Top 5 Best Mini PCs of 2025

Is a Windows desktop on your shopping list? It’s simple to obtain a large power tower or a speedy business box if you’re willing to spend money. However, there are situations when the smallest computer that can accomplish the task is what you need. Since the beginning of the PC, we at Gadgetex have been testing desktops of all sizes, and our team of knowledgeable analysts and editors has hundreds of years of combined experience. Every year, we examine dozens of desktop computers, evaluating the subtleties of CPU and graphics performance through exacting, repeatable tests with industry-standard software. We also consider important features like design, usability, connectivity, included software, and (of course!) value. Because of its remarkable speed and connectivity for the price, Lenovo’s IdeaCentre Mini is currently our top mini PC for the majority of users. Go through on for more tested, vetted picks, followed by detailed buying advice and a spec comparison that will help you pinpoint the best mini desktop PC for how you compute.

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Last update on 2025-01-27 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Mini PCs of 2025

1.Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini (2023)

Last update on 2025-01-27 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Over the years, Lenovo has entered and exited the desktop mini PC market with IdeaCentre models for consumers and ThinkCentres for businesses with limited space. In fact, the 2023 model of the IdeaCentre Mini serves both purposes thanks to its small, low-profile chassis, which is appropriate for both homes and small businesses. The market void left by Intel’s now-defunct NUC (Next Unit of Computing) program is being filled by pre-made solutions from PC manufacturers like Lenovo, Asus, HP, and MSI. With memory, storage, and Windows 11 Home pre-installed, the IdeaCentre Mini is ready to use right out of the box, unlike some mini-models that require a do-it-yourself approach to purchasing and construction (you provide the RAM, the boot drive, and the OS). Simply plug in a monitor (or several, thanks to a host of outputs including Thunderbolt 4), a keyboard, and a mouse to get started. Consider this a smart, lower-slung alternative to the slightly more compelling Geekom AS6 we reviewed just before this model, if you’re unable to find one of those in its Ryzen 9 trim.

An Intel 13th Gen Core i7-13700H CPU with integrated Iris Xe graphics powers our IdeaCentre Mini review device. The i7-1300H has 14 cores (six performance; eight efficient) and a maximum turbo clock speed of 5.0GHz. This processor is actually a mobile chip designed primarily for laptop use, similar to those found in the majority of mini PCs. In contrast to the lower-power P and U series chips, which are intended for thinner, less impactful models, the H-series chips are typically found in gaming and power-user notebooks.

There are two DDR4 SO-DIMM RAM slots on the IdeaCentre Mini. Both of these slots held 8GB modules, for a total of 16GB in our review machine. To increase the memory, you would need to remove the case, remove one or both SO-DIMMs, and replace them with higher-capacity 16GB modules. Lenovo cites a maximum RAM capacity of 32GB, which should be enough for arduous tasks like video editing or intense multitasking.For storage, the boot drive in our review unit was a 1TB M.2 SSD. (Lower-end configurations of the Mini come with a 512GB M.2 SSD.) The IdeaCentre Mini has two full-size M.2 slots that take up to 80mm-length SSDs, though Lenovo cites a peak capacity of 1TB per slot. The boot drive occupies one.

Once you know how to access the components you want to upgrade, physically upgrading the IdeaCentre Mini is fairly easy. Although it took some searching, a comprehensive hardware maintenance manual is available online. After removing the top cover, you’ll notice a second bottom cover that needs to be taken off as well. It’s secured by four screws. Although none of this is particularly complicated, you might want to order a Mini that is already configured to your liking if you are uncomfortable doing some do-it-yourself screwdriver work.

The initial configuration of the IdeaCentre Mini costs, as mentioned above. All other components are the same, including an Intel Core i5 processor, only 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD that has been cut in half.as our test model. At the time of writing, all IdeaCentre Mini configurations were on sale, but Lenovo system pricing fluctuates by the day, so check the site periodically if you’re shopping for one and prices are on the high side.

