The best desktop computers of 2025, according to experts

Experts recommend desktop computers from Apple, Dell, HP and Alienware.

Nov. 7, 2024, 2:55 PM EST

Henry St. Leger

Contributing Tech Reporter

While desktop computers are less versatile than laptops, they have the potential for far better performance.Alienware; Apple

Apple iMac

$1,314.00

$1,499.00

Amazon

Learn more

Best for gamers

Alienware Aurora R16

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$1,449.99

Amazon

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Best on a budget

Geekom Mini IT12

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$549.00

Amazon

Learn more

How we picked the best desktop computers

When picking the best desktop computers, I drew on the advice of other gadget specialists, while also using my own expertise as a consumer technology journalist for CNET, TechRadar, and NBC Select. When choosing individual models, I kept the below criteria in mind:

Processor and RAM: The CPU and RAM are possibly the most important parts of any desktop computer. It’s crucial that both of these specifications are up to scratch. While the CPU is the ‘brain’ of the PC, the RAM is its short-term memory, determining how many tabs, tasks and files can be handled in a quick succession. We looked for models that offered sufficient processing power for the price while keeping in mind that some users have less intensive needs.
Storage: Despite how much storage might be available in the ‘cloud’ these days, there’s still a use for on-board storage that lets you hold onto files locally. Desktop computers generally have more space for larger hard drives.
Ports: Different brands and models vary hugely in what ports and how many are available, as well as where they’re located on the PC. We looked for models that offered a mix of different connection standards.

The best desktop computers

Apple iMac

What we like

Sleek design
Comes with monitor / keyboard

Something to note

MacOS rather than Windows

This refresh of Apple’s iMac range has a sleek design and seven distinct colors and it’s great for anyone already familiar with the MacOS operating system. Christian de Looper, a consumer technology expert for HostingAdvice says, “The average user who wants a big screen and a relatively intuitive interface should consider the iMac. That’s especially true for those who use other Apple devices, as an iMac will integrate with them better than a Windows computer can.” For example, if you’re a part of the Apple ecosystem then you can easily pair your AirPods or connect seamlessly to a HomePod. It has the benefit of a built-in monitor, and you’ll get a color-matched keyboard and mouse included with your purchase.

Apple Mac Mini

What we like

Compact design
Lots of ports

Something to note

MacOS rather than Windows

If you like Apple computers, but already have your own monitor, you may want to consider the compact Apple Mac Mini, which condenses the functions of a desktop PC into a handheld device. “Despite its size, the Mac Mini is still quite powerful,” says de Looper, with a minimum 16GB RAM, up to 8TB of storage, and a choice between Apple’s M4 and M4 Pro chips, depending how intensive your processing needs are. Just a reminder, all you’ll need to get up and running is a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Dell XPS Desktop

What we like

High RAM for productivity
1TB storage

Something to note

Not for intense gamers

De Looper calls this “a well-priced PC with solid specifications”. While high-spec gamers “will want something more powerful”, the XPS 8960 has “good processing power for productivity, along with a solid amount of storage, and a helpful port selection” that includes an SD card reader and multiple USB inputs. A decent range of RAM between 16-32GB is also good enough to run most basic web browsing tasks or creative needs like editing photos or video.

Alienware Aurora R16

What we like

Huge amount of storage
Great for games

Something to note

Hard to upgrade

“This is a high-end gaming PC with great graphics performance, a stylish design and plenty of storage,” says de Looper. The paired Solid State Drive and Hard Disc Drive gives you a huge amount of storage (2-5TB), while a 32-64GB RAM means you’ll be able to easily handle 4K games. 12 USB ports gives plenty of options for connecting other accessories like a mouse, keyboard and more. Just note that the R16’s proprietary design means upgrading components later on is “a little tricky”.

HP Envy Move

What we like

24-inch monitor
Built-in touchpad

Something to note

Limited ports

For an all-in-one desktop computer that includes a 24-inch monitor, keyboard and built-in touchscreen display, the HP Envy Move could be a great choice. De Looper says that “The HP Envy Move has a great screen built into it, and while it’s slightly limited on its port selection, it should still offer enough for most.” It has similar specifications to the iMac, but with a Windows operating system and 1440p screen.

Geekom Mini IT12

What we like

Compact design

Something to note

Limited ports

Damien Mason, a technology reporter for Club386, recommends the Geekom Mini IT12 for a compact desktop computer. It’s compact, lightweight, and even comes “with a VESA mount that attaches to the back of your display for the cleanest setup possible.” This is the IT12’s most basic configuration, but it still comes with plenty of value, packing in 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Mason adds that “it’s perfect for dozens of Chrome tabs spanning across your monitor, handling a Plex server that never turns off, and even some light gaming.”

How to shop for the best desktop computers

There are many desktop computers out there, catering to a variety of different needs, budgets and specifications. So how are you meant to choose?

“When buying a desktop computer, consider how you plan on using it. If you’re looking for something to game on, then the graphics card that comes with the computer will be more important than almost anything else, along with things like storage and RAM,” says De Looper. “Those using their computer for productivity may not need a powerful GPU, but will still want a decent CPU for heavy multitasking. Creative users will likely want a mix of both.”

He adds, “On top of performance-based specifications, make sure the computer comes with the storage you need for all your files and games and that it has the inputs and outputs you need to connect all your peripherals, like a mouse, monitor, speakers, and so on.”

Mason advises shoppers to focus on the power of the CPU on the whole: “You can simply add more memory later down the line, whereas upgrading your processor often requires extra thought into compatibility.”

You can also opt to build your own PC, by purchasing individual parts and assembling them in your ideal combination — though this process is more complex, time-intensive and often costly. Should you really want to go down this route, Mason adds that “Places like NZXT, Origin PC, CyberPowerPC, and Skytech Gaming let you design your system bespoke with all the parts you want but without the hassle of piecing it together or stress testing it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Desktops aren’t necessarily better than laptops, but they have some distinct advantages. De Looper tells us that “The biggest advantage is more space — which ultimately translates to room for bigger and more powerful graphics cards and processors, more inputs and outputs, and better cooling systems to help keep a computer running for longer.” He adds that “desktop PCs are typically easier to repair than laptops, which often can’t be self-repaired at all.”

The main issue is portability. Unlike laptops, desktops are largely stuck in one location, making them a little less versatile in where and how you use them. You’ll also need additional accessories such as a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

“Brands differ less than you might think,” says de Looper. “Most large desktop computer brands use the same [internal] parts from the likes of Intel, Nvidia, and AMD,” meaning specifications are often similar between brands. However, the exterior of a desktop computer may vary more. De Looper says that brands “have their own design languages, which can impact usability when it comes to placement of ports on the front versus the back, and simply how a computer looks.”

The outlier is Apple, which uses its own Apple-designed chips and MacOS operating system, which is a very different experience to most desktop PCs.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Christian de Looper is a consumer technology expert for HostingAdvice, with experience testing and reviewing gadgets for Tom’s Guide, Digital Trends, and TechRadar.
Damien Mason is the Senior Hardware Editor at technology outlet Club386, with extensive experience testing and reporting on consumer gadgets.

Why trust NBC Select?

I have worked as a gadget reporter since 2017, covering the latest developments in consumer hardware, from TVs and headphones to smart speakers and VR headsets. I previously worked as the News & Features Editor at TechRadar and now freelance for NBC Select, Healthline and The Independent.

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Henry St. Leger

Henry St. Leger is a contributing tech reporter at NBC Select.