Looking for the best computer to buy? The right desktop PC depends on what you need it to do, whether that is everyday work, web browsing, streaming, gaming, creative projects or demanding AI tasks. A good computer should suit your needs, and we've done the testing to find the best of them.
In this guide, I've put together our hands-on testing, benchmark results and real-world use of the latest PCs we here at Tom's Guide have reviewed. That includes all-in-one PCs for home, desktop towers for value and gaming, compact mini PCs for smaller setups and powerful workstations for video editing, 3D work, and local AI tasks.
For most people, the Apple iMac M4 is the best computer we recommend thanks to its strong everyday performance, sharp 24-inch 4.5K display, capable webcam and simple all-in-one design. But if you have other PCs in mind, we've got more picks worth shopping for.
We'll soon be seeing more AI-driven Windows PCs thanks to the arrival of Nvidia RTX Spark N1X desktops, and we've already got hands-on testing with RTX Spark laptops we've reviewed. Also, you may want to hold off on grabbing an iMac right now, as Apple announced a new iMac M6 all-in-one PC that’s sure to make a big splash. It’s already one of our favorite PCs, so watch this site for our full reviews to see whether it’s worth shopping for. Read on for our expert advice on the best computers you can buy today.
There's nothing quite like a clean, satisfying computer setup, especially one that fits your workflow. But there was a lot to consider when I was finding a PC to call my own. So, along with my team of computing experts putting in hours of benchmarking and real-world testing, I'm here to help you pick just the PC that will become your go-to digital companion, whether it's for work, gaming, creative projects and everything in between.
The best computers you can buy right now
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The best computer overall
"While I wish Apple had done more to make the iMac M4 the ideal family PC I know it can be, it's hard to complain about an updated version of one of the best all-in-ones on the market. The upgrade to an M4 chip doesn't hugely improve the iMac M4 over the old M3 model or change what it's capable of, but it does deliver great performance. The bump up to 16GB RAM minimum is a good one for customers, as 8GB just doesn't cut it for most work."
Hold on! Apple's "Pro and Tell" October event is expected to announce a new iMac M6, meaning a huge upgrade may be coming to the best computer we recommend. Expect a similar design, but with huge performance improvements from the M6 chip, similar to the Mac mini M6. If you're thinking of grabbing an iMac, it's worth waiting to see if an upgrade is coming soon. Otherwise, stay tuned!
Apple's iMac M4 is our top recommendation for a do-it-all PC, with the Apple M4 chip inside giving it plenty of power for work and play, while the 24-inch Retina display looks great in a family room or office.
Plus, the 12MP webcam is great and supports Desk View, so you can send a separate video feed (when FaceTiming) of what's on the desk in front of you. The six built-in speakers also sound surprisingly good for an all-in-one PC, which is why I like this PC so much as a family computer: it's great for video calls, especially in a room with multiple people, because the webcam has a wide field of view. And with the nice speakers and wide viewing angles, it's a decent way for a few people to watch a video together in a pinch.
Apple iMac (M4) Performance Results
Our Geekbench benchmark scores
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple iMac (M4) | 3646 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple iMac (M4) | 14724 |
I've reviewed a few models of the iMac at this point, and while it's not the best as a gaming PC (though it gets better every year as Apple silicon gets better and more games get native support), you can have a lot of fun with it if you want. You can download all sorts of games from the App Store, including a good number of modern titles that run at decent frame rates on the M4 iMac.
As a fellow on the taller side, I wish the stand on the iMac allowed you to adjust its height instead of just being able to swivel it forward and backward a few degrees, but that's not going to be a major issue for most folks. In general, this is a great all-around Mac that I often recommend as the best computer to most folks, especially those looking for a family PC.
- Read our full Apple iMac M4 review
The best budget computer
"I quite like the Dell Tower Plus because it's highly customizable and pretty affordable, packing the latest components into a drab mid-tower case that blends in anywhere. For some people, that might be a deal-breaker, but for myself and others like me, I think there's real appeal in having this much leeway to kit out a desktop PC. I reviewed our Dell Tower Plus like a gaming PC because that's how it's outfitted, but you can use these desktops for more than that — with prices ranging from $749 to beyond $3,000, the Dell Tower Plus can fill a wide range of roles."
The Dell Tower Plus is a remarkably customizable desktop PC packed into an unassuming tower case that looks ripped from a '90s PC magazine ad. It's also relatively affordable thanks to its $999 starting price.
