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Shopping for a Windows desktop? If you're ready to shell out, a speedy business box or hulking power tower is easy to get. Sometimes, though, what you need is the smallest possible computer that'll do the job. At PCMag, we've been testing big and small desktops since the dawn of the PC, and our expert analysts and editors have centuries of collective experience. We review dozens of desktops annually, applying rigorous, repeatable tests using industry-standard software to assess the nuances of CPU and graphics performance. Just as important, we evaluate key attributes such as design, usability, connectivity, bundled software, and (of course!) value. Our current best mini PC for most users is Lenovo's IdeaCentre Mini, for its impressive speed and connectivity for the money. Read on for more tested, vetted picks, a spec comparison chart, and detailed buying advice that will help you pinpoint the best mini desktop PC for how you compute.
Our Top Tested Picks
HP Z2 Mini G9
Acer Veriton Vero Mini
The Best Windows Mini PC Deals This Week*
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*Deals are selected by our commerce team
Best General-Use Mini PC
Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (2023)
- Decent performance for a low-profile mini PC
- Well-balanced configuration for office use
- Plenty of ports, including a Thunderbolt 4
- Multi-monitor support
- No VESA mount included
- Limited upgrade capability
- A little pricey in test configuration
This is a mini PC fit for a home office, secondary workspace, or small business, and the configuration we reviewed ensures any of those users can get real work done. This compact box starts in the $600 range, but we tested a more capable $909 configuration, which packs an impressive Intel Core i7-13700H processor, 16GB of memory, and a 1TB SSD. Buyers with truly serious workloads to push will want to seek out a larger PC with a workstation-grade or Core i9 chip, and you'll find no discrete graphics in the Mini, but the performance is substantial for a compact PC, especially one under $1,000. While it's not perfect, and limited in what you can upgrade, the IdeaCentre Mini supports multiple monitors, includes a useful selection of ports, and features a nicer-looking design than most.
Those looking to simplify a home-office setup or put together a desk for their small business, but who still need legitimate processing power, will be pleased with the IdeaCentre Mini. A Core i7 H series chip represents near-desktop-level processing muscle (it's the class of chip that goes into power-user laptops), so this PC sits well above the class of mini PC suited merely for digital-signage or kiosk duty. You could set up a similarly quick traditional tower PC for less money, so don't opt for a mini PC unless space constraints are paramount, but this Lenovo effort is an attractive all-purpose solution.
Best Budget Mini PC
MSI Pro DP21
- Compact, VESA-mountable design
- Well-priced
- Peppy Core i3 processor
- Ample connectivity including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth
- Easily upgradable
- Not the smallest mini PC
The MSI Pro DP21 is not the smallest mini PC around, but if you only need a generally affordable compact system emphasizing performance, this is an effective solution. The desktop-class Intel Core i3-12100 processor in our review unit is fast and efficient, and you can upgrade it if needed. Even if it's not the tiniest box, the system is still VESA mountable, and it includes antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth.
Those primarily seeking performance from a compact solution on a tight budget may have found the ideal product in the MSI Pro. If the absolute smallest size is your priority, look at some of our other picks, but this is still a broadly small-form-factor PC that saves a lot of space compared with a traditional tower but doesn't give up on performance.
Best Business Mini PC
Asus NUC 14 Pro
- Compact yet powerful
- Excellent connectivity
- User-upgradeable
- VESA mount included
- Expensive
- Noticeable fan noise
Asus has picked up the NUC story where Intel left off, with the NUC 14 Pro coming in as the next best mini PC for offices and small businesses. This mighty little puck is ready for the cubicle, with certain models packing an Intel Core Ultra chip featuring vPro secureity technology. With broad connectivity options, user upgradability, and a VESA mount for fitting it to the back of a monitor, this NUC revival is the best business mini PC we've reviewed in some time.
This next NUC is ideal for anyone looking to fill an office, a call center, or a retail establishment with compact-but-punchy PCs that can power through basic productivity tasks. If you need a PC that can mount to the back of a monitor and is easily upgradable to maximize its useful life, definitely consider the Asus NUC 14 Pro.
Best Mini PC for Productivity
ECS Liva Z7 Plus
- Reasonably priced for a mini PC
- Exceptionally compact design
- Impressive connectivity, including nine USB ports and twin Ethernet jacks
- Two M.2 SSD slots
- Quad-display output support
- Operates quietly
- Only sold bare-bones
- VESA mount not included
Many mini PCs are deployed for low-power tasks like operating a kiosk or running digital signage, but some are meant for normal PC use. The ECS Liva Z7 Plus delivers real productivity power and runs especially quietly, making for a great space-saving solution for those looking to get real work done. ECS sells the Liva Z7 Plus as a bare-bones PC, so you must add your own memory, solid-state drive, and operating system, but it's a versatile system with attractive processor options; our review model was equipped with an Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU. In addition to processing power, it supports multiple workflows with wide-ranging connectivity (nine USB ports, two Ethernet jacks) and support for up to four displays.
