While I couldn’t travel without a laptop, a desktop computer is my main machine when I’m at home, and it’s my preferred way to work—by a long shot. While I’ve been a PC enthusiast since I was seven (when the original Diablo launched in 1997), I’ve tested desktop computers as a part of my daily job for over six years. To find the best desktop computer on the market, I applied my decades of PC knowledge and experience while considering dozens of options. After extensive research and testing, my top choice for the best PC overall is the thanks to its powerful Intel processor and large SSD storage to hold all of your media and games.
Why I Picked It
The Dell Tower Plus delivers a solid blend of all the features you’d want in a desktop computer, including the latest midrange Intel core processor and 16GB of RAM, a pair of components that deliver speedy response times whether you’re working or gaming. Another important feature on a desktop is its port selection, and the XPS 8960 has it all: USB-A, USB-C, a DisplayPort, an ethernet port, and SD slot and a headphone jack. Not only will you be able to plug in your favorite keyboard and gaming mouse, but you’ll also be able to connect almost anything you can think of to maximize your productivity.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend the Dell Tower Plus to people interested in an extremely versatile PC that can power them through work, gaming and more. Speaking of which, the built-in Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 is plenty good enough for most titles at 1080p.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The Dell Tower Plus is tricky to upgrade, so it isn’t the best option for people who want a future-proof computer. Some users also reported occasional audio glitches. Its graphics chip isn’t the most powerful on the market, so gamers may want to look elsewhere.
Why I Picked It
The Acer Aspire TC-1770 features 16GB and 512GB SSD. That package costs around $700, making it one of the most affordable desktops on the market for the specs. It also comes with a slew of ports to connect all your must-have peripherals to your new system, including USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet and more. In addition to support for Bluetooth 5.1, I also like that it has Wi-Fi 6E internet compatibility for a speedy, secure connection.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend the Acer to anyone seeking an affordable desktop that still delivers on performance and speed. The Acer Aspire TC-1770 features an Intel Core i5 processor which can handle many power-hungry applications thanks to its 16 threads.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
I don’t recommend this PC to anyone who regularly runs graphics-demanding tasks, such as photo and video editing. The Acer Aspire TC-1770 isn’t quite powerful enough to handle the the latest gaming titles, either.
Why I Picked It
The iBuyPower Slate Gaming Desktop features a powerful Intel Core i9 processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, which reliably runs games at 1080p resolution. During testing, I played the latest titles, including Horizon Forbidden West and Deathloop. This gaming desktop handled all of these games while staying near-silent, and its liquid cooling system kept everything running smoothly and without worry of overheating. On the back of the case, there are plenty of ports, including USB-A, DisplayPorts, USB-C and more to plug in all your peripherals. There are also a handful located on the top, which I appreciated when I needed temporary connections.
Who It’s Best For
The iBuyPower Slate Gaming Desktop is best suited for most gamers who regularly play demanding titles and want speedy gameplay. It also comes bundled with a free mouse and keyboard, making it a nice choice for those who want to upgrade their entire setup in one go.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The most dedicated gamers will note that the RTX 5070 graphics card can’t reliably run 4K graphics. For those playing games at 1440p, or quad HD, resolution, it’s perfectly suitable. If you need something more high-powered, I also recently tested the best gaming PCs.
Why I Picked It
The Mac Mini (M4) is hands-down Apple’s most powerful desktop to date—its 10 cores that can handle even the most demanding applications, like Final Cut Pro. I opted for 16GB of RAM since that’ll work for most needs, but you can upgrade to 32GB if you need the extra power. While the configuration I chose offers 512GB of storage, if you need more, you can get up to 8TB if it’s necessary for your work.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend the Mac Mini to anyone seeking a more compact, sleek desktop, as well as to anyone with an extra-large monitor that doesn’t have room for a traditionally-sized desktop. It’s also ideal for those who may consider space a premium, as it takes up next to no space.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The Mac Mini isn’t recommended to those who need to regularly run Windows-specific software or applications; I recommend opting for a capable Windows device, like the , instead. It’s also not upgradeable.
Why I Picked It
The Apple iMac (M4) puts all the components, including a display, into one compact, convenient package. Rather than connecting a tower to a monitor and adding a rat’s nest of cables to your desk, you can reduce the desktop’s footprint significantly when everything tucks neatly behind the display. The 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU showcase beautifully on the 24-inch Retina display, and the bundle includes the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse.
Who It’s Best For
This computer is obviously a great option for those looking for a more streamlined, minimalist workspace, but I also recommend it to users who want a complete, ready-to-use setup. And like its sibling, the , the Apple iMac (M4) also offers Apple Intelligence, making it a great choice for creative professionals.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
I don’t recommend this pick to gamers of any level since Apple’s iMacs are very limited in what games they can run. If you’re going for raw power, look elsewhere. The M4 is powerful, but Windows processors are still king here.
