Which is better all-in-one or desktop?

Author: Alice

Nov. 28, 2023

Consumer Electronics

Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.

We've outlined below our top picks among AIO desktops we've tested for 2023. Read on for our lab-tested favorites, followed by the buying basics you should know when purchasing an AIO. Also note: At the end of this article is a detailed spec breakout, in handy chart format, of our top choices.

Of course, buying a highly integrated system like this is more exacting than your average desktop . Why? You're buying a computer and a monitor in one, and the inherent limits on what you'll be able to upgrade down the line make smart buying upfront crucial. Indeed, landing the right AIO is more like shopping for a laptop than a desktop.

Your 15-inch laptop display is feeling cramped, and you work in one place mostly. For about the same money that you would spend on a midrange-to-high-end 17-inch laptop (or more likely, less), you can get an all-in-one (AIO) computer with a 23-inch or larger display.

HP Envy Move

Best All-in-One Windows Desktop for Most Users

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Versatility is king when recommending a PC to all sorts of general users, and it doesn't get much more adaptable in the desktop space than the HP Envy Move. This all-in-one is designed to move around the home, with a lightweight design that includes a handle and self-deploying feet. It can be used in any room as needed with relative ease, thanks to the included keyboard with a built-in touchpad, and even an internal battery for a few hours off the charger. The Move includes a capable 13th Gen Intel processor, a bright 23.8-inch 1440p display, and a decent webcam, so as to not diminish its capacity as a normal desktop. The reasonable pricing helps, too.

Who It's For

If you're a casual, everyday user looking for an all-in-one desktop, you should be happy with this one. For those of you who may not make extensive use of the mobility, we'd still recommend it as an effective general-use AIO. For those who may want to move it around the house or office, it's painless to do so, and various family members can enjoy it for a range of tasks. Just note that the performance doesn't hit the higher end of some more potent AIOs, if that's what you need.

PROS

  • Carrying handle, self-deploying stand, and keyboard pocket for room-to-room travel
  • Sunny 1440p touch screen
  • Sharp webcam
  • Wireless keyboard with touchpad
  • Hours on battery power

CONS

  • Short on ports
  • No headphone jack
  • Keyboard lacks some keys

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i5-1335U Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 TB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 23.8 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 2560 by 1440 All-in-One Screen Type IPS touch screen Graphics Card Intel Iris Xe Graphics Operating System Windows 11 Home All Specs

GET IT NOW

$899.99 HP

Learn More

HP Envy Move Review

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i

Best Basic Budget All-in-One Desktop

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

An AIO for only $599 (as tested) with a generous 16GB of RAM and 1TB solid-state drive (SSD)? Naturally, you'll find a catch—its Pentium Gold CPU delivers only modest performance for everyday apps—but Lenovo's 22-inch ideaCentre AIO 3i is nevertheless a sincere value. The 1080p display isn't large enough for some tastes. However, this AIO looks as well as it can for the price, with slim bezels and even a niche in the stand to stash your mouse, keys, or small office supplies. Our configuration even included a DVD drive as well as a wireless keyboard and mouse.

Who It's For

A faster processor and the addition of USB-C ports would make the IdeaCentre more appealing, but would likely see it leave budget pricing. Lenovo's included mouse, keyboard, and speakers are all better than you might expect, and you'll find a wide-enough array of HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A ports. If you're outfitting a den or family room on a budget, the little Lenovo is an excellent affordable homework station and online kiosk (and DVD movie viewing station to boot).

