Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
January 30, 2026: With this update, we added the Geekom A9 Max as our latest Best Windows Mini PC Overall, replacing the Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (2023). We also added the Asus ROG NUC (2025) as our new Best Gaming Mini PC. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated seven new desktops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other desktop roundups. We currently have six desktops in PC Labs for evaluation, from makers including Acer, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
- Attractive and well-built
- Small, unobtrusive chassis design
- Solid productivity performance from Ryzen AI chip
- Generous connectivity options, including four front USB ports and dual Ethernet
- Upgradable memory and storage
- Cooling fan can get noisy under load
- Single available config is a bit expensive, if you don’t need all the ports and CPU power
Geekom’s A9 Max mixes superior mini PC speed, a demure (if heavily inspired) chassis, and plenty of connectivity options in a tiny, Mac mini-size Windows system. It isn’t super-affordable or whisper-quiet, but few PCs this small are as quick or as able. The A9 Max is the sort of premium mini desktop that can ace pretty much anything while also serving specific use cases, like a tiny classic-gaming emulation PC or a video and music player hooked up to the living-room TV. Yes, rivals to the A9 Max may run quieter under load, but this Geekom box is a top-cut mini PC for sophisticated users looking for the most potent, petite Windows PC possible, which earned it our Editors’ Choice award.
High-end PC users: This mini PC is best for people who need top-end performance from a tiny system. The A9 Max crams robust Ryzen processing power into a small chassis. It’s a high-power Mac mini lookalike, but with unfettered access to today’s and yesterday’s Windows PC apps, games, and more.
The Mac-jealous Windows-faithful: This is the mini desktop to buy for a Mac mini-like hardware experience with Windows software. Geekom took lots of care in its hardware design to deliver a similarly high-end product to the Mac mini, and it shows throughout the A9 Max chassis and its features.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Graphics Card
AMD Radeon 890M
Operating System
Windows 11
Learn More
Geekom A9 Max Review
- Excellent price
- Competitive productivity performance
- Lots of ports
- Compact design
- No front-facing USB-C ports
- Weak graphics
- Runs loud under heavy workloads
- Single configuration
Many mini PCs are designed for low-power tasks, such as operating a kiosk or running digital signage, but some can also function as regular home desktops. The Geekom A6 Mini can serve as both an affordable and space-saving solution for anyone looking to get basic work done. However, crucially, its performance is better than expected from such a tiny device, thanks to its AMD Ryzen 7 6800H processor. This is one of the fastest mini PCs in the budget tier, with plenty of ports. Our model comes with 32GB of memory and 1TB of storage, making for a competent and competitively priced little box.
Professionals on a budget: This mini PC is a fit for contractors and entrepreneurs who don’t require enterprise-level features but need a compact PC to meet their personal and professional needs. The Geekom A6 is a capable home office desktop, often faster than other like-priced space-saving PCs.
Casual users on a budget: This mini desktop serves anyone looking for a tiny PC that can power day-to-day tasks like web browsing and entertainment. Why spend more when less on this system will do just fine? It can even drive multiple monitors and make other useful connections.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 6800H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Graphics Card
AMD Radeon 680M
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Learn More
Geekom A6 Mini Review
- Compact size
- Potent productivity performance
- Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7
- Memory and storage are easy to access and upgrade
- Three-year warranty
- Fan gets loud under load
- No 3.5mm audio jack
Asus does the NUC brand (which it picked up from Intel) proud with the NUC 15 Pro+ coming in as the next best mini PC for professionals and small businesses. This mighty little puck is ready for almost any office desk, with a surprising amount of power packed inside. Our model’s Intel Core Ultra 9 285H processor is up to most tasks, as are its 32GB of memory and 1TB SSD. With its broad connectivity options, user upgradability, VESA mount for easy attachment to the back of a monitor, three-year warranty, and support for Thunderbolt 4 and Wi-Fi 7, this NUC is ready for business.
SMB IT buyers: This mini PC is well-suited for anyone looking to equip a small office, call center, or retail establishment with compact yet powerful PCs that can handle basic productivity tasks. The H-series Core Ultra chip, paired with ample memory and storage, all but guarantees it.
