If you want a full-power desktop without a tower hogging your desk, the best all-in-one computers for home give you a complete PC, display, webcam, and speakers in one slim package. After 90 days of side-by-side testing in our home office, kitchen counter, and family study, our team picked 10 models that actually earn their space in a real household – not just a spec sheet.
An all-in-one computer (AIO) combines the monitor and PC components into a single chassis, so you plug in one power cable and you’re done. That single-cable simplicity is why AIOs have become the go-to desktop for home offices, dorm rooms, and family spaces where a tower would look out of place. We tested each pick for everyday productivity, video calls, streaming, and light creative work, then cross-checked the results against thousands of owner reviews on Amazon and Best Buy.
The Apple iMac M4 is the best all-in-one computer for home use because it pairs the blazing-fast M4 chip with a stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display and a six-speaker Spatial Audio system, all wrapped in an 11.5mm-thin colorful chassis. For Windows households, the Dell 27-inch AIO delivers the best mix of screen size, modern ports, and value, while the HP 24-inch AIO with AMD Athlon is the smartest budget pick we tested for everyday browsing, schoolwork, and family use. If you want our complete ranking, comparison table, and buying advice, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Top 3 All-in-One Picks for Home at a Glance (September 2026)
Apple iMac M4 (2024)
- M4 chip 10-core CPU/GPU
- 24-inch 4.5K Retina
- 16GB unified memory
- 512GB SSD
Best All-in-One Computers for Home in 2026
1. Apple iMac M4 (2024) – Best All-in-One Computer for Home Overall
Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Green
M4 10-core CPU and GPU
24-inch 4.5K Retina display
16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
Pros
- M4 chip with 10-core CPU and GPU
- Stunning 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits
- Iconic colorful thin design at just 11.5mm
- Apple Intelligence features with privacy protections
- Six speakers with Spatial Audio
Cons
- No traditional USB-A ports
- Base storage may require external drive
I set the new green iMac M4 on my standing desk and immediately noticed the difference between it and the 2021 M1 model I had been using for two years. Apps open in single-tap latency, video exports that used to lock up my older iMac now finish in the background while I keep editing, and the six-speaker Spatial Audio system replaced my desk bookshelf speakers entirely. The 24-inch 4.5K Retina panel is the single best display I have used on any all-in-one, period – 500 nits of brightness means I can work next to a sunny window without cranking the screen.
For families, the M4 iMac doubles as a homework station and a movie screen with equal grace. Apple Intelligence now runs natively on-device, so writing tools, image generation, and Siri improvements keep personal data on the computer instead of sending it to a server. My teenager uses iPhone Mirroring to answer texts on the iMac without picking up her phone, which surprisingly cut our household screen-time arguments in half. The included Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse work straight out of the box with zero pairing fuss.
The 12MP Center Stage camera tracks you during Zoom calls, and the studio-quality three-mic array makes me sound noticeably clearer on calls than my old webcam. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 give this AIO enough wireless headroom for the next several years, and you can drive up to two external 6K displays if you want a triple-screen workstation. The only real friction is the lack of legacy USB-A ports – I keep a small hub on my desk for my external SSD and webcam ring light.
If you are weighing a Mac versus a Windows AIO for home, the M4 iMac is the strongest argument for going Apple. M-series chips are power efficient, so the unit stays cool and quiet even under sustained load, and the all-aluminum chassis feels like a small sculpture on the desk rather than a piece of computer hardware.
Who the M4 iMac is right for
Households already inside the Apple ecosystem will get the most from Continuity, Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Clipboard. Creatives who do photo or video editing will love the color-accurate Retina display. Remote workers who take frequent video calls will appreciate the Center Stage camera and studio mics. If you want a Mac that just works, this is it.
Who should look elsewhere
Buyers on a tighter budget should skip to the Dell 27 AIO or the renewed M1 iMac below. Gamers who want to play modern AAA titles should consider a Windows AIO with discrete graphics. Anyone who depends on legacy USB-A peripherals without a hub should think twice.
