Mini PCs are a great alternative to regular PC units. They help you keep a low profile plus keep the workstation compact. We didn’t jump at the idea when a fellow member suggested we try little PCs for our travels. That’s because we thought the system wouldn’t be strong enough to handle our workflows. We were mistaken! We realized they worked like magic as we grabbed one mini-computer after another. Plus, they are also on budget. So, having tested several options successfully, we thought, why not round up the best mini-computers at Best Buy? Great thought, right?
Putting together this list of top mini computers was a challenge. There were so many specs that we needed to be sure of, so we double-checked the configurations in depth. Having done a deep dive into each computer, I can say that the tough part is done. So, picking the best option should now be a breeze for you. All you need to do is see which fits your preferences and grab it immediately!
Table of contents
- MSI – DP20ZA Desktop – AMD Ryzen R5
- Apple – Mac Studio – M2 Max – 512GB SSD – Silver
- CanaKit – Raspberry Pi 4 Extreme Kit
- HP – Elite 800 G9 Mini Desktop
- Dell – Refurbished OptiPlex 7060 Desktop
- HP – Pro 400 G9 SFF Desktop – Intel Core i5
- HP – Refurbished EliteDesk 800 G3 Desktop
- HP – Pro Mini 400 Desktop – Intel Core
- MSI – PRO DP180 Desktop – Intel Core
- CanaKit – Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit
- HP – Elite 600 G9 SFF Desktop
- HP – Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop
- HP – Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Desktop
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Mini Computers at Best Buy?
- Is a mini PC worth buying?
- Is a mini PC better than a laptop?
- How long does a mini PC last?
MSI – DP20ZA Desktop – AMD Ryzen R5
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For a refreshing experience with a mini-computer, we think there’s no better option than the MSI – DP20ZA Desktop – AMD Ryzen R5! It’s sleek, black, and compact, giving our workstation a nice and elegant look! The unit comes with Windows 11 and a high-power 5600G processor that can handle all our shenanigans effortlessly. Setting a benchmark for gaming PCs and stellar video-editing platforms, this little computer left us speechless. It worked well with heavy-load projects as the advanced systems (with a total storage capacity of 500 gigabytes) are designed for modern computing needs. Aside from that, the built-in WiFi has a pretty high speed. It serves the purpose of global connectivity to our best satisfaction. Considering the value-packed features, this is a champ in this race straightaway!
Check out this detailed review of the product by ETA PRIME on YouTube!
Pros
- It’s a relatively new arrival from 2022.
- There are two memory slots.
- The package includes a mouse and keyboard!
Cons
- The product is not backed by a warranty!
Buy on:
Apple – Mac Studio – M2 Max – 512GB SSD – Silver
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Best Value for Money. The Apple – Mac Studio – M2 Max – 512GB SSD – Silver runs like a dream! It has been our main office computer for over a month now. This Mac mini at Best Buy is a powerhouse of a machine that works flawlessly with high-quality videos and can run several tabs in a breeze. We have been using the device mainly to work on the editing of our 4K videos. Thanks to the integrated graphics of 38-core, which take heavy videos in a stride. Aside from that, the computer is really quiet and so far we haven’t heard a peep from it. The RAM is 32GB strong and offers a good amount of capacity for the computer to work with big files. Yes, there’s sufficient wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and Wifi, of course. Plus, what’s extra cool is that there are four USB ports that always come in handy for us!
Feel free to review the product specs in depth on the original listing on the Apple website!
Pros
- The unified memory is up to 98 gigabytes.
- The body is remarkably compact.
- This is simply a bang for your buck!
Cons
- It’s not exactly suited for gaming.