Personally, I love the look of the Tower Plus PCs because I review gaming PCs for a living, and I'm getting tired of big, heavy cases bedecked in RGB lights and jagged edges. Our Dell Tower Plus review unit is a breath of fresh, forgettable air by comparison, packing enough power to run most games well into a mid-sized white box that blends right into your desk setup. This modest PC will fit right into any office or gaming environment.
Dell Tower Plus (Intel Core Ultra 7 265K) Performance Results
Our Geekbench benchmark scores
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Dell Tower Plus (Intel Core Ultra 7 265K) | 2985 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Dell Tower Plus (Intel Core Ultra 7 265K) | 19181 |
And it won't be too noisy, either, thanks to its quiet operations even after hours of gaming. I'd stay clear of playing in 4K resolution, but for 1080p and even 1440p gameplay, you'll be able to get a lot out of this machine with the RTX 5070 onboard. Of course, it also delivers smooth performance for productivity, and that includes video editing.
Admittedly, the included accessories aren't amazing, and you can't achieve the heights of power with the Dell Tower Plus that you can with the priciest and best gaming PCs. However, if you just want a reliable PC for everyday work and that won't break the bank, the modest-looking Dell Tower Plus is a great choice.
- Read our full Dell Tower Plus review
The best gaming computer
"This is one of the best pre-built towers I’ve ever tested. The RDY Element 9 Pro R07 packs impressive performance into a gorgeous design with impressive long-term support and even a 60-day return period, too. And the liquid-cooled gaming ensures long-term stability of the performance, while looking fly as hell."
For anyone looking for some serious power to play the latest PC games, and to power through demanding video edits, 3D creative work and more, the iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 is the computer to put in your shopping basket.
No, it isn't cheap at over $2,000, and the RAM crisis isn't making costs any more affordable. But with its AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU and Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU, along with 32GB of DDR5 RAM and 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD, this gaming PC gives you fantastic gaming performance for mighty 1440p and even 4K gameplay. That's an investment for longevity.
iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 (AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D) Performance Results
Our Geekbench benchmark scores
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 (AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D) | 2697 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 (AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D) | 14698 |
The mouse and keyboard combo that the RDY Element 9 Pro R07 comes packed with is welcome, but they're far from the best offerings you can get (they can feel cheap and plasticky). Regardless, along with its beautiful RGB-lit design, impressive liquid cooling for stable performance and a three-year warranty, this is easily one of the best pre-built PC towers we've tested.
Is the iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 the most powerful? No, but neither is it the most expensive, and that means you won't have to pay an even higher premium to get top-notch performance to play demanding PC titles.
- Read our full iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 review
The best mini PC
"The Mac mini M6 doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but thanks to the major redesign of its predecessor, it really doesn’t need to. You still get a beautifully designed and compact mini PC with plenty of ports and 16GB of unified memory standard. However, it’s the extra processing and graphical horsepower of the M6 silicon that truly shines here."
If desk space is precious but you don't want to sacrifice power, the Mac mini M6 is the desktop you want on your side. At just 5 x 5 x 2 inches, it’s one of the smallest true desktops you can buy, and in our hands-on testing, it's an absolute tiny powerhouse. Our lead tester stacked dozens of Chrome tabs and photo edits across multiple windows, yet unlike the prior Mac mini M4, the M6 kept up without stuttering or slowdown.
Performance goes beyond everyday basics. In lab testing, the M6 delivered a 44% jump in performance over the base M4, putting it firmly in “workhorse” territory for writing, spreadsheets, video calls and creative projects. Plus, Apple’s N1 chip brings Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 and Thread support, so you’re set for fast wireless connections and smart home gear for years to come.
Apple Mac mini (M6) Performance Results
See our Geekbench scores for single-core and multi-core
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple Mac mini (M6) | 4708 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple Mac mini (M6) | 21405 |
On the back, you get three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, Ethernet, and the essentials for connecting multiple monitors or a fast external drive. The Mac mini M6 is a fantastic choice if you're after a minimal setup, but know you’ll need your own display and speakers. And while it’s surprisingly capable for 1080p gaming, don’t expect the graphics horsepower (or price tag) of a dedicated gaming rig like the iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07.
So, if you want a small, reliable desktop that just gets out of your way, and you’re happy to bring your own monitor and accessories, it’s easily the best mini PC for most people who care about long-term value and desk space.
- Read our full Mac mini M6 review
The best computer for power users
"The Mac Studio M5 Ultra is one seriously impressive computer. It can handle just about anything you throw at it and keeps asking for more. Doing so while running quietly makes it even more astonishing. Again, if you need an insanely powerful Mac for video editing or heavy AI workloads, you can’t do better."
