The best all-in-one computer for 2024: top home and office AIO PCs
We're recommending only the very best all-in-one computers
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If you're looking to get to get the full desktop experience in a sleek form factor then only the best all-in-one computer will do. In 2024, there are a myriad of options catering to both Windows and Mac OS users; although, you'll need to keep in mind that you're often paying a premium on the form factor, packing the hardware inside of a full-size computer monitor.
Just because the form factors have gotten sleeker over time doesn't mean you're sacrificing power, as many of the best AIOs can rival the best computers in terms of their specs, especially as far as the best processors are concerned. We've seen machines made by manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Microsoft. However, it's arguably more true when turning your attention to Apple's hardware.
You only need to look as far as the Apple iMac 24-inch M3 model for proof. It's our top pick for the best all-in-one computer for a reason, chiefly for its excellent M3 chipset. While we've seen from the silicon can do inside of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, inside of a desktop, it's a whole different beast for the asking price. Additionally, it's backed up by a gorgeous display, and a compact footprint, too. If you're after a Windows machine, you can certainly get close, but the Californian giant remains the victor here.
You also need to consider the monitor quality with an all-in-one machine. After all, what's the point of all that power if the screen is a letdown? Fortunately, that's certainly not the case with the Apple iMac 24-inch M3 AIO, nor will you find it a problem for the other rigs in our roundup such as the HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 or the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One. Even at their slightest, you're getting more real estate than what's afforded from even the best laptop displays, with some even giving the best monitors a run for their money.
We've spent the better part of two decades reviewing all-in-one computers here at TechRadar and have truly seen it all. That's why we've narrowed things down to our top five AIOs giving you the full perspective of what's worth your time and money with no filler. You can find out more further down the page.
The best all-in-one computer for 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
If you think that the new iMac couldn’t possibly be as good as it looks, you’d be wrong. Featuring the same bold design introduced in 2021 with the M1 version, the latest iMac remains a stunning bit of it.
It also comes with fresh new specs, rocking Apple’s new M3 chip that makes it much more powerful than the previous Intel iMacs, and the two-year-old M1 model. Loading up Final Cut Pro to do some editing on an 8K video, it performed very well during testing, smoothly scrubbing through 8K content. If you're a pro, you may be best served by a more powerful Mac or MacBook Pro, but this one should more than suffice for hobbyists and streamers looking to edit their videos.
You’ll also be happy to know that you’re getting great value here, as you’re getting the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse included – in matching colors, we might add - though we wish Apple would give the Magic Mouse a redesign and get rid of the Lightning charging port at the bottom, which makes the mouse impossible to use when plugged in. And, while the port selection could be better, the upgraded 1080p FaceTime camera delivers better low-light performance and amazing image quality. The iMac 24-inch (M3) is the best all-in-one PC we’ve ever tested, and has certainly earned its place in our best Macs list.
Read our in-depth iMac 24-inch (M3) review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Students and budget-minded users alike will appreciate the HP Chromebase. Basically a Chromebook in all-in-one form, this combines the benefits of a Chromebook – great value, great performance, great design – with the advantages of an all-in-one including having a big display in a smaller desktop footprint.
During our tests, it proved to be a capable machine that looks great and comes with thoughtful design features you’ll find useful. We often had it running 20 or more tabs at the same time, and it handled those without signs of a slowdown. Meanwhile, the built-in are impressive in their own right.
All-in-one PCs are usually expensive, but this one is an exception. And, a great one at that, especially for families, college students, and office workers whose tasks are mostly done on the Google Chrome browser.
Read our full HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Back when the original Surface Studio hit the streets, it was a game-changer for artists and content creators alike. And, the sequel still stands in a league of its own. The Surface Studio 2 doesn’t just feature the same gorgeous display and unique functionality, but it also ups the power significantly, making it a much more future-proof device.
During testing, its innards have showcased that they are capable of basically all modern computing tasks. That includes rendering 3D graphics, multitasking, and processor-intensive tasks like encoding video and rendering dense spreadsheets – although it does stop short of rendering videos. It’s still extraordinarily expensive, but if your use case is right for the Surface Studio 2, then, it’s hard to think of a better all-in-one PC for artists and graphic designers.
Read our full Surface Studio 2 review
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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 full HP Envy 34 All-in-One review
Find the best deals on HP products with our HP coupon codes.