Buy on:
CanaKit – Raspberry Pi 4 Extreme Kit
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This is an awesome product, ladies and gentlemen! The CanaKit – Raspberry Pi 4 Extreme Kit is a computer for all. We picked it up to learn how to program Java and Linux – both of which come free with the Pi. Besides that, this mini-computer is a delight to use because of the built-in 8GB RAM. It runs smoothly, with multiple tabs working in the backdrop. The overall setup is easy to set up, but it took us just a little while to get this thing ready before it was up and running. Moreover, there are clear instructions in the user manual for getting this high-end unit started. Additionally, the graphics card is strong enough to support 4K pictures. Awesome, isn’t it? If you ask us, this hand-sized PI 4 is a killer in many ways!
Pros
- There’s Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity.
- The device features four USB ports!
- It comes with a powerful memory card.
Cons
- A user reported receiving an incomplete package.
Buy on:
HP – Elite 800 G9 Mini Desktop
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A dope performer in all situations, the HP – Elite 800 G9 Mini Desktop is our best bet to handle tough, heavy-load tasks! This mini-computer has a high-bandwidth RAM of 16 Gigabytes that allows it to function like a miracle with multiple projects simultaneously. In addition to this, we loved the compact design that is aimed at being useful in any setting. In fact, we can work in small spaces with this PC neatly set up to avoid creating a messy workstation. Aside from that, the graphics were superb, and we loved watching our favorite videos on this gem of a computer. The state drive is about 512GB, which prevents the processor from getting heated while performing essential tasks. All in all, this has been a wonderful buy for us!
We had a fantastic experience exploring the awesome features of this mini desktop. It proved a swift multitasker for a very affordable price tag!
WOW Travel
Pros
- The Windows 11 Pro system is super fast.
- There are six USB portals available.
- The PC unit is black and looks elegant.
Cons
- The package has no wireless keyboard or mouse.
Buy on:
Dell – Refurbished OptiPlex 7060 Desktop
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Most Quiet. We were trying to find the perfect business desktop, and this piece turned out to be nothing short of a revolution! The Dell – Refurbished OptiPlex 7060 Desktop is something that gets to work as your personal robot as soon as it gets out of the box. Equipped with 16GB RAM, multitasking is no issue. Furthermore, the whopping 512GB storage capacity was a perfect bonus for us. It made applications start in the blink of an eye, and programs ran like a swift sports car. Aside from that, the small and portable size cheered us up because it didn’t take much of our space. Also, it’s reasonably priced, so for people on a tight budget, this will match their desired price point. In a nutshell, this machine was a great support for us. And we are sure it will be able to accommodate your business’s or personal needs too!
Are you also interested in Macbookis? Check out the exclusive roundup of the best Macbooks at BestBuy!
Pros
- The computer comes nicely packaged.
- The price matches the budget for most people.
- It’s silent and makes online work a joy.
Cons
- A buyer reported some hassle using this piece.
Buy on:
HP – Pro 400 G9 SFF Desktop – Intel Core i5
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The HP – Pro 400 G9 SFF Desktop – Intel Core i5 is a powerhouse in a compact package! We enjoyed the sense of hassle-free streaming through plenty of our workload. Of course, the functionality comes from the Windows 11 Pro operating system with the 13th Gen processor. Further, the 16GB memory allows multiple tabs and heavy apps to run without slowdown. If you need more storage, this PC lets you easily expand it anytime. Besides that, the need to stay connected was not an issue because we stayed connected through the available set of ports. So, this is truly a gem that can streamline the work routine for all office professionals, travelers, or ambitious artists out there!
Take a look at the official listing for more specs and customer reviews.
Pros
- The solid-state drive is 256GB strong.
- It features two integrated HDMI ports.
- The UHD graphics offer good-quality images.
Cons
- Adding another SSD drive may be a bit tricky.
Buy on:
HP – Refurbished EliteDesk 800 G3 Desktop
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The HP – Refurbished EliteDesk 800 G3 Desktop is generous with superb user-oriented features! We found it easy to rely on thanks to the 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor that delivers solid performance! Not only does it easily handle routine tasks, but it’s also a champion to play heavy-load video games. The 16GB RAM was the genie that enabled the PC to handle multiple programs and run different applications simultaneously. The best thing is that the computer is equipped with a 256GB SSD that enhances the operations’ speed. However, the machine comes without an integrated DVD/CD drive. That may be a little drawback for some. Overall, the HP desktop is the go-to option for business-oriented individuals looking for sleek performance and high productivity.