The IdeaCentre Mini is referred to by Lenovo as a 1L, or 1-liter, PC. Furthermore, the test configuration of our model is comparable to that of a powerful laptop, despite the fact that a 1L PC is small.

The IdeaCentre is roughly the same size as some of the NUC clones we’ve examined, measuring 1.5 by 7.5 by 7.7 inches (HWD). The absence of a VESA mount in the standard configuration examined here is a minor grievance regarding the frame. This would free up desk space by enabling the IdeaCentre Mini to be mounted on the back of a desktop monitor. Lenovo does include a small vertical stand in the box, which reduces the IdeaCentre Mini’s desktop footprint by enabling it to function perched on edge.

2.MSI Pro DP21

Last update on 2025-01-27 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Budget desktop shopping is dominated by mid-tower PC cases, but why not go smaller? First off, the MSI Pro DP21 is a tiny PC with roughly ten times the capacity in a smaller package. Despite being small enough to mount VESA behind a monitor or beneath a desk, it boasts a vibrant Intel Core i3 processor, numerous ports, and wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 6. Even though they are smaller, the Intel NUC 12 Pro and ECS Liva Z3 don’t match the Pro DP21 in terms of price and performance. With that, among low-cost mini PCs, this MSI easily wins an Editors’ Choice award.

Home and business users with daily requirements like office productivity, web browsing or streaming videos, and point-of-sale operations are the target market for MSI’s Pro DP21. A quad-core Intel Core i3-12100 processor, 8GB of RAM, a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), and Windows 11 Home are features of our entry-level review unit. The PC comes with a simple USB keyboard and mouse and is ready to use right out of the box. A monitor is all that is required.The straightforward PC case has a volume of only 2.3 liters and measures 2.2 by 8 by 8.2 inches (HWD). Considering that a typical mid-tower holds about 30 liters, that is practically nothing.

The Pro DP21 can be mounted on a wall, behind a monitor, or even on the underside of your desk thanks to its VESA mounting capability. It can be positioned vertically or horizontally in the stand that comes with it if you choose not to mount it.The Pro DP21’s design won’t draw attention to itself, but its front panel tries to stand out with a silver MSI logo and plastic ridges for definition. Four vintage USB 2.0 ports and 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks are located up front. When the system is powered on, the power button glows white.

HDMI 2.0b and DisplayPort video outputs, which support 4K at 60Hz for a contemporary dual-monitor setup, are located around the back. Furthermore,to those are Gigabit Ethernet, serial, three USB Type-A (two versions of 3.2 Gen 1 and one 3.2 Gen 2), one USB Type-C (3.2 Gen 2), and microphone-in and line-out audio jacks. A final connector accommodates the laptop-style 120-watt AC adapter, as this desktop is simply too small for an internal power supply.

The serviceability of this small desktop is excellent. To slide the top panel back, remove two Philips screws. Everything is visible on the 6.5-inch-square motherboard, including two DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM slots for up to 64GB of RAM (two 32GB modules), an M.2 2280 slot for SSDs, and an M.2 2230 wireless card slot. Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6 are supported by the Intel AX201 wireless card that is included. The chassis is equipped with an antenna.

The metal cage above the memory slots can accommodate two 2.5-inch storage drives. The motherboard can accommodate socketed FCLGA1700 Intel “Alder Lake” CPUs with a base power rating of 65 watts, so even the Pro DP21’s processor can be upgraded. This comes as a welcome surprise because mini PCs frequently use non-upgradable mobile chips.

Outperforming the Geekom and the underpowered Liva Z3, MSI’s desktop achieves a PCMark 10 score, surpassing the 4,000-point threshold and indicating exceptional performance for Google Workspace and Microsoft Office 365. In the CPU benchmarks, the Pro DP21 also performs admirably, nearly matching the six-core Acer in Geekbench. Although this tiny PC isn’t very good at Adobe Photoshop, it probably would have performed better with more RAM.

