Desktop PCs still pass through CNET Labs occasionally, but laptops take up the majority of our editors’ time and effort with CNET’s hands-on reviews. Since we test far more laptops than desktops, some of our current desktop recommendations are based on previous versions we’ve tested and reviewed.
We also have general PC configuration suggestions that we haven’t specifically tested but that are based on our experience with similarly configured computers. These guidelines should be helpful if you’re looking for the best cost-value when customizing a PC to order.
What’s the best desktop computer overall
The best desktop for most people is Apple’s new M4-based iMac. It integrates the display and offers everything you’d want in an all-in-one. For a reasonable amount of money, the iMac offers a great design centered on a high-resolution, 24-inch display powered by Apple’s new M4 processor.
The performance of Apple’s latest silicon is, without a doubt, impressive on all counts. If you need more screen space than a laptop, the 24-inch iMac gives you more room to work and play.
Still, with its compact design and power cable that magnetically snaps into place, the iMac is easy to carry from room to room. The computer is available in seven fun colors and has accessories to match.
If you’re looking for a traditional tower desktop or small-form-factor PC instead of an all-in-one like the iMac, keep reading as we have suggestions for those too. We’ll update this best desktop computer list from time to time.
The Best Desktop Computers of 2024
The 24-inch iMac is small enough to be a great family computer or if you want something other than a laptop that can be easily carried from room to room. It fits easily in small spaces like a kitchen corner, but is big enough that you can spread out your work, sit back and stream a movie, or do some casual gaming.
With Apple’s recent update to the M4 processor, the iMac is a more capable machine, especially with its new minimum of 16GB of RAM. It also offers a better Center Stage webcam. And if you plan on putting it in a bright and sunny room, there’s an optional nano-textured glass option that reduces glare and reflections.
The iMac starts at $1,299 for a configuration that has the M4 chip with an eight-core CPU and eight-core GPU, plus a 16-core Neural Engine for running Apple Intelligence, the company’s suite of AI features.
It also includes Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, which are now USB-C. An upgraded M4 chip with two more CPU cores and two more GPU cores is available, and you can also choose to expand the memory and SSD capacity.
The Mac Mini desktop is one of Apple’s oldest product lines, dating back to 2005 (in a pre-Intel version), a year before the first MacBook.
And starting at $599, it’s the cheapest way to get a MacOS computer. Unlike Apple’s MacBook Pro and Air laptops or the iMac desktop, the Mini is designed for working behind the scenes, fitting into small spaces and pairing with the displays and input devices you choose.
Although we love all-in-ones for their convenience, they’re not easy to upgrade, if they can be at all. Dell’s XPS desktop is a traditional tower PC, but it’s compact and quiet enough for a small workspace.
We reviewed the previous version, and the current XPS 8960 model is identical and can be loaded with up to a 14th-generation Core i9 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super graphics card, up to 32GB of memory, and 4TB of storage (with room inside for more).