You might also be interested in looking at the best laptop computers at BestBuy!
Pros
- It’s a stellar PC for multitasking.
- This smart unit uses energy with efficiency.
- You get high value for the buck!
Cons
- The PC includes no built-in CD or DVD drive.
Buy on:
HP – Pro Mini 400 Desktop – Intel Core
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We loved this ultra-small PC for its incredibly on-point performance. The 14-core system is powerful and works faster compared to other PCs in its class. Plus, this mini computer unit comes with a huge 8GB RAM that lets us run big games with heavy graphics in a breeze. Aside from that, the functioning is all smooth and seamless. It has the capacity to work on several projects at the same time. And we were also happy to have the freedom to use multiple tabs without affecting the streaming quality. Awesome, right? In addition to this, the drive capacity is 256GB, which allows for hassle-free and quieter performance. No doubt, the HP – Pro Mini 400 Desktop – Intel Core is a steal for this price and one of the best-reviewed mini computers from Best Buy!
Pros
- The audio jack supports different headsets.
- It comes with a wired desktop keyboard and mouse.
- This compact unit is only two inches tall.
Cons
- The system memory could have been better!
Buy on:
MSI – PRO DP180 Desktop – Intel Core
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Best Storage. With an eye-popping appearance and next-level functionality, the MSI – PRO DP180 Desktop – Intel Core is second to none! We whizzed through heavy-load apps and video editions. Multitasking was effortless with the power of its Intel Core i7 processor! Of course, the 32GB RAM was an amazing plus too. Furthermore, the ultra-powerful SSD significantly improved both boot times and the overall performance of our programs. That’s not all. Linking our devices to this mini-computer by utilizing different ports such as USB 3.2 and conventional USB 2.0. let us hop on wirelessly. The Ethernet port is there for a wired connection as well. Overall, the DP180 Desktop has all it takes and delivers a fabulous performance. So far, it’s a great buy for us!
P.S. You may also be interested in the best portable WiFi devices for traveling!
Pros
- It’s compact and measures less than 15 inches.
- You can connect a variety of high-speed devices.
- The unit functions pretty silently.
Cons
- There’s no built-in CD drive.
Buy on:
CanaKit – Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit
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Here’s a computer that’s got a tiny footprint but is a big-time workhorse! We couldn’t understand how this little machine could get anything done at all in the first place. However, once set up, the performance was simply jaw-dropping! With a sufficiently good RAM of 2GB and a 64-bit quad processor, the CanaKit – Raspberry Pi 4 2GB Starter Kit fits the bill for daily tasks! It’s compatible with HDMI, which makes it a fit for high graphics and 4K videos. Moreover, we adored the sleek and compact build. The casing is tough and keeps everything protected within. You can also add two monitors to this little powerhouse. Not to mention, that’s a huge plus for video editors who prefer a huge viewing space!
Pros
- This PC can be connected to a TV or regular monitor.
- The casing is exceptionally strong.
- There are heat sinks to cool down the system.
Cons
- It’s not the best PC to run 4K graphics.
Buy on:
HP – Elite 600 G9 SFF Desktop
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This is a mighty stunner! Very small, but don’t let the size fool you. The HP – Elite 800 G9 Mini Desktop has been an excellent buy that will easily last eight to ten years. We loved the super-fast performance that was enabled by the 16GB RAM and advanced Intel Core i7 processor. Furthermore, the hardware is so good that it will easily run the best-quality videos for us. Thanks to the built-in graphics capacity, We don’t need a dedicated graphics card. We cannot hear the fan while operating, and the system is very quiet. The compact size frees up our workspace, and we are able to look more organized and neat. This small PC gets the work done like a devoted workhorse. It goes without saying that this mini PC will wonderfully manage your routine projects!
Pros
- The total storage capacity is 512 Gigabytes.