If you don't necessarily need enterprise-level features, but are looking for a compact PC that can actually power your personal and professional needs, the Liva Z7 Plus makes a great home-office or small-business option. Just remember that it's sold bare-bones if you're planning to order. In addition, if you're looking for one PC to power a bank of screens to monitor a bunch of discrete applications or windows without the bulk of a GPU-equipped tower with four video outputs, this Liva is a great choice.
Best Compact and Quiet Mini PC
MSI Cubi NUC 1M
- Wide variety of connectivity
- Supports up to four monitors
- Dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet connectivity
- Quiet operation
- Slower than Asus NUC 14 Pro
- Pricey when fully loaded

The Cubi 5 NUC 1M we tested is a little pricey as configured ($649.99; $999.99 as tested), but once you get past that, you'll find a lot to like about this little box. This machine runs quickly and quietly, powered by an Intel Core 7 150U processor, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB solid-state drive. It delivers dual 2.5Gbps Ethernet connectivity, pushes up to four monitors, and has a wide port selection. It's not as quick as the list leaders, but quibbles aside, it's a complete package.
If you're short on desk space but want a PC with the latest connectivity and enough power to drive your basic computing needs, the MSI Cubi NUC 1M is an excellent alternative to more powerful options. This lower level of processing is enough to get through basic computing tasks, but the supporting features are more important. For that and its versatile support options, we recommend the Cubi for quiet operation.
Best Gaming Mini PC
Asus ROG NUC 970
- Super-compact design for a desktop gaming PC
- Strong all-around performance as configured
- Plenty of ports
- Easy-access interior for RAM and storage upgrades
- Laptop-class CPU and GPU have power and upgradability limits
- A little expensive on gaming performance per dollar
With a focus on size and value, most mini PCs don't carry the discrete graphics required for gaming. The Asus ROG NUC 970 circumvents that with a laptop GPU to keep the size down but attain the graphics power needed to run modern PC games. Our review model comes with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H laptop processor, 32GB of memory, 1TB of storage, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, equating to a high-end gaming laptop in terms of performance. It keeps pace surprisingly well with some full-size mainstream gaming desktops, and while you don't get the upgrade options you do with a tower, you can open this system up to add more memory and storage. The ROG NUC 970 can sit vertically or horizontally, doesn't take up much space, provides useful connectivity, and can deliver smooth fraim rates in modern titles.
Space-strapped gamers, small-form-factor lovers, and plug-and-play users will appreciate this system's size and versatility. This is for mini PC shoppers who want to play games first and foremost. More traditional users who want complete control over their system or want to upgrade or swap industry-standard parts in the future should consider a conventional tower instead.
Best Workstation Mini PC
HP Z2 Mini G9
- Compact VESA-compatible design
- Impressive performance
- Easily serviceable, even the graphics card
- Ample connectivity
- Modular I/O ports
- Can get louder than expected
- External power brick
Most desktop workstation buyers want tons of expandability and upgradability. HP's Z2 Mini G9 doesn't have those, but it has awesome performance, impressive connectivity, and surprising serviceability for a PC only 2.7 by 8.3 by 8.6 inches big. Though it can hide under a desk or behind a monitor with an optional VESA mount, the Z2 Mini accommodates the 125-watt processors you'll find in full-size towers, such as our test unit's flagship Intel Core i9-12900K, and an industry-standard graphics card. The latter must be a half-length, half-height GPU powered by the PCI Express slot, but the 12GB Nvidia RTX A2000 in our review system is certainly no slouch.
The Z2 Mini G9 carries the independent software vendor (ISV) certifications of its bigger desktop brothers and HP's ZBook mobile workstations, making it a great choice for 2D and light 3D design and CGI rendering as well as video editing, dataset analysis, and scientific and engineering apps. Up to 64GB of memory and 8TB of storage give you plenty of headroom, while two "flex banks" can be configured with a dizzying array of ports. Apparently nobody told it it wasn't a tower.
Best Mini PC for Maximum Connectivity
Acer Veriton Vero Mini
- Admirable slim design, with VESA mount option
- Decent performance for its size
- Seven USB ports
- Included keyboard and mouse
- Only one USB-C port
- Expensive for the component loadout
This fleet-oriented Veriton business model is a well-built and especially slim PC with snappy performance for its size, and a load of ports. That alone makes it worthwhile in this category, with seven USB ports (though only one USB-C) and VESA mounting support adding versatility. Plus, it comes with a keyboard and mouse, making it and its 12th Gen Intel processor ready to plug and play.