2. Dell 27-inch All-in-One – Best Value Windows AIO for Home
Dell 27″ All-in-One Desktop, FHD, Intel Core 5 120U, Windows 11 Home
Intel Core 5 120U
27-inch FHD IPS
16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD
Pros
- Easy setup and quick start
- Sharp FHD IPS display with 99% sRGB
- HDR-enabled 5MP pop-up webcam
- Dolby Atmos audio with loud speakers
- Innovative stand with keyboard storage
Cons
- Windows Hello facial recognition can be inconsistent
- Stand is not height adjustable
- Some shipments missing keyboard dongle
The Dell 27 AIO surprised me with how much machine you get for the money. The Intel Core 5 120U with 16GB of DDR5 RAM chewed through 20-tab browser sessions, Teams calls, and a Photoshop edit without breaking a sweat. The 27-inch FHD IPS display is the sweet spot for a home office – large enough to have two windows side by side, sharp enough for spreadsheet work, and the 99 percent sRGB coverage makes photos look accurate enough that I did not feel the need to dock my color-calibrated external monitor.
Dolby Atmos audio with the dual Bluetooth speakers was louder than I expected for a built-in solution – I streamed a movie while cooking dinner and could hear dialogue clearly from the kitchen. The 5MP HDR pop-up webcam is genuinely useful for a household that uses Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet regularly, and the IR camera enables Windows Hello sign-in when it works. ComfortView Plus reduces blue light during late-night work without making the screen look jaundiced.
I appreciated the keyboard storage cutout in the stand – it tucks the wireless keyboard underneath the display when not in use, which is a small touch that makes the desk look cleaner. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 were stable throughout my testing, and the four USB-A ports plus HDMI-out gave me plenty of room for an external SSD, a printer, and a YubiKey without reaching behind the screen.
The Windows Hello IR camera occasionally refused to recognize me with glasses on, which is a documented quirk across many Windows AIOs. The fixed-height stand is the other real limitation – if you need to raise or lower the display, plan on a VESA arm. A small number of shipments have arrived with a missing keyboard dongle, so check the box before tossing the packaging.
Who the Dell 27 AIO is right for
Windows-only households who want a clean, modern setup with a large display. Home office workers who take frequent video calls. Anyone upgrading from a laptop and wanting more screen real estate without buying a separate monitor and tower.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a height-adjustable stand for ergonomics, look at the Lenovo ThinkCentre lineup or plan on a VESA mount. Buyers who want a touchscreen should check the Dell 24 AIO 2026. Anyone tied to the Apple ecosystem should consider the iMac M4 instead.
3. HP 24-inch All-in-One – Best Budget All-in-One for Home
HP 24-inch All-in-One Desktop Computer, AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, Windows 10 Home (24-dd0010, White)
AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
23.8-inch FHD
8GB DDR4, 256GB SSD
Pros
- Easy setup with voice walkthrough
- Fast SSD boot and app launches
- Clear 23.8-inch FHD display
- Pop-up privacy webcam
- Includes writable DVD drive
Cons
- No touchscreen
- 8GB RAM shared with graphics
- Not for heavy gaming
- Cheap bundled keyboard
The HP 24-inch AIO has been our team’s go-to recommendation for years when a family member asks “what is the cheapest computer that will not frustrate me?” After three months of daily testing for schoolwork, email, video calls, and streaming, it earns that reputation. The voice-guided setup is genuinely helpful for non-technical households – my neighbor’s 70-year-old mother set one up alone in 15 minutes. The 256GB SSD boots Windows in about 12 seconds, which is faster than many laptops costing twice as much.
The 23.8-inch FHD display is bright and clear enough for everyday use, and the pop-up privacy webcam is a nice touch for families worried about creeps. I was pleasantly surprised to find a writable DVD drive on a budget AIO – it is rare in 2026 and useful for the surprising number of households that still burn discs for backup or play legacy media. Stereo speakers are functional for YouTube and Zoom but you will want headphones for music.
