Is an all-in-one PC good for gaming?

Are you searching for a compact system that combines a display and a PC? You're in the right place! Since our inception over 40 years ago, PCMag has dedicated itself to evaluating desktop PCs, including all-in-one (AIO) models. Our team of expert analysts and editors combine their wealth of experience—over a century collectively—to review these desktop alternatives meticulously. We conduct thorough benchmarks for every AIO, assessing CPU and graphics performance, screen quality, design, usability, upgrade potential, connectivity, and, of course, price and value. Here, we present our current top desktop AIO selections. Our highest recommendation goes to HP’s Envy Move for most users, but read on for more specific suggestions as well. Also, find further recommendations and a detailed spec-comparison sheet below.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Best All-in-One Windows Desktop for Most Users

HP Envy Move

4.0 Excellent

• Carrying handle, self-deploying stand, and keyboard pocket for room-to-room travel

• Bright touch screen

• Clear webcam

• Wireless keyboard with touchpad

• Hours of battery life

• Limited port options

• No headphone jack

• Keyboard lacks certain keys

Adaptability reigns supreme when suggesting a PC for various users. The HP Envy Move excels in this area, designed to facilitate easy movement and usage anywhere in your home. With a lightweight profile, it includes a handle and self-deploying feet, enabling effortless transitions between rooms. A built-in battery ensures a few hours of use, coupled with an intuitive keyboard featuring a touchpad. Sporting a robust 13th Gen Intel processor, a vivid 23.8-inch touchscreen, and a quality webcam, it delivers a well-rounded experience without skimping on specifications. And its reasonable pricing solidifies it as a commendable option.

Casual users looking for a dependable all-in-one desktop will find the HP Envy Move satisfying. Even those who don't require extensive mobility will still appreciate its efficient general-use capabilities. Families can rotate usage seamlessly for various tasks, although high-performance demands might require looking into more powerful models.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Core i5-U

RAM (as Tested)

16 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

1 TB

All-in-One Screen Size

23.8 inches

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$926.99 Amazon

$899.99 HP

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HP Envy Move Review

Best Basic Budget All-in-One Desktop

Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i

4.0 Excellent

• Solid screen for the cost

• Included mouse and keyboard

• Good audio output

• Ample port selection

• No USB-C ports

• Average CPU performance

At $599 (as tested), the IdeaCentre AIO 3i offers a compelling option with 16GB of RAM and a 1TB solid-state drive (SSD). While its Pentium Gold CPU delivers moderate performance for typical apps, Lenovo's 22-inch model is still a solid value. Although the display might be on the smaller side for some, its slim bezels and convenient stand design provide functionality without compromising aesthetics. Our configuration even included a DVD drive and a wireless keyboard and mouse.

A more powerful processor and USB-C support would enhance the IdeaCentre's appeal, but doing so may push the price beyond budget limits. The provided mouse, keyboard, and speakers surpass expectations, along with a good range of HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A ports. This model is an excellent choice for those outfitting a den or family room on a budget, serving effectively as a homework station and online kiosk (as well as a DVD viewing option).

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Pentium Gold

RAM (as Tested)

16 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

1 TB

All-in-One Screen Size

22 inches

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$529.99 Lenovo

$758.09 Amazon

$423.99 Best Buy

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Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i Review

Most Attractive Budget All-in-One

Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One

4.0 Excellent

• Alluring design

• Customizable CPU options (AMD or Intel)

• Decent audio output

• Slightly underwhelming performance for a system over $1,000

• Two-legged base limits placement options

While the Lenovo AIO presented above is a budget-friendly choice, the Dell Inspiron 24 takes the cake with its attractive design and USB-C support. Its broader speaker array and a larger 24-inch touch display make it perfect for home entertainment, while the IdeaCentre suits smaller spaces for essential tasks.

