powerhouse is remarkably quiet and cool under load. It’s an excellent choice for creatives, professionals, and anyone invested in the Apple ecosystem. While it comes at a premium price, its build quality and performance make it a worthwhile investment.

For more details, you can visit the official Apple Mac mini page.

Best for Gaming: Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti

For those who want to game on a compact machine, the Minisforum AtomMan G7 Ti is a beast. It sheds the typically understated mini PC look for a more aggressive, gamer-centric design. More importantly, it packs a serious punch with high-performance Intel processors and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series mobile GPU.

This mini PC is engineered to deliver high frame rates in the latest AAA titles. While it’s one of the larger and more expensive options on our list, its gaming performance is hard to beat in this form factor. It’s essentially a gaming laptop without the screen and keyboard.

Learn more about its capabilities on the Minisforum website.

Best for the Home Office: Geekom A8 Pro

The Geekom A8 Pro is a fantastic all-arounder that is perfectly suited for home office and productivity tasks. Powered by a potent AMD Ryzen 8000 series processor with integrated Radeon graphics, it delivers snappy performance for multitasking, video conferencing, and content creation.

Its standout feature is its rich port selection, including a valuable SD card reader and multiple USB4 ports. The build quality is excellent, with a sturdy metal frame. The Geekom A8 Pro proves that you don’t need a big tower to have a powerful and versatile work setup. It is one of the best mini PCs for professionals.

Check out the different configurations on the Geekom official store.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Beelink SER8

Beelink has made a name for itself by offering powerful mini PCs at very competitive prices, and the SER8 is a prime example. Featuring a capable AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, it delivers performance that rivals more expensive machines. It’s a great choice for students, home users, and anyone looking for maximum bang for their buck.

While it may not have the premium finish of a Mac mini, it’s a solid performer for everyday computing and even some light gaming. The Beelink SER8 demonstrates how affordable the best mini PCs have become.

You can find more information on the Beelink product page.

The Future of Compact Computing

The mini PC market is more exciting than ever. With advancements in processor technology, we are seeing incredible performance gains in these small devices. The rise of on-chip AI engines will further expand their capabilities, from real-time language translation to advanced content creation tools.

Whether you choose one of our top picks or explore other options, you can be confident that a mini PC is a smart and space-saving choice for your next computer. They offer a compelling combination of performance, efficiency, and value that is hard to ignore.