Mini PCs have been taking the tech world by storm; able to go where no desktop or laptop have gone before. They are small, powerful, yet budget friendly. They solve problems that used to require single board computers with obscure operating systems and interfaces. So let’s explore the top five rated beyond the entry level units; the best Mini PCs under $500!
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| Mini PC | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Intel NUC 11 | Powerful and configurable up to 4 displays and 64GB of RAM, our top pick | Check price on Amazon |
| Mac Mini | It’s a Mac, a little bigger than the rest of the minis, but it isless expensive than a MacBook | Check price on Amazon |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 | A lower price alternative, not a gaming rig, but a good home entertainment or server alternative | Check price on Amazon |
| MELE Overclock 4c | This is a small fanless wonder. Handles up to three 4k Displays | Check price on Amazon |
| GMKTek Mini | Less expensive, more memory for the price | Check price on Amazon |
Why Buy A Mini PC?
A Mini PC is a small form factor computer that packs a punch. It’s usually less than 6″x6″x2″ and some are so small that they easily fit into your pocket.
So one reason is, they are so portable compared to a desktop.
Well so is a laptop? The difference is that it becomes a component rather than a whole system. Laptops include a keyboard, trackpad, and monitor all welded together. Yes, you can buy a docking station for a few hundred dollars and then hook everything up to an external keyboard, trackpad and monitor.
But if you’re going to do that anyway?? You can save money and buy a more powerful machine and pick the components you want.
For example, take the Mac Mini. It can be had for less than half of the price of a new MacBook air. Then you can buy a nice Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad, hook it up to a monitor or TV of your choice, and you’re on your way!
Another reason is that it is “headless”. You can buy mini PCs that are always on, so that they come back on after a power interruption. Or you can put them into tight places like under a desk or in the corner of a laboratory, then connect remotely to them and you don’t need to dedicate a monitor, keyboard or any accessories to them.
Finally, they can be made to take up almost no space. Zero footprint. You can mount them behind a monitor, under a table, whatever. As long as they have adequate ventilation.
Why Spend More Than $200 on a Mini PC?
Investing a little more in a mini PC offers significant advantages, particularly in performance and longevity.
Firstly, higher-priced mini PCs typically boast more powerful processors and increased RAM, translating to faster, smoother operation. This is crucial for multitasking, running complex software, or managing business tasks efficiently. In contrast, entry-level mini PCs, while budget-friendly, often struggle with intensive applications, leading to slower performance and potential frustrations.
Furthermore, durability and future-proofing are key. Mini PCs in the higher price range are generally built with better quality components. This ensures a longer lifespan and greater reliability. They also tend to be more up-to-date with current technology standards. Thus, offering features like advanced connectivity options and higher storage capacities. This means they remain relevant and functional for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent upgrades.
There are even less expensive mini PCs for someone who just wants to get their feet wet or for a younger student.
But the extra power you will get by buying a mini PC with at least an AMD Ryzen 7 CPU and a Radeon GPU graphics card will allow you to use this for video editing or as a mini gaming PC. Not a gaming rig for experienced gamers for this price point, but good for beginners.
In essence, spending more initially can be a cost-effective choice in the long run. This is especially true for small business managers and IT personnel who value efficiency and reliability in their technology investments.
Our Choices for the Best Mini PCs Under $500
1. Intel NUC 11 Panther Canyon: The Best Mini PC Overall
The reviews for the Intel NUC vary. Some had positive experiences regarding size, speed and convenience. Others gave concerns about quality control and operating system issues. Users appreciate its compact design and its ability to save space while providing good performance. Some users faced issues with the pre-installed operating system and hardware failures out of the box, though customer service from sellers seems proactive and helpful in resolving problems.
Product Dimensions: 4.6″x4.6″x2″ 3.1 Pounds
This model comes with an 11th Generation Intel Core i5, 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD. It Supports four 4K displays or 8K on a single display and Wi-Fi 6. It also supports Bluetooth 5 and Thunderbolt 3. For about $100 less, they will sell you a bare-naked machine with no operating system, So you can configure it with Linux and as much or little RAM/Storage as you want. The storage can expand to 64 GB, which is amazing for something that is 4.6″ x 4.4″ x 2″!
Some people had issues with it but not very many of the 180+ reviewers since they gave it a high rating overall!
Product Pros
Product Cons
2. Apple Mac Mini (2023): It’s a Mac
Customer reviews on the Apple 2023 Mac Mini with the M1 chip are mixed. Several users praise its performance, compact design, and power efficiency. However, others report serious issues such as hardware defects, compatibility troubles, and poor customer support. The machine’s design and environmental efforts are commended, but its limitations in expandability and software compatibility are notable concerns. The Mac Mini’s integration in home and work environments is highlighted, though user experiences vary widely in terms of satisfaction.
