(Credit: PCMag/Lenovo/Dell/HP)
For peak PC performance, you have to turn to a desktop tower. The traditional form factor for home computing remains relevant in the modern age because it enables better performance at lower prices. Desktops range from budget towers and mini PCs to all-in-ones and buffed-up gaming battle stations, and we've found exceptional bargains across the category.
At PCMag, we review desktops with unmatched attention to detail, and with over 40 years in the business, our techniques are second to none. We rate desktops using a clear, well-documented set of metrics, factoring in price, features, design, and performance for both work and play. We compare capabilities through detailed benchmark tests and run real-world applications and games to determine whether they're worth your money. Here are 11 desktops that deliver on price and quality.
Lenovo IdeaCentre Tower
HP OmniDesk Slim
HP OmniStudio X All-In-One Desktop
Lenovo IdeaCentre 27-inch All-In-One Desktop
Apple iMac M4
Dell OptiPlex 7010 Compact Mini Desktop
Kamrui Hyper H2 Mini PC
Apple Mac Mini M6
HP Omen 35L Gaming Desktop
iBuyPower Y40 Gaming PC Desktop
Best Home and Office Desktop Deals
These desktop towers prioritize reliability and value over high-octane gaming performance. Major brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo specialize in these PCs, which usually cost around $1,000 for worthwhile models.
For a slightly slimmer profile with solid performance, Lenovo's IdeaCentre tower PCs have always been a good option. We don't have a full review of this model, but we were impressed by its 2023 iteration, with top features including a compact chassis, good connectivity, and an install refreshingly free of bloatware. This loadout ships with an Intel Core Ultra 7 265 processor and 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth operation with most major productivity apps. Port selection is another strong point, with seven USB ports and an HDMI 2.1 output for your monitor of choice. While the integrated Intel UHD graphics aren't cutting-edge, they still work for casual gaming.
If you need an ultra-budget desktop that's capable enough for ordinary life, this HP is an absolute steal at under $500. While we don't have an in-depth review of the OmniDesk Slim, we did preview it at CES last year, and we noted that the smaller-footprint tower was compact enough to stow under a desk or in a bookshelf, but still delivered good connectivity with three USB Type-A ports and a single USB Type-C port up front, along with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth. The Intel 300 processor isn't a speed demon, but it'll do just fine for Web browsing and other tasks.
Best All-In-One Desktop Deals
All-in-one desktops pack all the computing components into the monitor housing for easier setup and less cable management, and while they lose some customization, they make up for it in convenience. We have discounts on a few solid Windows all-in-ones for work and play.
One of the better Windows all-in-ones on the market is HP's luxurious OmniStudio X, which goes beyond the norm with a large and crisp 4K display, speedy Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, and a full terabyte of storage space. We have an extensive review of this model, giving it an "Excellent" rating and saying it was one of the few Windows all-in-ones that was directly competitive with Apple's iconic iMac. In addition to the lovely screen, a lot of thought went into the port selection, with ample options on both the front and rear of the monitor. The simple, elegant stand gives you height and tilt adjustment. Our biggest complaint was that the included wireless mouse felt a little chintzy, but a $500 discount gives you plenty of cash for a better one.
Lenovo's IdeaCentre is similar to the Dell above but with a much lower component value, making it a better choice for family rooms and low-pressure environments. We had a mixed but ultimately positive time reviewing this all-in-one. Our reviewer noted that it was well-constructed, with many ports on multiple sides, and that the included wireless keyboard and mouse were comfortable. The 10-core Intel Core i7-13620H processor is suited for everyday productivity, streaming video, and surfing the web. Although the FHD screen isn't the highest resolution, it's a pleasure to use for long stretches thanks to an anti-glare coating and hardware-based blue-light reduction. Snagging this one for under $900 is a fantastic bargain.
Finally, Amazon's got a $100 price cut on the all-in-one that started it all. The most recent iMac is a terrific computer for just about everyone, with the M4 processor delivering some of the best performance we've seen yet. In our review, PCMag expert Brian Westover said that the machine was "the smartest iMac yet," thanks to the introduction of Apple Intelligence tools that let you summarize text, edit images, and even get interactive tech support right from your computer. Visually, it's a stunner, with attractive new colorways complementing its gorgeous 24-inch Retina display. It benchmarked exceptionally well, blowing past similar Windows machines.
