Best computer 2021: the best PCs we've tested
Getting the best computer 2021 has to offer is a bit more complicated than just choosing the most expensive PC in your budget. Not only are there many unique types of devices to pick from but there are quite a few things to keep in mind when choosing a computer and that can make picking something out a bit more difficult.
For instance, you might want to skip buying a gaming PC if you’re in the market for the best computer for work. Sure, it will have more than enough power to get the job done but it might not look appropriate in a workplace. And, if you want to dig into the latest games, you’ll have to make sure whatever computer you want to get has enough power. You can’t go with any PC and hope to meet your gaming needs. Maybe space is a factor, as well. In that case, getting a mini PC or an all-in-one (AIO) PC instead of a large desktop might be the best way to go.
Whatever you’re looking for in a computer, we can help you find the perfect machine. To do that, we’ve compiled the best computers by category, from the best overall down to the best stick PC and budget PCs. Fortunately, the newer processors and graphics cards coming out are getting cheaper as well as more powerful, making everything on this list a bit more accessible to most budgets.
And, with Prime Day 2021 coming soon, you’ll find some of the best computers on this list to be cheaper than ever thanks to the Prime Day deals. We’re keeping an eye out for the most money-saving ones and sharing them with you, so remember to check in regularly in the run up to Prime Day on June 22.
Want to stay portable? Our best laptops list offers quite a selection, from cheaper Chromebooks or trendy 2-in-1s.
- Get one of the best gaming keyboard for your PC.
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Dell’s XPS laptop line may have gone premium, price-wise, but its desktop line is still going for the trifecta – offering affordability without sacrificing performance and aesthetics. The Dell XPS Desktop Special Edition might not be a budget offering, but it remains within most people’s budgets, especially at its low- and mid-range configurations fitted with the latest innards. In fact, an Intel Core i7, RTX 3060 Ti configuration will set you back a whole lot less than its 21.5‑inch iMac equivalent while touting newer specs. Plus, it’ll look just as good in your office as it will at home.
Read the full review: Dell XPS Desktop Special Edition
- See more like this: the best all-in-one PCs
With AMD’s solid campaign to win the CPU and GPU markets, it’s no surprise that many of the best PCs are switching over Team Red’s cause. Our favorite Alienware Aurora gaming desktop PC line is among them, fitting its R10 models with AMD’s powerful yet affordable Ryzen CPUs. Not only do these deliver brute strength when it comes to gaming, but they also tout affordability, giving budget gamers to partake in what those with souped up rigs experience everyday without burning a hole in their pockets.
Read the full review: Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10
If you think that the new iMacs couldn’t possibly be as good as they look, you’d be wrong. They are not just an improvement over their 21.5-inch predecessor externally, touting a fresh new face that comes in several different colors. You’ll also be happy to know that you’re getting great value here, as you’re getting the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse included – in matching colors, we might add. They also come with fresh new specs, rocking Apple’s new M1 chip that makes it much more powerful than the previous Intel iMacs. As far as the best computers go, the new iMac (24-inch, 2021) is the best all-in-one PC hands down.
Read the full review: iMac (24-inch, 2021)
- See more like this: the best gaming PCs
A unique chassis coupled with a price to beat, Dell’s latest in its G series gaming PCs is a solid contender in budget gaming. The Dell G5 boasts 9th-generation Intel chips as well as Nvidia’s most powerful gaming GTX and RTX graphics cards, starting with an i3 processor and the GTX 1650 to handle many powerful games without burning a whole in your pocket. Of course, if you’ve got more case to spare, it’s VR ready configurations are also on hand, though even those are absolutely affordable.
Intel’s NUC has come a long way from its humble beginnings. For example, while the previous Hades Canyon didn’t come with a RAM or storage, the newer Ghost Canyon has both. In fact, not only does it have more offerings now in terms of specs, but it’s also highly configurable so you can personalize it to your liking before hitting that buy button. With 9th-generation Intel Core chips, up to 64GB of memory and up to 4TB dual storage, we’re all for it. The only catch is that it's pricier now as well. The lower configurations are still quite affordable, and a terrific option for the budget-conscious. However, you may want to stay away from the highest configurations.
A well-powered machine with an affordable price might be what you need if your gaming appetite isn’t approaching the competitive sphere. Many gamers don’t really need the priciest and mightiest gaming rig, and the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i proves this, delivering plenty of power without forcing you to go broke. Nothing especially stands out with this gaming desktop, but it also offers a great gaming experience with the latest AAA titles right out of the box, which is really all that matters.
Read the full review: Lenovo Legion Tower 5i
One of Apple’s biggest surprises of the year is the update to its smallest Mac. The brand-new Mac mini now touts Apple’s M1 chip, while keeping things the same in its much-loved design. It’s more powerful than ever – with more than decent video editing performance, even at 8K, and can now run iOS apps and games, thanks to this new chip, but it still keeps its title as the cheapest Mac ever – terrific news for budget-minded Apple fans looking for the best computer.
Read the full review: Mac mini (M1, 2020)
- See more like this: the best Macs of 2021
Some people have issues with desktop PCs, as they’re often rather bulky. The Intel Core Compute Stick has made that irrelevant. Looking more like a thumb drive than an actual computer, this tiny renegade can connect to any monitor with an HDMI input. Its base starts with a lowly 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor running Linux, but can be configured up to an Intel Core m5 processor. This is one of the best PCs, but one that you can literally slip in your pocket, whether you need to get some work done during your daily commute or squeeze in some PC time while you’re traveling.
As a designer, if you don’t fall in love with Lenovo Yoga A940’s thoughtful design, then we don’t know what will. This innovative all-in-one desktop boasts a stunning 27-inch 4K UHD display with up to 25-degree tilt, pen support and a rotating hinge for stability. It’s full of impressive features as well, like the Lenovo Precision Dial that you can attach on the left or right side of the hinge, whatever feels most comfortable for you and your process. And, unlike the best Macs, it offers 100% Adobe RGB support, an LED light at the bottom of the screen and even wireless smartphone charging. If you’re a content creator or designer, and you’re looking for an AIO that allows you a truly seamless workflow, this is the best computer for you.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga A940
Unfortunately, what does hold Lenovo Yoga A940 back are its less powerful, slightly aging internals. If you want an all-in-one powerhouse that absolutely blows you away in terms of performance, then the iMac Pro is the best computer for you. This AIO designed specifically for professionals and creatives may not be super rich in features, but it’s got a lot to offer where it truly counts. That includes its vibrant 27-inch 5K display with a P3 wide color gamut, mind-blowing Radeon Pro Vega graphics, and plenty of memory for all your exacting workloads. Just be prepared to shell out a bunch of cash, as this doesn’t come cheap.
Read the full review: iMac Pro
Despite its tiny size – it’s so small, it doesn’t even have its own chassis, the Raspberry Pi boards have proven themselves to be utterly capable little machines, surprisingly capable of handling everyday productivity tasks like word processing and spreadsheets. And, with the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, we see this powerful computer getting the fantastic update it rightly deserves. Finally, the Raspberry Pi line gives you a desktop computer and a platform to experiment and create.
Read the full review: Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Image Credits: TechRadar
- While you’re at it, we’ve also found the best gaming desktop PC you can buy
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Reviewed by mimisabreena
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Saturday, June 12, 2021
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