Windows fans with Mac envy: This is an excellent mini PC for Windows users who appreciate Apple’s compact desktop but prefer Microsoft’s operating system. The performance of our Core Ultra 9 model is nothing to sneeze at, and it’s as fully featured as most towers—just like the Mac mini.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
Processor Speed
2.9 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Graphics Card
Intel Arc 140T
Operating System
Windows 11
Learn More
Asus NUC 15 Pro+ Review
- Super-compact Mini-ITX design
- Admirably capable AMD “Strix Halo” processor and graphics
- Functionally and aesthetically customizable
- Option to bring your own parts and OS
- Comparably priced gaming PCs outpace this desktop
- Framework’s signature modularity is less special in a desktop than in a laptop
The Framework Desktop doesn’t come with the extensive expandability and upgradability that traditional workstations do, but it packs a lot of power into a compact tower. In addition to its small size, this system’s unusual calling card is its AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. The chip’s unified memory can leverage the system’s 128GB of RAM for graphics and AI workloads, while the CPU itself is exceptionally fast for all tasks. This desktop is not a full-on ISV-certified workstation, but it passed our workstation-grade benchmark tests that we wouldn’t even bother running on traditional mini PCs. The Framework’s customization, AI readiness, and small semi-portable design make it a unique and relatively potent mini PC.
Tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts: This small-form-factor desktop is ideal for anyone who enjoys tinkering with or building PC systems. The Framework Desktop can be configured to be nearly a barebones PC, with room for your own parts later, including the operating system.
Cutting-edge computing pros: This small desktop works well for professionals in top-end computing fields like AI development. This is a more interesting and fun alternative to traditional mini workstations. It brings plenty for tech-savvy engineers to fiddle with without sacrificing power.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Processor
AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395
RAM (as Tested)
128 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Graphics Card
AMD Radeon 8060S
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Learn More
Framework Desktop Review
- 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 bit pricey, as configured ($649.99; $999.99 as tested), but once you get past that, you’ll find a lot to like about this compact 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 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connectivity, supports up to four monitors, and features a wide port selection. It’s not as quick as the list leaders, but quibbles aside, it’s a complete package.
Space-squeezed workers: This mini PC will work well for people short on desk space but in need of a PC with the latest connectivity and sufficient power to meet basic computing needs. This PC comes with all you need to complete basic computing tasks, and its supporting features are impressive.
Quiet home-office operation: This is a good mini PC for working quietly at home, especially in shared home offices. If you don’t want to disturb others while you work, this Cubi desktop’s quiet operation is appealing.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Processor
Intel Core 7 150U
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Graphics Card
Intel Graphics
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Learn More
MSI Cubi NUC 1M Review
- Copilot+ capabilities
- VESA mountable
- Includes external power switch
- Built-in fingerprint reader
- Dual Ethernet jacks
- Pricey for the performance
- Easily outpaced by less expensive alternatives
- Non-upgradable memory
As with all mini PCs and NUC models, the Cubi’s compact size is a given. Unlike most, this system is a Copilot+ PC, equipped with a host of Windows 11 AI features powered by its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. You’ll find a wealth of connectivity and extras, including a fingerprint reader, dual Ethernet jacks, and an external power switch. It’s compact, VESA mountable, and comes with ample storage. This Cubi is a little expensive for its power, but its overall versatility and feature set are appealing for many types of users.
Early-adopting AI enthusiasts: This is the mini PC to get for people already deeply into AI. Most people haven’t yet seen the need to run out and buy a Copilot+ PC, and they’re even less common among desktops. But early AI adopters looking for a small PC should consider this system.
Businesses getting into AI: This mini PC is an easy fit for businesses new to AI, thanks in large part to its hardware and ample connectivity. It has several ports packed into its small frame, along with security features like a fingerprint reader.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF), Business
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Graphics Card
Intel Arc 140V
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Learn More
MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG Review
- Powerful dedicated GPU in a compact design
- Internal power supply
- Supports up to seven displays
- Decent upgradability
- Expensive
- Too big for VESA mounting
- Loud fans
This miniature PC has an unexpected advantage: a discrete Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 mobile GPU. Most mini PCs don’t include legitimate GPUs, and those that do are often larger than this compact box. The Nvidia GPU drives potent graphics power to up to seven displays and quick processing with its Intel Core i7-14700 desktop CPU. The power supply is integrated within the system, maintaining a compact total footprint and providing moderate upgradability.