PROS

  • Solid screen for the money
  • Bundled mouse and keyboard
  • Decent speakers
  • Plenty of ports

CONS

  • No USB-C ports
  • Lackluster CPU performance

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Pentium Gold 7505 Processor Speed 2 GHz RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 TB Optical Drive DVD+/-RW All-in-One Screen Size 22 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 All-in-One Screen Type Non-Touch Screen Graphics Card Intel UHD Graphics Operating System Windows 11 All Specs

GET IT NOW

$589.00 Amazon

$454.99 Lenovo

$529.99 Best Buy

Learn More

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i Review

Dell Inspiron 24 5420 All-in-One

A Solid Alternative to the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

The previous Lenovo AIO is a winner for budget buyers, but it misses the mark in a few areas that the Dell Inspiron 24 5420 nails—notably, USB-C support. Also, this Dell AIO has a broader forward-firing speaker array, for more robust audio, along with a larger display (a 24-inch touch panel). Together, these make it more of a home-entertainment-focused machine, while the IdeaCentre can save more space if all you need is an AIO PC for basic tasks. We also appreciate how many ways Dell lets you configure this AIO before checkout.

Who It's For

If you're looking for a home-entertainment machine for the family room or den, and perhaps our leading budget AIO isn't quite big enough (or its lack of USB-C is a deal-breaker), consider the Inspiron 24 5420. With its bigger display and better audio, this AIO is clearly aimed at families looking to have fun at the computer.

PROS

  • Attractive design
  • Highly customizable CPU options (AMD or Intel)
  • Decent audio output

CONS

  • Slightly underwhelming performance for an over-$1,000 PC
  • Two-legged base limits placement options

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i5-1335U Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 GB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 23.8 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 All-in-One Screen Type Touch Screen Graphics Card Intel Iris Xe Operating System Windows 11 Pro All Specs

GET IT NOW

$499.99 Dell

Learn More

Dell Inspiron 24 5420 All-in-One Review

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8

Best Premium All-in-One Windows Desktop

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

A beautiful 31.5-inch screen and Intel's 13th Gen Core i9 processor is enough to sell this high-end AIO. When you combine that with an elegant design, it's easy to see why it's our top pick. The 4K display is bright and spacious, and we found the performance more than good enough for this type of PC. It's the fastest, nicest AIO at this size for general and professional use.

Who It's For

If you work with a lot of windows, sheets, tabs, and generally multi-task quite a bit, you'll love the sharpness and digital real estate the display provides here. The processor ensures you won't see slowdown during that, also, but note that there is no discrete graphics option, potentially a dealbreaker for some users. If you have the physical space to fit this handsome AIO, it's a joy to use.

PROS

  • Big, bright, and beautiful 4K display
  • Blazing Core i9 processor
  • Handsome design
  • Wireless keyboard and mouse

CONS

  • No discrete GPU
  • Unimpressive webcam
  • Hard-to-reach ports

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i9-13900H Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 GB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 31.5 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 3840 by 2160 All-in-One Screen Type IPS Graphics Card Intel Iris Xe Graphics Operating System Windows 11 Home All Specs

GET IT NOW

$1,599.99 Lenovo

Learn More

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8 Review

HP Envy 34 All-in-One (2022)

A Solid Alternative to the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8

4.5 Outstanding

Why We Picked It

HP's Envy 34 is one of the classiest showpieces in the all-in-one (AIO) arena. Its centerpiece is a gorgeous 34-inch widescreen display with 5K resolution that boosts your productivity by letting you arrange app windows to mimic a dual-monitor setup. HP's minimal stand belies this AIO's ample power, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and easily upgraded memory and storage. (Like all AIO desktops, it's not a fire-breathing gaming rig, though mobile-grade Nvidia GeForce GPUs are available.)

Who It's For

This handsome AIO is especially suited for conference calls, with a 16-megapixel magnetic webcam that can be placed anywhere around its frame for your most flattering angle. But, if you have the desk space (it's 32 inches side to side), it's an ideal option for any multitasking environment. The Yoga AIO is a newer beast, but this is still a worthy consideration.