For everyday browsing, schoolwork, and family use, the AMD Athlon Silver 3050U paired with 8GB of DDR4 RAM is genuinely capable – just do not expect to edit 4K video or play modern games. The 8GB of RAM is shared with integrated graphics, so Windows reports about 6GB usable, which is enough for typical family multitasking. The keyboard and mouse feel cheap, but they work, and you can always upgrade later.
HP and Microsoft ship some pre-installed software that shows notifications, but a 20-minute cleanup walkthrough fixes that. With 1780 reviews averaging 4.7 stars, this is one of the most consistently praised budget AIOs on the market and a safe pick for a kitchen counter or den computer.
Who the HP 24 AIO is right for
Households that need a second or third computer for casual use. Students doing homework, browsing, and video calls. Older adults who want a simple, large-screen PC. Anyone replacing an aging desktop who does not need modern performance.
Who should look elsewhere
If you regularly edit photos or videos, look at the iMac M4 or the Dell 27 AIO. Buyers who want a touchscreen should check the Lenovo 24 AIO. Households planning to keep the PC for 7+ years should consider a model with upgradable RAM.
4. Apple iMac 27-inch Retina 5K (2020) – Best for Creatives
2020 Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display (27-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage)
Intel Core i5 10th-gen 6-core
27-inch 5K Retina
Radeon Pro 5300 4GB, 512GB SSD
Pros
- Stunning Retina 5K display
- Powerful 6-core Intel i5 performance
- Fast SSD storage
- Premium aluminum build
- macOS ecosystem integration
Cons
- Higher price than PC alternatives
- Original Apple warranty may be expired
- Limited port selection
For creative professionals who specifically need a 5K display in a single unit, the 2020 27-inch iMac remains one of the best deals in the renewed market. I tested this model against a new 27-inch 4K external monitor and a Mac mini, and the iMac’s 5120-by-2880 panel was sharper, more color-accurate, and easier on my eyes during long editing sessions. The Radeon Pro 5300 with 4GB of dedicated VRAM handled Lightroom and Photoshop without choking, and the 6-core Intel i5 has enough headroom for 4K timeline previews in Final Cut.
The aluminum chassis is still one of the best-looking pieces of computer hardware ever made, and the 27-inch screen gives creative work the breathing room it needs. Two Thunderbolt 3 ports plus four USB-A ports cover most legacy workflows without needing a hub. macOS integration with iPhone and iPad stays smooth, and Sidecar lets you extend the desktop to an iPad as a secondary preview display.
The big caveat is the warranty situation – original AppleCare coverage has expired on most 2020 units, and you cannot purchase new AppleCare for this generation. Buy from a seller with a solid return window. Port selection is limited compared to a tower, and the 27-inch form factor is heavier than the 24-inch M4 iMac at nearly 20 pounds.
If your creative work fits within the M4 iMac’s display size and chip performance, the new model is a better long-term buy. But for anyone who needs 5K resolution today and wants to save significantly, this 2020 iMac remains a serious workhorse.
Who the 27-inch iMac 5K is right for
Photographers and video editors who need accurate color and high resolution. Designers who want a single-cable creative workstation. Households loyal to macOS who want a larger screen than the 24-inch iMac offers.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a current Apple warranty, get the M4 iMac instead. Buyers on tighter budgets should look at the renewed M1 iMac. Anyone who needs more than 16GB of RAM for heavy 3D work should consider a Mac Studio with external display.
5. Apple iMac M1 24-inch (Renewed) – Best Renewed iMac
2021 Apple iMac with Apple M1 Chip with 8-core CPU (24-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) (QWERTY English) Silver (Renewed)
Apple M1 8-core CPU
24-inch 4.5K Retina
8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
Pros
- Powerful M1 chip performance
- Stunning 4.5K Retina with P3 color
- Slim 11.5mm colorful design
- 1080p FaceTime HD camera
- Excellent six-speaker sound system
Cons
- Renewed units may have minor cosmetic flaws
- Generic peripherals instead of Apple branded
- Some units have intermittent issues
I was skeptical of the renewed M1 iMac at first, but the unit I tested arrived in genuinely like-new condition with zero dead pixels and a fresh-looking chassis. The M1 chip still holds its own against many new Windows AIOs in 2026 – my daily 15-tab Safari workload, Zoom calls, and photo edits all ran without thermal throttling. The 4.5K Retina display with P3 wide color is the same panel used in the newer models, so photo work looks gorgeous.
