If you want a full-size desktop in 2026 – a proper tower or a big all-in-one – this guide is for you. These are the machines with the performance, screen size, and upgrade room that mini PCs cannot match, and we focused on models you can actually buy new on Amazon right now. We narrowed the field to seven winners across towers and all-in-ones, for every budget and workload.
Towers still give you the most power per dollar and the freedom to add memory, storage, or a graphics card down the road. All-in-ones fold a large, sharp screen and the whole computer into one tidy unit. Whether you need a workhorse for the office, a creator rig with a real GPU, or a clean all-in-one for the home, there is a pick here for you. This guide is built around work, productivity, and creative use.
Already sorting out the rest of your setup? Pair any desktop here with our picks in the Best Home Office Monitors for 2026 and Best Home Office Printers for 2026 guides – and if you also need a portable machine, see the Best Business Laptops for 2026. Want something smaller? See our Best Mini PCs for 2026.
QUICK PICKS – BEST DESKTOP COMPUTERS 2026
- Best overall: Dell ECT1250 Tower – current Core Ultra 5, Win 11 Pro, room to grow
- Best business: HP ProDesk SFF 400 G9 – 20-core Core i7-14700
- Best for power & creators: NIMO RTX 5060 Tower – real GeForce RTX graphics
- Best budget tower: HP Pavilion Desktop – full-size and upgradeable
- Best all-in-one: HP 27-inch All-in-One – Core Ultra 7, touch, Win 11 Pro
- Best premium all-in-one: Lenovo IdeaCentre 27 – 100Hz touchscreen
- Best Mac: Apple iMac M4 24-inch – gorgeous 4.5K screen
Which desktop is right for you?
| If you are… | Get this | Form factor |
|---|---|---|
| Buying one current full-size tower with room to grow | Dell ECT1250 Tower | Tower |
| Outfitting a business and want serious CPU power | HP ProDesk SFF 400 G9 | Small form factor |
| Editing video, creating, or gaming | NIMO RTX 5060 Tower | Tower |
| Watching the budget but want a full-size tower | HP Pavilion Desktop | Tower |
| Wanting a clean all-in-one with a big touchscreen | HP 27-inch All-in-One | All-in-one |
| Wanting a premium all-in-one with a fast screen | Lenovo IdeaCentre 27 | All-in-one |
| In the Apple ecosystem and want a great screen | Apple iMac M4 24-inch | All-in-one |
All seven desktops compared
Star ratings reflect our editorial assessment for work, productivity, and creative use. Prices change often, so tap through to Amazon to confirm the current price and configuration before you buy.
| # | Photo | Desktop | Key specs | Our rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Dell ECT1250 TowerBest Overall | Tower · Core Ultra 5 225 · 16GB DDR5 · 512GB SSD · Win 11 Pro | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
| 2 |  | HP ProDesk SFF 400 G9Best Business | SFF · Core i7-14700 · 16GB DDR5 · 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD · Win 11 | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
| 3 |  | NIMO RTX 5060 TowerBest for Power | Tower · Core i5-14400F · RTX 5060 · 16GB DDR5 · 1TB SSD | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
| 4 |  | HP Pavilion DesktopBest Budget Tower | Tower · Core i7-11700F · 16GB · 512GB SSD · GT 610 | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
| 5 |  | HP 27-inch All-in-OneBest All-in-One | All-in-one · 27\” touch · Core Ultra 7 · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Win 11 Pro | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
| 6 |  | Lenovo IdeaCentre 27Best Premium AiO | All-in-one · 27\” 100Hz · Core i7-13620H · 16GB · 1TB SSD · Win 11 Pro | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
| 7 |  | Apple iMac M4 24-inchBest Mac | All-in-one · 24\” 4.5K · Apple M4 · 16GB · 512GB · macOS | ★★★★★ | Check price ↗ |
Best desktop computers of 2026 – full reviews
1. Dell ECT1250 Tower – Best Overall Desktop
- Intel Core Ultra 5-225 10-Core 3.30 GHz Processor (20MB Intel Smart Cache, Turbo Boost up to 4.90 GHz), Intel AI Boost N…
- 16GB DDR5 5600 MHz Memory, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive, AI Copilot, Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Intel UHD Graphics, MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 MT7920, 2×2, 802.11ax, MU-MIMO, Bluetooth 5.4 Wireless, Gigabit Ethernet
Who should buy it: most people who want one current, full-size tower with Windows 11 Pro, AI-ready silicon, and room to add storage later. Who should skip it: anyone who needs a discrete graphics card for heavy creative work or gaming (see the NIMO below).