PROS

  • Sharp, snazzy 34-inch 5K display
  • Strong all-around performance
  • High-quality 16-megapixel magnetic camera
  • Thunderbolt 4
  • SD card reader
  • Easy access to RAM and M.2 SSD slots

CONS

  • Less-powerful, mobile-class GeForce RTX 3060 GPU

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i7-11700 Processor Speed 2.5 GHz RAM (as Tested) 32 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 TB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 34 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 5120 by 2160 All-in-One Screen Type Non-Touch Screen Graphics Card Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU Operating System Windows 11 Pro All Specs

GET IT NOW

$1,999.99 HP

$2,023.69 Amazon

Learn More

HP Envy 34 All-in-One (2022) Review

Apple iMac 24-Inch (2023, M3)

Best Overall Mac All-in-One Desktop

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

Shades of the 1990s gumdrop iMac can still be seen in today's 24-inch iMac. Apple's current iMac comes in seven lively colors from yellow to purple (with a matching mouse and keyboard in each box), so one is sure to fit the decor of any room in your abode. But it's not just a pretty face: After skipping the M2 generation entirely, the latest iMac boasts Apple's M3 chip for very speedy performance, while the 4.5K Retina display and webcam are first-class. For icing on the cake, macOS's integration with your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch is unparalleled.

Who It's For

Its ultra-thin flat panel makes the iMac the most fashionable all-in-one you can buy as well as a top choice for students or home-office entrepreneurs using the Apple ecosystem. Like most Apple wares, it's not cheap (starting at $1,299 with a skimpy 256GB of storage), but it remains an iconic home computer. There is no 27-inch size any more, so this is your main iMac option without going for an older model.

PROS

  • Impressive performance gains over M1 model
  • Honest-to-goodness modern gaming chops
  • Excellent webcam
  • High-end look with fun retro references

CONS

  • Short on ports
  • No keyboard backlighting
  • Steep prices for higher configurations

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Apple M3 Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 24 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 2 TB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 23.5 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 4480 by 2520 All-in-One Screen Type Non-Touch Screen Graphics Card Apple M3 (10-core) Operating System Apple macOS Sonoma All Specs

GET IT NOW

$1,249.99 Amazon

$1,249.00 Walmart

$1,299.00 Best Buy

Learn More

Apple iMac 24-Inch (2023, M3) Review

Dell OptiPlex 5490 All-in-One

Best All-in-One Desktop for Business

3.5 Good

Why We Picked It

Dell's OptiPlex business PCs deliver superior build quality to its Inspiron consumer models. Additionally, the OptiPlex 5490 AIO demonstrates this with its highly ergonomic, adjustable (if slightly dim) display as well as a three-year warranty. This 24-inch system pumps out admirable productivity performance, helped by a true desktop processor instead of the mobile-class chips in most AIOs. However, this business AIO relies on Intel integrated graphics with no discrete GPU available—you don't play games at work, right?

Who It's For

Like the screen, the Dell's webcam operates at full HD (1080p) resolution; it also lets you take advantage of face recognition to bypass passwords with Windows Hello. Most businesses favor traditional minitower or small-form-factor desktops because the computer and monitor can have separate lifespans, but offices choosing the AIO route will be thoroughly satisfied with the OptiPlex 5490.

PROS

  • Flexible stand
  • Desktop-class CPU delivers decent performance
  • Full HD webcam with Windows Hello
  • Three-year warranty comes standard

CONS

  • Dim display
  • Limited customization options
  • Traditional tower PCs offer better value

SPECS

Name Value Desktop Class Workstation Processor Intel Core i7-10700T Processor Speed 2 GHz RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 256 GB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 23.8 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 All-in-One Screen Type Non-Touch Screen Graphics Card Intel UHD Graphics Operating System Windows 10 Pro All Specs

GET IT NOW

$969.00 Dell

Learn More

Dell OptiPlex 5490 All-in-One Review

HP Chromebase All-in-One 22

Best ChromeOS All-in-One Desktop

4.0 Excellent

Why We Picked It

A Chromebook that's a desktop? HP's Chromebase All-in-One 22 has the usual attractions of a ChromeOS laptop: a low (under $500) price, seamless upgrades and malware protection, and super-simple operation for mostly online tasks. Those functions include web surfing, email, streaming video and audio, and productivity with Google Workspace (nee Google Docs) or the browser-based Microsoft 365. This is a space-saving, 22-inch desktop with a screen that rotates between landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) modes to let you see more of a document or webpage at once.