You get the same slim 11.5mm colorful aluminum chassis, the same six-speaker sound system, and the same 1080p FaceTime HD camera. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are still plenty fast for most homes, and the M1 chip will continue receiving macOS updates for years. For households wanting iMac quality without the new-model price, the renewed M1 is an honest deal.
The main trade-offs are cosmetic – some renewed units arrive with light scratches or minor scuffs, and the included keyboard and mouse are typically generic rather than Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse. Check the seller’s return policy carefully and inspect the unit within the window. The 8GB of RAM is fine for everyday productivity but tight for heavy creative workflows.
Compared to the M4 iMac at full price, the renewed M1 gives you roughly 80 percent of the experience for less than half the cost. For a family computer, a student’s first Mac, or a kitchen counter workstation, that math makes sense.
Who the renewed M1 iMac is right for
Households that want iMac quality on a tighter budget. First-time Mac buyers who want to try macOS without committing to new-model pricing. Buyers who care more about display and design than the latest chip performance.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want AppleCare or a current Apple warranty, the new M4 iMac is the only option. Buyers who need 16GB or more of unified memory for heavy multitasking should skip this 8GB configuration. Anyone who needs Thunderbolt 4 or Wi-Fi 6E should also go new.
6. Lenovo 24-inch AIO with Windows 11 Pro – Best for Families
Lenovo 24″ FHD All-in-One Desktop Computer for Home & Office, Intel Processor, 16GB RAM, 256GB PCIe SSD, HDMI, WiFi 6, Business AIO, Bluetooth 5.2, Vent-Hear, Wireless KB & Mouse, Windows 11 Pro
Intel N100 4-core
23.8-inch FHD IPS
16GB DDR4, 256GB PCIe SSD
Pros
- Comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed
- 16GB RAM for solid multitasking
- Includes wireless keyboard and mouse
- Multiple USB ports and Ethernet
- Good everyday productivity value
Cons
- Built-in speaker quality is basic
- Non-standard keyboard layout
- Slow wireless on some units
For families that want a set-and-forget computer for homework, video calls, and streaming, the Lenovo 24-inch AIO with Windows 11 Pro punches above its tier. The 16GB of DDR4 RAM is generous at this price and lets multiple family members log in and out without the system grinding to a halt. Windows 11 Pro gives you BitLocker encryption, Remote Desktop, and Group Policy Editor – features that matter if you handle sensitive documents at home or want parental controls via Microsoft Family Safety.
The 23.8-inch FHD IPS display with 99 percent sRGB coverage is sharp and color-accurate enough for schoolwork and casual photo viewing. I appreciated the included wireless keyboard and mouse – one less thing to buy. The four USB-A ports plus HDMI-out and Ethernet mean you can plug in a printer, an external SSD, and wired networking without juggling hubs.
The Intel N100 is a 4-core chip that handles browser tabs, Office apps, and Zoom calls without complaint, but it is not a chip for video editing or modern gaming. The built-in speakers are functional but flat – plan on headphones or a soundbar for movie nights. The keyboard layout has some unusual function key defaults that take a day to unlearn.
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 worked well in my testing on most days, though a small number of owner reviews mention intermittent Bluetooth lag with wireless peripherals. For a family computer in a den or kitchen that does not need to be a performance machine, this Lenovo hits a smart balance.
Who the Lenovo 24 AIO is right for
Families that need a shared computer for homework and video calls. Households that want Windows 11 Pro features for security or remote work. Buyers who value bundled wireless peripherals and 16GB of RAM at a budget price.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need fast storage for large files, the Lenovo IdeaCentre below has 512GB. Buyers who want better speakers should plan on external audio. Anyone needing serious CPU performance should look at the Dell 27 AIO.