Key strengths: Current Intel Core Ultra 5, 16GB DDR5, a fast 512GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, and Windows 11 Pro in an upgradeable tower. Key weaknesses: Integrated graphics only.
✓ Pros
- Current Core Ultra 5 with AI Copilot
- 16GB DDR5 and a fast 512GB NVMe SSD
- Windows 11 Pro and Wi-Fi 6
- Full-size tower with room to upgrade
- Keyboard and mouse included
✗ Cons
- Integrated graphics, no discrete GPU
- No monitor included
- Functional, plain styling
2. HP ProDesk SFF 400 G9 – Best Business Desktop
- 【Powerful Intel Core i7-14700 Performance】Powered by the latest Intel Core i7-14700 processor with 20 cores and 28 threa…
- 【Business-Ready Speed and Reliability】Equipped with 16GB DDR5 memory and a 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD + 1TB HDD, ensuring quick…
- 【Compact Small Form Factor Design】The space-saving SFF chassis fits easily into modern offices while maintaining strong …
Who should buy it: businesses and power users who want a serious 20-core Core i7 in a compact, manageable case with lots of storage. Who should skip it: anyone who wants a discrete GPU or a smaller machine. If your team also works on the road, pair it with a pick from our Best Business Laptops for 2026.
Key strengths: Powerful 20-core Core i7-14700, 16GB DDR5, a 256GB SSD plus a 1TB HDD, Type-C, and Wi-Fi. Key weaknesses: Small boot SSD and limited room for a large GPU.
✓ Pros
- Powerful 20-core Core i7-14700
- 16GB DDR5 memory
- 256GB SSD plus a 1TB HDD for storage
- Type-C, DisplayPort, HDMI, and Wi-Fi
- Compact, manageable business case
✗ Cons
- Smaller 256GB boot SSD
- Limited room for a large GPU
- No monitor included
3. NIMO RTX 5060 Tower – Best for Power & Creators
- 【Next-Gen RTX 5060 Graphics for Gaming & AI Creation】Built with the latest Blackwell architecture and ultra-fast 8GB GDD…
- 【14th Gen Intel i5 Processor for Elite Gaming & Multitasking】Powered by the Intel Core i5-14400F with 10 cores, 16 threa…
- 【16GB DDR5 RAM & 1TB NVMe SSD for Seamless Multitasking】Equipped with ultra-fast 16GB dual-channel DDR5 memory and a 1TB…
Who should buy it: creators, video editors, and anyone who needs real graphics power for demanding work or gaming. Who should skip it: light office users who do not need a graphics card.
Key strengths: A dedicated GeForce RTX 5060, a current Core i5-14400F, 16GB DDR5, a 1TB SSD, and a roomy tower with strong cooling. Key weaknesses: Overkill for basic office work and a larger footprint.
✓ Pros
- Dedicated GeForce RTX 5060 graphics
- Current Core i5-14400F processor
- 16GB DDR5 and a 1TB SSD
- Great for editing, creative work, and gaming
- Roomy tower with strong cooling
✗ Cons
- More power than light office work needs
- Larger and louder than an all-in-one
- No monitor included
4. HP Pavilion Desktop – Best Budget Tower
- ⚡ POWERFUL 8-CORE INTEL i7-11700F PROCESSOR – 2.5GHz base frequency up to 4.9GHz turbo boost with 16MB cache delivers ex…
- 💼 BUSINESS & HOME OFFICE READY – 16GB DDR4 RAM handles demanding professional workloads with ease. Financial analysts ca…
- 🎮 GEFORCE GT 610 2GB GRAPHICS + ENTERTAINMENT – Dedicated graphics card enables smooth dual-monitor setups for expanded …
Who should buy it: budget buyers who still want a full-size, upgradeable tower with a real Core i7 and a basic graphics card. Who should skip it: anyone who needs the newest CPU or strong graphics.