Who It's For

Complete with a wireless mouse and keyboard, a crisp 5-megapixel webcam, and surprisingly effective stereo speakers, the Chromebase 22 is a splendid home PC if you can do your computing in the cloud and don't need high-end apps, like Adobe Photoshop. It's especially suited for students who use school-supplied Chromebooks during the day, and so they'll already be used to the interface.

PROS

  • Attractive, space-saving design
  • Rotating display useful for some websites
  • High-res webcam
  • Booming audio
  • Includes wireless keyboard and mouse
  • Affordable as configured

CONS

  • Display isn’t the sharpest
  • Occasional screen-rotation hitches
  • No side-mounted ports

SPECS

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How much does a control system cost? Name Value Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Pentium Gold 6405U Processor Speed 2.4 GHz RAM (as Tested) 4 GB Boot Drive Type eMMC Flash Memory Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 64 GB Optical Drive All-in-One Screen Size 21.5 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution 1920 by 1080 All-in-One Screen Type Touch Screen Graphics Card Intel UHD Graphics Operating System Google Chrome OS All Specs

GET IT NOW

$599.99 Amazon

$529.99 HP

Learn More

HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 Review

So, you just started shopping for an AIO. The first thing to look at (no pun intended) is the display—the centerpiece of any AIO. While some less-expensive AIO PCs will come with panels smaller than 23 inches, those are better suited to exceedingly cramped spaces such as classroom labs or dorm rooms. (Go much smaller than that, and you might as well just buy a big-screen laptop.) What you really want is a display at least 23 inches on the diagonal—and larger is better if you can do it. The biggest all-in-ones we've seen to date have curved 34-inch screens.

With a screen 23 inches or larger, you're almost guaranteed a native resolution of at least 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (aka, full HD), and larger screens will go even higher. In many cases, that's up to 4K—3,840 by 2,160 pixels—for a conventionally shaped screen or 3,440 by 1,440 pixels on an ultra-wide display. High resolutions of that kind give you the ability to view multiple windows side by side or view a spreadsheet three to four pages wide. Indeed, if you're a multitasker, the more screen room, the better.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Though it's not a concern to those with 20/10 vision, a larger screen and a higher native resolution will let you increase the font size on your Word documents or Excel spreadsheets while still keeping a lot of information on the screen at one time. Desktop screens tend to be brighter than laptop displays in general, as well. Look for in-plane switching (IPS) technology for the best screen quality. IPS screens are inherently better at off-axis viewing, which means you won't have to be sitting perfectly centered to see accurate colors and all the detail in your images.

To touch-screen or not to touch-screen—that is a question of personal preference. The tiled Start interface in Windows 10 was designed with touch panels in mind, and it makes interacting with your various applications as easy as ever. Although these can be fun and functional for families, a touch screen isn't 100% necessary for everyone, especially if you plan to use the all-in-one like a traditional computer. If you're looking at an Apple iMac all-in-one, on the other hand, the decision is made for you: macOS doesn't take advantage of touch screens, and no Macs offer them.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Don't fret either way. Scrolling with a mouse or a touchpad will still be as quick as or quicker than on a touch screen, because, with an AIO, you have to reach up to the screen, taking a hand off the keyboard or mouse. Selecting text for copying and pasting is easier with a mouse, too. If you fill out forms online and switch among text-entry boxes, pull-down menus, and checkboxes, you'll be able to enter data more quickly with a keyboard and mouse.

If you're planning on using the touch screen at least 50% of the time, look for systems with screens that can recline down to horizontal, or almost horizontal. This lets you use the system like a large tablet, so you don't have to hold your arm out constantly to use the touch screen. Think about using an ATM: The vertical screen is fine for a 90-second transaction, but it would become tiring after 10 minutes or more. It comes down to simple ergonomics.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Speaking of vertical orientation, the occasional AIO will come with a stand that lets you pivot the screen into a portrait orientation. Portrait mode lets you view content such as webpages and appropriately shaped pictures without wasting space on the sides of the screen. It's a boon for web developers, as well as layout artists still working on print publications. If portrait mode is something you'd be interested in, make sure the system features auto-rotate; without it, you'll need to switch display settings every time you pivot the display. Portrait pivoting is far more common in stand-alone desktop monitors than in AIOs, though.