Two DirectX 12 gaming simulations from UL’s 3DMark are included in our synthetic gaming tests for Windows PCs: Time Spy (more demanding, appropriate for gaming rigs with discrete GPUs) and Night Raid (more modest, appropriate for systems with integrated graphics). The cross-platform GPU benchmark GFXBench 5, which we use to evaluate OpenGL, is also included in that group.

3.Asus NUC 14 Pro

Last update on 2025-01-27 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

It appeared as though the next Next Unit of Computing might not exist when Intel declared a year ago that it would no longer manufacture mini PCs under its own brand. However, by agreeing to support Intel’s current 10th to 13th Gen Intel NUCs and create new Asus-branded ones under a non-exclusive license, Asus took up the NUC mantle from the chip giant. (A number of other PC partners have also introduced NUC models, most notably MSI and ASRock.) The NUC 14 Pro, a small productivity-focused system that can be conveniently mounted behind a monitor or beneath a desk, is one of Asus’s early NUC initiatives. In a business setting, it can also be used for digital signage and kiosks. An AI-ready Intel “Meteor Lake” Core is located underneath.

In keeping with Intel’s pledge to “enable our ecosystem partners to continue NUC innovation and growth,” Asus has released the NUC 14 Pro in two versions: a ready-to-run, preconfigured model and a stripped-down kit devoid of Operating System, RAM, and storage. The mini PC comes with a better-than-average three-year warranty from the company.

The NUC 14 Pro has the processing power of a high-end laptop thanks to Intel Core Ultra H-class processors. The Core Ultra 7 165H in our test unit is one of the new CPUs that supports Intel’s vPro Enterprise, which makes remote management and deployment at scale easier. However, the NUC 14 Pro with a modest Core 3 100U is also available for low-demanding jobs like digital signage or kiosk duty. Core Ultra chips are the only ones that provide more.

With a footprint of 4.6 by 4.4 inches, the NUC 14 Pro is small enough to hold in one hand. The Slim version, which is the same except for the absence of a 2.5-inch drive bay, is 0.6 inches shorter than the Tall version, which is 2.1 inches tall. With dimensions of 1.5 by 5.8 by 4.7 inches, the Asus is even smaller than the ECS Liva Z5 Plus.The NUC 14 Pro’s baseplate is made of metal, but the majority of it is made of durable plastic. The latter is screwed into a VESA monitor mount that is included. The bite-sized black box lacks visual appeal; the only ornamental element is the Asus logo.

The remarkable connectivity of the NUC 14 Pro begins with an Intel AX211 networking card that supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, which doesn’t require an external antenna. The front panel offers one USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Type-C port, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and the power button. Around the back are two more USB-A ports (one 3.2 Gen 2 and one legacy USB 2.0), two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, two HDMI 2.1 video outputs, and a 2.5Gbps Intel Ethernet jack. Using the Thunderbolt ports for DisplayPort output, the NUC 14 Pro supports four monitors.

Other features on the back of the unit include a cable lock slot (essential for a device that might be used in a public space) and the jack for the laptop-style external AC adapter. Like most mini PCs, the NUC 14 Pro is simply too small to accommodate an internal power supply. The adapter supplies 90 or 120 watts depending on your CPU choice. A cutout below the rear ports hides the 2.5-inch bay.

4.MSI Cubi NUC 1M

Last update on 2025-01-27 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Over the years, MSI’s Cubi PCs have gained popularity in the mini desktop PC market by offering consumers devices that are quiet, compact, and powerful. To continue the tradition, the most recent Cubi, the Cubi NUC 1M, uses the NUC branding that Intel gave to its OEMs. Inside a small 0.8-liter package, it has Intel’s most recent mobile processors, up to 64GB of DDR5 memory, two M.2 sockets and a SATA port for storage, integrated Wi-Fi 6E, dual 2.5GbE ports, and more, all at a range of price points. It does not, however, qualify for an Editors’ Choice award because it is not quite as effective as the Asus NUC 14 Pro.

