The best computer for you should be able to handle your daily needs without slowing down or heating up your entire space. Fortunately, when you’re looking for a PC upgrade, you have plenty of options, it’s just a matter of choosing the type of computer you want, not to mention the specific brand and what it brings.
Remember, there are many things to consider before you buy your next PC. After all, the best PCs can cost a fortune, so you’ll want to choose wisely and make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, rather than buying an over-the-top or barely-there cheap run.
You’ll be amazed how much you can save as long as you know what you need and find the best PC for those needs. But if you’re looking for one of the best workstations for high-performance content creation or other intensive tasks, you’ll also find some incredible options from names like HP, Dell, Lenovo, and more that will give you Whatever you need, no matter what budget you need.
Whether it’s the best affordable gaming PC or the best all-in-one you’re looking for, chances are we’ve already reviewed it. We use our years of experience, put them at their pace, and select only the best computers on the market. Then, we’ve rounded up the best of the best below to help you make the right choice for your needs and budget. Check out our picks for the best PCs.
iMac M1 2021 (24-inch)
Apple completely redesigned the iMac so thin it could easily be mistaken for a big-screen iPad. It’s now based on the same ultra-fast M1 chip used in Apple’s late 2020 MacBook Air and Mac Mini (see below), and replaces the previous 21.5-inch version with a gorgeous 24-inch screen. The 1080p webcam is a significant upgrade over the 720p MacBook model, and the rainbow of available colors — a nod to the iMac G3 from 1999 — is a welcome addition. Just be prepared to shell out cash for countless memory and accessory upgrades. (Note that the larger 27-inch iMac has been discontinued as of March 2022.) Read our 2021 Apple iMac review.
HP Envy 34 All-in-One
Both Apple and Microsoft have stopped making large-screen all-in-ones, so as one of the last remaining good large-screen options (as far as I know), the HP Envy 34 AIO is pretty much the best-in-class default.
It’s a good system, with a nice 34″ display and some useful features like a magnetically attached webcam and a Qi charging pad in the dock, although you’re paying for aesthetics rather than performance (it does have Nvidia laptop version of the 3060 graphics card). I like the HP Envy 34 AIO, and it does feel like a good home or traditional office system for anyone who needs a big screen in a small space.
Origin PC 5000T
If you’re not satisfied with the lack of configuration options for a pre-built gaming desktop, using a custom builder is the best way to satisfy your appetite. The price tag of over $5,000 for this custom configured system is too high for most people. Many don’t even need to maximize it to play. But you can get a reasonable configuration for half the price of my review unit.
Origin PC is a well built, reliable system. Unless you’re looking for something really cheap, you can combine your favorites at a price you can afford.
Apple Mac Studio (2022)
The Mac Pro has long been the top of Apple’s computer line, but the current version is an aging Intel model that starts at a hefty $5,000. By contrast, 2022’s new Mac Studio is powered by Apple’s latest and greatest silicon — the M1 Max or M1 Ultra — for less than half the price. It’s basically a beefed-up Mac Mini, and for those who don’t want to wait for the final version of the Mac Pro, it’s the best choice for running creative Mac applications, including animation, graphics, video editing, and audio editing software. Read our Mac Studio review.
HP Chromebase All-in-One 22
Compact all-in-one desktops are great centralized home computers. The HP Chromebase goes a step further by pairing it with the simple and secure Chrome OS—the same OS your kids might be using on the Chromebooks they use at school. With a 21.5-inch touchscreen attached to a gray fabric-covered base, the table top looks like a supersized version of Google’s own Nest Hub smart display (and with Google Assistant built in, you can use it that way, too). Inside, however, there’s up to an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and up to a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD. The full HD display even rotates vertically, perfect for watching vertical videos, following recipes or scrolling through your favorite websites. Read our HP Chromebase AiO 22 review.