If you want a Mac that can do more than any other on this list, the Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra is the machine to invest in. It stands alone for sheer processing muscle, made possible by Apple’s new M5 Ultra chip. The compact desktop form factor means you don’t need a massive tower to get workstation-class power, making it a fit for anyone whose projects outgrow the iMac or Mac mini.
Our testing confirmed the M5 Ultra’s performance edge over the previous M4 Max model, with significantly higher multi-core results in Geekbench 6. You can configure this system with up to 256GB of RAM, an enormous ceiling that lets you juggle huge video projects, local AI experiments or virtual machines at once without slowdown (just be prepared to spend a small fortune for it. The Mac Studio is purpose-built for users who want to finish heavy tasks quickly, rather than waiting for slow exports or batch jobs to complete.
Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) Performance Results
See our Geekbench scores for single-core and multi-core
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) | 4318 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) | 37777 |
Speed isn’t just about the CPU and RAM; in Blackmagic SSD speed tests, the M5 Ultra model vastly outperformed last year’s Mac Studio, so media pros or power users moving big files will notice faster previews and less waiting. Plus, with six Thunderbolt 5 (USB‑C) ports, you get the kind of expandability and high-speed connectivity that’s rare on desktops this size, ideal for chaining external drives, displays or capture cards without a hub.
No, it can’t match the Framework Desktop’s modular customization, but if you want immediate, out-of-the-box horsepower and robust I/O, the Studio still comes out ahead for professionals who can’t risk bottlenecks or compatibility headaches. FOr the performance it offers, this is as future-proof as it gets.
Even with well over 30 Chrome tabs open, the Mac Studio kept going without slowing down and stayed cool and quiet the entire time, a real testament to its thermal design, especially during long creative sessions. Of course, you’ll pay a steep price for a maxed-out configuration, but if you need a Mac that won’t hold you back, this is the one to buy.
- Read our full Apple Mac Studio M5 Ultra review
The best premium computer
"The Alienware Area-51 might be super expensive, but it’s arguably worth every penny for the superlative gaming experience it offers. It’s a beautiful machine that will look great in any gaming den or home office. On top of that, this PC runs whisper-quiet, no matter how much you’re taxing it. Price aside, the Alienware Area-51 is a fantastic gaming PC. If you can stomach the cost and have enough room for it, it more than delivers the goods."
The Alienware Area-51 is one of the largest gaming PCs we've ever reviewed and certainly the biggest on this list. Its considerable size isn't just for show, as it serves as a housing for equally formidable internal components, all encased within a futuristic chassis. This gaming PC delivers uncompromising performance... for those who can afford it.
Our review unit packed high-end components like the powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 GPU, fast Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and 64GB of RAM. This combination lets the system easily achieve frame rates well above 60 frames per second across a wide range of graphically demanding game titles. It will be hard to find one with an RTX 5090 these days, but even one with an RTX 5070 or above will offer great performance (and keep the price down).
Alienware Area-51 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K) Performance Results
Our Geekbench benchmark scores
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Alienware Area-51 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K) | 3148 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Alienware Area-51 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K) | 21786 |
Regardless, the innovative positive-pressure cooling system ensures that the machine maintains a low noise profile regardless of the intensity of the gaming load or other demanding tasks. With a starting price nearing $4,000, this gaming PC isn't cheap. Beyond the cost, the Alienware Area-51's enormous size and considerable weight can make it difficult to comfortably keep in your workspace.
Despite its considerable price tag and substantial physical footprint, the Alienware Area-51 delivers an exceptional gaming experience. Its powerful components and efficient cooling work in concert to provide smooth, high-fidelity gaming across a demanding selection of titles. Thanks to its top-tier performance and innovative design, the Alienware Area-51 has earned a place in this guide.
- Read our full Alienware Area-51 review
The best computer for customization
"The Framework Desktop stands out from typical mini PCs, and that’s one of its biggest strengths. Instead of a fully pre-built design, it lets you customize the look and features with its tiled front panel and Expansion Cards. You can also choose different side panels and CPU fans — or even use your own — making it a much more personal and flexible experience than most other mini PCs."
The Framework Desktop is a powerful, highly customizable mini PC designed for work, gaming and local AI tasks. True to the Framework philosophy, its value extends beyond a typical PC.
Like Framework's laptops, this desktop is exceptionally easy to build and repair due to its replaceable components. Its customizability goes a step further than other mini PCs: you can configure the front ports using Expansion Cards and personalize the magnetic front panel with various swappable tiles.