AIO Basics, Part One: The Core Components

PC manufacturers are generally slower to update AIOs than their other offerings, so many of the units here are running older processor generations like Intel's 10th Generation ("Coffee Lake") and 11th Generation ("Tiger Lake" mobile or "Rocket Lake" desktop-grade) chips. More systems are adopting last year's Intel 12th Generation ("Alder Lake") processors, and new desktops will start running 13th Generation ("Raptor Lake") chips, but most have so far stuck with older Intel chips or AMD alternatives for price and power draw considerations. Any modern processor will help with editing photos or videos or running intensive media processes in the background while you work on several tasks in the foreground.

AMD's Ryzen chips have appeared in a few all-in-ones, in the form of Ryzen 5 and lower-powered Ryzen 3 processors. Some of our past top picks have been Ryzen models, and the company's chips are turning up in highly regarded powerful laptops. But in general, Intel CPUs dominate the AIO PC market. Meanwhile, among Macs, Apple's newest AIO, the 24-inch iMac based on the Apple M1 processor, is the harbinger of where things are likely going for the iconic iMac.

When looking at and comparing CPUs in AIO PCs, a key distinction to work out is whether the AIO uses a full-desktop CPU or a mobile one. All else being equal, a full-desktop chip is preferable. How to tell: Mobile chips from the likes of Intel will have "U," "Gx" (where "x" is a number), "H," or "HQ" appended to the end of the chip model number. A desktop CPU will have no letter at the end, or perhaps "K" or "T." (As mentioned, most desktop AIOs will use Intel chips, as opposed to ones from rival AMD.)

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

An 8GB helping of DDR4 RAM should be the minimum amount of system memory you settle for. (We've only seen a few 12th Generation Intel CPU-based AIOs so far, but some will eventually support the newer DDR5 memory standard.) Although 4GB will work fine for the most basic tasks, you'll feel the pinch of such a low-spec computer sooner. Having 8GB or 16GB will let you keep dozens of tabs open on your browser and still have room left over for a demanding program such as Photoshop. Plus, 16GB is the recommended minimum for professional content-creation use.

AIO Basics, Part Two: Storage and Ports

As far as storage, look for a boot drive of at least 1TB capacity if you're going to store any video on your PC. Videos clog up hard drives faster than just about any other type of file. If you're a heavy download fiend, opt for a 2TB drive. The only issue is that a traditional spinning hard drive is relatively slow at booting and loading apps. If you'd rather have a snappier system that's more speed demon than a file-storage repository, look for an AIO that uses a solid-state drive (SSD) as the boot drive. (Most now do.) If you keep all your files on a central network-attached storage (NAS) device or stored in the cloud, just about any SSD or hard drive 500GB or larger should be sufficient. That's enough for the operating system and a handful of frequently used programs.

You can have the best of both worlds with an all-in-one PC that boots from an SSD but has an additional spinning hard drive for storage. In that case, look for at least a 256GB SSD boot drive and 1TB of supplemental hard drive storage if you're a power user. You'll need more storage (2TB to 4TB) if you plan on keeping your entire video, music, and photo collection on your AIO.

(Credit: Kyle Cobian)

Adding an extra terabyte or so is also easy with an external drive. SSDs cost more per gigabyte than regular spinning hard drives, but SSDs boot up and wake from sleep so much faster than regular drives that we highly recommend them as boot drives. Unfortunately, some AIO PCs are hard or impossible to upgrade yourself, so make sure you get what you need at the start.  

Because an all-in-one is, at its heart, a computer, it should have all the ports you expect to need during your day-to-day activities, particularly USB ports (in easy-to-access places, if at all possible). You may also want a dedicated Ethernet port, though all-in-ones today come with Wi-Fi support built-in, so you can easily hook up the system to the wireless network you already have in your home or office.