Key strengths: A full-size, upgradeable tower with a Core i7, 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, and Wi-Fi 6 at a friendly price. Key weaknesses: Older 11th-gen CPU and an entry-level GT 610 GPU.
✓ Pros
- Affordable full-size, upgradeable tower
- Core i7 with 16GB and a 512GB SSD
- Wi-Fi 6 and USB Type-C
- Room to add storage or a better GPU later
- Solid everyday performance
✗ Cons
- Older 11th-gen processor
- Basic GT 610 graphics
- Ships with Windows 11 Home
5. HP 27-inch All-in-One – Best All-in-One
- [27″ FHD (1920×1080) Touch Display]: 27″ diagonal, FHD (1920 x 1080), touch, IPS, three-sided micro-edge, anti-glare, 30…
- [Processor]: Intel Core Ultra 7 255U Processor (12 Cores, 14 Threads, 12MB Intel Smart Cache, Base at 1.2 GHz, Up to 5.2…
- [Memory&Storage]: 16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB Solid …
Who should buy it: anyone who wants a big, clean Windows all-in-one with a touchscreen and lots of storage in one purchase. Who should skip it: those who want to reuse an existing monitor or need a discrete GPU. Pair it with our Best Home Office Printers for 2026 to finish the desk.
Key strengths: A large 27-inch touchscreen, a current Core Ultra 7 with an NPU, 16GB DDR5, a roomy 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro. Key weaknesses: Integrated graphics and no upgradeability.
✓ Pros
- Large 27-inch FHD touchscreen
- Current Core Ultra 7 with an AI NPU
- 16GB DDR5 and a roomy 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Pro, keyboard and mouse included
- Tidy one-cable setup
✗ Cons
- Integrated graphics
- Not upgradeable
- Cannot reuse an existing monitor
6. Lenovo IdeaCentre 27 – Best Premium All-in-One
- [27-Inch Touchscreen with Smooth Visual Experience] The 27-inch Full HD touchscreen with a 100Hz refresh rate provides c…
- [Uncompromising Performance] Powered by Intel Core i7-13620H processor (10 Cores, 16 Threads, 24MB L3 Cache, 2.4GHz base…
- [Ultra-Fast DDR5 & Gen4 SSD] Experience a new level of responsiveness with 16GB of high-speed DDR5 memory, offering sign…
Who should buy it: those who want a premium Windows all-in-one with a fast 100Hz touchscreen and a wireless charging base. Who should skip it: budget buyers or anyone who wants macOS.
Key strengths: A sharp 27-inch 100Hz touchscreen, a capable Core i7-13620H, 16GB DDR5, a 1TB SSD, and Windows 11 Pro with a charging base. Key weaknesses: Premium price and integrated graphics.
✓ Pros
- Sharp 27-inch 100Hz touchscreen
- Capable Core i7-13620H
- 16GB DDR5 and a 1TB SSD
- Windows 11 Pro
- Wireless keyboard, mouse, and charging base
✗ Cons
- Premium price
- Integrated graphics
- Not upgradeable
7. Apple iMac M4 24-inch – Best Mac Desktop
- BRILLLLLLIANT — iMac is the ultimate all-in-one desktop computer, powered by the M4 chip and built for Apple Intelligenc…
- FITS PERFECTLY IN YOUR SPACE — The all-in-one desktop design is strikingly thin, comes in seven vibrant colors, and elev…
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that helps you write, express your…
Who should buy it: home offices and creatives who want a gorgeous screen and a single-cable setup. Who should skip it: anyone who needs Windows, or who wants to reuse an existing monitor. If you would rather have a laptop, see the Best MacBook Air M5 for Business.
