The 5 Best Mini PCs of 2023

What to Look For in a Mini PC

How is a Mini PC Different? 

Before you go any further, it’s essential to understand that a mini PC is simply a personal computer (PC) significantly smaller than the norm. Beyond that basic qualifier, you can find mini PCs that can act as desktop replacements and competent gaming rigs, barebones systems that excel at streaming media, and low-powered pocket-sized computers that can’t handle much more than basic productivity tasks.

While there are a lot of affordable mini PCs out there, you can typically expect to pay somewhat of a premium for a mini PC compared to a full-sized computer with the same specifications. Mini PCs are also harder to upgrade, and some can’t be upgraded. So if you have the space for a full-sized computer, you can usually save some money and leave the door open for an upgrade in the future.

If you need the portability of a mini PC, or your available space is minimal, then mini PCs are available to fit just about any need. Most mini PCs run either Windows or Linux, and a few run Chrome OS, but the venerable Apple Mac mini, running macOS, also fits neatly into this category.

Usage Scenarios: What Do You Need a Mini PC For?

Before choosing a suitable mini PC, it’s essential to think about why you need a mini PC. This is important because you can save money by buying a regular PC if space isn’t an issue. Still, it also comes into play due to the wide variety of sizes and configurations in the mini PC market.

Size and portability are probably your main concerns if you’re looking for a mini PC, so you may want to consider whether or not a tiny laptop might meet your needs. Unlike mini PCs, laptops have a display and keyboard built right in. Laptops also have the option to run on battery power, which you don’t get with a mini PC. Most laptops also include an HDMI output, so you can always plug into a larger monitor whenever one is available.

If you’ve determined that a mini PC fits your needs better than a standard PC or laptop, it’s time to start thinking about how you plan on using your mini PC.

One of the best uses for a mini PC is as a video and music streaming device. If you’re after that, you’ll want to look for smaller, lower-powered devices. Some of these mini PCs are so small that they can fit into the palm of your hand and plug directly into an HDMI input on your television.

If you’re after a desktop replacement or a gaming rig dealing with limited space, you’re looking for what has sometimes been called a book-size PC. These mini PCs are very small, often the size of a book, but they can pack a lot of hardware in that space.

Mini PCs designed for basic productivity tasks and light gaming bridge the gap between the last two categories in terms of performance and size, and they’re often quite affordable.

Size: Is Bigger or Smaller Better?

The most important consideration when choosing a mini PC is size, and the power of the hardware largely dictates the size of a mini PC. Smaller is typically seen as better in the mini PC sector, but there’s a limit to the power of the hardware that you can squeeze into a mini PC that isn’t much larger than a USB stick.

If you’re after the smallest of the small, you must temper your expectations in system performance. The smallest mini PCs are capable of basic productivity tasks, like word processing, web browsing, and email, and some of them are even capable of basic gaming.

If your needs are a little more demanding than that, then you’ll have to step up to a slightly larger mini PC. The term larger is relative, of course, since powerful mini PCs that can act as desktop replacements and even decent gaming rigs are significantly smaller than your average desktop PC.

Basic Hardware: Choosing a System on a Chip or Upgradeable System

The general rule is that you shouldn’t upgrade your mini PC after buying it because most computers in this category don’t provide that option. This is especially true of system-on-a-chip mini PCs, which represent the smallest of the small. These mini PCs are remarkably small due to clever engineering that most of, if not all, of the components necessary for the computer to run on a single chip.

If you have more space to work with, you may want to look at mini PCs on the larger end of the scale that include some upgradeable components. Depending on the system, you may be able to upgrade the RAM, onboard storage, or even components like the graphics card.

Mini PCs built on Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards are significantly smaller than standard PCs. Still, they typically allow you to upgrade at least some of the components over time to prolong the life of the device.

Processing Power: CPU and GPU

This is where you start to dig into system specifications, so it’s important to have a good idea of how you will use your mini PC if you want to make an informed decision. If you’re looking for a basic productivity machine, you can skimp on the CPU and go for a unit with integrated graphics.

The CPU and GPU aren't that important if you want to use your mini PC as a streaming device. It would be best to have a machine that’s powerful enough to stream, but you don’t need to chase system specifications. Look for a mini PC designed to stream in full HD or 4K, depending on your television, and you’ll do just fine.

If you’re looking for a desktop replacement or want to play pretty new games, you must pay close attention to the CPU and GPU. Check the minimum and recommended system requirements for some of the games you’re interested in playing, and select a mini PC that meets or exceeds those requirements.

Memory and Storage: Internal Storage and RAM

Memory refers to random access memory (RAM), a volatile memory used when the computer is on and lost when the computer is turned off. It’s useful for multitasking because each program or app takes up memory while running, and it’s also essential for tasks like image and video editing and gaming.

For a basic mini PC intended primarily for streaming, you want a minimum of 2GB of RAM, with a strong preference for 4GB or more. Basic productivity rigs should have at least 4 GB, with more required if you do tasks like image editing and video editing. If you want to play games, look for a bare minimum of 8GB with a preference for 16GB or more, and check to see if there is any dedicated memory for the graphics. If there isn’t, the memory is shared, and it’s all the more important to go for a setup that includes 16GB or more of memory.
Storage refers to non-volatile memory that doesn’t go away when the mini PC is turned off. You may be familiar with this memory as hard drive space, but most mini PCs don’t have hard drives. Solid-state drives take up less space, and some mini PCs have their non-volatile memory soldered right onto the mainboard.