Also handy is an HDMI input port, which gives you the flexibility to use the AIO as a discrete display for a separate PC, a game console, or another video source. It also gives an AIO with a sharp display some potential utility years down the road as a stand-alone monitor, when the PC portion inside becomes obsolete.

The Pros of AIOs...

Even if you find a 17-inch-screened laptop you like, you'll need a strong back to carry it anywhere; 6 pounds and up, plus an AC adapter, is the norm for machines like these. So we suspect you won't travel with a 17-inch machine all that much, making even a small-screen AIO a viable stay-at-home alternative. And because AIO desktops are plugged in, you won't ever run out of battery power, even when you leave your system in sleep mode for weeks.

Because AIOs tend to use more powerful processors than laptops do, all-in-one PCs will execute CPU-intensive tasks more rapidly, on the whole. Some 3D games will run better, too, thanks to the discrete graphics chips in some A-grade AIO PCs. To find AIOs with discrete chips, look for graphics solutions dubbed GeForce GTX or RTX, or Radeon RX, as opposed to Intel Iris Xe, UHD, or HD Graphics, or AMD Radeon (no "RX") integrated graphics.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Other advantages? You can share the PC among the members of a family, and use it to store centrally accessible photos, music, and videos. And a large, widescreen AIO PC makes for a fine videoconferencing system. Rather than having the family crowd around your iPad or a little laptop screen, seat them in front of a 27- or 34-inch AIO desktop so you're not subconsciously squeezing together to "fit on the screen." Plus, a large AIO screen is ideal for watching a movie from 5 or 6 feet away, so a couple in, say, a studio apartment could use a big-screen AIO as a TV in front of a small sofa or loveseat. Or, if you place the system in a central location, such as your kitchen counter, you can monitor your children when they're online.

But these PCs aren't just suitable for play. A few years back, Apple brought the AIO further into workstation territory with the iMac Pro. The starting price for this monster machine at launch was high at $5,000, but it packed a jaw-dropping amount of muscle: It has a 27-inch 5K screen and is configurable with up to an 18-core processor, 128GB of memory, and 4TB of solid-state storage. (Note that it is still for sale at this writing from non-Apple sources, often used or as a refurbished model, but as of March 2021, Apple discontinued the iMac Pro.) In most cases, this kind of muscle is found only in elite-grade tower PCs, but the best AIOs can rival a high-end desktop.

...and the Cons

Because they have bigger screens, AIO PCs are physically larger than laptops. Of course, you give up the ability to easily move them from room to room, but AIOs are still more portable than tower PCs. All-in-one PCs don't have the expandability that you're going to find in most towers, but they do tend to have better looks.

Regardless, towers are still better than all-in-one PCs when you need to do intensive work like CAD/CAM or scientific data processing, and most of them are expandable in ways far beyond even the most upgrade-generous AIO on the market. PC gamers, especially, will get much more value out of a stand-alone tower in which they can swap out a graphics card than in a fixed-config AIO PC.

What Is the Best All-in-One Computer to Buy?

The next time you're online and thinking that you really need a bigger screen than the one on your current laptop or tablet, take a look at an all-in-one desktop. You may be surprised how much screen, and how much power, they deliver for the money versus a like-priced laptop.

Also, be sure to check out our top desktop picks overall, as well as our favorite desktops for work and for PC gaming. Below, though, are the top AIOs that have passed through our labs of late.

In ye olden days a computer was the size of a large room. Not ideal, but we suppose you knew where you were with it – if you knew your way around it! Of course, the technology advanced rapidly over the following decades and here in the twenty-first century you don’t need to own a second home or even a shed to house your PC.

These days a simple desk or table will do – though we’re at a point on the computing curve where there is so much choice it can be quite confusing to know which is ‘the right thing’ to go for when you’re looking for a new device to put onto that desk or table (whether that’s in the office or at home).

Don’t panic, though! It’s not that difficult to come to a conclusion. You just need to work out what you need – as in, what will the computer be used for?

