The best business computers in 2024: our picks for your office and business

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REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
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The best business computer is increasingly a sleek, high-performance machine tailored for productivity while moving away from the monotony of business PCs of the past.

Gone are the days of loud fans and bland designs; modern business PCs and laptops now combine aesthetics with efficiency, ensuring smooth video calls and complex task handling. In our comprehensive reviews, we evaluated traditional towers, all-in-one units, and mini PCs like the Apple Mac mini, focusing on critical specifications such as RAM, GPU, and additional features like diverse port options and integrated cameras for conferencing. 

We've reviewed hundreds of computers over the past decade and a half, so we know the best computers for business, and we're here to help you find the right one for your needs and budget.

Quick list

The best business computer: FAQs

What computer is best for business?

A recent development in the desktop PC world has been a modest diversification of the system case. The typical business PC comes in a mini-tower box, probably best suited under or beside your desk.

But a smaller case would be a better choice if space is at a premium. Dell, for example, delivers its Optiplex models in the mini tower, 'thin' desktop, and 'compact' small form factor sizes, each offering the same computing power but in a different case.

Three other formats that have grown in popularity are:

1. All-in-one, or AIO, combines the monitor with the base unit. The move to power-efficient components, the falling price of LCD panels, and the ubiquity of touch functionality make AIO an increasingly popular choice for businesses. The all-in-one PC resembles a slightly larger than normal LCD display containing the processor, hard drive, and memory built into the screen casing. The end result is a very elegant, clutter-free desktop PC.

2. Ultra-small form factors, known as nettops or mini PCs, borrow many of their designs (and components) from laptops. They are laptops without a screen, input peripherals, and battery.

3. HDMI dongles inspired by tablets and smartphones often share parts with the latter. These are usually used for display signage or in niche markets. They are usually not powerful enough for most tasks, but things will likely improve with the expansion of Thunderbolt technology.

What is the difference between workstation vs desktop PC?

TechRadarPro Q&A with Anu Herranen, Director of New Product Introduction, Advanced Compute and Solutions at HP Inc.

The main thing here is that you must ignore the form factors. In this case, the question would be, what is the difference between a (regular) desktop PC and a desktop workstation? The answer is that the workstation has been developed for a specific professional workflow.

It is not just about the raw performance of a device's processor or other components. It is about how well they perform in specific tasks relevant to the work they are designed to do. Do they make that system easier and faster and remove unnecessary complexity so you can focus on the task and be more productive and creative? 

Usually, data scientists will not emphasize the color accuracy of a display. Still, they will care about having a device that can process huge data sets for hours without crashing mid-way. A graphic designer or VR developer, on the other hand, will care about processing jobs quicker by managing how power is split between the CPU and GPU, depending on the task.

You also need to get beyond the box. What software stack or operating system does the workstation need to run? Does the workstation need to run the full Adobe creative suite? Are the keyboard and other input devices optimized for the user's needs? Examples might include a VR headset or a set of separate programmable keys. 

Security and manageability in workstations are also designed to work seamlessly across the whole stack and conform to specific requirements defined by role and managed by IT departments. Devices are often configured to get the best out of a given software. They may even carry certifications that guarantee performance for certain software, such as those from Autodesk.

All of this adds up to a curated experience – a device dedicated in every way to a workflow and ready to go out of the box, saving days of configuration time.

The final key difference is that workstations are very expandable – designed with upgrading in mind. Whilst that is true of many PCs, workstations are engineered with this capability in mind. A workstation is designed to be a device that can expand with your needs over a long period of time.

How to choose the best business computers for you

When choosing the best business computers for yourself, start by assessing the nature of your business, the number of computers you need, and the operating system

If you're in architecture, graphic design, or any other field that demands the use of resource-intensive apps, then you'll want to opt for powerful computers with impressive graphic capabilities. But if your work primarily involves using an internet browser or data entry, an entry-level computer should work perfectly well. 

How much RAM you need will depend on how resource-heavy the apps you use are and whether you do a lot of multitasking. The more apps you run simultaneously, the more RAM you'll want for a smoother experience. 

You'll want to evaluate what operating system works best for you. If your employees are used to working on Windows, sticking to that is more efficient than switching to a new system. 

Consider the size of the machines if you don't have a lot of desk space or want a neat workplace setup. You'll also want to consider the pricing of the computers and whether the seller offers discounts on bulk purchases.

How we test the best business computers:

To test the best business computers, we first looked at their specifications, like the CPU, graphics, RAM, storage, connectivity, and dimensions. We considered the types and sizes of businesses they'd be suitable for and whether the tech configurations were expendable.

We assessed how well they handled multiple apps simultaneously, how smoothly they ran resource-heavy apps, and how easy the setup process was. 

We evaluated the dimensions and weight of the computers to check whether they take up a lot of desk space and are light enough to be moved around easily. We also considered whether the computers had dual monitor capabilities, ports for external displays and swift wireless connectivity. 

