mini PC
Mini PCs help clear space on your desktop, while providing powerful performance and plenty of connectivity options for your screens and gadgets. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Desktop computers don’t have to be bulky beasts. Before buying a large personal computer (PC) tower that takes up a significant portion of your desk space, consider a sleeker, more compact alternative that serves your needs just as well. The best mini PCs pack are small, but pack enough power to see you through web browsing, content creation and even graphic-rich gaming. They’re more energy-efficient than their larger counterparts, and can be used for everything – from entertainment to a business workspace. We did the research and came up with a list of the best mini PCs to suit your needs. Take a look and buy your favourite with Amazon Prime, for free, fast delivery.

1. Best Overall: MINISFORUM GK41 Mini PC 

Pros

  • Fast processor
  • Quiet device
  • Expandable storage
  • UHD 4K display

Cons

  • Does not support Linux

This is a great mini PC for its price tag. Relatively fast, you can easily stream videos or access heavy files from your network. The device comes with pre-installed Windows 10, and it has two network ports, decent Wi-Fi, and four USB ports. Reviewers praise the MINISFORUM’s steady, consistent performance, with its compliant, rapid-response software. While the mini PC comes with only 256GB solid-state drive (SSD) memory, you can upgrade it to whatever storage capacity you desire. It’s perfect for your home or workspace!

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh90.52 for 12 months with select banks.

2. Best for Gaming: Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast 

Pros

  • Supports Wi-Fi 6E
  • Sleek design
  • Excellent connectivity
  • Dedicated Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card
  • Bundled with 3-in-1 design stylus

Cons

  • Only supports up to two screens
  • Internal graphics processing unit (GPU) is not upgradeable
  • Expensive

Gamers will love the NUC 11 by Intel. It features a discrete Nvidia GPU, supports up to two displays and Thunderbolt 4, and features 2.5Gbps ethernet along with the latest Intel WiFi 6. It’s also sleek and slim – standing vertically, it’s just 1.6 inches thick. The device is equipped with all the ports you need: two USB-A ports, four USB 3 ports, a Type-C port, HDMI, mini-Display Ports and more.

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh503.24 for 12 months with select banks.

3. Best for Multiple Users: Beelink GTR7 Mini PC 

Pros

  • Connects to four screens
  • Features a fingerprint reader
  • Has dual Gigabit ethernet
  • Six USB 3.0 ports and one USB-C port

Cons

  • Not ideal for gamers

This little powerhouse device has a number of perks that make it stand out from the rest. Foremost among them is its fingerprint reader – a huge advantage for those seeking extra security, and looking to share the device with others in a business setting or a shared home working space. Its two Gigabit ethernet ports also make it the perfect firewall. Beelink GTR7’s connectivity is worth mentioning as one of its best features – you can use up to four monitors at once, and the device supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, as well as Gigabit ethernet and Bluetooth 5.0. It’s a great machine to have for the long term, and well worth the price.

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh232.08 for 12 months with select banks.

4. Best Performance: Geekom Mini IT8 Mini Computer 

Pros

  • Includes several desktop and server applications
  • Excellent performance
  • Supports up to four monitors

Cons

  • Case is a fingerprint magnet
  • Graphics processing unit (GPU) is lacklustre
  • No Wi-Fi 6

If you’re in the market for a compact workstation computer, Geekom IT8 will serve your needs perfectly. It comes with lots of bells and whistles – preinstalled Windows 11 Pro, tons of ports, and support for up to four screens with 4K ultra high definition (UHD) displays. It’s also VESA-mountable, which means you can hook it up to the back of your monitor for a neat, unobtrusive look.

Bonus: Buy with 0% installments and pay Dh140.43 for 12 months with select banks.

5. Best Budget: Beelink T4 Mini PC 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Small footprint
  • VESA mountable bracket included
  • Quiet device

Cons

  • Performance is not at par with others on our list
  • No card reader

You’re getting what you pay for, with the Beelink T4. Tiny, but with a solid feel, its utilitarian design means it will stay out of the way as you plug in. The device comes with two USB 3.0 ports, one USB 2.0 port, one DisplayPort, an HDMI port a Gigabit ethernet port and an audio jack. While well equipped, it does have some drawbacks. There are no card readers in this device. And because of ongoing stock issues, the Beelink T4’s processor is an old Intel Axom X5-Z8500, so it’s not as fast as other processors on our list.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.