Best Mini PCs 2025: Complete Review and Comparison
From performance to upgradeability, we break down the best mini PCs of 2025 for every use case.
If you’ve been thinking about downsizing your setup, 2025 is the best time yet. Mini PCs have quietly become real desktop replacements; faster, quieter, and more capable than ever before. But with so many new models it’s hard to know which ones to go for.
In this post we’re cutting through the noise and focusing on what really matters; how these machines perform in the real world, how much you can upgrade them, how noisy they get under load, and who each one is really made for. Our team spent time testing, reviewed independent sources, and narrowed down top picks across different use-cases.
OUR PICKS
1. Beelink SER9
Best For: Well-rounded Windows mini PC with upgrade options
The Beelink SER9 stands out as one of the most polished mini PCs in 2025. Equipped with AMD’s “Ryzen AI” chips (in some trims), it offers strong everyday performance, capable integrated graphics for light gaming, and AI-features on-device. In reviews it showed confident performance in productivity and 1080p gaming.
It comes in multiple configurations (e.g., top-end Ryzen AI 9 HX370 or Ryzen H255 value variant) so you’ll want to verify the exact config. The body is metal, premium build, with quiet operation even under sustained load, a point reviewers repeatedly noted.
From an expandability perspective: storage is flexible with dual internal drive slots (in many models) and also optional add-on docks (Beelink’s Mate dock) allow additional SSDs, card-reader, 2.5 Gb Ethernet etc. However, some “Pro” models have soldered low-power memory, so pick capacity carefully.
Pros:
- Strong all-round performance for productivity + light gaming
- Premium build and very quiet under load
- Good upgrade/expansion options via optional dock
Cons:
- Price is on the higher side for a mini PC class
- Some memory is soldered (less flexible)
- With integrated graphics only—not for heavy 3D/GPU-intensive tasks
2. GEEKOM IT13
Best For: Compact Intel powerhouse with ports and expandability
For those comfortable with Intel and needing a mini PC that behaves like a full desktop replacement, the GEEKOM IT13 is compelling. Powered by Intel’s Core i9-13xxx HK in a compact chassis, it held its own in multi-core benchmarks in reviews.
It’s roughly 117 × 112 × 49 mm, compact yet packed with ports: two HDMI, two USB-C with full USB4/DisplayPort support, 2.5 Gb Ethernet, SD card reader, plenty of USB-A. Reviewers found the build high-quality and the memory/storage expandability strong (two SODIMMs, M.2 + 2.5″ drive) in many models.
On graphics: Intel Iris Xe handles general creative tasks and light gaming fine, but not for heavy 3D or AAA gaming—one review noted that for outright graphics one should lean AMD variants.
Pros:
- Excellent connectivity and expandability
- Strong multi-core performance in compact size
- Good value for a high-spec mini PC
Cons:
- Graphics performance is modest (Intel iGPU)
- Still uses DDR4 memory in some models (less future-proof)
- Under sustained heavy load thermal throttling may appear
3. Apple Mac Mini M4
Best For: Quiet, efficient macOS option for creatives & Apple users
If you’re in the Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, AirPods) or you value silence, polish, and smooth experience, the Mac Mini M4 is hard to beat. It keeps the familiar exterior of recent Mac Minis, but inside the new M4 chip (built on 3nm) delivers excellent performance-per-watt, almost inaudible under load, and very fluid workflows.
The review consensus is that the M4 Mac mini is superb for creative workers: swift app launches, smooth video-editing timelines, near-silent fans. On the interface side: front has 2× USB-C, back has up to three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1, USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jack. Upgrade options: Choose memory and storage at purchase—after that no user upgrade.
Pros:
- Outstanding efficiency, performance, and quiet operation
- Seamless macOS ecosystem integration
- Excellent for creatives and those prioritising silence & workflow
Cons:
- Upgradability is limited (RAM/storage soldered or non-replaceable)
- Premium cost compared to some Windows mini PCs
- If you rely on Windows-only apps, might not fit
4. Minisforum UM870 Slim
Best For: Balanced value performer for creators on a tighter budget
A very strong value option in the 2025 mini PC space—offers serious specs at a more modest cost. With AMD Ryzen 7 8745H + Radeon 780M graphics, dual M.2 slots and good connectivity, this gives you “real work done” in compact form.
Reviews mention idle power draw as low as ~8 W, and full body performance sufficient for photo editing, 4K playback, light gaming. The port selection (USB4, HDMI2.1, DisplayPort, 2.5 Gb Ethernet) is strong. On the downside, the compact chassis does mean the fan ramps up under heavy sustained use—so if you are doing heavy GPU loads the noise will be more noticeable.
Pros:
- High performance for the price
- Good expandability (dual M.2, memory capacity)
- Compact footprint yet capable for creators & multitaskers
Cons:
- Fan/noise under heavy load is more noticeable
- Although graphics are good for integrated GPU, not as strong as discrete GPU options
- Opening chassis and upgrades may be less straightforward compared to full tower
5. AOOSTAR GEM12
Best For: Mini PC built for serious creators who want high flexibility
If you’re a content creator, editor or multitasker who wants serious mini PC performance and expansion flexibility, the AOOSTAR GEM12 is one of the best options. It hits that “mini workstation” niche rather than casual office box. Reviewers found both the CPU and integrated GPU (Radeon 780M) performance to be excellent in its class.
It uses AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, dual M.2 NVMe slots, DDR5 memory, plus a standout feature: an OCuLink connector so you can attach an external GPU or PCIe device for heavier workloads. That’s unusual in this form factor. On connectivity it also offers USB4, dual 2.5 Gb Ethernet ports, etc. For light gaming and creative workflows, it’s well-positioned. On the flip side: it’s not built primarily for hardcore AAA gaming or extremely heavy 3D rendering—they still will favour full-sized desktops.
Pros:
- Excellent flexibility and expandability (OCuLink, dual M.2, DDR5)
- Strong performance for creators in mini-form
- Good port selection and professional features
Cons:
- More expensive than simpler mini PCs
- While very good, integrated GPU still has its limits in heavy 3D/AAA gaming
- The OCuLink/expansion adds cost and potentially complexity
Conclusion
So which mini PC suits you? Here’s a quick guide:
If you want the most complete Windows mini PC with strong performance and upgrade path: go with Beelink SER9.
If you prioritise ports, expandability, and Intel ecosystem: GEEKOM IT13 is very compelling.
If you’re embedded in the Apple ecosystem and want silence, polish, and creative workflows: Mac Mini M4 is your pick.
If you’re on a budget but want serious performance: Minisforum UM870 Slim gives a lot of value.
If you’re a creator or power user who wants workstation-style flexibility in a small form factor: AOOSTAR GEM12 delivers.
Choosing based on priorities:
- Budget first? Look at value models (UM870 Slim).
- Upgrade path? Focus on units with M.2 slots, dual memory slots, expansion docks (SER9, GEM12).
- Noise/thermals matter? Mac Mini M4 and SER9 both shine in silence.
- Port selection & monitor support? GEEKOM IT13 and GEM12 offer many ports and multi-monitor setups.
- Graphics/gaming/3D rendering? None of these replace a full-sized tower with a high-end discrete GPU, but GEM12 and UM870 are best among this bunch; if heavy GPU work is your main need you may still need discrete GPU setup.
Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. When you buy through our links, Amazon gives us a small commission for referring you. It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps keep TechRankr completely free of ads and clutter.