Many AIOs include convenient extras like built-in wireless charging pads and webcams with a privacy shield. If you do many creative tasks like digital illustrations, you might want to find an option with touchscreen and stylus support. If you want a premium all-in-one computer with many personalization options, Apple’s Retina 5K iMac is an ideal choice, especially for high-accuracy tasks such as photo editing. Our product experts tested and researched some of the top models from manufacturers like Apple, Microsoft, and Lenovo to find the best all-in-one PCs on the market. Here are our picks. This iMac provides fast internet connectivity, though you won’t get Wi-Fi 6 support (the latest Wi-Fi technology standard). Plenty of ports make connecting external devices simple (the Thunderbolt 3 port supports two 4K resolution monitors), and wireless pairing with accessories like mice or headphones is easy. If you do a lot of video conferencing, the 27-inch iMac also sports a Full High Definition (FHD) webcam and a three-microphone system for high-quality video calls. While the new 24-inch iMac features a more modern design, the 27-inch iMac offers more configuration choices, including a range of Intel Core processor options and graphics cards that significantly boost some applications. CPU: 10th Generation 8-Core Intel i5, 8-Core Intel i7, 10-core Intel i9 | GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 or AMD Radeon Pro 5500 XT | RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5 | Storage: Up to 8TB SSD Support for external accessories is excellent too. This all-in-one supports DisplayPort for connecting an external monitor, various USB ports, including USB 3.0 and USB-C, for other devices like keyboards, and an SD card reader for viewing digital media or transferring files. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5, and the OptiPlex supports wired Ethernet also. The OptiPlex 3280 has a small 21.5-inch display, but other models offer displays up to 27 inches. All OptiPlex models come standard with an anti-glare display that significantly reduces reflections, making the display usable in bright environments like an open office or retail store. While the 3280 is rather expensive for what it offers, the wide range of business-oriented features not found on most competitors’ models justifies the price. CPU: 10th-gen Intel Core︱GPU: Intel UHD︱RAM: 4GB to 32GB︱Storage: 500GB to 2TB︱Display: 21.5-inch Full HD If you’re interested in adding an attractive all-in-one to your home, the 7000 has thin display bezels (borders) for a more modern look than many competitors, including Apple’s 27-inch iMac. The stand is large, though, so make sure to measure your desk before purchasing. Dell throws in a wireless keyboard and mouse with every Inspiron 27 7000 all-in-one PC. They’re quite decent, and most people won’t see a reason to replace them. It’s hard to beat this Dell for the price. It’s the right size, has the right hardware, and looks good on a desk. CPU: 11th-Gen Intel Core︱GPU: Intel Xe or Nvidia MX330︱RAM: 8GB up to 32GB︱Storage: 256GB SSD up to 1TB SSD, HDD optional︱Display: 27-inch 1080p, optional touchscreen The HP 22 offers Wi-Fi 5, Ethernet, and Bluetooth 4.2 for connectivity and wireless pairing with peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headphones. Physical ports include HDMI, USB Type-A, 3.5mm combo audio, as well as a 3-in-1 card reader slot. There’s also an integrated, pop-up webcam. Unlike most competitors, this HP has a DVD drive for playing DVD movies or installing older DVD and CD software. While the HP 22 has a smaller 1080p (Full High Definition) resolution display, it has thin bezels and is impressive for the price. Measuring about 20 inches wide and 15 inches tall, and weighing around 12.5 pounds, the 22 Series is also compact and lightweight. It will fit on small desks and in tiny nooks, even with the provided wired mouse and keyboard. CPU: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon | RAM: Up to 16GB | Storage: 256GB M.2 SSD (user upgradeable) Thanks to Apple’s new M1 chip, the 24-inch iMac breezes through 4K video editing, 3D graphics modeling, and 3D games available through Apple Arcade. All of those tasks look great on the lovely 4.5K Retina display, which supports both P3 color and True Tone technology for precise, accurate color. This iMac also provides reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and quality video call quality from the 1080p webcam and three-microphone setup. CPU: Apple M1︱GPU: Apple integrated graphics︱RAM: 8GB configurable to 16GB︱Storage: 256GB configurable up to 2TB︱Display: 24-inch 4.5K Retina This HP AIO 27-inch FHD display has thin side bezels that maximize the viewing area while keeping the computer’s overall design fairly minimal. You also get a 10-point multitouch touchscreen to make interacting with whatever’s on-screen easier. Also bundled with the package are a wired keyboard and mouse. You can expect HP’s usual features like the pop-up webcam (which retracts inside the top bezel when not in use for enhanced privacy), front-facing speakers, and Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. This all-in-one also includes a healthy port selection for connecting other devices: HDMI, USB Type-A, 3.5mm combo audio, as well as a 3-in-1 memory card reader. CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U | GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon | RAM: Up to 32GB | Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
Specifications
All-in-ones can be hard to upgrade down the line, so it’s even more important to pay close attention to what your computer offers out of the box. Things to pay attention to include the processor, RAM, storage, and graphics card (if applicable). High-end graphics are useful for 3D games, video and photo editing, 3D modeling, and other demanding applications. A solid state drive (SSD) paired with a hard disk is good enough, but avoid models that only offer a hard disk for storage.
Connectivity
Pay close attention to connectivity when buying an all-in-one. The ports available on all-in-ones vary significantly between models. Some offer nearly as many ports as a full-sized desktop tower, while others have fewer ports than a thin-and-light laptop. It’s always possible to expand connectivity with a USB hub, but it’s better to have the ports you need included from the start.
About Our Trusted Experts
Matt S. Smith is a veteran tech journalist who’s written for PC World, Wired, IEEE Spectrum, IGN, and more. He’s also the former Lead Editor of Reviews at Digital Trends, where his team reviewed over 1,000 devices each year. Jeremy Laukkonen is an experienced tech journalist with a background in automotive repair. He specializes in VPNs, antivirus, and home electronics, including wireless routers. Rajat Sharma has tested and reviewed numerous PCs (and a variety of other gadgets) over the course of his career. Prior to joining Lifewire, he worked as a senior technology journalist with The Times Group and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, two of India’s most well-known media houses.