Best Mini PC Deals
Squeezed for space? A mini PC might be the answer. They pack tons of power into cases around the size of a stack of CDs, and are surprisingly capable. We have a Dell compact that's designed for businesses, as well as a creative powerhouse from Kamrui.
More mainstream companies also make compact PCs, and this Dell OptiPlex is a solid choice for most productivity-oriented applications. It tackles spreadsheets and presentations with ease, and a plethora of ports let you connect up to four individual monitors in up to 4K resolution (not all at once, of course). It comes with Windows 11 Pro installed and virtually no manufacturer bloatware, so you can have it up and running in minutes. The 14th-generation Intel i3 processor isn't the most impressive chip on the market, but it's more than capable for most everyday office use.
Chinese company Kamrui produces a wide range of mini desktop loadouts, and they're impressive in terms of value, with high-quality components and a sturdy design. Amazon has a 27% price cut on the Hyper H2 Mini, which is targeted toward content creators, with 32GB of RAM and a full 1TB SSD, along with multi-monitor 4K support via HDMI, USB-C, and DisplayPort outputs. The cooling system is up to the task as well, with centrifugal fans, twin copper heat pipes, and two fin-stack cooling modules. See where it clocks in on our rundown of the best Windows mini PCs.
Apple has been mining the mini desktop niche for quite some time, and the Mac Mini still stands as one of the best values in the space, especially with a $120 price drop courtesy of Amazon. In our review of the latest Mac Mini, we lauded its extremely impressive performance, with the new M6 processor benchmarking better than comparable chips from AMD and Intel and top-tier cooling, noting that it makes a great choice for creative and productivity work. The compact box is about the size of a stack of CDs and has comprehensive connectivity options. It's a great choice for a do-anything desktop.
Recommended by Our Editors
Best Home and Office Desktop Deals
- HP OmniDesk Intel Ultra 7 2TB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $1,374.99 With Code "JULY4PC25"
- HP OmniDesk Ryzen 7 RTX 3050 2TB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $1,869.99 ($1,969.99) Save $100.00
- Dell Tower Plus Intel Ultra 7 RTX 5060 1TB SSD 16G... — $1,999.99 ($2,399.99) Save $400.00
- Dell Tower Intel Ultra 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $1,249.99 ($1,449.99) Save $200.00
- HP All-in-One 27 Ryzen AI 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $1,029.99 ($1,349.99) Save $320.00
- Dell 24 All-in-One Intel i5 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $949.99 ($1,249.99) Save $300.00
- Dell 27 All-in-One Intel 5 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $999.99 ($1,299.99) Save $300.00
Best Gaming Desktop Deals
Gaming desktops need high-performance components to be worthwhile, including dedicated GPUs, ample onboard RAM, and powerful fans to keep it all cool. We've got a few good gaming tower offers right now, notably a pair of battlestations from iBuyPower and HP.
HP might not be the first name that comes to mind when it comes to gaming hardware, but its Omen line consistently performs well in the midrange space, with cost-effective builds perfect for 1440p play. We gave the Omen 35L desktop an Editors' Choice award in our review, noting its ultra-efficient cooling system kept it running silently even under heavy load, and that the easy-access case and industry-standard part selection made it a great pick for upgrading and customizing. The Blackwell-series GeForce 5060 is tuned for medium-resolution performance at fast frame rates, and a full 1TB SSD is beefy enough for your save files. It looks cool, too, with a ceramic white metal case and tempered glass side panels.
For an AMD-powered gaming machine that pushes the envelope at a reasonable price, this prebuilt from iBuyPower is worth a look, especially with a $300 price drop from Walmart. We gave the RX 9070XT graphics card an Editors' Choice award in our review, noting that it combined vastly improved ray-tracing performance with great cooling and a reasonable price, and that it competed very capably with Nvidia's current-generation cards. The rest of the silicon loadout is solid for the price, including a speedy Ryzen 9 processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM for seamless multitasking and content creation. The liquid CPU cooling system and RGB fans keep the whole enterprise stable under pressure.