Framework Desktop (AMD Ryzen AI Max 385) Performance Results
Our Geekbench benchmark scores
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Framework Desktop (AMD Ryzen AI Max 385) | 2966 |
Geekbench 6 (multi-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Framework Desktop (AMD Ryzen AI Max 385) | 17574 |
The only parts that are not swappable are the AMD Ryzen AI Max processor, which is a beast for both productivity and gaming, and the soldered LPDDR5x memory, a limitation imposed by the chip itself. When configuring the Framework Desktop, you can choose from three distinct CPU and memory configurations, with the highest being an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and a whopping 128GB of RAM. Furthermore, there's the option to purchase storage and the operating system at checkout or to supply your own to reduce the overall cost.
As we noted in our review, the Framework Desktop sparked a new way forward for mini PCs and small-form-factor desktops overall. That's why it has rightfully earned its place among the best mini PCs you can get today.
- Read our full Framework Desktop review
Performance compared
At Tom's Guide, we benchmark all the latest PCs that land on our desks to test how well they perform, as it's a key factor in knowing how well a computer can handle daily computing tasks and beyond.
To measure a system's performance, we use Geekbench, which shows the processor's single-core score, measuring how one CPU core can handle general tasks, and multi-core score, measuring the performance of all CPU cores during heavy-duty workloads. Remember: the higher the number, the better!
All of the computers we recommend offer great performance, but if you've got your eye on one and want to see how it stacks up against the rest, check out our lab test results below.
Best Computers Performance Results
Slide through to see each Geekbench benchmark result
Geekbench 6 (single-core)
| Product | Value |
|---|---|
| Apple iMac (M4) | 3646 |
| Dell Tower Plus (Intel Core Ultra 7 265K) | 2985 |
| iBuyPower RDY Element 9 Pro R07 (AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D) | 2697 |
| Apple Mac mini (M6) | 4708 |
| Apple Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) | 4318 |
| Alienware Area-51 (Intel Core Ultra 9 285K) | 3148 |
| Framework Desktop (AMD Ryzen AI Max 385) | 2966 |
Also tested
Best Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when buying a new computer?
When you're buying a new computer, you should focus on looking at four main components.
- CPU: A computer's central processing unit (CPU) reads and handles instructions from programs and the operating system to tell other parts of the PC what to do. The stronger the CPU, the faster it is at handling complex tasks and getting things done.
- GPU: The graphics processing unit (GPU) handles parallel processing, which is great for rendering video and 3D graphics. While it's largely known for gaming, it now has more capabilities for production (video editing, creative design, etc.) and AI and machine learning.
- RAM: The random access memory (RAM) of a PC holds data and instructions from the operating system and apps for the CPU to handle. The more RAM there is, the more tasks a computer can handle,
- SSD: The solid-state drive (SSD) is the computer's storage, where your operating system, apps, files, documents and games are all saved. Simply, bigger storage means you can have a lot more saved on your device.
Consider what you will use a PC for during daily tasks, such as for basic work, demanding creative tasks, gaming or everything, and you'll know what to prioritize when buying a computer.
How much does a good PC cost?
A good, long-lasting PC can cost anywhere between $700/£700 to $2,000/£2,000. This price range depends entirely on your needs and budget, of course, but a capable machine that will last you years should be around this cost.
The RAM crisis is making it far more expensive to buy a PC and find the sweet spot for value, especially for anyone looking for a computer with a strong GPU and a lot of RAM or storage. However, a mid-range tower for office multitasking, content creation and gaming (around a 1080p or 1440p resolution) can take you far for a lot less.
For a high-end PC that handles 4K video editing, demanding PC gaming at 4K and local AI workloads, expect to pay $2,000/£2,000 and beyond. To help you save, it's a good idea to wait for a sales event (like Prime Day or Black Friday) to make the most of your budget.
Should I choose Windows or macOS?
The age-old debate. Deciding between a Windows PC and a Mac is a matter of preference, but it also depends on what you're looking to get out of your computer.
- Windows: Some may need Windows as it provides the widest selection of apps, the best gaming experience (thanks to clients like Steam, GOG, Xbox Game Pass and more) and is hugely customizable. Plus, you'll find plenty of different variations of PCs out there to fit your needs, from Intel or AMD chips to a wide variety of options in all computer form factors.
- macOS: For those already in Apple's ecosystem or looking to get on board, Macs offer a streamlined operating system that's easy to use and complements many workflows. It's also getting wildly better for gaming, and it integrates with other products, including your iPhone, iPad and AirPods.
Should I buy a desktop tower, all-in-one, or mini PC?