The best business computer: our top picks

The best business computers in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best business computer picks on our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.

M3 iMac 24-inch (2023) on a wooden desk with Magic Keyboard and Mouse.

(Image credit: Future)

The best business computer overall

The best computer for businesses overall

Specifications

CPU: Apple M3 chip with 8‑core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 8-core – 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB unified memory
Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
Storage: up to 512GB

Reasons to buy

+
M3 chip is very powerful
+
Display is still gorgeous
+
Still thin and light

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of ports remains
-
Limited SSD and RAM options
-
Magic Mouse charging is still weird

Apple's iMac, with its latest M3 chip iteration, has solidified its position as the unparalleled leader in the all-in-one (AIO) computer market, especially for business environments. This model marks a significant enhancement over its M1 predecessor from 2021, showcasing exceptional performance that sets a new standard for AIO systems. It's not just about the internals; the iMac's 24-inch 4.5K display continues to stun with vibrant colors and impressive brightness, complemented by a high-quality 1080p webcam.

Despite its robust performance, the iMac remains astonishingly sleek and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for professionals seeking premium computing power without sacrificing desk space. The option to personalize your workspace with various colorways adds to its appeal for businesses aiming to blend functionality with style.

While it retains some less favored aspects of the 2021 model, such as limited port options and quirky design choices with peripherals (like the inconveniently placed charging port on the Magic Mouse), these are minor blemishes on an otherwise exemplary business computer. Even the base model's 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which may seem modest, hardly detract from the iMac's status as the best business computer on the market, offering a near-perfect blend of performance, aesthetics, and user-friendly design.

Read the full iMac 24-inch (M3) review

Mac mini (2023) in a studio

(Image credit: Future)

The best budget business computer

Affordable business computer for Apple users

Specifications

CPU: Up to Apple M2 Pro (up to 12-core)
Graphics: Integrated GPU (up to 19-core)
RAM: Up to 32GB
Storage: Up to 8TB
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (configurable to 10Gb Ethernet)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 7.75 x 7.75 x 1.41 in / 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.58 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Even more powerful
+
Small form factor
+
Reduced price

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't upgrade after purchasing

Small, sleek, beautifully designed, and immensely powerful - there’s a lot to admire in the Apple Mac mini. A compact business PC that’s powerful enough to tackle just about every task - from running office apps to complex video editing projects. 

Apple devices are renowned for their performance, and we found the Mac mini no different. Powered by the M2 and M2 Pro chips, depending on your chosen configuration, it capably handled every task we threw at it during our simulated and real-world benchmark tests - and came exceedingly close to matching the prowess of the excellent MacBook Pro. 

It’s not upgradeable, which may be an issue for some IT teams who like to be able to update and repair with ease. But as a ready to go macOS computer, it’s difficult to find much fault here. The device even offers good value for money, with prices starting at around the $600 / £600 mark - a fraction of the cost of business desktop computers. 

Read the full Apple Mac mini, M2 (2023) review.

Dell XPS Desktop (8960) on a table

(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)

The best desktop tower PC for business

Towering over the competition

Specifications

CPU: 13th-Gen Intel Core i7 - i9
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090
RAM: 8GB - 64GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB - 4TB SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Great performance that'll power through Office apps
+
Exceptional port selection
+
Classic tower

Reasons to avoid

-
Premium price tag
-
Dull design

Like the Millennium Falcon and your very first car, the Dell XPS Desktop might not look like much, but it’s got it where it counts. 

The design is the first thing we noticed when we reviewed the 8960 model. At first glance, it’s difficult to see this as anything more than just another humdrum business PC. That classic tower design, in bland black, same as so many. With its half-vented facade, it’s not dissimilar to a modern-day games console. And it is, perhaps, the first subtle hint that this business desktop computer has a lot more to offer. 

Putting the XPS Desktop to the test, we were seriously impressed. In our original review, we primarily checked on gaming performance. We went as far as to describe it as “breathtaking.” If a machine like this can handle the likes of GTAV and Cyberpunk 2077, it’s more than capable of powering through spreadsheets, emails, video calls, graphic design - and you can probably open all the tabs you’ll ever need in your browser all at once. Ordinarily, we might not recommend a gaming PC as an option for the best business computer. But that professional design means it can seamlessly fit into any office or home office, ready for work and play.  