Finally, we've got a serious splurge with class-leading components at a sweet $500 price drop. The Corsair ONE A600 is a striking-looking machine, with a retro woodgrain front panel that contrasts with the all-black cladding on the rest of the case. It's what's inside that counts, though, and this one delivers on all fronts. The RTX 5080 is our top choice in Nvidia's latest offerings, delivering gorgeous 4K output at flabbergasting frame rates, and the Ryzen 9 processor is a power-efficient speed demon as well. Throw in 32GB of RAM, and this one could definitely secure a spot on our list of the best gaming desktops.
Best Gaming Desktop Deals
- HP Omen 35L Intel Ultra 9 RTX 5080 2TB SSD 64GB RAM Desktop — $4,499.99 ($6,499.99) Save $2,000.00
- HP Omen 45L Intel Ultra 7 RTX 5070 1TB SSD Desktop — $2,849.99 ($3,599.99) Save $750.00
- Alienware Aurora Intel Ultra 7 RTX 5060 Ti 1TB SSD... — $2,149.99 ($2,459.99) Save $310.00
- Alienware Area-51 Intel Ultra 7 RTX 5080 1TB SSD 3... — $3,899.99 ($4,299.99) Save $400.00
- Alienware Area-51 Intel Ultra 9 RTX 5090 2TB SSD 3... — $5,999.99 ($6,199.99) Save $200.00
- HP Omen 16L Ryzen 7 RTX 5060 1TB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $1,012.49 With Code "BACK2SCHOOL25"
Additional reporting by Jade Chung-Lee.
How Much Should I Pay for a Desktop Computer?
Your money goes further with desktop PCs and their components than with laptops. You can find complete mini PCs for less than $400 and perfectly serviceable small towers for $500 to $600. Gaming desktops with dedicated graphics cards start at around $700. You can also find all-in-one (AIO) desktops, with the display and all of the computing components built into a single device, starting at around $600. The sky's the limit once you get into high-end gaming PCs and business-workstation power desktops, but the prices above are in the right range for most mainstream buyers.
How Much Does a Good Budget PC Cost?
Expect to pay at least $500 for a basic, competent small tower for day-in/day-out productivity and web work. You'll find plenty of models for less than $500, especially in the mini PC class, but you should insist on at least 8GB of system memory for any PC, with 16GB required at minimum for AI tasks. For anything beyond basic productivity work, look for an Intel Core i5 (or Ultra 5) or AMD Ryzen 5 processor at least.
Which Brands Offer the Best Desktop Discounts?
Some brands post deals and discounts on their products more often than others, particularly Acer. Dell, HP, and Lenovo also do this, but you should always double-check exactly what you're getting and whether you can buy it for less at other retailers. Brands like Lenovo adjust their prices frequently, making assessing the raw value of deals you see there difficult. Notably, Apple has improved its image as a value-focused brand, permanently dropping prices on some of its laptops and often hosting limited deals on shopping holidays.
What Is the Best Desktop Under $800?
Our experts have named the Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11 their top budget pick for, "packing a 14th Gen Core i7 processor, Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and a compact design that tucks under your desk." We've seen this model go for as low as $557 on Amazon. For more budget options, check out our top picks for the best cheap desktop PCs.
What Is the Best Gaming Desktop Under $1,000?
Finding a really good model under a grand is a big ask. Your best bet is going to be the Asus TUF Gaming T500, which pairs a mobile processor with a discrete graphics card inside a small-footprint desktop. Our experts said, "This cute, efficient rig excels for 1080p gaming, but its CPU, motherboard, power supply, and cooling scheme limit its future upgradability." Right now it's going for around $959.99 at Best Buy.
About Our Experts
K. Thor Jensen is a writer and cartoonist living in the Pacific Northwest. He has contributed to dozens of prestigious outlets, including PCMag, Tested, Clickhole, and Newsweek. His second graphic novel, Cloud Stories, was released in 2017.
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After starting my career at PCMag as an intern 16 years ago, I’m back as one of its editors, focused on managing laptops, desktops, and components coverage. With more than 15 years of experience, I have been on staff and published in technology review publications, including PCMag (of course!), Laptop Magazine, Tom’s Guide, TechRadar, and IGN. Along the way, I’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of laptops and helped develop testing protocols. I have expertise in testing all forms of laptops and desktops using the latest tools. I’m also well-versed in video game hardware and software coverage.
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