Best All-in-One Desktop Computers for Every Budget
These devices provide the convenience of a monitor and computer in a single, space-saving unit
By Melanie Pinola
Laptops might have surpassed desktops in popularity, but if you don’t need your next computer to be portable, there are lots of good reasons to consider an all-in-one desktop.
All-in-one desktops have displays large enough to accommodate your email inbox, spreadsheets, browser windows, and Slack feeds all at once for better multitasking.
They tuck much of the computer hardware behind the display, saving workspace compared to a full-sized or compact desktop tower.
They allow you to spread out, moving the keyboard and mouse into a comfortable position, reducing the strain on eyes, necks, wrists, and backs.
“Generally, desktops have the space for more powerful components, too,” says Antonette Asedillo, who leads Consumer Reports’ computer testing. “The large fans in a desktop, for example, allow processors to work harder without overheating. This allows some desktops’ processors to have higher clock speeds or more cores for better performance.”
The all-in-one desktop computers shown here range in price and performance, but all have been tested—and recommended—by Asedillo and her team.
All support the latest wireless networking standard (WiFi 6), have a built-in webcam, and come bundled with a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, so you get a complete computing package with your purchase.
For more options, see CR’s computer ratings, available to members.
Budget Choice
Lenovo ideacentre 3i 22
Overall score: 76
Typical price: $530
Most all-in-one desktops cost over $1,000, which is reasonable considering they come with a large monitor. This model, featuring an Intel Pentium Gold processor, performs as well as computers that cost twice as much for routine tasks such as web browsing, videoconferencing, and working on large spreadsheets. It lacks a dedicated graphics card, however, so don’t expect to run demanding video games.
CR testers praise the 23.8-inch bright, anti-glare display. Other specs include 8 gigabytes of memory, a 256GB of solid-state drive, and three USB-A ports for connecting low-powered peripherals such as a keyboard or external webcam.
Most Screen Real Estate
HP Pavilion 31.5
Overall score: 82
Typical price: $1,660
For toggling between email and productivity apps or immersing yourself in a video, this all-in-one offers a large 31.5-inch display, which CR testers praise for its high contrast and color accuracy.
Specs are beefed up, too, with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, and a 1TB solid-state drive. In CR’s labs, the computer had a zippy performance for even demanding tasks such as video editing and rendering 3D models. There’s no dedicated graphics card for playing intense video games, however.
In addition to five USB ports to connect all your peripherals, you’ll find a convenient way to charge your phone if it supports wireless charging: Just plop it onto the base of the desktop.
Best iMac
Apple 27-inch iMac (Core i7, 2020)
Overall score: 84
Typical price: $2,300
The top-rated iMac in CR’s ratings, this 27-inch model comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8 gigabytes of memory, and a 512GB solid-state drive. The display is bright and has a wide viewing angle, which is helpful when more than one person needs to see the screen.
The iMac has a dedicated graphics card with 8GB of video memory, which helped the desktop run smoothly in our tests even when video game settings were maxed out.
The model has six USB ports and supports the speedier Thunderbolt 3 protocol over regular USB.
If the price is too rich for your budget, the 24-inch iMac with Apple’s home-brewed M1 chip usually runs around $1,300.
Touchscreen Option with Spacious Storage
Dell Inspiron 7700-7740SLV
Overall score: 78
Typical price: $1,500
For those who want the convenience of tapping on the screen to interact with the computer, there’s this Dell Inspiron all-in-one. It packs an Intel i7 processor, 16GB of memory, plus plenty of storage, too, with a fast 512GB solid-state drive as well as a 1TB traditional hard drive. The model offers four USB ports.
The computer has a dedicated graphics card with 2GB of video memory in addition to the integrated graphics card. This hybrid setup allows the computer to switch to the dedicated card when needed for demanding programs or games.
Although testers say the touch screen has low contrast, which can make colors appear a bit flat, the display is still bright, which is a plus if you use the computer under intense indoor lighting.
Great for Gamers
Lenovo Yoga AIO 7 27ACH6
Overall score: 86
Typical price: $1,890
The top-rated all-in-one in our tests, the Yoga AIO 7 has a 27-inch touch screen, an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, and an 8GB dedicated graphics card, also from AMD. (To see how AMD’s Ryzen line stacks up to Intel’s offerings, read our processor breakdown.)
This all-in-one excels in display quality, performance, and ergonomics. Testers say the screen has realistic and accurate color reproduction, and the computer has one of the fastest speeds among tested desktops, holding up even under demanding tasks such as video encoding and video game play.
Unlike the other all-in-ones on this list, the model has no built-in memory card reader, but it does feature five free USB ports.
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