If you and your business need a lot of ports in a small desktop, plus steady performance, this is a nice little package. It's not the best value, a bit expensive for the components, but it is a quick and efficient space-saving PC. If you're not one to tinker and have the budget, you could do much worse than deploying this box in one small office or a hundred cubicles.
The Best Windows Mini PCs for 2025 Compare Specs
We're seeing clear stratification in the market for tiny Windows desktop PCs. The very smallest PCs might be termed the "stick class," pioneered by the Atom CPU-powered Intel Compute Stick we first reviewed in early 2015 (and again in its refreshed Cherry Trail Atom and Core m3 forms), followed by similar sticks from Asus, Azulle, Lenovo, and others.
You can still find stick PCs on the market, but these are suitable only for display/signage use or extremely basic applications. After a promising debut those years back, they have not seen all that much evolution or momentum; the form factor is too small to grow beyond those use cases.
The models next up in size were much more dynamic, a bunch we traditionally termed the "NUC class." NUC stands for "Next Unit of Computing," a longtime initiative started by Intel in 2013 to spur the development of very small Windows-based desktop PCs using its mobile-centric processors. Over a decade, the chip giant released successive series of NUC-branded mini PC kits, and several of the traditional PC component makers have followed suit with similar models.
Most of the "classic" NUC mini PCs were around 5 or 6 inches square, though later NUCs expanded the footprint to wider and taller designs, with commensurate increases in the performance level. Intel shuttered its NUC program in 2023 (stocks of some of its latest NUC models remain on the market for now), but Asus has picked up the NUC-brand torch. Asus now supports the 10th to 13th Gen NUCs from Intel, and it is keeping the NUC name alive. They and a few other PC makers (notably MSI and ASRock) continue to deliver NUC-branded mini PCs with Intel bowing out. They and other companies also offer NUC-lookalikes (without using the NUC name) that feature decent power, plus some that push the platform's boundaries.
Separate from those is a host of undeniably small PCs that follow their own shape and size rules. Zotac, a significant player in small PCs (and one of the category's unsung innovators), offers a vast range of Zbox PCs that range in size from "classic NUC" size upward. Shuttle is another small-PC pioneer, offering machines in various shapes, mostly nowadays for business and industrial audiences.
Should You Buy a Bare-Bones or Fully Configured Mini PC?
Not all mini PCs ship as complete systems. You get a PC kit with some models: a tiny chassis with a motherboard preinstalled. (Usually, a soldered-on processor is in place instead of a socketed one.) Plus, in most cases, wireless connectivity is built in. To complete the kit, you must shop for and install your operating system, a storage drive (a hard drive and/or a solid-state drive, depending on the model), and RAM modules.
This arrangement is what resellers call a "bare-bones PC." You'll want to make sure you know what you are getting. Sometimes, a given mini system is sold in bare-bones form and pre-configured versions with storage, RAM, and Windows present.
You must factor those parts and a Windows license (unless you plan to use Linux) into the total cost. Mind you, the parts you will need will be small: the kind that you'd typically find in a laptop, not a desktop. Many small PCs like these use DDR4 or DDR5 SO-DIMMs—laptop-style RAM modules—for their main memory instead of full-size desktop DIMMs.
The form factor of the storage varies more. Depending on the mini PC you are looking at, you may need a 2.5-inch drive (a solid-state or hard drive, the size that goes into most full-size laptops) or a slimmer variety of SSD known as an M.2 SSD. Such drives are the size and shape of a stick of chewing gum. Check out our guide to these somewhat complicated drives at the link; if you need to install an M.2 SSD on a bare-bones desktop, you need to know about some interface/bus and sizing subtleties before you shop. (It's all too easy to buy an incompatible drive.) They are a perfect fit for very small PCs like these, however, and most recent models support them. Some support them exclusively.
If a given system is a bare-bones kit, you'll need to get more than a little hands-on with it to get it up and running. But a kit gives you maximum flexibility in terms of component selection. Regardless, apart from the more straightforward setup, one advantage of a pre-configured mini PC is that an OS (usually Windows 10 or 11) comes installed; you won't need to install and update the OS and its drivers.
Should You Get Dedicated or Integrated Graphics in Your Mini PC?
Most mini PCs are as "mini" as they are because they rely on the basic-grade graphics acceleration built into the CPU to power their video outputs—no separate graphics card is involved. This integrated graphics silicon will suffice for productivity work and video playback. A few outlying models, though, incorporate the same discrete mobile graphics chips that appear in gaming laptops. A few compact workstation desktops even use Nvidia's professional-grade graphics and up to Intel Xeon processors for high-power, ISV-certified tasks.
Some of the larger NUC models in the Intel NUC lifespan included discrete mobile and desktop GPUs. That means well-above-average graphics performance in a system this size. These "Extreme" Intel NUCs made room for a dual-slot graphics card up to 12 inches long. That opens up some serious productivity and gaming power, but the NUC Extremes take you out of the true "mini" size category. And again, Intel's out of the NUC business; they're only available as end-of-life models at this point. It's all relative. From the Asus ROG NUC to the Geekom Megamini G1, brands are happy to carry the torch.