Buy a desktop tower for the most configuration flexibility and room for high-performance components, an all-in-one for a simpler desk setup with the display included, or a mini PC when saving space matters most. Towers are the most adaptable choice for gaming, demanding creative work, and future upgrades, but they need a separate monitor and peripherals.
All-in-ones reduce cable clutter and can work well for shared home or office use, while mini PCs are compact but may require you to supply a display, keyboard and mouse.
How much RAM do I need in a desktop PC?
The right amount of RAM depends on how many demanding applications you run at once: everyday web, office and streaming work needs less than gaming, editing, 3D work or local AI tasks. More RAM gives the system more room for active programs and data, but it should be balanced with an appropriate processor, graphics card and SSD rather than chosen in isolation.
Check the recommended specifications for your most demanding app or game, then consider whether you want to keep the PC for several years or upgrade it later. For example, the Mac mini M6 starts with 16GB of memory, which is great for most tasks (even gaming and video editing), while high-end configurations such as the Mac Studio M5 Ultra and Framework Desktop are aimed at buyers with substantially heavier workloads.
Do I need an AI PC?
You don't need an AI PC for routine browsing, documents, email and most everyday work, but it can be worthwhile for locally accelerated AI features or demanding creative and coding workflows. You'll find that Newer chips include an NPU or, in Apple systems, a Neural Engine to handle some AI tasks more efficiently.
Nvidia's RTX Spark N1X processors are coming to small desktops, which are aimed at pro users looking to run AI models and agents locally. As we've found with RTX Spark laptops like the Microsoft Surface Laptop Ultra, HP OmniBook Ultra 16 and Asus ProArt P16, these are powerful chips that are also great for video editing, 3D creative work and playing games, but come at a high price.
For anyone using a computer for everyday work or play without the need to run local AI, you won't need to spend big on an AI PC.
How to choose the best computer for you
Computers aren't just big, chunky blocks anymore! But don't worry, PC towers are still very much in fashion. These days, PCs come in all shapes and sizes, from compact, mini designs that still come with mighty performance to all-in-one desktops that deliver the whole package — monitor included.
If you're after something more portable, of course, our best laptops guide will point you in the right direction. But have a look at the PCs that suit you:
- Standard computers are often the most affordable desktop option, as well as the most basic. With simple designs and plenty of configuration options, a basic desktop tower is still the best option for cost-effective computing power. And thanks to the flexibility of the design, you can outfit these standard computers for everything from basic web browsing and media streaming to incredibly demanding uses such as gaming and animation.
- All-in-one desktops, as the name suggests, provide a combination of a PC and monitor in the same device. These all-in-one designs give you a powerful desktop without the bulk of a tower or the tangle of cables that come with a separate monitor. The best all-in-one computers range from budget-friendly systems to high-powered workstations, so check out our in-depth reviews of the best all-in-one computers.
- Gaming desktops, by and large, use the traditional tower design but are outfitted with powerful components optimized for high-performance gaming. These high-octane systems are built to accommodate the latest discrete graphics cards, potent processors, large-volume storage, and all of the cooling necessary for a high-performance machine. There are several options for gaming, whether it's your choice of hardware or the stylized design that fits your taste. Check out our in-depth reviews for all of the best gaming PCs.
- Mini PCs take a very different approach, leveraging the tiny components used in laptops and tablets to provide a desktop experience that fits in the palm of your hand or into a pocket. These pint-sized or smaller desktop computers can be easily stashed out of sight or incorporated into less traditional arrangements, such as a home theater system for streaming movies. Whether it's a small box on your desk or a stick PC in your pocket, our reviews lay out the features and performance of the best mini PCs.
How we test computers
As we evaluate and review all sorts of computers, we run a series of standardized tests to measure how each machine performs, what uses it's best suited to, and what sort of capability you get for the price.
These standard tests include generalized performance benchmark tests, like Geekbench 6 (for processor performance), 3DMark Fire Strike Ultra (for graphics) and a custom file transfer test to measure hard drive performance.
Gaming-oriented benchmarks test the performance of systems using current games, measuring the frame rates each desktop will produce in games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Black Myth: Wukong, Assassin's Creed Shadows, Red Dead Redemption 2 and Cyberpunk 2077. We'll also run individual game tests and the SteamVR performance test to evaluate how well-suited they are to the unique demands of virtual reality.
Most importantly, we spend a ton of time simply using each desktop computer for everyday activities. We watch movies, do work, play games, and blast music on the speakers, all to get a better sense of which ones are worth your money.
For more information, check out our how we test page for Tom's Guide.
