What is the best all in one computer to buy?

As we’ve already touched on, all-in-one systems tend to use laptop rather than desktop components, so it’s worth checking the specifications to make sure they will cope with your workload. While there’s greater parity between Intel’s latest desktop and mobile CPUs, you will still find some using mobile CPUs that have fewer cores than you would expect from the desktop version.

Mobile graphics processors may also have fewer cores or run at lower clock speeds than their desktop equivalents, so don’t expect the same performance.

If you’re after an iMac, Apple’s 2021 version uses the same M1 processor as the last-generation Mac Mini, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. This is still powerful enough for most applications and even lightweight gaming. If you’re buying a Windows machine, it’s wise to go for a model with an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor (12th gen or later) or the AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 equivalent (5000 series or later).

While you’ll find some machines with low-end CPUs from Intel’s Celeron and Pentium ranges, you might find that these lack the performance your all-in-one needs to run the applications you want them to. Similarly, if you want to play games or run more intensive creative apps, such as Photoshop, then a dedicated graphics processor (for example, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 or 4050) is a must. Go without, and you’ll be limited to playing older games at low to medium graphics settings and you’ll lose out on the speed optimisations in some applications.

Is there anything else worth looking out for?

You might be surprised how few USB ports some AIOs ship with, and how quickly these can fill up, so connectivity is crucial. USB-A ports come in handy for connecting legacy peripherals – wired keyboards and mice, for instance – while fast USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 ports are a must for hooking up external storage should the internal SSD fill up.

An RJ45 port can come in handy for Ethernet or Powerline networking, while HDMI ports let you connect a second monitor. Some all-in-ones even let you use the screen as a display for a games console or streaming stick.

Most new AIOs support the newer Wi-Fi 6 or 6E standards and Bluetooth 5.0 or 5.2, but this is worth double-checking as you want a machine that’s as future-proof as possible and will play well with the latest peripherals and headsets.

Finally, don’t forget about audio. One of the joys of a good AIO is having decent speakers built in; if you get one with tinny or underpowered speakers, you’re not going to feel like using them.

How we test all-in-one PCs

We test all-in-one PCs against our own in-house 4K media benchmarks, plus a collection of synthetic benchmarks, including Geekbench 5 and 6, GFXBench, and Maxon’s Cinebench 3D rendering benchmark. We also use a combination of the AS-SSD and BlackMagic disk benchmarks to measure storage performance. Where possible, we also test by running a series of games, including Doom (2016), Hitman 2, Metro Exodus, Cyberpunk 2077, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider.

Having completed these performance tests, we evaluate all-in-one PCs over the course of up to a week of real-world use, paying particular attention to the ergonomics of the screen, mouse, and keyboard, as well as the capabilities of any built-in audio systems. We also measure screen brightness and colour reproduction using a colorimeter, and take a look at the performance of any built-in webcams for video-chats and meetings.

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An all-in-one computer can be a great family PC or a centerpiece for a home office because the all-encompassing design helps you avoid a mess of display, power, and peripheral wires. However, all-in-ones typically cost more than a laptop or a mini PC plus a monitor, so keep in mind that you’re paying more for that streamlined design. Although the Apple 24-inch iMac is expensive, it offers the best combination of display quality, performance, and design for the price.

The Apple 24-inch iMac is a streamlined all-in-one computer with a sleek, fanless design that doesn’t sacrifice processing power. Its M1 processor is powerful enough for any general task, including writing documents, surfing the web, streaming media, and even doing some light coding or video editing. It also has a gorgeous, 4.5K-resolution display that’s bright enough for use in any room, even sunny rooms where other screens might seem dark. The iMac comes with the highest-quality mouse and keyboard of any all-in-one we’ve tested by far, and there are seven color options, so you can match your computer to your aesthetic. All of this quality comes at a price, though: The iMac costs hundreds of dollars more than Windows all-in-one options—but you do get what you pay for.

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The HP Envy 34-inch All-in-One has a fantastic 5K ultrawide display, coupled with a strong selection of processor and graphics card options, as well as a terrific webcam. This ultrawide all-in-one is best for the productivity obsessed, coders, or those immersed in media editing because its high-power components (and high price) are overkill for most people. But if you need and want to pay for the extra screen space and processing power, it’s a fantastic all-in-one with a 5K display (which is tough to find even as a standalone ultrawide monitor). We also appreciate that the computer’s RAM and storage are readily accessible and upgradable, making repairs and maintenance easier than on most similar computers.