From HP gaming desktops to sleeper PCs from Dell, here are the best desktop computers you can buy in 2023 for gaming, remote work, and more.
Finding the best desktop computer is no easy task, but there are some great options in 2023. Our top pick for the year is Dell’s XPS Desktop 8950 with its powerful Intel and AMD CPU options, as well as discrete Nvidia GPUs. There are still great desktop PCs from HP, Apple, Lenovo, and less-known brands like Falcon Northwest too, though.
We’ve extensively tested dozens of desktop computers to find the best PC for gaming, your home office, and everything in between. If you want to score a deal, make sure to keep our roundup of the best cheap desktop deals handy.
Dell XPS 8950 The best desktop computer
Why you should buy this: The XPS 8950 is a highly-customizable desktop PC with some impressive performance potential.
Who it’s for: Families, students, budget-conscious buyers.
What we thought of the Dell XPS 8950:
The best overall desktop PC is the one that will work for the most people, and that’s the Dell XPS 8950. It’s understated in all the right ways, reasonably priced considering the power you can pack inside, and comes in a variety of configurations to suit work, gaming, or both. Choosing the highest-rated PC isn’t easy, but the Dell XPS 8950 gets rid of that issue.
Regardless of what configuration you choose, you’ll find something that matches your needs. That’s because Dell builds them custom ordered, which is the best feature of the XPS 8950. The options are nearly endless, with prices ranging from $750 to over $3,000 depending on the parts you choose. Some of the desktops come without a discrete graphics card, meaning they’re more suited for work than games. However, you can get one of the more expensive ones that include a discrete graphics card.
Dell is offering this new XPS desktop with Intel Alder Lake and DDR5 RAM for those who are in search of the best gaming PC. You can add up to an RTX 3090 graphics card as well, which is a serious amount of power considering the size of the machine. Powerful hardware means more heat, but the XPS 8950 gets rid of it well with optional liquid cooling and a case with plenty of room for airflow.
We haven’t heard if Dell plans on adding Intel’s 13th-gen Raptor Lake CPUs or Nvidia’s RTX 40-series graphics cards yet. Even with last-gen components, though, the Dell XPS 8950 hits a value that’s hard to beat.
HP Omen 45L The best desktop PC for gaming
Why you should buy this: The Omen 45L is easier to upgrade than most DIY PCs, and it comes with flagship hardware.
Who it’s for: PC gamers who don’t want to build their own system.
What we thought of the HP Omen 45L:
The HP Omen 45L takes what made the Omen 30L so special and expands on it. Just like its smaller sibling, the Omen 45L comes with a toolless case design that allows you to upgrade any of the components inside. HP likes this design so much, in fact, that it now sells the Omen 45L case on its own.
Part of the reason why is the innovative Cryo Chamber design. The all-in-one liquid cooler is separated from the main chamber, allowing it clear access to air on both sides. This leads to much lower temperatures in the Omen 45L, as well as less fan noise.
Currently, HP is only selling the Omen 45L with last-gen components, with up to an Intel Core i9-12900K and RTX 3090. However, the next-gen version is available for pre-order, sporting Intel’s new Core i9-13900KF and an Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card.
Outside of new components, this new version also supports DDR5 memory, which can make a big difference in gaming performance. If you want the best gaming desktop without the fuss, the HP Omen 45L can deliver.
Apple iMac 24-inch The best all-in-one desktop computer
Why you should buy this: Apple’s 24-inch iMac is a powerful all-in-one desktop computer that makes for a stunning and compact addition to any office.
Who it’s for: Professionals and home users looking for compact, beautiful, and powerful all-in-one computers.
What we thought of the Apple iMac M1 (24-inch):
Apple is more of a laptop than a desktop brand, but the iMac is an exception. It’s a balanced computer that has power where it counts and looks that are unmatched.
