The Best Mini Computers
If you're looking to work from home, do a bit of basic gaming, or just casually browse the web without committing to a clunky PC, then a mini PC might be right up your alley. Mini PCs are super convenient since their smaller size makes them space-efficient and more portable than their standard-sized cousins. Many have impressive specs, too, so you don't have to sacrifice quality for size. Still, searching for the right computer is a challenge, which is why we're here to help.
What to Look For
We scoured the market for the best mini computers. Our search was guided by three main questions: Are the specs good for our needs? Does it have all the necessary ports we need to hook up our hardware? Is the price fair? Our favorite option was the Apple Mac Mini, which offered insane specs and a streamlined design that looks good and performs even better. Of course, as with all Mac products, this one comes with a hefty price tag. That’s why we were thrilled to discover the bargain offered by Beelink. It’s not the world’s fastest computer, but at that low price, it’s hard to pass up. There’s a lot to consider, so let’s dive right into our in-depth reviews of the best mini computers.
Apple 2020 Mac Mini with M1 Chip
Lean, mean, mini machine
Featuring an upgraded M1 chip, this mini PC packs tons of power and speed. The 8-core CPU offers up to three times faster processing performance than earlier generations, with a modern square design. Even things like scrolling through photos and browsing can be done with lightning speed. The Mac Mini comes with all-flash storage which can hold all your videos and pictures, files, and additional apps. Plus, it boasts two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, an ethernet port, and more. With its compact size and powerful performance, this is an all-around winner.
Pros:
- With Mac products, you usually pay a premium for the brand name, but the Mac Mini offers amazing bang for your buck. The performance is through the roof, especially when working with creative software, such as video editing.
- It’s hard to tell from the photos, but the Mac Mini is impressively compact and small in person. We were blown away by the power that such a tiny unit can deliver.
- It runs silently, so it won’t interrupt your concentration. Plus, it stays cool to the touch.
Cons:
- For creatives, you’ll still have to invest more money into a quality display to take full advantage of this mini computer’s hardware.
AWOW Mini PC Windows 10
Hardly a peep
Built with Intel Celeron N2340 and patented cooling technology, this silent mini PC offers both power and peace and quiet. It offers a super smooth experience, whether you’re working from home, streaming, or just surfing the web. This unit comes with a 128 GB SSD. And if you want more storage, you can expand it using the Micro SD slot. Supporting 4K at 30Hz, the video card delivers gorgeous images and crisp quality without overheating. Connect your printer, TV, monitor, or even a projector to this whisper-quiet mini PC.
Pros:
- This is another excellent overall option and offers fantastic value for the price. You won’t find a mini computer with these specs at this price range elsewhere.
- A product of the latest strides in low-power processing from Intel, the Atom processor is a powerhouse. It can handle multiple tabs and video streaming with ease.
- It weighs less than two pounds, so this is a great option for those that travel frequently and want to bring their computer with them.
Cons:
- It’s not powerful enough for high-end gaming, though you can still play games like Minecraft on low settings.
Beelink Mini PC T4 Pro
High quality, low price
This mini PC can handle all your daily tasks like checking emails, web browsing, office work, and home entertainment. It’s equipped with Windows 10 and supports 4K at 60Hz so you can enjoy high-resolution video playback. It features HDMI and DP ports so you can easily connect two displays for double the work efficiency. Enjoy a thin, lightweight design that can be hidden behind monitors, desk decor, or in your drawers. This mini PC also features smooth edges and a quiet fan so you won’t be disrupted when listening to music or watching movies. At an attractive price, this PC is small but mighty.
Pros:
- This is an excellent option for folks that work from their computer at jobs that don’t require intense processing power (such as writers and editors).
- If you think a computer at this price range won’t be able to stream your favorite shows and movies, think again. It runs HD videos smoothly, so you can even use it to upgrade your TV to a “smart TV”.
Cons:
- It starts to get choppy when you have multiple programs and tabs open.
MeLE Mini PC Stick
Mobile computing
Yes, this little stick is a computer. With both Wifi and Bluetooth, it connects you to your favorite media with surprising speed and stability. It’s able to stream 4K videos, while the Intel UHD 600 graphics processor provides hard decoding capability for plenty of versatility. This mini PC stays cool without a fan thanks to an innovative design that keeps it silent and energy-efficient. Plus, we love that the compact body can be carried in any bag or even your pocket for a reliable network on the go. Easy to set up and ready to go right out of the box, this portable computer is a marvel of the modern world.
Pros:
- Thanks to the 128GB eMMC hard drive, bootup time is wicked-fast. It’s not quite as responsive as a true SSD, but the flash memory works quickly and efficiently.
- The maximum power consumption is 15W, so it’s super versatile.
- It’s so light and small that it can be easily taped to the back of a TV or monitor to hide it out of sight.
Cons:
- Most video games are too power-intensive to run well on this little PC.
CHUWI CoreBox Mini PC
Work hard, play harder
With less delay and lag, this mini PC is perfect for the average gamer. The Intel Iris Graphics 6100 GPU provides high-resolution images while also offering faster load times for a seamless gaming experience. The Intel graphics card allows for the smooth running of your games, videos, and editing programs even at the same time for multitaskers. You’ll also receive a 256GB SSD for plenty of storage capacity, while the built-in cooling fan ensures rapid heat dissipation. With stunning images and the ability to run at a higher speed, this would be a great choice for gamers who aren’t quite ready to invest in a standard PC.
Pros:
- We love how it looks like a regular computer tower, just shrunken down to a fraction of the size.
- Although it can’t run high-end games smoothly, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to run emulators and more casual, non-intensive games. It uses an Intel Iris Graphics 655 GPU and 8GB of RAM, so you can multi-task, stream, and do light gaming without any noticeable performance issues.
Cons:
- It’s certainly mini, but some folks may prefer an even more compact size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mini PCs better than regular PCs?
It depends on your needs. Mini PCs might be a better choice for someone who needs to run basic tasks and programs on a budget, as these have a lower cost. Mini PCs also take up way less space than the standard size, can be portable, and tend to be quieter in general. But if you plan to have your whole life on your PC or run more intensive programs, we would recommend you try to find a regular-sized one to fit these high demands.
What should I look for in a mini PC?
We suggest that you find a mini PC that is ready to go right out of the box, which usually includes the hard drive and RAM. It’s also best to decide how much storage you need and what you plan to connect to your mini PC since not all have the same ports. We would also recommend you make note of how quiet the small computer is. While most are generally quiet, some might be a bit louder than others. And it’s best to research how fast the processor is so you can make sure you’ll be happy with the speed.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.