Best desktop PCs July 2026
Finding the right desktop PC can be a challenge, with options ranging from ultra-compact minis to powerful all-in-one machines. This guide is here to help you navigate the choices, comparing key features, specifications, and performance across the top models. Our independent rankings make it easier to find the best desktop computer for your budget and tasks.
Last updated: 23 June 2026
Apple Mac Mini (2024) - M4 CPU/GPU 10C 24GB 512GB dropped 1 position
Apple Mac Mini (2024) - M4 Pro 12C CPU 16C GPU 24GB 512GB climbed 1 position
Desktop PCs: Top 5
1
Apple Mac Mini (2024) - M4 CPU/GPU 10C 16GB 256GB
from £734.995 stores
from £734.99
5 stores
2
nVidia DGX Spark Cortex X925/A725 128GB RAM 4TB SSD
from £4,899.002 stores
from £4,899.00
2 stores
3
Apple Mac Mini (2024) - M4 CPU/GPU 10C 24GB 512GB
from £1,199.004 stores
1
from £1,199.00
4 stores
4
Apple Mac Mini (2024) - M4 Pro 12C CPU 16C GPU 24GB 512GB
from £1,599.005 stores
1
from £1,599.00
5 stores
5
Apple iMac (2024) 24" M4 10C CPU 10C GPU 16GB 256GB SSD
from £1,299.0011 stores
from £1,299.00
11 stores
This Mac Mini model is powered by Apple's efficient M4 chip, offering impressive performance in an incredibly compact design. User reviews praise it as one of Apple's best-value products, delivering speed and style. It's an excellent choice for general use, though be mindful that peripherals are sold separately and upgrades can be costly.
Pros
Excellent performance from the M4 chip
Ultra-compact and stylish design
Great value for an Apple computer
Silent operation
Multiple high-speed ports (USB4)
Cons
Expensive RAM and storage upgrades
Keyboard and mouse not included
256 GB base storage may be limiting
The nVidia DGX Spark is a high-performance workstation packed into a surprisingly compact form factor. With a 20-core CPU, 128 GB of RAM, and a 4 TB SSD, it's built for extreme computational loads. Running Linux, it's aimed at developers, data scientists, and researchers needing maximum power.
Pros
Extremely powerful 20-core processor
Massive 128 GB of RAM
Huge 4 TB of fast SSD storage
Compact chassis for a workstation
Active cooling for sustained performance
Cons
Runs Linux, not for typical users
Uses integrated graphics only
Aimed at a niche professional market
This version of the Mac Mini serves as a perfect middle ground, upgrading the base model with a generous 24 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. It's ideal for users who need more headroom for multitasking or work with larger files but don't require the extra power of the M4 Pro chip. It retains the same powerful M4 chip and compact design.
Pros
Increased 24 GB RAM for better multitasking
More spacious 512 GB SSD storage
Efficient and powerful M4 chip
Compact and quiet design
Cons
Significantly more expensive than the base model
RAM and storage cannot be upgraded later
This high-end Mac Mini is powered by the M4 Pro chip, featuring more CPU and GPU cores for a significant performance leap. It's aimed squarely at creative professionals and power users who need extra processing muscle for tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. It combines pro-level performance with the classic, compact Mac Mini design.
Pros
Powerful M4 Pro chip with 12 CPU cores
Enhanced 16-core GPU for graphics tasks
Excellent for creative professional workloads
Comes with 24 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD
Cons
Enters a higher price bracket
May be overkill for average users
Internal components are not user-upgradable
The iMac is an all-in-one desktop that pairs the powerful M4 chip with a brilliant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. Its sleek, space-saving design is perfect for any desk, providing a complete package with excellent performance for everyday tasks and creative work. It's a great choice for those who value simplicity and a top-tier integrated screen.
Pros
Includes a high-quality 4.5K display
Elegant all-in-one design
Powerful and efficient M4 processor
Excellent built-in speakers
Cons
Fewer ports than the Mac Mini
No height adjustment for the stand
Internal components cannot be upgraded
Compare specifications
| Graphics processor | Apple M4 | — | Apple M4 | Apple M4 Pro | Apple M4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Mac | PC | Mac | Mac | Mac |
| RAM size | 16 GB | 128 GB | 24 GB | 24 GB | 16 GB |
| Processor model | Apple M4 | — | Apple M4 | Apple M4 Pro | Apple M4 |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
