10 Best Mini Pcs

The Apple Mac mini with the M4 Pro chip is a compact yet powerful mini-PC, measuring just five by five inches, making it ideal if you need a small desktop that doesn’t take up much space. It’s equipped with a strong 12-core CPU and a 16-core GPU integrated into Apple’s efficient M4 Pro chip, which means it can handle demanding tasks like complex multimedia editing, business applications, and even some gaming, though it's not a dedicated gaming machine. The 24GB of unified RAM ensures smooth multitasking and responsiveness, while the 512GB SSD offers fast storage for your files and apps, though you might want more storage if you work with very large files regularly.

Connectivity is well-covered with Thunderbolt, USB-C (including front ports), HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet, making it easy to connect to various devices and networks, which is a plus for both work and entertainment. Since it runs macOS, it seamlessly integrates with other Apple products like iPhones and iPads, providing a smooth ecosystem experience.

The Mac mini uses integrated graphics rather than a separate graphics card, so while it’s great for creative work and general use, it’s less suited for high-end gaming or heavy 3D rendering. Additionally, the price might be higher compared to some Windows mini-PCs with similar specs. If you value compact size, strong performance, and integration with Apple devices, this Mac mini represents an excellent choice. However, if you need top-tier gaming or extensive storage out of the box, you may want to explore other options or add external storage.

The MINISFORUM Mini PC AI X1 Pro is a compact powerhouse designed for users who need strong performance in a small form. It features the latest AMD Ryzen 9 HX370 processor with 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching speeds up to 5.1 GHz, which means it can handle demanding tasks and gaming smoothly. The 96GB of DDR5 RAM is very generous, allowing heavy multitasking and future-proofing for memory-heavy applications. Storage is fast and roomy, with a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD that supports quick loading times, and the option to expand up to 12TB if needed. Its graphics are powered by the AMD Radeon 890M, which is a dedicated GPU capable of playing modern AAA games with good visual quality and supporting up to four 4K displays, ideal for both gaming and professional workloads.

Connectivity is a strong point here, offering dual 2.5Gbps LAN ports, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and multiple USB4 and video outputs (HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.0), ensuring fast and reliable connections for peripherals and networking. The compact size and flexible stand allow it to fit neatly in tight spaces whether placed upright or flat.

On the downside, despite its power, the device is not silent, with cooling fans that can reach 45dB under load, which might be noticeable in very quiet environments. The weight is about 2.46kg, which is typical for mini-PCs with high-end components but means it’s less portable than ultra-light models. Also, while the AI assistant and real-time subtitle features add convenience, they may not be essential for all users and might need some getting used to. This mini-PC suits gamers and professional users who want a high-performance machine without the bulk of a traditional desktop. If you need a compact, well-connected system that can multitask heavily, handle modern games, and support multiple monitors, the AI X1 Pro is a solid choice, balancing power and size effectively.

The MINISFORUM UM890 Pro is a powerful mini PC, featuring a high-end AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with 8 cores and speeds up to 5.2 GHz, which makes it capable of handling demanding tasks and multitasking smoothly. It comes with a generous 32GB of DDR5 RAM running at 5600 MHz, which is fast and sufficient for most professional and creative workloads, with the option to expand up to 96GB. Storage-wise, it includes a speedy 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, and there are two slots available, allowing you to increase capacity up to 8TB—great for users needing lots of space or faster access to files.

For graphics, it uses the integrated AMD Radeon 780M, which is quite capable of supporting multiple high-resolution displays—up to four screens simultaneously—making it ideal for productivity, video editing, or light gaming. The connectivity options are extensive, featuring dual 2.5G Ethernet ports, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, multiple USB3.2 and USB4 ports, and Wi-Fi 6 for wireless networking. This wide range covers various peripherals and network setups, giving flexibility.

The size and form factor remain compact, typical for a mini PC, weighing just 1.6 kilograms, which is easy to place on or under desks with limited space. It also has an efficient cooling system that keeps noise low, even under load, which is important for quiet work environments. Some drawbacks include no included keyboard or speakers, so those are additional purchases. It also doesn’t support hot swapping of drives, which could be a limitation for some professionals. While the integrated graphics are strong for a mini PC, it’s not a replacement for high-end dedicated GPUs if you need very demanding 3D gaming or heavy graphics rendering. This makes the UM890 Pro a suitable choice for users seeking a compact yet powerful machine for business, creative work, or multitasking with multiple monitors. It provides great performance and expandability in a small footprint, although those needing specialised graphics power or a fully complete out-of-the-box setup might need extra components or a different device.