Small-form-factor enthusiasts: This is a smart mini PC pick for people who appreciate tiny aesthetics. The size of this system is novel considering the performance waiting inside. It’ll cost you, but if you’re an admirer and general tinkerer, this tiny PC delivers.
Space-strapped power users: This mini PC is ideal for anyone seeking maximum potency in a space-saving system. Mini PC shoppers with more demanding workloads, such as content creation, and a desire to play casual PC games will enjoy this option.
Desktop Class
Small Form Factor (SFF)
Processor
Intel Core i7-14700
Processor Speed
2.1 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Graphics Card
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo Ultra Review
- Impressive gaming performance
- Ultra-compact footprint
- Excellent port selection
- Customizable RGB light panel
- Pricey upgraded configurations
- Fans grow loud under load
- Limited options for self-upgrades
You won’t find many gaming-focused mini PCs, but specialized machines that can deliver surprising power do exist. The latest Asus ROG NUC pushes impressive gaming and all-around performance from its compact chassis on the back of an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU and a laptop-grade Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. It’s expensive, but you’re looking at a space-saving solution with real graphics and gaming chops capable of high frame rates at 1080p and 1440p, and even 4K resolution in some scenarios. Upgrades are limited given the form factor, but the ROG NUC certainly has the gaming power you’re looking for.
Space-strapped gamers: This mini desktop is for Windows game enthusiasts seeking an exceptionally compact option. Small traditional towers are an option, but they’re at least twice the size of the ROG NUC, which is virtually portable if you need to unplug and move it or slip it onto a small shelf. This desktop may serve a relatively niche audience, but the ROG NUC still checks all the boxes for everything from robust productivity work to heavy multitasking to better-than-mainstream gaming.
Desktop Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
Processor Speed
2.7 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Graphics Card
Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU
Operating System
Windows 11
Learn More
Asus ROG NUC (2025) Review
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The Best Windows Mini PCs for 2026
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Buying Guide: The Best Windows Mini PCs for 2026
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 more than a decade ago (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 they are suitable only for display/signage use or extremely basic applications, not actual work. After a promising debut years back, they have not seen much evolution or momentum. The form factor is just too small to grow beyond those use cases.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The models next 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 a successive series of NUC-branded mini PC kits, and several of the traditional PC component makers have followed suit with similar models.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
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, but Asus picked up the NUC-brand torch (and the support responsibilities for Intel’s NUCs), keeping the NUC name alive. Asus and a few other PC makers (notably MSI, Acer, and ASRock) continue to deliver NUC-branded mini PCs, with Intel having bowed out. These and other companies also sell NUC-lookalikes (without using the “NUC” name) with decent power, plus some that push the platform’s boundaries.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Separate from those are a host of undeniably small PCs that follow their own shape and size rules. We see lots of quality systems from makers like Geekom, one of the category’s unsung innovators. Shuttle and Zotac are two other small-PC pioneers, 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 (usually an M.2-format SSD, but perhaps a 2.5-inch drive, too, 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 comes in bare-bones form or pre-configured with storage, RAM, and Windows.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
You must factor those parts and a Windows license (unless you plan to use Linux, if supported) into the total cost. Mind you, the parts you will need will be small: the kind 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 storage form factor varies more. Depending on the mini PC you are looking at, as mentioned, you may be able to install an old-school 2.5-inch drive (a solid-state or hard drive), but almost all new models support a slimmer SSD format, 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 must know about some interface/bus and sizing subtleties before you shop. (It’s all too easy to buy an incompatible drive.) M.2 SSDs are a perfect fit for tiny PCs like these, and most recent models support them. Some mini PCs support them exclusively; others may support one or more M.2 drives and perhaps a 2.5-incher.
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 11) is installed; you won’t need to install or update the OS or its drivers.