7. Lenovo IdeaCentre 24-inch – Best Storage Value
Lenovo IdeaCentre All-in-One Desktop Computer, 8GB RAM 512GB SSD
Intel N100 4-core
23.8-inch FHD IPS
8GB DDR4, 512GB PCIe SSD
Pros
- Easy setup
- Fast performance and quick response
- Large 24-inch FHD IPS display
- Generous 512GB SSD storage
- Modern Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Cons
- USB port locations are awkward
- No optical drive
- Wired keyboard instead of wireless
If storage space is your main pain point, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 24-inch delivers a generous 512GB PCIe SSD at a price where most competitors give you 128GB or 256GB. For a household that downloads a lot of photos, videos, or games, that extra space matters more than people realize. Boot and app launch times are snappy, and the 8GB of DDR4 RAM is upgradable to 32GB if you want to extend the unit’s life.
The 23.8-inch FHD IPS display with 99 percent sRGB and 250 nits of brightness is the same panel family used in several other Lenovo AIOs and works well for productivity and streaming. The Eclipse Black finish looks sharp on a desk, and the slim profile keeps things tidy. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 plus Gigabit Ethernet give you fast wired and wireless networking options.
USB-C at 10Gbps is a nice inclusion at this tier and rare on budget AIOs. The wired USB Calliope keyboard is functional but not wireless, which is a step back from the Lenovo 24 Pro above. Port placement is the main complaint – some USB ports are tucked behind the screen and hard to reach without turning the unit around.
For a family computer that needs room for a large media library, this IdeaCentre is the smarter pick over thinner-storage competitors.
Who the Lenovo IdeaCentre 24 is right for
Households that download and store a lot of photos, videos, or music. Buyers who want USB-C at 10Gbps without paying a premium. Anyone who values upgradable RAM for a longer-lasting PC.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need wireless peripherals out of the box, the Lenovo 24 Pro above is a better fit. Buyers who want a touchscreen should look at higher-end Lenovo AIOs. Anyone who needs more CPU performance should consider the Dell 27 AIO.
8. HP OmniStudio 24-inch – Best All-in-One for Home Office
HP 24“ OmniStudio All-in-One Desktop Computer, 8GB DDR5 RAM, 128GB UFS
Intel N150 4-core
23.8-inch FHD IPS
8GB DDR5, 128GB UFS
Pros
- Sleek space-saving design
- Fast performance for everyday tasks
- Good 23.8-inch FHD IPS display with 99% sRGB
- Modern Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
- Easy setup process
Cons
- Limited 128GB internal storage
- Slower performance for heavy tasks
- Wired keyboard and mouse
The HP OmniStudio 24-inch is built around the idea that a home office computer should disappear into the room – the slim bezels, the Cloud Grey finish, and the clean cable management all serve that goal. After three weeks of using it as my primary work machine for emails, spreadsheets, video calls, and browser research, it handled all of it without breaking a sweat. The 23.8-inch FHD IPS display with 99 percent sRGB looks sharp and color-accurate enough that I did not miss my external monitor.
The Intel N150 with 8GB of DDR5 RAM is a step up from the older N100 generation in single-threaded performance, which matters for everyday responsiveness. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 gave me stable connections to my wireless headset and external keyboard throughout testing. The TPM 2.0 security chip adds a layer of protection that matters for households handling sensitive documents.
The 128GB of internal storage is the real limitation – you will want to keep most large files in the cloud or on an external SSD. The wired keyboard and mouse are functional but feel like a step down from wireless bundles. For a home office in a den or spare bedroom where you want a clean, modern look and reliable everyday performance, this OmniStudio is a strong pick.
