Try These 5 Budget Mini PCs Instead Of A Full-Size Desktop

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

While laptops have become more and more powerful over the years, and despite the fact that many of them can keep up with entry-level desktop PCs from a performance standpoint, many people simply prefer to do their work at a desk. This affords the opportunity to spread out in front of several monitors for extra screen real estate, to use more comfortable peripheral devices, and to work in more privacy than everyday laptop users might prefer.

But with the improvements to mobile hardware meant for use in laptops has come the repurposing of such hardware, and many desktop computer users can now use a mini PC in place of a tower or all-in-one PC. There are several perks of switching to a mini PC, with its small footprint being the most obvious. Powerful configurations are also available, leaving even those who utilize one of the best desktop PCs open to having their needs met by a mini PC.

Those in search of affordable desktop options may also be surprised to find that the convenient nature of a mini PC doesn't necessarily equate to priciness. A wide number of options are available in the sub $350 price range, with some upgraded models even available for less than $500. While the budget-minded mini PC doesn't get much attention from global brands, there are still a lot of models worth considering instead of a full-size desktop PC.

Minisforum makes a wide range of PCs and computer hardware, including workstation towers and motherboards. Its lineup of mini PCs starts at around $260, with its powerful configurations starting as high as $1,440. Among the brand's full suite of mini PCs are some options configured for basic everyday computer use, some configured for hardcore gamers, and some even configured for professional computing setups. For those in search of a budget mini PC, Minisforum's entry-level options are affordable and well equipped.

While it isn't the outright cheapest mini PC the brand has to offer, the Minisforum Nab6 Lite is one of the better-value plays available. A common downside of using a cheap mini PC is that the barebones models don't necessarily save you money because they can require the purchase of additional hardware. But the Nab6 Lite starts at $509 and includes 16 GB of RAM and a 500 GB solid-state drive out of the box. This configuration includes a 12-core Intel i5-12600H processor.

This mini PC can output a 4K signal to four separate displays at once, but overall, the graphics card could be seen as somewhat lacking for graphics-intensive applications, as the base configuration of the Nab6 Lite utilizes integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics. Integrated graphics are common among mini PCs, however, especially more budget-minded options, as the small form factor often demands hardware compromises. More expensive configurations of this mini PC are available, including one with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage for $560.

Gmktec specializes in designing high-performance mini PCs, and its lineup has a number of options available at affordable prices. Some Gmktec mini PCs even outshine the Mac mini in price and features. But the Gmktec G11 Plus is one of the brand's newest models, and at just $309, the base configuration is one of the more affordable mini PCs worth considering. It includes 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB solid-state drive.

The G11 Plus also comes with 4K support for up to three monitors at once, which makes it a reasonable option for those looking to replace a desktop PC that's set up with a lot of screen real estate. Gmktec utilizes Amd Ryzen processors across its G11 Plus configurations, with the base model utilizing a quad-core Ryzen 5 3500U with a turbo boost of up to 3.7 GHz. A processor with four cores isn't as powerful as it used to be, but some give and take is required with budget computers.

Where the G11 Plus offers some more give is in its overall design. Not many mini PCs leave room for expansion, but the G11 Plus offers expandable RAM and storage solutions, making it a good choice for starters who want to upgrade their device as their computing needs change. Despite its affordability and small footprint, the G11 Plus could also be looked at as a professional computing solution.

The Kamrui Essenx E2 starts at $290, which makes it an even more enticing budget mini PC option. Its base configuration is pretty similar to what you'll find across the board when it comes to entry-level mini PCs, with 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB of solid-state storage included. Also included in the base model is a quad-core Twin Lake-N N150 processor and support for dual-screen 4K playback.

This configuration may leave the Essenx E2 a bit underpowered for more than basic web browsing and productivity tasks. But its low base price makes upgrading somewhat affordable as well. To upgrade to a more capable processor, you can also consider the $350 Kamrui Pinova P2 that comes with an Amd Ryzen 4300U, which beats the 3500U found in the GMKtec G11 Plus. This version also supports triple 4K display output.

Kamrui also sells an upgraded version of the Essenx E2 with 16 GB of RAM and a 1 TB storage option for $340. Each configuration comes equipped with plenty of connectivity options, as the Essenx E2 includes HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, gigabit ethernet, USB-A, and 3.5 mm audio ports. Wireless connectivity includes Bluetooth for peripheral devices and Wi-Fi for internet connections.

It can be difficult to come across a name brand when sorting through the budget mini PC market. But Asus is known as a brand that makes everything from powerful gaming laptops to affordable PC alternatives to those made by even bigger name brands. With a starting price of $529, the Asus Nuc 14 Essential may be beyond the budget of some mini PC shoppers, but it's still relatively inexpensive as the mini PC space goes in general.

This is the mini PC to go for if brand reputation is second on your priority list to budget. Its hardware does leave a little to be desired, as it's powered by a quad-core Intel N150 processor and comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB solid-state drive. But there aren't many other major computer manufacturers making mini PCs in the $500 price range, and Asus has still managed to give the Nuc 14 Essential plenty of desktop capabilities.

The Nuc 14 Essential has 4K support for up to three separate monitors at once and includes Wi-Fi 6E for blazing-fast internet speeds. It even has Bluetooth 5.3 for low-latency pairing with wireless peripheral equipment like a mouse or mechanical keyboard. An upgraded version is also available for $570 with 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB solid state drive, which turns the Nuc 14 Essential into an affordable mid-tier mini PC option.

The Beelink Ser5 Max is priced at $469, and it's a unique option among budget mini PCs because it has more powerful graphics capabilities than its competitors. It utilizes AMD Radeon Graphics with a 12-core GPU, which is still an iGPU, but it makes the Ser5 Max not only capable of outputting to three different external displays at once, but also of some 4K video editing and playback. This hardware also makes it an option for those looking to do some light gaming throughout the day.

The Ser5 Max includes 16 GB of RAM and a 500 GB solid state drive, but its processor is another piece of hardware that stands out next to other mini PC options. It's powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735U processor with eight cores and a turbo boost that can reach 4.75 GHz. This makes the Ser5 Max one of the more powerful mini PCs priced under $500, and it's worth considering for everyday tasks as well as for entry-level creatives looking for an affordable way to get into their professional work.

The lack of recognition of the Beelink name may be a reason for some concern, but the company stands by its mini PCs, offering a 100% guarantee to solve any problems that may arise with the Ser5 Max. The company also offers lifetime technical support, a three-year warranty and 24/7 service after the purchase of a Ser5 Max.