The 8 Best Mini Computers of 2025

The Apple Mac Mini M4 stands out brilliantly in the Best Overall category for several reasons. The heart of its allure is the M4 chip, which transforms the device into a powerhouse despite its compact size. This tiny device, which fits snugly next to your monitor, provides a seamless and incredibly fluid performance, making it perfect for everyday tasks and more demanding applications alike. The integration of Apple Intelligence amplifies this ease, allowing users to navigate tasks effortlessly while ensuring top-notch privacy.

Connectivity is reimagined with Thunderbolt, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet, plus new front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack, offering versatility and convenience. The Mac Mini’s carbon-neutral status is a bonus for eco-conscious consumers, aligning with Apple's 2030 environmental goals. While its minimalistic design might not offer the extensive upgrade options found in larger desktops, its sleek form and powerhouse performance make it a commendable choice, especially for Apple ecosystem enthusiasts.

The MSI Cubi NUC Business Mini Desktop is truly a gem for those seeking exceptional value for money. At the heart of its performance is the Intel Core i5-12000U processor, equipped with 10 cores and 12 threads, making multitasking an effortless endeavor. This powerhouse, combined with Intel Integrated Graphics, ensures smooth visuals, whether you're working on design projects or streaming media.

What really stands out is the substantial storage and memory. With 16GB of high-bandwidth RAM paired with a 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, users can experience quick boot-ups and brisk data transfer speeds. This setup is ideal for business professionals who often juggle multiple applications simultaneously.

The desktop's design also deserves praise, being both sleek and space-efficient. Its VESA mountable option is perfect for those aiming to maintain a tidy workspace. While its ports selection might not be groundbreaking, it is versatile enough with front and rear connectivity options to meet most needs. Overall, the combination of performance and thoughtful design aligns with its classification as a top contender for value-conscious buyers.

When it comes to compact computing power, the ASUS NUC 14 Pro AI Mini PC stands out impressively. Its performance is bolstered by a hefty 16GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM, ensuring that multitasking and running various applications simultaneously is a seamless experience. Complementing this is the expansive 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD, which offers not only abundant storage but also rapid boot and data transfer speeds, enhancing overall productivity.

At the heart of this mini powerhouse is the Intel Ultra 7 155H processor. With its 16 cores and 22 threads, it delivers an impressive base frequency of 3.80GHz, which can turbo boost up to 4.90GHz. This allows the system to tackle demanding tasks with ease, making it a robust choice in the compact category.

The ASUS NUC 14 Pro also shines with its connectivity options, featuring both front and rear ports including Thunderbolt 4 and various USB ports, making it versatile for different peripheral needs. While its size might suggest limitations, the powerful internals and comprehensive port options ensure it’s anything but average in capability. It runs on Windows 11 Pro, providing advanced management features ideal for business environments. Overall, this mini PC successfully marries compact form with substantial functionality, positioning it favorably in the best compact category.

The MSI PRO DP21 MFF Desktop is a standout choice for productivity due to its robust performance and compact design. At the heart of this powerful machine is the Intel Core i7-12700 processor, boasting 12 cores and 20 threads, which is a perfect match for multitasking and handling demanding productivity tasks efficiently.

Augmenting its processing power, the 16GB of DDR4 RAM, configured as two 8GB sticks, ensures swift data handling and smooth operation while managing multiple applications. This setup is fantastic for anyone juggling between tasks like data analysis, content creation, or even light video editing.

Storage-wise, the 500GB M.2 NVMe delivers impressive speeds and reliable performance, ensuring quick boot times and fast access to your important files. Although the integrated Intel UHD 770 graphics are average and better suited for basic graphical tasks, they are sufficient for most productivity needs.

The inclusion of WiFi 6 support is a definite plus, offering faster and more stable connectivity, which is essential for modern-day productivity, especially in remote or hybrid work settings. Overall, the MSI PRO DP21 combines performance and practicality, making it an excellent choice for productivity-driven users.

The Lenovo IdeaCentre Business Mini Desktop stands out in the 'Best For Office Use' category with its impressive blend of performance and convenience. At the core of its appeal is the powerful Intel Core i5-13500H processor, ensuring that even the most demanding office tasks are handled with aplomb. With 12 cores and 16 threads, this mini desktop can multitask effortlessly, making it perfect for those who juggle numerous applications and browser tabs simultaneously.

Complementing the processor is a generous 16GB of high-speed RAM, which contributes to its smooth operation. Storage won’t be a concern either, thanks to the 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD that offers both fast boot-up times and ample space for all digital files.

Connectivity shouldn’t be an issue, given the variety of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and multiple USB options, while integration into a modern office is seamless with Windows 11 Pro, which provides advanced management and security features. Although its graphics are fairly standard with Intel UHD Graphics, the overall package is robust and reliable for everyday business needs.

When it comes to compact gaming powerhouses, the ASUS ROG NUC 970 Mini PC is truly impressive. At its core is the 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, providing an exceptional balance of performance and efficiency tailored for gamers who crave top-tier experiences. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD ensure smooth multitasking and fast load times, elevating both gaming and general usability.

The ROG NUC 970 is designed with versatility in mind, with a unique 2.5L form factor complemented by ARGB lighting and ROG Armoury Crate software, making it not just a functional device, but one that also visually impresses. It’s built for flexibility with options to set it up vertically or horizontally, and the extensive range of I/O ports means you’re covered no matter your setup.

While it excels in many areas, some might consider the AI features, like Intel Core Ultra's capabilities and NVIDIA’s DLSS AI rendering, as more of a bonus than a necessity. However, for those seeking a reliable and compact gaming solution that doesn’t skimp on power, the ASUS ROG NUC 970 is a stellar choice.

The CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 shines as a top pick for those who love to tinker, offering a robust package that fuels creativity and exploration. At its core is a speedy 2.4GHz 64-bit quad-core CPU with 8GB of RAM, delivering impressive performance that can handle multi-tasking with ease, making it ideal for experimenting with various projects and applications.

One standout feature is the 128GB EVO+ Micro SD Card, pre-loaded with the Raspberry Pi OS. This not only simplifies setup but also provides ample space for extensive projects or multimedia storage. The inclusion of display cables capable of supporting up to 4K at 60p ensures you can enjoy crisp visuals, which is a big plus for creating visually intensive projects.

While its power supply and cooling system are pretty standard, they are reliably efficient. The low noise fan and the mega heat sink keep everything running smoothly and quietly, making it perfect for long tinkering sessions. The thoughtfully designed CanaKit Turbine Black Case adds a touch of elegance and sturdiness, further enhancing the user experience. Overall, it’s a comprehensive kit for enthusiastic project builders.

When it comes to finding a budget-friendly mini PC, the GMKtec Mini PC N97 makes a compelling choice. At the heart of this tiny powerhouse is the 12th Gen Intel Alder Lake N97 processor, which promises up to 40% better performance than its predecessors. This improved efficiency means smoother multitasking and faster processing in a compact form. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics further boosts its capabilities with 4K support, making it ideal for streaming and casual entertainment.

The N97's dual HDMI ports stand out, allowing you to connect two displays for a more productive workspace or an enhanced entertainment setup. Connectivity options are plentiful with multiple USB ports, an Ethernet port, and a micro SD slot, accommodating various devices with ease.

Though it may not be the peak performer, the GMKtec Mini PC N97 checks many boxes for those looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank, offering quiet operation and a reassuring one-year warranty to sweeten the deal.