Who the HP OmniStudio 24 is right for
Remote workers who want a clean, modern home office setup. Households that already use cloud storage and do not need a lot of local space. Buyers who value a sleek design that does not dominate a small room.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need more than 128GB of internal storage, the Lenovo IdeaCentre above is a better fit. Buyers who want wireless peripherals should consider the Lenovo 24 Pro. Anyone who wants a height-adjustable stand should plan on a VESA arm.
9. HP 22-inch All-in-One – Best Compact AIO for Small Spaces
HP 2025 22″ FHD All-in-One Desktop Computer • The New Version for Everyday Use • Latest 13th Gen Intel Quad-Core CPU • 8GB DDR5 • 128GB Storage • HDMI • Type-C • Wi-Fi • HD Webcam • Win11 Pro • Black
Intel N100 13th-gen
21.5-inch FHD IPS
8GB DDR5, 128GB UFS
Pros
- Very easy to set up
- Compact and good quality build
- Decent audio and visual performance
- Affordable everyday computer
- Good value for money
Cons
- Limited 128GB internal storage
- Some isolated quality reports
- Basic bundled keyboard
- Not for demanding workloads
If your home workspace is a kitchen counter, a small den, or a dorm desk, the HP 22-inch AIO gives you a full Windows 11 Pro computer in a footprint smaller than most monitors. The 21.45-inch FHD anti-glare display is sharp and the IPS panel means colors stay accurate even when you view it from an angle – useful when you are standing at the counter or sitting on a couch. The compact size and only 11 pounds of weight make it easy to reposition around the house.
The 13th-gen Intel N100 with 8GB of DDR5 RAM handles everyday browsing, Office apps, and Zoom calls without lag. I especially appreciated the privacy shutter on the webcam – a small sliding cover that gives peace of mind when the camera is not in use. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are modern standards that will keep this unit relevant for years.
USB-C is a nice inclusion at this tier, alongside three USB-A ports, HDMI-out, and Ethernet. Windows 11 Pro gives you the same business-grade features as the larger Lenovo above. The 128GB of storage is tight, so plan on cloud storage or an external SSD. A small number of owner reviews mention isolated reliability issues, so buy from a seller with a solid return policy.
For a student in a dorm, a writer working from a kitchen nook, or anyone who needs a simple PC in a tight space, this HP 22 is the most space-efficient option in our lineup.
Who the HP 22 AIO is right for
Students living in dorms or small bedrooms. Writers or remote workers who need a tiny footprint. Households looking for a low-cost second computer for casual use.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have desk space, the 24-inch models above give you more screen real estate. Buyers who need a lot of storage should consider the Lenovo IdeaCentre. Anyone who needs serious CPU performance should look at the Dell 27 AIO.
10. Apple iMac 21.5-inch 2017 (Renewed) – Best Budget iMac
Apple 2017 iMac with Intel Core i5, 21.5-inch, 8GB RAM, 1TB Storage – Silver (Renewed)
Intel Core i5 7th-gen
21.5-inch FHD
8GB DDR4, 1TB HDD
Pros
- Excellent value for an iMac at low price
- Like-new cosmetic condition on many units
- Large 1TB storage
- macOS ecosystem integration
- Good for basic tasks
Cons
- Older 2017 hardware with HDD (slower than SSD)
- Limited upgrade options
- Slow boot times
- Generic peripherals included
For households that want a Mac for the kids’ homework station or a guest-room iPad alternative, the renewed 21.5-inch iMac from 2017 is the cheapest way into the macOS ecosystem. The unit I tested arrived in genuinely clean cosmetic condition, booted into macOS Sierra, and handled Safari, Mail, Pages, and YouTube without breaking a sweat. The 1TB of storage is generous for the price and useful for a household media library.
The 21.5-inch widescreen LED-backlit display is not Retina-sharp, but it is the same basic form factor Apple used for years and looks fine for everyday productivity. The aluminum chassis is iconic and slim by 2017 standards, even if it is thicker than modern iMacs. macOS integration with iPhone and iPad still works well for basic Continuity features.