The amount of storage you need in a mini PC depends on how you plan on using it. Mini PCs used primarily for streaming don’t need much memory, just enough for the operating system and a little left over to buffer videos.

More storage is needed if you plan on using your mini PC as a desktop replacement or gaming rig, although the specific amount depends on your situation. Some people can get by just fine with 250GB of storage, while others will fill that up very quickly.

Check if the mini PC you’re interested in includes USB ports or a dedicated SD card slot. If it does, you can always add more storage with an external USB drive or an SD card.

Operating System: Windows, Linux, or even Chrome?

When choosing a mini PC, the operating system is up to your preference. If you’re familiar with Windows, then the path of least resistance is choosing a mini PC with Windows preinstalled.

While Windows isn’t designed for streaming devices, and the interface is a bit cumbersome for that purpose, it works fine if that’s what you’re used to. Linux has a steeper learning curve. It’s an acceptable choice for streaming devices, even if you don’t have much Linux experience, but less so if you need to use your mini PC for productivity.

Chrome OS is a simple operating system built on Linux, so the learning curve is gentler. If you use Google docs, Gmail, and the Chrome browser already, you’ll find Chrome OS very easy to use for streaming and productivity.

Windows is the best choice if you want to game on your mini PC. While many games are available on Linux, Windows is still the platform of choice for PC gamers. 

Ports and Connectivity: Accommodating Inputs, Outputs, Peripherals, and More

The smallest mini PCs typically have built-in Wi-Fi, and some have built-in Bluetooth, but that’s typically it. If you need to plug in headphones, USB devices, or additional monitors, the smallest mini PCs can’t accommodate any of that.

Mini PCs that trend toward the larger end of the scale still don’t have as many ports and connectivity options as your average-sized PC, but they provide many other options. You can find mini PCs with standard USB ports, USB-C ports, Ethernet ports, headphone jacks, auxiliary audio outputs, and more.

To avoid headaches, identify the peripherals you need to connect to your mini PC, write down all the ports required by those peripherals, and use that to guide your decision-making process. You can get around some obstacles by adding accessories like USB hubs, but try to find a system that can accommodate your needs immediately if possible.

Accessories: Some Systems Need More Than Others

Mini PCs typically have everything you need to get up and running immediately, but some exceptions exist. Some systems are more barebones than others, so checking what comes in the box is essential.

If your mini PC isn’t designed to plug directly into a TV or monitor, ensure it comes with an HDMI cable and is long enough. Otherwise, you’ll want to pick up an HDMI cable of sufficient length.

Similarly, you’ll also want to ensure that your mini PC comes with an ethernet cable and that the cable is long enough if it has an ethernet port.

If you’re starting from scratch, the minimum you’ll need to add to your mini PC to get it operational is a mouse, a keyboard, and a monitor. Some mini PCs have Bluetooth for a wireless mouse and keyboard, or you can use a USB mouse and keyboard if the mini PC has enough free USB ports.

Brands/Manufacturers

Most of the well-known PC manufacturers you’ve heard of make at least one mini PC. 

Acer

While Acer is best known for its budget-priced laptops, it has a decent slate of affordable desktop computers and some surprisingly competent mini PCs. It has some intriguing options if you’re looking for a mini PC with Chrome OS installed instead of Windows for basic productivity or streaming 4K video.

Asus

This is another manufacturer that is better known for its laptops than desktop hardware, but that expertise in working with tight spaces translates quite well into the mini PC field. Its VivoMini line, in particular, is a series of great little barebones mini PCs that are affordable and come with surprising features like VESA mounts that allow you to bolt directly to the back of a monitor.

MSI

This manufacturer made its name producing high-quality components like motherboards before entering the surprisingly-affordable laptop market. Its products still tend to be a bit more affordable than the competition, and its mini PC options range from tiny gear like the CubiN to the slightly larger and much more powerful, Trident 3 gaming PCs.

HP

This manufacturer has been one of the more popular desktop and laptop manufacturers for a long time and has some exciting mini PC offerings. Prices tend to be pretty high, but some of its options, like the Pavilion Wave, pack in extra functionality.

Intel

Best known for furnishing CPUs to other manufacturers, Intel is also in the hardware game with many highly capable mini PCs. Its offerings range from powerful barebones kits that require you to finish building the system to palm-sized mini PC sticks that plug directly into your monitor. 

Conclusion: How to Pick the Best Mini PC 

The mini PC category is pretty broad and services many different usage scenarios, so it’s important to know what you need your computer to do before you start looking. Focus on your specific needs, whether streaming video, playing games, or just basic productivity and then go from there.

Size is a significant concern when selecting the best mini PC because they’re available in a relatively wide range of sizes. If you’re dead, set on a mini PC that will fit in your palm; for instance, your gaming options will be limited, as will your future upgrade options. So you have to figure out what you need your mini PC to do and then find one that can accomplish those goals while still meeting your size constraints.

Performance and specifications are predicated on how you plan on using your mini PC, just like any computer. Go with a mini ITX system with a discrete video card if you want to play games now with the option to upgrade later, or a smaller, less expensive system on-chip if the size is more important than performance.