Multiple SKUs (15, in fact) of the Cubi NUC 1M with CPUs from the Intel Core 3, 5, and 7 families are available from MSI. A variety of chips are available, ranging from the entry-level Core 3 120U (optimal for signage and basic PC tasks) to the powerful 10-core/12-thread Core 7 150U (which, in spite of its name, is a “Raptor Lake”-class chip rather than one of the newest “Meteor Lake” Core Ultras). The Core Ultra 165H, which boasts more cores and threads, a neural processing unit, and Arc-based integrated graphics, is a competitor to the Asus NUC 14 Pro. Options for the Cubi NUC 1M range from ready-to-use, preconfigured models with an operating system to stripped-down models that allow you to add your own, or higher capacity, memory (SO-DIMMS, up to 64GB) and storage. MSI stands behind the tiny cubes in both forms with a three-year warranty, comparable in length with Asus’; MSI’s plan offers advanced replacement in the event of a warranty incident.

The Cubi NUC 1M from MSI was constructed with environmental considerations in mind. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic makes up 42.9% of its black plastic shell, which contributes to less waste going to landfills. The semi-gloss-finished case has MSI branding, but other than that, it’s just a plain black box. With dimensions of 5.3 by 5.2 by 1.9 inches, it is marginally bigger than the ECS Liva Z5 Plus and the Asus NUC 14 Pro, but it still fits comfortably in your hand and is VESA mountable (100×100).

MSI accesses ambient air on the bottom through a perforated aluminum plate. Air is moved internally by a tiny fan around a CPU heatsink and out the back. During benchmarking, the fan could be heard, but the tone isn’t unpleasant, nor does it get excessively loud. I can barely hear it sitting a few feet away on the desk for typical desktop functions (think Microsoft Office work, watching videos, and the like). It would be even harder to hear if mounted behind a monitor or under a desk.

The Cubi NUC 1M has a lot of connectivity thanks to MSI. You get Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless and Wi-Fi 6E built in for networking. There are two Intel-based 2.5Gbps Ethernet jacks on the wired side. The dual configuration, according to MSI, aids in redundancy and troubleshooting, including network segmentation and security, but it makes no mention of the possibility of combining them for even faster speeds. (Does a NUC require that?)

There are six USB ports on the sub-liter box. Two USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A ports, an SD card reader, a 3.5mm combination microphone/headphone jack, a recessed circular power button, and a blue drive-activity light are located in front of the power button.

The system’s dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and two additional USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) Type-A ports are located on the back. To reduce the amount of wires coming from the back, you can connect monitors to the NUC and send power to it (up to 100W). The video outputs are completed by two HDMI ports, which when combined allow for the best multitasking experience by running four monitors at up to 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. The AC adapter plug is on the right, and the two 2.5GbE ports are situated in the middle.

5.Asus ROG NUC 970

Last update on 2025-01-27 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Numerous attractive mini desktops for various use cases are available under the venerable NUC brand, which is currently led by Asus rather than Intel (and is open to several other PC OEMs, like MSI). The majority are lower-power or general-purpose kiosk systems, but with the Republic of Gamers NUC 970, Asus is attempting a gaming-focused approach. Using mobile CPU and GPU chips, the ROG 970 is a very small device, smaller than a laptop. The Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor and GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU featured in our test model demonstrated performance comparable to full-size entry-level gaming desktops. If you’re looking for a space-saving solution that is at least partially upgradeable, that’s a compelling offer.

The NUC 970 isn’t a one-model solution, but it’s also not as customizable as a larger gaming desktop. An Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB of DDR5-5600 memory, a 512GB M.2 solid-state drive, and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4060 laptop GPU are all included in the $1,399 base model from Asus.

The stakes are raised by our review unit: It doubles the RAM and storage to 32GB and 1TB, respectively, and upgrades to a GeForce RTX 4070 laptop GPU (115 watts, plus 25 watts dynamic boost) for $1,799, along with a Core Ultra 9 185H processor (configured to 65 watts). To put it another way, it costs about the same and offers a component set that is comparable to a high-end gaming laptop.