If you're after a larger display and engaging audio for family entertainment, the Inspiron 24 is an excellent selection. Even if its design isn't for everyone, it offers a more engaging experience than the value-oriented IdeaCentre without breaking the bank.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Core i5-U

RAM (as Tested)

16 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

512 GB

All-in-One Screen Size

23.8 inches

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$749.99 Dell

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Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One Review

Best Premium All-in-One Windows Desktop

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8

4.0 Excellent

• Luminous 4K display

• Powerful Intel Core i9 processor

• Sleek aesthetics

• Wireless keyboard and mouse included

• No dedicated GPU

• Webcam quality could improve

• Ports may be difficult to access

Equipped with a stunning 31.5-inch 4K display and a blazing Intel 13th Gen Core i9 processor, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i shines as our top choice among premium AIO desktops. Its expansive 4K display offers ample screen real estate for multitasking, and the performance handles the demands of professional applications adeptly. However, the absence of a discrete graphics card may deter some users.

For those who require extensive multitasking capabilities, you'll appreciate the display's large, sharp visuals. The absence of discrete graphics shouldn't deter you from using this top-tier AIO for general tasks, provided you have adequate space for this striking machine.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Core i9-H

RAM (as Tested)

16 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

512 GB

All-in-One Screen Size

31.5 inches

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$1,499.99 Lenovo

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Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8 Review

Best All-in-One With the Biggest Screen

HP Envy 34 All-in-One

4.5 Outstanding

• Sharp, stunning 34-inch 5K display

• Robust overall performance

• High-quality 16-megapixel magnetic camera

• Thunderbolt 4 connectivity

• SD card reader included

• Easy access to RAM and M.2 SSD slots

• Lower-powered, mobile-class GeForce RTX GPU

The HP Envy 34 stands out as one of the most elegant models in the all-in-one segment. It sports a gorgeous 34-inch widescreen 5K resolution display that boosts productivity by facilitating multitasking with a spacious layout. The minimalistic stand creates a clean look without sacrificing power, featuring Thunderbolt 4 ports and easily upgraded memory and storage. Note that all AIO systems come with mobile-grade graphics, though.

Ideal for video conferencing, this system boasts a 16-megapixel magnetic webcam that can be adjusted to your preferred angle. Given its dimensions, if you have enough desk space, it becomes a valuable tool in any multitasking scenario.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Core i7

Memory (as Tested)

32 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

1 TB

All-in-One Screen Size

34 inches

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$2,299.00 Amazon

$1,479.99 HP

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HP Envy 34 All-in-One Review

Best Overall Mac All-in-One Desktop

Apple iMac 24-Inch (M3)

4.0 Excellent

• Significant performance advantages over the M1 model

• Robust gaming capabilities

• Exceptional webcam quality

• High-end aesthetics with retro touches

• Limited port selection

• No keyboard backlighting

• Prices escalate for higher configurations

Retaining the signature design of past iMac models, today’s 24-inch variant remains a popular choice, available in seven vibrant colors. The introduction of the M3 chip propels its performance, making it a worthy contender against its larger peers. The stunning 4.5K Retina display and superb webcam enhance its usability, while macOS seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices.

For students and home-office setups, the ultra-slim flat panel offers a visually appealing option, although the starting price of $1,299 might be steep considering the base configuration. With no 27-inch options left, this iMac currently represents Apple’s primary offering in the all-in-one segment.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Apple M3

RAM (as Tested)

24 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

All-in-One Screen Size

23.5 inches

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$1,688.94 Amazon

$1,239.00 Walmart

$1,299.00 Best Buy

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Apple iMac 24-Inch (M3) Review

Best All-in-One Desktop for Business

HP EliteOne 870 G9

4.0 Excellent

• Superb near-silent operation

• High-definition webcam

• Stylish design

• Wireless charging feature in the stand

• Powerful speakers

• Three-year warranty available

• Brightness could be improved

The HP EliteOne 870 G9 offers a range of features for business users, from a sleek profile to an attractive price. The responsive 27-inch touchscreen provides ample screen space for productivity, and the 13th Gen Core i5 processor can keep pace across various applications and tasks. Our tested model, priced at $1,029, features a wealth of support features including a crisp webcam, wireless charging, powerful speakers, and quiet operation.