Buy desktop PCs from Ebuyer

Once you’ve worked out what the main uses for the computer will be (as in: a bit of light household admin, or working from home, or entertainment or gaming), then your choice will focus down and become clearer. You could go for a laptop, of course, but if you are looking for something a little more ‘permanent’ then you should really be thinking about a desktop PC or even an all-in-one.

Let’s check out what both of these are.

What is a desktop PC?

The chances are that you will already know! So it’d be easy to give in to the temptation to glibly answer: “It’s a PC that goes on your desktop” – but in truth that’s about the size of it, in the most basic way of putting it. A desktop PC is a box which contains a series of components powerful enough, in combination, to tackle all of your tasks with ease. If you are word processing, or looking at photographs, or streaming music then a desktop computer can do it.

Obviously if you choose to go for a desktop PC then you would need to make sure that the components contained within your computer are appropriate for your likely use (ie. powerful enough to handle what you put them through).

The more powerful models are brilliant for creative work such as video editing – and, of course, for gaming. A top-notch gaming desktop PC can house a state-of-the-art processor and graphics hardware so that you can enjoy some serious gaming sessions – particularly if you also upgrade all of your peripherals so that you have a set-up with maximum win potential!

There are always variants in the general shape and ‘vibe’ of a desktop PC (for instance RGB lighting and so on) but a desktop feels like you would immediately expect a computer to feel.

Big plus points of desktop PCs

One of the biggest advantages of desktop PCs over all other types of computer is that you can easily upgrade by replacing internal components. You are only, really, limited by the number of bays available within your PC case.

If you have a laptop and are thinking about upgrading, you’d find it a really intricate process which, to be honest, is best-handled by a computer expert. The components within a laptop are much more tightly packed in a particularly confined space. A desktop PC offers much easier access to its components, many of which can be easily replaced or upgraded.

One of the most brilliant things about desktop PCs is the potential for case modification (or ‘modding’ as it is known amongst those who do it! In simple terms, modding is when you change the appearance of your PC’s outer case by repainting, redesigning, reforming by adding or taking away bits… If you do this, you will end up with a totally ‘one off’ look for your desktop PC, which will make a genuine individual statement.

Okay, PCs sound great – but what’s an all-in-one?

Essentially it is still a desktop PC, so don’t panic. It’s not a completely different device. It will do more-or-less the same things. But an all-in-one doesn’t have a large case packed with components. The internals of an all-in-one are actually built into the back of your monitor. So, other than needing to plug in a keyboard and a mouse (or use Wi-Fi versions), your computing needs are all contained within one box – and it has a screen on the front!

What are the advantages of an all-in-one?

If you put them side by side it’s easy to see the main advantage of an all-in-one over a traditional desktop PC. You will need much less space on your desk to position your all-in-one. Regular desktop PCs have a much bigger form factor and some bulk, and so they give off an aura of being solid and reliable due to that – but they can feel a little ungainly. They’re not exactly portable and, of course, there is also the need to have various cables connecting things. With a large screen and a compact, neat and tidy design an all-in-one can be a much more enticing proposition for the home or office.

In many homes or offices it’s possible that you’d struggle to find the most convenient position for a computer and monitor and all of the peripherals. You end up with everything spilling out over a larger area than you would like – or, in fact, you try and cram everything into an area much smaller than you need.

Your desktop PC tower may end up not on the desktop but on the floor or in a hard-to-reach position on the desk. Switching things over to an all-in-one situation means you can save a lot of space or maximise what little you have.

AIOs are very convenient devices and, in a way, it’s worth thinking about them as the desktop version of a laptop. Although that might seem a little convoluted, it’s actually about right – not just because everything you need is contained within one unit, but because of the components used. Thinking about all-in-ones in this way is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Any disadvantages to an all-in-one PC?

If you decide to go for an all-in-one then there is a bit of a compromise you’ll have to make. Due to the smaller form factor of an all-in-one then it will contain less powerful components.