The hard drive is the single biggest limitation – boot times are noticeably slower than any SSD-based AIO, and app launches feel sluggish. The 7th-generation Intel Core i5 is dual-core, which is fine for basic tasks but struggles with anything modern. You cannot run the latest macOS versions on this hardware. The included keyboard and mouse are typically generic, not Apple branded.
For a strictly budget pick that still delivers the iMac experience, this renewed 2017 model earns its place in our lineup. Just set realistic expectations about performance.
Who the renewed 2017 iMac is right for
Households that want a Mac experience at the lowest possible price. Kids’ homework stations or guest-room computers. Buyers who only need basic web, email, and streaming.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want modern macOS support and faster performance, the renewed M1 iMac is a much better deal despite the higher price. Buyers who need SSD speed should avoid any HDD-based AIO. Anyone who plans to use the computer for 5+ years should consider a newer model.
How to Choose the Best All-in-One Computer for Your Home
Buying an AIO is a different decision than buying a traditional desktop tower because you cannot upgrade the display or swap components later. Here are the five factors our team weighed most heavily during testing, drawn from real questions we saw on r/computers, r/mac, and the Top Game Server community.
Display size and resolution
For most home offices, a 24-inch AIO is the sweet spot – large enough to have two windows side by side, small enough to fit on a kitchen counter. If you do a lot of creative work or want a more cinematic streaming experience, a 27-inch model gives you noticeably more screen real estate. Resolution matters more than size: look for at least 1080p on a 21-22 inch screen, 1080p or 1440p on a 24-inch, and 4K or 4.5K Retina on a 27-inch. The HP and Lenovo 24-inch models in our lineup all use IPS panels with 99 percent sRGB, which means colors look accurate for photo work.
Performance: chip and RAM
The chip inside your AIO determines how long the unit will feel fast. Apple M-series chips (M1 and M4) are power efficient and will stay responsive for many years. Intel N100 and N150 chips are budget-friendly and fine for everyday browsing, Office, and Zoom, but they will feel slow if you try to edit video or run multiple virtual machines. AMD Athlon is similar – fine for a family computer, not for power users. For RAM, 8GB is the bare minimum in 2026, 16GB is the new comfortable baseline, and 32GB is only needed for creative pros. The Lenovo 24 Pro and Dell 27 in our lineup ship with 16GB, which we recommend for most households.
Ports, peripherals, and connectivity
Check the ports before you buy because AIOs are harder to expand than towers. You want at least three or four USB-A ports, ideally one USB-C, HDMI-out for a second monitor, and an Ethernet jack for stable wired networking. Wi-Fi 6 or newer is worth having for future-proofing. Bluetooth 5.0 or newer keeps your wireless keyboard and mouse reliable. The included peripherals matter more than people think – the iMac ships with Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse, the Lenovo 24 Pro ships with wireless peripherals, while some budget models ship with wired mice that feel cheap.
Mac vs Windows AIO for home use
The choice between macOS and Windows is really about ecosystem and app needs. iMacs pair beautifully with iPhones and iPads through iPhone Mirroring, AirDrop, and Universal Clipboard, and the M-series chips deliver excellent battery-free performance. Windows AIOs offer more hardware variety, touchscreen options, and compatibility with the wider world of PC games and business software. If your household already lives inside Apple, the iMac M4 is the obvious pick. If you need Windows for work, school, or gaming flexibility, the Dell 27 or HP OmniStudio are strong starting points.
When NOT to buy an all-in-one computer
AIOs are not for everyone. If you want to upgrade your GPU or CPU in three years, buy a tower – AIO RAM is often soldered, storage upgrades are limited, and the GPU is almost always integrated. If you are a serious gamer, look at a dedicated gaming desktop with discrete graphics. If your screen ever fails, the entire unit is typically scrap because the display and motherboard are integrated. For households planning to keep a computer for 7+ years, consider whether a traditional desktop with a separate monitor would serve you better long-term. On r/computers, this is the single most common thread: “Should I get an AIO or a mini tower?” – and the honest answer for performance-focused users is usually the mini tower.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand of all-in-one computer is best?
Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo are the four most reliable AIO brands based on our testing and owner review analysis. Apple leads on display quality, build, and chip performance with the iMac M4. Dell wins on value and Windows-native features with the Dell 24 and 27 AIO lines. HP offers strong budget options and the OmniStudio lineup. Lenovo provides solid mid-range picks with bundled wireless peripherals. For most home users, brand choice comes down to ecosystem: pick Apple if you live on iPhone, pick Dell or HP if you need Windows.
Is it a good idea to buy an all-in-one computer?
Yes, an AIO is a good idea for home users who value clean desks, simple setup, and minimal cable clutter. An AIO combines the monitor and PC into one chassis, so you plug in one cable and start working. The trade-off is limited upgradeability – you cannot swap the GPU or CPU later, and a failed screen usually means replacing the whole unit. If you want a clean, modern setup and do not plan to upgrade components, an AIO is a smart buy. If you want long-term flexibility, a traditional desktop tower is better.
What is the lifespan of an all-in-one computer?
A well-built AIO typically lasts 5 to 8 years for home use. Apple iMacs tend to last longer because macOS support runs 7+ years, while Windows AIOs depend on component quality and how Microsoft supports the hardware. The display and motherboard are the most likely failure points, and either issue often means replacing the whole unit. To extend lifespan, choose at least 16GB of RAM, an SSD rather than HDD, and avoid overheating by keeping vents clear. Warranty and AppleCare coverage matter because AIO repairs are expensive.
Are all-in-one computers good for gaming?
Most AIOs are not designed for serious gaming because they ship with integrated graphics. The Apple iMac M4 with its 10-core GPU handles casual and Apple Arcade games well, and can run many modern titles at lower settings, but it is not a dedicated gaming machine. The 2020 27-inch iMac with the Radeon Pro 5300 is one of the stronger options for creative workflows that include some gaming. For modern AAA gaming at high settings, a dedicated gaming desktop with discrete graphics is a much better fit than any AIO on the market.
Can all-in-one computers have dual monitors?
Yes, most modern AIOs support at least one external display via HDMI-out or Thunderbolt. The iMac M4 can drive up to two external 6K displays. Windows AIOs in our lineup all have HDMI-out for one external monitor. The external monitor does not need to be the same size or brand. Some AIOs even have HDMI-in, which lets the unit double as a monitor for a game console or a future PC. If dual monitors are critical for your home office workflow, check the port specs before buying.
What are the main disadvantages of all-in-one computers?
The main disadvantages of AIOs are limited upgradability, higher cost than a comparable tower plus monitor, repair risks if the screen fails, and weaker graphics performance than dedicated gaming desktops. RAM and storage are often soldered or partially upgradable only. A failed screen typically means replacing the entire unit. Built-in speakers and bundled peripherals are usually mediocre. AIOs also run hotter than towers under sustained load because components are tightly packed behind the display. For users who want flexibility and repairability, a traditional desktop or mini tower is a better long-term choice.
The Right All-in-One for Your Home in 2026
After 90 days of testing 10 of the best all-in-one computers for home across a real household – kitchen counter, den, family study, and home office – our team’s clear winner is the Apple iMac M4. The combination of M4 chip performance, the 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, six-speaker Spatial Audio, and the slim aluminum chassis makes it the single most polished AIO you can buy today. For Windows households, the Dell 27-inch AIO is the best value pick thanks to its 16GB of DDR5 RAM, modern port selection, and sharp FHD IPS display. The HP 24-inch AIO with AMD Athlon remains the smartest budget choice for families who just need a reliable everyday computer.
If you already know which ecosystem you live in, the decision is easy: iPhone households should buy the iMac M4, Windows or Android households should start with the Dell 27 or the Lenovo 24 Pro. If you are still deciding, the buying guide above walks through the five factors our team weighs most heavily. Whatever you pick, an AIO is one of the cleanest, simplest ways to put a full-power desktop in your home without a tower taking over the desk – and that is exactly the freedom most households want in 2026.