When it comes to Apple, a portion of the charm lies in the aesthetic. The 24-inch iMac is no exception. Coming in up to seven colors — blue, green, pink, white, yellow, orange, and purple — the iMac offers the ability to choose a look that fits you. It’s also shockingly thin, measuring a mere 11.5mm, making it thinner than any other all-in-one desktop on the market.
The 24-inch (or 23.5-inch, to be precise) version of the iMac is not just a pretty package with little to back it up. Equipped with Apple’s signature breathtaking 4.5K Retina display, this is a powerhouse for both professionals and home users who value display quality. Prices start at $1,299 for the base model with Apple’s M1 chip — an 8-core processor that is also found in the Macbook Air — but you can spend up to $2,499 if you want extra RAM and storage.
Outside of raw power, the iMac M1 is a great desktop because it’s easy to use. Setup is seamless thanks to the no-nonsense macOS operating system, and you don’t need to worry about finding a space for a hefty desktop. It’s a fantastic option for everyday use, but the M1 chip still provides enough power to run creative apps like Logic and Final Cut without breaking a sweat.
We’re still waiting on the iMac to get the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips inside the MacBook Pro, but with the M2 MacBook Air already making the rounds, we may not see a new iMac until the M2 version is out.
Although we still recommend the iMac M1 in 2023, it’s starting to show its age. If you’re looking for something more modern, Acer’s upcoming Aspire S all-in-one machines look like solid alternatives.
Apple Mac mini M2 The best desktop computer for home
Why you should buy this: Tiny but mighty, the Mac mini M2 is a great full desktop replacement.
Who it’s for: Budget- and space-restricted Apple fans.
What we thought of the Apple Mac mini M2:
We rarely give products a perfect score, but that’s exactly what Apple’s Mac mini M2 earned in our full review. The updated mini PC features the same compact footprint that Apple has used for over a decade, but now with a major update under the hood.
The base M2 model is a big upgrade over 2020’s Mac mini M1, but the updated desktop really shines with the M2 Pro chip. That takes the Mac mini from being a MacBook without a screen to a full-fledged creator machine capable of tackling the most demanding tasks you can throw at a computer today.
The only problem is the base configuration, which comes with a much slower SSD. We wholeheartedly recommend the Mac mini M2, but make sure to read our Mac mini M2 buying guide to pick the right configuration.
HP Envy 34 All-in-One The best desktop computer for the office
Why you should buy this: It’s a massively powerful all-in-one that allows for upgrades in the future.
Who it’s for: Remote workers who need a powerful PC without the extra clutter.
What we thought of the HP Envy 34 All-in-One:
The HP Envy 34 All-in-One packs flagship hardware behind a screen. If you’re looking for a Windows iMac alternative, the HP Envy 34 is your best option. It features a beautiful 34-inch ultrawide display, which you can open toolless-ly in the back to upgrade memory and storage.
HP updated the machine with up to a 12-core Intel 12th-gen processor, as well as a discrete RTX 3060 graphics card. We’re still waiting to see if HP will update to Nvidia’s new RTX 40-series mobile GPUs, as well as Intel’s new processors, though.
Outside of raw power, the Envy 34 has a slew of quality-of-life features. It includes a detachable webcam, which you can position at five different points around the screen, and the stand supports wireless charging for your phone. The ports are built directly into the stand, too, offering quick access to everything you need.
All-in-one PCs are a dime a dozen, but the HP Envy 34 manages to stand out. If you want to keep your desk clean while still having a powerful PC, the Envy 34 is for you.
Falcon Northwest Tiki The best mini gaming PC
Why you should buy this: It’s one of the smallest gaming PCs you can buy, and it still manages flagship performance without thermal or noise issues.
Who it’s for: Gamers and creative professionals that don’t mind paying extra for longevity.
What we thought of the Falcon Northwest Tiki:
Falcon Northwest is one of the few true boutique PC builders left, and the Tiki explains why. It’s one of the smallest gaming PCs you can buy, and it still manages to pack in flagship hardware.