All-in-ones are often powered by the laptop versions of the PU and graphics card contained within. Though they are capable components, these do pump out considerably less power than the equivalents you’d find in a standard desktop PC. As a consequence of this, we don’t really recommend all-in-ones for anyone who is looking to do some serious gaming.

Another unfortunate trade-off for anyone going for an all-in-one over a desktop PC is that the components within are, usually, not able to be upgraded. Because of the restrictions on space there is only, really, the RAM or Hard Drive which could be accessed for upgrade. Even then it is worth noting that not all models are built to allow even this.

Anything else that’s a disadvantage?

Well, yes. Because the components are not as powerful as those in a desktop PC, all-in-ones tend to be slower in terms of performance straight out of the box. So you might find that you need to upgrade more quickly than you would if you went down the traditional route. Modern desktop PCs can last a decent while – but nothing is ever entirely ‘futureproof’ and so after fi you will ve years or so you will probably benefit from an upgrade. In the case of all-in-ones that five years could be truncated to ‘a few years’.

Also, if you decided that you would like to upgrade the display monitor and the speakers (say, something future-similar to the leap from Full HD to 4K) then you are at a potential disadvantage. These parts of a computer system do ‘age better’ than internal components, but in an all-in-one you don’t have the option to upgrade.

Ultimately, with an all-in-one a valuable rule to imprint on your thinking is “If one thing goes wrong the whole thing goes wrong”. So if you’re really set on an AIO rather than a desktop PC then you should definitely think about buying as far beyond what you need as you can afford. More power and more memory should protect you from pocket-pain for a while.

Buy all-in-ones from Ebuyer

My concern is money. So which is cheaper – a desktop or an AIO?

Cash is always a valid concern when it comes to computing. But it’s also always worth remembering that the more you pay the more you get. The more protected you are against, frankly, obsolescence.

In terms of value for money, a desktop PC sits at the top of the tree. You simply cannot buy a laptop or an all-in-one with equivalent power without paying way over. If portability and space saving is not so much of an issue for you, we would always recommend going down that route and investing in a desktop PC as a more efficient splash of your cash.

What about peripherals?

Some high-end all-in-ones come with a wireless keyboard and mouse, so you’re on the go straight out of the box and there’s no cable spaghetti on your desk. You can get set up in a couple of minutes, and everything will be way tidier than a ‘regular’ desktop PC hooked up to a monitor, keyboard and mouse using wires.

However, if your new all-in-one doesn’t come supplied with keyboard and mouse, don’t get in a panic about your peripherals. You won’t really need to splash out on special versions of a keyboard and mouse. Don’t forget your new all-in-one is only a computer, not some prima donna device which demands something specific.

If, though, you opt for a traditional larger form factor PC and go for an all-singing all-dancing gaming desktop then you ought to think about how you can maximise your win potential by investing in some great gaming peripherals. You ought to think about the three key peripherals to give yourself the advantage over your opponents and take your gaming to a new level:

  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Headset

So, in the end a desktop is best?

Well, as a route to get to the answer to that question, let’s run through the pros and cons of all-in-ones.

Pros

  • Compact and space-efficient
  • Reasonable specs

Cons

  • Cost in comparison to PC
  • Less powerful components
  • Repair inconvenience
  • Not customisable

When we put it down ‘on paper’ as baldly as that, it seems desktop PCs are the smart way to go. But, as we adivse with every bit of tech we ever talk about, what you go for does really depend on what you will be using the device for. Desktops are the Daddy of the whole darn family, but (like laptops) all-in-ones do definitely have their strengths and their appeal. But, as we said right at the start, if you possibly can you should give your needs a little more consideration than your budget. Working out exactly what you will be using the device for should have the biggest bearing on what you get.

Desktops and all-in-ones at Ebuyer

Here at Ebuyer we have lots of quality desktop PCs and AIOs available to suit all budgets and needs. Whether you are a casual home user, a business looking to tech up the staff, or a serious gamer, there will definitely be something suitable for you. Browse at our website for a wider view of what’s available…

Which is better all-in-one or desktop?

Should I go for a Desktop PC or an All-In-One?

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