Desktop towers are great, but perhaps you don’t want all the associated bulk on your desk or floor. Laptops are great, but they target work-on-the-go rather than brain-melting performance. That’s where an all-in-one PC comes in: It crams your desktop computer and monitor into one unit so you have more room to breathe and play.
Our favorite all-in-one PC is the HP Envy 32, with its fantastic hardware selection and premium styling. But there are plenty of other great models to choose from. Here’s our list of the best all-in-one computers you can buy right now.
The best all-in-one computers
The best
Best overall: HP Envy 32
Designed as a true competitor for Apple’s iMac, the HP’s Envy 32 AIO PC features a ninth-generation Core i5 or Core i7 Intel CPU with up to eight cores, a choice of Nvidia GTX or RTX graphics (up to an RTX 2060), and 16GB of memory. Storage options blend hard drives and SSDs for plenty of space while giving fast boot times and snappy Windows operation.
Its hardware configurations make the HP Envy 32 a solid system for both gaming and productivity tasks. Although it doesn’t offer the Core i9 CPU options of higher-end systems like the iMac, it certainly makes up for its limited CPU lineup elsewhere.
This system has a comfortable, luxurious design with great build quality, a fantastic display, and surprisingly capable speakers. We loved the HP Envy 32, and with a price that starts at $1,599, we bet a lot of other people will too — which is probably why it’s currently hard to find.
The rest
Best for illustrators: Microsoft Surface Studio 2
Microsoft was a newcomer to the all-in-one market when it released the Surface Studio in December 2016. The current Surface Studio 2, launched in late 2018, maintains the same design and 28-inch touch-capable display. However, this second-generation model packs better options for graphics along with higher memory and storage amounts.
In our review of the Surface Studio 2, we lauded its exceptional design and build quality, graphics performance, and superfast SSD. Unfortunately, the hardware is a bit outdated in 2020, as it includes Intel’s seventh-generation Core i7-7820HQ CPU and options for a full-sized GTX 1060 or GTX 1070 graphics chip. Despite the aging technology, it’s still a great option for serious content creators, designers, and anyone who wants an all-in-one PC that packs a powerful punch.
Other goodies crammed into the Microsoft Surface Studio 2 include up to 32GB of system memory, up to 2TB on a speedy SSD, multiple connection options, Surface Dial compatibility, and the included Surface peripherals. It even ships with the Surface Pen!
Best for Mac lovers: Apple iMac with Retina 5K display
Apple’s 27-inch Retina display iMac introduced the first 5K display. Its stunning, 5,120 × 2,880 screen delivers crystal-clear images and sharp text while boasting powerful internal specs. Apple refreshed the 5K iMacs in 2020 with new 10th-generation six- and eight-core Intel processors. There’s even an option for Intel’s 10th-generation Core i9 10-core processor for optimal performance.
The latest iMac maintains Apple’s familiar stylish design, reveling in a gap-free front panel and rounded corners that complement the glass-and-aluminum build. The $1,799 and $1,999 configurations include the discrete Radeon Pro 5300 GPU. The $2,299 model starts with the Pro 5500 XT but can be configured with the 5700 or the 5700 XT.
For those with deeper pockets, the Apple iMac Pro upgrades the internal configuration with components like Intel’s 18-core Xeon W CPU, up to 256GB of RAM, and an AMD Vega 64X graphics card for astounding performance. It starts at $5,000, however, making it out of reach of most potential all-in-one buyers.
Best budget AIO: Acer Aspire Z24
If money is tight, Acer’s Aspire Z24 is your ticket to decent performance at a decent price. It’s powered by Intel’s ninth-generation Core i5-9400T six-core chip released in 2019, offering a base speed at 1.8GHz and a maximum turbo at 3.4GHz. Not too shabby, actually.
The Aspire Z24-890 sports a 23.8-inch IPS display with a Full HD resolution, 178-degree viewing angles, touch support on specific models, and rich colors backed by Acer’s Color Intelligence tech. Configurations include 8GB of system memory (up to 16GB) and either a 512GB SSD or a 1TB hard drive. There’s even a DVD writer packed into the right side.
Other goodies crammed into the Acer Aspire Z24 include Wireless AC and Bluetooth connectivity, a handful of ports, and even two HDMI ports (input and output) for a $599 starting price. It looks good too sporting slick slim bezels and a classy silver stand.
Best for families: Dell Inspiron 27 7000
The Inspiron 27 7000 model from Dell is perfect if you need an AIO PC that the whole family can enjoy. It’s slightly more than our budget option, but its appearance is top-notch and it offers lots of up-to-date high-performance hardware for every family member.
Dell Inspiron 27 7000 Silver All-In-One with Arch Stand
Dell’s most recent Inspiron AIO PC showcases an HD 27-inch InfinityEdge screen that transitions to a more compact display and slender bezels. Behind this display are the most current Core i7-1165G7 processor by Intel, memory up to 12GB, and a PCIe NVMe SSD with a storage capacity of 512GB. The configurations also include Nvidia’s subtle GeForce MX330 GPU.
This computer is ideal for those who need lots of connectivity. It has four USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and HDMI output and inputs. It also features an SD card reader, wired Ethernet, Bluetooth version 5.1, pop-up webcam, and W-Fi 6(2×2), making the Dell Inspiron 27 7000 an outstanding PC for your family.
Editors’ Recommendations