Product Dimensions: 7.76″x7.76″x1.41″ 2.6 Pounds
It’s a Mac. And to a lot of people, that’s all that matters. I have owned 2 Mac Minis and help manage a third for a relative. When paired with the wireless keyboard and mouse pad, you can connect it to your entertainment system or development environment, and it just works. And it’s hidden. So, if you love Apple, you’ll love it. And yes, compared to Windows Mini PCs, it’s expensive (did I mention it is a Mac?)
This is a lower price model with 8GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. For a few hundred more you can get an upgrade to 512 GB, and for a few hundred more, a faster chip.
Product Pros
Product Cons
3. GEEKOM Mini IT11: 16 GB RAM and Windows 11 Pro at a Reasonable Price
This mini PC has received mixed reviews. Some users find it a great purchase due to its portability, ease of setup, and adequate performance with 16GB RAM. It’s good for light tasks as a desktop computer replacement or as a retro gaming console. However, several customers experienced technical issues such as BSODs, product malfunctions, incorrect Wi-Fi adapters, or problems with orientation modes. The PC is appreciated for its compactness and quiet operation. However, its hardware limitations and occasional defects have led to dissatisfaction for some.
Product Dimensions: 4.6″ x 4.4″ x 1.77″ 3.3 Pounds
This is an intermediate model with 16GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD. It is a little lower priced than the rest, but for a few hundred more you can get the same processor with 32GB and 1TB SSD. With an i7-11390H processor clocking up to 5.0Gh., it can support up to two 4K and two 8K screens at the same time. For a few hundred less you can get one with the same memory and disk but a slower processor. It has over 250 ratings and most people seem satisfied with it.
Product Pros
Product Cons
4. MeLE Mini PC Overclock4C: A Fanless Wonder
The reviews for this mini PC are mixed. Customers report a range of experiences. While some customers are pleased with its performance for light and basic tasks and appreciate its compact size, others face significant issues related to overheating, performance, and hardware malfunctions, such as problems with Bluetooth, the Wi-Fi adapter, and ports. Customer service responsiveness is noted but does not mitigate all concerns.
Product Dimensions: 7″ x 3.7″ x 0.8″ 1.5 Pounds
Fanless PCs are not in as high demand as other Mini PCs so this one has less ratings at the time of this post. However, the ratings are mostly good and this is a good intermediate fanless PC for general use. People have used this with telescopes and have been generally satisfied with it. There are other mini PCs that are over the $500 price point that are made specifically for firewalls, VPN servers, etc.
Product Pros
Product Cons
5. GMKTec Mini PC: Powerful Enough for Most Applications
The reviews for this mini PC present a mix of experiences, with several customers praising its compactness, power, and suitability for basic tasks like internet browsing and streaming. However, there are reports of issues such as hardware failures, lack of audio through HDMI, and troublesome setups. Some users experienced excellent performance while others returned the product due to defects or were disappointed with its capabilities.
Product Dimensions: 4.84″ x 4.4″ x 1.7″ 3.19 Pounds
With almost 150 ratings, people seemed mostly happy with this device. With 32 GB and 512 TB and it’s less expensive than most of the others. There are also two options with 16 GB and 512 GB SSD with the same processor or 8 GB and 256 GB with a slower processor for less money. With an N95 Processor and speeds up to 3.4 GHz, it is rated to handle up to three 4K displays.
Product Pros
Product Cons
Summary
So a mini PC isn’t for everyone, but there are a lot of uses for them, and depending on your budget and or use case, one of these might be perfect for you! Check them out!
| Mini PC | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Intel NUC 11 | Powerful and configurable up to 4 displays and 64GB of RAM, our top pick | Check price on Amazon |
| Mac Mini | It’s a Mac, a little bigger than the rest of the minis, but it isless expensive than a MacBook | Check price on Amazon |
| GEEKOM Mini IT11 | A lower price alternative, not a gaming rig, but a good home entertainment or server alternative | Check price on Amazon |
| MELE Overclock 4c | This is a small fanless wonder. Handles up to three 4k Displays | Check price on Amazon |
| GMKTek Mini | Less expensive, more memory for the price | Check price on Amazon |
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I am a retired software engineer with experience in a multitude of areas including managing AWS and VMWare development environments. I bought a relative a mini-PC a year ago and have become passionate about the technology and its potential to change how we deploy software.