This machine is well-suited for typical office use, lacking only the high-end performance some firms might prefer from traditional minitowers. However, for companies opting for the AIO approach, the EliteOne 870 G9 will deliver satisfying performance.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Core i5

RAM (as Tested)

16 GB

Boot Drive Type

SSD

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

512 GB

All-in-One Screen Size

27 inches

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$1,399.00 Amazon

$974.61 HP

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HP EliteOne 870 G9 Review

Best ChromeOS All-in-One Desktop

HP Chromebase All-in-One 22

4.0 Excellent

• Stylish and space-efficient design

• Rotating display advantageous for specific websites

• High-resolution webcam

• Outstanding audio quality

• Includes wireless keyboard and mouse

• Budget-friendly configuration

• Display lacks sharpness

• Occasional rotation hitches

• No side-mounted ports

The HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 is an ideal choice for budget-conscious users, featuring a 22-inch rotating display and seamless upgrades associated with Chromebooks. This space-saving AIO is suitable for online tasks, streaming video, and productivity using Google Workspace.

Equipped with an efficient wireless mouse and keyboard, along with a high-quality webcam and robust stereo speakers, the Chromebase 22 provides an enticing home PC option for users focused on cloud computing.

Desktop Class

All-in-one

Processor

Intel Pentium Gold U

RAM (as Tested)

4 GB

Boot Drive Type

eMMC Flash Memory

Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)

64 GB

All-in-One Screen Size

21.5 inches

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$695.00 Amazon

$529.99 HP

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HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 Review

Buying Guide: The Best All-in-One Computers for Gaming

Are you on the hunt for an AIO? Start by considering the display—the focal point of any AIO. While affordable AIO systems may have screens smaller than 23 inches, these are best suited for tight spaces like dorms. Opt for a display that measures at least 23 inches diagonally; larger screens are even better. The largest AIO models currently available showcase impressive 34-inch curved displays.

A screen at least 23 inches usually guarantees a native resolution of 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (Full HD), with larger displays often reaching 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) or ultra-wide resolutions of 3,440 by 1,440 pixels. High resolutions enable multitasking, allowing users to view multiple windows, spreadsheets, or applications at once. Indeed, if you juggle several tasks simultaneously, extra screen space will significantly enhance productivity.

Those with 20/10 vision may not notice the differences, but larger screens and higher resolutions empower users to enlarge font sizes on documents while still viewing ample content. Desktop displays tend to be brighter than their laptop counterparts, making IPS (in-plane switching) technology essential for optimal screen quality. Such screens enhance off-axis viewing, ensuring accurate colors and details without needing to sit directly in front of the display.

Now let’s discuss touch screens. While modern Windows systems are designed with touch in mind, enabling ease of application interaction, this feature isn't mandatory for everyone. If you plan on using the AIO like a conventional desktop, you may forgo touch capability. Conversely, if you're eyeing an Apple iMac, know that macOS lacks support for touch interfaces.

Don't fret over touch or mouse usage—both are effective for navigation. Although reaching for the screen can feel cumbersome, a mouse or touchpad often proves nimbler for scrolling and text selection. If touch is your preference, seek models with reclining screens for a more ergonomic experience.

When considering components for your AIO, remember that manufacturers typically lag in AIO updates compared to conventional desktops. Consequently, some recent AIOs still utilize older hardware, a factor to keep in mind.

For practical multitasking, look for at least 8GB of RAM, as 4GB will hinder performance on systems. Opt for a solid-state drive (SSD) while avoiding traditional hard drives that impede boot speed and application loading.

To ensure you choose a model with the necessary ports, consult specifications. A comprehensive array of USB ports, an Ethernet jack, and HDMI inputs are vital for most users.

Finally, AIO PCs are fantastic for their compact nature, integrating monitor and PC into one device for a tidy work environment. AIOs tend to deliver more processing power than laptops due to their hardware size, capable even of handling gaming tasks. However, if you require superior graphics performance or expandability, a traditional desktop may be the better option.

For personalized assistance in choosing a Laptop computer, contact our knowledgeable sales team. We're ready to help you find the best options for your needs.