Finally, because of ongoing price increases in memory and storage, you might be better off in the short term buying a complete mini PC rather than a barebones system. Memory-stick prices are higher than ever and may well climb throughout the year.
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 most CPUs to power video output—no separate graphics card is involved. This integrated graphics silicon will suffice for productivity work and video playback. A few outlier models, though, incorporate the same discrete mobile graphics chips found 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.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 mobile processor can also bridge the gap between integrated and discrete graphics, allowing system memory to be allocated as VRAM for graphics and AI tasks. On the desktop front, we first tested this inside the Framework Desktop. Similarly, Intel’s new Core Ultra 3 “Panther Lake” processors prioritize graphics; chips in this line with the “X” designation carry potent integrated graphics. These processors are primarily intended for use in laptops, but they will also be deployed in select mini PCs and all-in-one desktops.
Some larger NUC models in the Intel NUC lifespan included discrete mobile and desktop GPUs, some as actual separate cards. 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 serious productivity and gaming power, but the NUC Extremes are a bit above the “mini” size. And again, Intel’s out of the NUC business; these Extremes are available only as end-of-life models now. It’s all relative. From the Asus NUC 15 Pro+ to the Geekom Megamini G1, other brands are happy to carry this torch, but these models tend to rely on laptop-grade discrete graphics, not actual desktop cards.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If you’re sticking with a tiny PC, a dedicated graphics chip is seldom an option due to space and thermal constraints. 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 monitor. If space savings are significant to you, check for that feature. Also, check the back of your monitor for mounting holes; if present, they usually comply with the VESA mounting standard.
Also, check for 802.11 Wi-Fi (wireless networking) of some flavor. Just about all 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 on smaller PCs like these, the number of ports may be fewer than you’re used to. Check that there are enough of each for the peripherals you need to connect. Some models may surprise you. We’ve seen tiny systems with as many as nine USB ports. USB Type-C makes that possible.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
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 over other connections, or even much 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 in older models (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 are gravitating to Intel’s newer Core Ultra lines, which you’ll see as the Intel Core Ultra 5, Ultra 7, and Ultra 9 (no “i”). As mentioned above, Intel’s Core Ultra 3 series also introduces Core Ultra X7 and Core Ultra X9 designations to denote more powerful on-chip graphics.
Intel’s first, second, and third generations of these Core Ultra processors are known as “Meteor Lake,” “Lunar Lake,” and “Panther Lake,” respectively. They include Intel’s first stabs at built-in AI-ready NPUs, while Panther Lake doubles down on graphics performance rather than AI improvement. Again, while these are primarily going to show up in laptops, all-in-one desktops and mini PCs will also use these chips, rather than hotter-running, power-hungry desktop processors.
These Core Ultra processors include varying grades of built-in AI processing silicon, dubbed a neural processing unit (NPU). Also, Intel’s low-end N100 series is taking over in new models from the Celerons and Pentiums, two more Intel brands that are going away. We’ve also seen a few Qualcomm Snapdragon X-based mini PCs with NPUs from Geekom and Lenovo, like this Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo model.
Whether you’re looking at an Intel Core i, Intel Core Ultra, or even an AMD Ryzen chip, check whether it’s 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. (That said, the very smallest mini PCs will always use mobile chips.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
How to tell? Most 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 model 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. A select few mobile Core Ultra 3 chips lack a suffix, indicating slower performance than the “H” models, so this advice may vary for these very latest Intel processors.
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 than the “U” models, occupying the middle ground between the mainstream mobile chips and all-out socketed desktop chips. These are growing increasingly common in mini PC builds, taking full advantage of fan cooling.
You’ll also find occasional AMD flavors, such as the AMD Ryzen 7 6800H chip, in the small but mighty Geekom A6 Mini. Look out for some mobile Ryzen AI 300 series chips, which excel in laptops, to show up in some mini PC models too, and we already mentioned the Ryzen AI Max+ line. Those chips are well-suited for mini PCs.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
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? You can get by with a mobile or desktop Core i3, Core 3, or Core Ultra 5/Core i5 mini PC for light office work. (AMD’s Ryzen performance tiers are numbered similarly for ease of comparison.) However, 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 handy spec chart, you should have 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.