With a 2.5-liter chassis that measures 1.96 by 10.6 by 7.1 inches (HWD), this is one of the smallest small-form-factor PCs that we have seen over the years. If you prefer to place the system upright, a vertical stand is included. To reiterate what has already been said, this is only achievable by using a mobile GPU instead of a full-size desktop graphics card. If you’re not comfortable with that, consider one of the many traditional gaming desktops we’ve reviewed.

The top of the all-black case has a semi-obscured RGB logo that we have seen on previous NUC models when Intel still owned the brand. More connectedness than you might think: The front edge has an audio jack, two USB Type-A ports, and an SD card slot. Around back are four more USB-A ports, a USB-C Thunderbolt 4 connector, HDMI and two DisplayPort video outputs, and an Ethernet jack. This is an impressive array, though I was surprised to find only one USB-C port.

In terms of internal access and maintenance, the ROG NUC has a fairly straightforward solution. The case cover can be slid open using a rear latch, revealing a single captive screw that can be loosened. Pulling the entire upper part of the casing toward me (arrows on the side with a “pull” label indicate the direction) released it from the base, allowing me to lift it away from the chassis. This next step was a little confusing and took more force than I had anticipated. Keep in mind that the two pieces are connected by a tiny cable, so make sure to disconnect the pins before ripping the cover off.

The tiny motherboard is now visible, providing easy access to the M.2 SSD and SO-DIMM memory. Considering the CPU and GPU of a laptop, only the RAM and storage are intended to be readily user-accessible—the chips are locked down and facing toward the cooling system that occupies the other half of the case.

Overall, this indicates that while the system is more expandable and upgradeable than a traditional tower, it is more accessible than certain mini PCs. In contrast to some other small-form-factor PCs, you can easily clean out the case and use your preferred compressed air to keep the fans operating efficiently once the system is open.

The Best Windows Mini PCs for 2025

The market for small Windows desktop PCs is clearly stratified. Asus, Azulle, Lenovo, and other companies have since released similar sticks. The smallest PCs could be referred to as the “stick class,” which was started by the Atom CPU-powered Intel Compute Stick that we first reviewed in early 2015 (and again in its updated Cherry Trail Atom and Core m3 forms).

Stick PCs are still available, but they are only appropriate for very simple applications or display/signage use. They haven’t changed or gained much traction since their great debut those years ago. They haven’t made much of an impression because the form factor isn’t big enough to expand beyond those use cases.

Should You Buy a Bare-Bones or Fully Configured Mini PC?

Not every mini PC comes fully configured. Some models of PC kits come with a motherboard already installed in a small chassis. (Occasionally, a soldered-on processor is used rather than a socketed one.) Additionally, wireless connectivity is typically integrated. You need to purchase and install your operating system, a storage drive (a solid-state drive or a hard drive, depending on the model), and RAM modules in order to finish the kit.

This configuration is referred to by resellers as a “bare-bones PC.” Make sure you understand what you are getting. Occasionally, a particular mini system is offered for sale in both stripped-down and pre-configured versions that come with Windows, RAM, and storage.

Should You Get Dedicated or Integrated Graphics in Your Mini PC?

The reason most mini PCs are so “mini” is that they don’t use a separate graphics card; instead, they use the CPU’s built-in, basic graphics acceleration to power their video outputs. For productive work and video playback, this integrated graphics silicon will be more than adequate. However, some peripheral models use the same discrete mobile graphics chips found in gaming laptops. For high-power, ISV-certified tasks, some small workstation desktops even use Intel Xeon processors and professional-grade graphics from Nvidia.

Discrete desktop and mobile GPUs were included in some of the larger Intel NUC models. For a system this size, that translates to graphics performance that is well above average. An up to 12-inch dual-slot graphics card could fit inside these “Extreme” Intel NUCs. That results in significant productivity gains.