Read our full Dell XPS Desktop review 

A Dell Inspiron 24 AIO desktop on a desk

(Image credit: Future)

The best budget Windows PC for business

An office worker's dream all-in-one

Specifications

CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-1355U
Graphics: Up to Nvidia MX550
RAM: Up to 16GB DDR4
Screen: 23.8-inch FHD 1920 x 1080, 60Hz
Storage: 256GB - 512GB
Connectivity: RJ-45 Ethernet port, Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211, 2x2, 802.11ax, Bluetooth
Dimensions (W x D x H): 21.36 x 14.11 x 1.58 inches | 542.72 x 358.50 x 40.20 mm

Reasons to buy

+
23.8-inch 4K touchscreen
+
Plenty of ports (USB-C, USB 3.2, HDMI and DisplayPort)

Reasons to avoid

-
Intel only processors
-
Could be more ergonomic

At its core, the Dell Inspiron 24 is the ideal general-purpose business workstation for clerical and other basic productivity work, thanks to its 13th-Gen Intel processor, which, alongside up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, provides a solid foundation for productivity tasks, making it an ideal choice for business users and students alike. 

Those requiring additional power have the option to upgrade to a more robust setup featuring a 13th-Gen Intel i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, 516GB of storage, and an Nvidia GeForce MX550 GPU.

The AIO design integrates a webcam that offers a practical solution to privacy concerns, though it could be more user-friendly in its deployment. Despite the webcam's average quality, it suffices for standard business communications. Connectivity is a strong suit of this PC, with an extensive range of ports that cater to various peripheral needs, although the limited USB Type-C port and awkward placement of other ports pose minor inconveniences.

The Inspiron 24's lightweight build and AIO configuration ensure ease of setup and mobility. The display, a 24-inch FHD touchscreen with anti-glare properties, enhances user interaction and productivity, despite the subpar sound quality that is best suited for basic tasks.

Performance-wise, the Dell Inspiron 24 impresses with its capability to handle business applications and multitasking with ease, especially in its higher-spec configurations. The processor delivers fast and responsive performance, adept at managing a variety of business-related tasks without compromise, making the Dell Inspiron 24 AIO an excellent choice for businesses seeking a capable, versatile, and budget-friendly computing solution.

Read the full Dell Inspiron 24 All-In-One review

Dell OptiPlex 7000 Micro

(Image credit: Future)

The best Mac mini Windows alternative for business

Impressive tiny desktop PC

Specifications

CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12500T vPro - 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700T vPro
Graphics: 12th Gen Intel Core integrated graphics
RAM: 8GB - 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB - 512 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Connectivity: Ethernet RJ-45, Optional (Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth)
Dimensions (W x D x H): 1.42 x 7.00 x 7.17 in / 3.6 x 17.8 x 18.2 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Small form factor
+
Impressive performance
+
Fits almost anywhere

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited IO connections
-
No Thunderbolt ports

For such a small form factor, the Dell Optiplex 7000 Micro offers an impressive desktop option for businesses, clinics and those short on space. With optional mounting brackets, we can see this machine fitting in a variety of office spaces – under desks, on the back of rolling carts, or only taking up the space of a book on your desktop.

With support for up to 4 independent displays and 12th Gen Intel processors with vPro security features, we think this little machine will be a favorite of IT professionals and end-users alike. Ports along the front and back offer flexible connection options in a sleek profile. We only wish Thunderbolt ports were included.

Read the full Dell OptiPlex 7000 Micro PC review

An HP Envy 34 on a desk in front of a plant

(Image credit: Future)

The best business computer for creatives

A serious iMac alternative for creative professionals

Specifications

CPU: 11th-gen Intel i5 – i9
Graphics: Nvidia GTX 1650 – Nvidia RTX 3080
RAM: Up to 32GB
Storage: 512GB – 1TB
Display: 34-inch 5120 x 2160p IPS 500 nits 98% DCI-P3

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible design
+
Sharp 5K ultrawide display
+
16MP Webcam

Reasons to avoid

-
Underpowered mobile GPU
-
Best configurations is expensive

The HP Envy 34 all-in-one computer is undeniably powerful, offering an excellent iMac alternative to Windows users who want outstanding design, fantastic features, and great performance for a relatively affordable price. Our coveted five-star rating is rarely given, which should speak volumes about how impressive it is. That's despite the fact that it runs a last-gen Intel processor and a mobile GPU.

Among the many things we appreciate here are its movable 16MP webcam and excellent selection of ports. On test, however, it's its stunner of a display that hogs the spotlight. This height-adjustable, 34-inch, 5K 21:9 screen isn't just gorgeous; it's also bright with 500 nits of brightness and 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut, which makes it ideal for video editors that work in that color space.

Don't like upgrading to a new computer every couple of years? It's also expandable up to 4TB M.2 storage and 128GB DDR4 RAM so there's room to grow here.

Read our in-depth HP Envy 34 All-in-One review

John Loeffler
Components Editor

John (He/Him) is the Components Editor here at TechRadar and he is also a programmer, gamer, activist, and Brooklyn College alum currently living in Brooklyn, NY. 


Named by the CTA as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer for his science and technology reporting, John specializes in all areas of computer science, including industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, as well as general science writing and the social impact of the tech industry.


You can find him online on Threads @johnloeffler.


Currently playing: Baldur's Gate 3 (just like everyone else).

With contributions from