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
For anyone looking for a simple work machine at a sensible price, the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One is the way to go. It's hardly the most powerful AIO on this list, but the 13th-gen Intel CPU makes it a powerhouse for multitasking productivity workloads, and the competitive pricing means you get plenty of bang for your buck.
Now, you shouldn't be expecting to play anything beyond the least graphically intensive games on this PC, but for general office work it excels with no slowdown or stuttering. A clean, lightweight design and super-easy setup process make it a good pick for anyone who isn't overly tech-savvy, too.
The port selection is generally good (although we would've liked to see more than one USB-C port) and the integrated webcam slides into the screen bezel when not in use, a nice little aesthetic flourish that also doubles as a privacy shutter. Lastly, the 1080p display is also a touchscreen, making quickly navigating your desktop a breeze.
Read our full Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One review
How to choose the best all-in-one computer for you
All-in-one PCs, like their desktop and mobile counterparts, come in different configurations, designs, and price tags. Choosing the best one for you, therefore, is much like when choosing a laptop or a desktop PC. You must consider things like power and performance, as well as design and features.
Of course, since an all-in-one comes with its own set of peripherals, these are obvious considerations as well. Check the display, and make sure that it has the right size, resolution, color coverage, color accuracy, and brightness for your workload. Ensure also that the speakers sound great. Since many AIO PCs come with their own keyboard and mouse, make sure that those are comfortable to use and reliable. Otherwise, you'll only end up spending more to get better quality peripherals.
Since there are all-in-one PCs sitting at different price brackets, the price is a very important factor. Don't get an expensive one if you aren't going to take full advantage of its features, and don't get a cheap one when it can't meet your demands.
How we test all-in-one computers
Here at TechRadar, we believe in rigorously testing every piece of hardware that passes through our hands. If it fails to impress during testing, we won't recommend you buy any product that falls short of the performance median for its price range.
Our testing process varies from product to product. Specifically with all-in-one PCs, because they come with their own display and speakers, we test those on top of their ability to tackle workloads. We're always sure to run the most appropriate tests, including running editing benchmarks for an AIO designed for content creation. We also always examine its build quality and features to see how they measure up.
Finally, we take everything to see whether it aligns with the attached price tag. If you want to know more about how we test and rate the computers in this guide, check out our explainer on how we test laptops and desktops to learn more.
What is the best all-in-one computer?
The best all-in-one computer right now is Apple's iMac (24-inch, 2021). Although it's a little older, having been released in 2021, it's still the best in terms of design, performance, and value in our opinion.
It boasts that sleek and thin design, powerful performance that's quiet and robust enough for the more demanding creative tasks, and a price that is fairly affordable considering that it is an Apple product.
We're in the process of testing newer releases, however, so who knows? There might be a Windows all-in-one impressive enough to knock it off the first place.
What are the benefits of an all-in-one PC?
All-in-one PCs have a ton of benefits despite their varying sizes and price points. The best all-in-one computer is equipped with powerful hardware that’s capable of running any software you might need, from the everyday Office Suite to more complex video editing programs. Some AIO PCs even have touch screen capability which isn’t a necessity, but is still a nice bonus.
Compared to standard PCs that require monitors, towers, keyboards, and mice to be purchased separately, all-in-one computers come with the monitor and tower combined which helps save you money in the long run. You might even be able to save a little more money by finding a bundle that comes with a keyboard and mouse as well.
If you’re tight on space, you might want to consider getting an all-in-one computer because it will only be the size of the monitor and stand - no tower required.
What are the disadvantages of all-in-one computers?
The only potential downside of an all-in-one PC is it’s difficult to upgrade internal hardware. This means that if you like upgrading your tech on your own, you will have a slight disadvantage with an all-in-one computer. That's especially if you have something like an iMac.
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Christian is TechRadar’s UK-based Computing Editor. He came to us from Maximum PC magazine, where he fell in love with computer hardware and building PCs. He was a regular fixture amongst our freelance review team before making the jump to TechRadar, and can usually be found drooling over the latest high-end graphics card or gaming laptop before looking at his bank account balance and crying.
Christian is a keen campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights and the owner of a charming rescue dog named Lucy, having adopted her after he beat cancer in 2021. She keeps him fit and healthy through a combination of face-licking and long walks, and only occasionally barks at him to demand treats when he’s trying to work from home.
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