- It features multiple USB portals.
- The package comes with a mouse and keyboard!
Cons
- The included mouse and keyboard are not wireless.
Buy on:
HP – Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop
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Most Compact. This HP – Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop is a world-class mini-computer that comes with exceptional qualities to make life easier for us! The small and compact size is one thing, and the top-notch commercial-grade performance is another. We can use it in a variety of settings where space is limited, and we need our routine tasks done. Aside from that, the system can easily juggle multiple projects because of the heavy-duty 13-core processor. On top of that, the 16 gigabyte RAM makes the system more efficient and smooth-running. Not only that, but the audio was also clear. We were delighted to tune into some classic music and enjoyed the quality time. So, in a nutshell, this advanced mini-sized computer is nothing less than a regular PC. It’s reliable for years of use!
Check out the in-depth review by PC World to understand the product specs further!
Pros
- The system is energy-efficient.
- It can smoothly run heavy graphics games.
- You get three years of limited warranty.
Cons
- A user found it unable to meet their expectations.
Buy on:
HP – Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Desktop
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Best Overall. Designed for professionals like us, this amazing machine will never fall short of meeting your expectations! The HP – Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Desktop is a powerhouse that easily takes care of your everyday tasks at work. We are able to do plenty of video editing and play our favorite games for long hours of unwinding. We also loved the stunning fit and finish. It complements our workstation with a high-end professional look and is a next-level compact. Aside from that, this HP machine is intuitive and super easy to use. There’s also an antivirus package that has already been installed on the PC, so you don’t have to worry about security issues. Not to mention that the PC is powerful enough to multitask without getting overheated or giving us frustrating slowdowns!
Pros
- There are multiple ports for expanded connectivity.
- The design is beautifully slender.
- Both a mouse and keyboard come in the box!
Cons
- You may find it a bit pricey!
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
The HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Desktop is the Best Overall choice from the above list based on its amazing user orientation and performance. However, there are other interesting options that stand out based on a specific feature they excel at. Let’s check them out below.
- Best value for money: Apple – Mac Studio – M2 Max – 512GB SSD – Silver
- Most compact: HP – Pro Mini 400 G9 Desktop
- Best storage: MSI – PRO DP180 Desktop – Intel Core
- Most quiet: Dell – Refurbished OptiPlex 7060 Desktop
How To Choose The Best Mini Computers at Best Buy?
When we started selecting the best minicomputers at Best Buy, we had a range of factors to consider. However, three factors were the most important. These factors were our priority when choosing the mini computers for this exclusive roundup. So, which factors stand out as the best for getting the best mini PCs? Let’s find out below!
Compactness
Of course, a mini-computer is already pretty compact, hence the name. However, if compactness really matters to you, then you must take a look at the reviews and find out what the users have to say about the size and dimensions of the device you’re about to pick. Just taking the manufacturer’s word for it will not be enough.
Storage
Although mini-computers rarely have the same amount of storage as regular PCs. You should go for the best storage capacity you can get. That’s because you don’t want to be stuck with a computer that’s small but comes with a small memory. It’s a no-brainer that the more it can store, the better.
Graphics
A mini computer that cannot support ultra-quality graphics will be no good. If you like watching videos and playing high-resolution games, then the computer must be able to take the burden and run smoothly. So, before getting a computer, double-check the specs on the graphics. Ask buyers if their experience with movies and video games was good enough. That will be a lot of help!
Is a mini PC worth buying?
It all depends on your needs. If you’re interested in saving space and power and being more neat and organized at your workstation, a mini-computer will easily fit the bill.
Is a mini PC better than a laptop?
A mini PC is a small desktop PC that needs to be wired and stays in the same place. Laptops are meant to be portable and easy to carry, of course. However, mini-computers usually have better performance specs than laptops in terms of overall functionality.
How long does a mini PC last?
Mini PCs easily last five to six years. They should last even longer if they are well-maintained and kept with proper care, such as software updates, hardware cleaning, etc.