Why I Picked It
The HP Omen 35L’s processor is good enough to run casual and light AAA titles. The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card also displays graphics in 1080p, which is suitable for most needs. Should you decide to upgrade the PC in the future, the tool-less access makes it easy to swap components. The tower is fairly compact, which is ideal for those short on space, and it offers multiple ports, including USB-A, USB-C, DisplayPorts and an HDMI. The fans feature built-in LED lights for extra fun flair, and they’re pretty quiet during gameplay.
Who It’s Best For
It’s a great entry-level or casual gaming PC. It’s also designed with tinkerers in mind: Should you decide to upgrade the PC in the future, the tool-less access makes it easy to swap components. I also recommend it to those in need of a reliable PC for work, too; coupled with the AMD Ryzen 5 processor, the OMEN offers ample power to tackle both gaming and everyday tasks.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
While this is a great gaming desktop computer for entry-level and casual gamers, dedicated gamers should look elsewhere. The graphics card is a lower-tier chip (the highest is the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090), so you can’t expect to play games with the highest detail and refresh rates. You’ll also need a stronger processor to run the latest titles. Some users also report that the HP Gaming Hub feels chock-full of ads, which may detract from the overall gaming experience.
Why I Picked It
For anyone who wants a premium, no-compromising working and gaming experience, I highly recommend the Alienware Area-51 Gaming Desktop. It uses the latest—and best—Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card. It also features 64GB RAM for multitasking and 4TB of storage to store a vast library of your favorite games. Inside the tower, you can find liquid cooling so it sounds whisper-quiet no matter what you throw at it.
Who It’s Best For
For anyone who wants a premium, no-compromise working and gaming experience, I highly recommend this gaming desktop. It’s also great for those who want to futureproof their gaming desktop computer. It features the most powerful components on the market, and its plentiful storage means you can pack a literal library of games and files without worry that you’ll fill it up.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
If you want a great machine but not necessarily need the best—and don’t want to pay for the highest-quality PC—the Alienware Area-51 Gaming Desktop is not for you. Instead, I recommend checking out my other, more affordably-priced picks for gamers. Also, unless you’re working with the heaviest of applications, this desktop is most likely overkill for your needs.
Why I Picked It
When you’re working from home, I recommend a desktop computer that’s built to handle tasks both big and small, which is the HP OmniDesk through and through. Its processor, the AMD Ryzen 7, is fast and efficient. Pages load quickly and its 16GB of RAM makes multitasking a breeze, allowing you to toggle between multiple pages with several tabs open at once without fear of the desktop screen freezing or slowing down.
Who It’s Best For
I recommend the HP OmniDesk to WFH users who need a reliable and efficient machine for everyday tasks. I also like this PC for creatives, as the OmniDesk is built to accommodate several types of video editing applications.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
The graphics card in the HP OmniDesk is older than other desktop computers on this list, which means it won’t handle visually demanding tasks or games quite as well as comparable models. For these reasons, I don’t recommend this option to gamers.
How We Chose The Best Desktop Computers
To compile a list of my top recommendations for the best PCs, I combined hands-on testing, expert insights and extensive research. I also drew on my own real-world experience as an everyday PC user, as well as feedback from Forbes Vetted tech writers and industry professionals.
- I identified leading brands in the space, including Apple, Acer and CyberPower, based on their reputation for performance and reliability.
- I researched many of the top desktop computer models on the market, performed some hands-on testing and considering feedback from other members of the Forbes Vetted tech team. I also regularly attend industry events and product showcases to stay informed about the latest innovations in computer technology, from enhanced AI in processors to new software features.
- Each desktop was evaluated based on critical components, including the CPU, graphics card, motherboard, storage, memory, and overall build quality, to ensure the best possible performance for a variety of users.
What To Look For In The Best Desktop Computers
While I consider performance to be the most important factor to consider when buying a desktop computer, I also recommend thinking about your intended use and software preferences before doing extensive research.
- Windows vs. Mac: According to Stout, “Macs are known for their sleek design, reliability and seamless integration with other Apple devices, making them great for creatives and professionals,” while Windows tend to offer more options. “Windows is also the better choice for customization and software compatibility, especially for gamers and business users who rely on specific applications,” she says.
- Performance: This refers to how well a computer’s processor (CPU) and graphics card (GPU) work together to tackle different tasks. Processing power is important for smooth multitasking and productivity, while graphics power is key for visually rich image rendering—a crucial component for gaming or many creative tasks, like video editing.
- Intended use: Gamers should prioritize graphics, processing power and storage. Someone looking to use their desktop computer for everyday tasks should weigh memory capacity and storage flexibility more heavily.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Our team brings decades of experience in consumer technology, having authored countless tech and electronics guides. This includes several roundups about computers, tablets and accessories, like the best PCs and Macs across every category.
- Author of this story and Forbes Vetted consumer tech editor, Rebecca Isaacs, has covered computers and laptops for over six years. She’s tested and researched dozens of models, including the best all-in-one computers, the best gaming laptops and laptops for working from home. In addition to her formal PC expertise, Isaacs is also a regular user of desktops; she uses the as her personal gaming desktop computer.
- Executive editor Dave Johnson edited this story. A veteran tech journalist, Johnson has authored nearly three dozen books on consumer technology and digital photography.
Our Expert
- , CMO of