Key strengths: A superb 4.5K screen and quiet M4 speed in a one-cable design. Key weaknesses: Premium price and no upgradeability.
✓ Pros
- Gorgeous 4.5K Retina display included
- Fast, silent M4 performance
- One-cable, clutter-free setup
- Excellent webcam, speakers, and mics for calls
- Strong resale value and long support
✗ Cons
- Pricier than a comparable Windows all-in-one
- Not upgradeable
- macOS only
How to choose a desktop computer in 2026
A few things matter more than raw specs when you are buying a full-size desktop for work. Here is how to choose.
Tower or all-in-one
Full-size towers give you the most performance per dollar and the most room to upgrade memory, storage, and graphics. All-in-ones build the computer into a large screen for the cleanest desk and a great display in a single purchase. Small-form-factor desktops sit in between – compact but still a real desktop. Pick the shape that fits your space and your upgrade plans.
Processor and graphics
For 2026, a current mid-range chip – Intel Core Ultra 5, Core i7, or Apple M4 – is the sweet spot for productivity. You only need a discrete graphics card like a GeForce RTX for video editing, 3D, or gaming; for office work, integrated graphics are fine. AI PC chips add an NPU that accelerates Copilot+ and on-device AI.
Memory and storage
Get 16GB of RAM. It is the realistic floor for a machine you will keep a few years, and it is what every pick here includes. For storage, a 512GB SSD suits most people; choose 1TB if you keep lots of local files, photos, or video. A tower lets you add more drives later.
Screen and ports
All-in-ones include the display, so check the size and whether it is a touchscreen. Towers need a separate monitor, which lets you choose your own. Either way, confirm the machine has enough USB ports, the video outputs your monitors need, and modern Wi-Fi.
Windows or macOS
Choose Windows 11 (Pro if you need business management and security) for the widest software and hardware compatibility. Choose macOS if you are in the Apple ecosystem or want the quiet efficiency of Apple silicon. Both handle Microsoft 365, Zoom, Slack, and the web equally well.
Budget
A capable full-size tower with 16GB and an SSD starts around the price of our budget pick. Spend more for a faster chip, a discrete GPU, a premium all-in-one screen, or extra storage – not for things you will not use.
Frequently asked questions
Tower or all-in-one – which should I buy?
Choose a tower if you want the most performance per dollar and the ability to upgrade later. Choose an all-in-one if you want a clean desk and a great screen built in. Both handle office and home work easily; only creative and gaming workloads really push you toward a tower with a graphics card.
Do I need a graphics card?
Only for demanding work. Video editing, 3D, AI workloads, and gaming benefit from a discrete GPU like a GeForce RTX. For documents, email, browsing, and video calls, the integrated graphics in every pick here are plenty.
How much RAM do I need?
16GB is the right baseline for a desktop you will keep for years. 8GB feels tight quickly in 2026; 32GB or more helps for heavy multitasking, large media projects, or demanding creative work.
Mac or Windows for business?
Windows 11 Pro is the safe choice for compatibility and IT management. macOS is excellent if you are in the Apple ecosystem and do not rely on Windows-only software. Everyday business apps run well on both.
Do these desktops come with a monitor?
The all-in-ones (HP, Lenovo, and the iMac) include the screen. The towers do not, which lets you choose your own monitor and reuse what you have. Most towers here include a keyboard and mouse.
How we select products
We research current desktops across every major form factor and brand, and prioritize models that are genuinely in stock as new listings on Amazon so the links you click lead to the product you read about. We focus on the needs of real buyers – home offices, remote workers, small businesses, creators, and IT teams. We do not accept payment for placement; we may earn a commission when you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Related SmartTechBuying guides
- Best Mini PCs for 2026
- Best Business Laptops for 2026
- Best Home Office Monitors for 2026
- Best Home Office Printers for 2026
Coming soon: our Best Home Office Setups of 2026 guide.