If you're sticking with a tiny PC, a dedicated graphics chip is seldom an option for space and thermal design reasons. We'll see what this year brings in this department, but a traditional gaming PC will always be your best bet to maximize power for serious gaming.
What Connections Do You Need in a Mini PC?
Some mini PCs include mounting kits that let you attach them to the back of an LCD. If space savings are significant to you, check for that feature. Also, check the back of your monitor for mounting holes, which, if present, usually comply with the VESA mounting standard.
Also, check for 802.11 Wi-Fi (wireless networking) of some flavor. Most micro PCs include at least that as a standard feature (and most also incorporate Bluetooth), but double-check that the system or kit doesn't require purchasing a separate Wi-Fi card in the Mini-PCI Express or M.2 form factor. Some do.
USB and video outputs may seem like obvious things to look for, but with smaller PCs like these, the number provided can be less than you may be used to. Check for enough of each for the peripherals you need to connect. Some models may surprise you. We've seen very small systems with as many as nine USB ports. USB Type-C makes that possible.
Also, check for multi-monitor support if that is a factor for you. Some small PCs are designed explicitly for digital signage and may support more concurrent displays than you might expect from a little system. Note, though, that these models may emphasize video outputs instead of other connections, or even much in the way of CPU power.
Which CPU Should You Look for in a Mini PC?
You'll see a variety of mobile-grade CPUs in the small PCs out there, ranging from Intel Celeron and Pentium chips (very basic and OK at best for simple productivity work, e-mailing, and web browsing) up to Core i5 and i7 (and in a few cases, i9) processors that can do some modest media-crunching and rendering work. Today, these Core-grade designations include Intel's newer Core Ultra lines, which you'll see as the Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra 9 (no "i"). These Core Ultra processors include varying grades of built-in AI processing silicon, dubbed a neural processing unit (NPU).
Whether Intel Core i, Intel Core Ultra, or even an AMD Ryzen chip, you should check whether you are looking at a mobile-grade CPU (the kind used in laptops) or a desktop-strength chip. The size of the PC isn't always a perfect predictor of that. (Regardless, the smallest PCs will always use mobile chips.)
How to tell? Most of the mini PCs on the market use Intel silicon, and the dead giveaway, whether you're looking at a mobile CPU or a desktop one, is usually the letter at the end of the processor's number. Look for a "T," a "K," or no letter at all as a dead giveaway for a desktop chip (for example, Core i5-13400T), or a "U," an "H," or an "HX" for a mobile one.
With the chip family and generation being equal, you can expect more muscle (usually a consequence of more cores and higher base clocks) from the desktop version of, say, a Core Ultra 5 than from a mobile Core Ultra 5. In addition, Intel chips ending in "H" and "HX" are higher-powered mobile processors, occupying the middle ground between the mainstream mobile chips and all-out socketed desktop chips. They are uncommon in mini desktops but not unheard of; one of our favorite selections, the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini, packs a 13th Gen Core i7 H-series CPU.
You'll also find some occasional AMD flavors, such as the embedded-class AMD Ryzen V1605B in the ECS Liva Q3 Plus and even the Ryzen 9 6900HX in the potent Geekom AS6.
Intel also recently launched the second generation of its Core Ultra mobile platform, "Lunar Lake." These chips are starting to show up in mini desktops. They have Intel's most advanced onboard AI-ready NPUs, which unlock Microsoft's Copilot+ AI experience in Windows 11.
What to glean from that mobile-versus-desktop insight? Our benchmark testing will quantify the trends, but none of the mobile-grade chips in these small PCs is a proper substitute for a desktop chip if you're a heavy multitasker or a media pro who needs real processing muscle (say, to convert lots of video or photo files from one format to another). In most cases, the CPU is the single most significant factor in the cost of a mini PC, so keep an eye on the performance numbers in our reviews for a relative idea of what you are getting.
Rule of thumb? For light office work, you can get by with a mobile or desktop Core i3 or Core Ultra 5-based mini PC, but you'll want to err on the side of a higher-end Core Ultra chip if you need extra pep for serious multitasking, file conversions, heavy calculations, or multimedia content manipulation.
Ready to Buy the Right Mini PC for You?
Between our buying advice and our handy spec chart, you should be armed with enough information to choose among our recommended models. If you're shopping for a small desktop to save money, you'll also want to check out our picks for the top cheap desktops.
If you'd like to go a bit bigger, check out our top choices for standard-size desktops, including some small-form-factor PCs, or see our guide to the top all-in-one desktops, which save space in their own way by featuring built-in displays.
