Versatility is king when recommending a PC to all sorts of general users, and it doesn't get much more adaptable in the desktop space than the HP Envy Move. This all-in-one is designed to move around the home, with a lightweight design that includes a handle and self-deploying feet. It can be used in any room as needed with relative ease, thanks to the included keyboard with a built-in touchpad, and even an internal battery for a few hours off the charger. The Move includes a capable 13th Gen Intel processor, a bright 23.8-inch p display, and a decent webcam, so as to not diminish its capacity as a normal desktop. The reasonable pricing helps, too.
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If you're a casual, everyday user looking for an all-in-one desktop, you should be happy with this one. For those of you who may not make extensive use of the mobility, we'd still recommend it as an effective general-use AIO. For those who may want to move it around the house or office, it's painless to do so, and various family members can enjoy it for a range of tasks. Just note that the performance doesn't hit the higher end of some more potent AIOs, if that's what you need.
Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i5-U Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 TB All-in-One Screen Size 23.8 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution by All-in-One Screen Type IPS touch screen Graphics Card Intel Iris Xe Graphics Operating System Windows 11 Home Learn More HP Envy Move ReviewDell's Inspiron 24 nails the essentials at a lower price in the face of more versatile alternatives. This AIO features a broader array of connectivity than many, including USB-C, plus a sharp p webcam for video calls. Its adequate speed makes for an excellent home-entertainment-focused machine rather than a productivity hub, but it's also versatile enough for some light office work. We also appreciate how many ways Dell lets you configure this AIO above its low starting price before checkout. Still, our $799.99 test configuration is a decent mix of affordability and efficiency.
If you're looking for a home entertainment machine for the family room or den and you'd like to upgrade a bit from our budget pick, consider the Inspiron 24 . Not everyone may love the all-white design, but it's potentially less of an eye-sore in different environments than the classic black, and the legs are elegant, too. With its bigger display and better audio, this AIO is clearly aimed at families looking to have fun at the computer.
Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core 5-120U Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 GB All-in-One Screen Size 23.8 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution by All-in-One Screen Type IPS touch screen Graphics Card Intel Graphics Operating System Windows 11 HomeA beautiful 31.5-inch screen and Intel's 13th Gen Core i9 processor is enough to sell this high-end AIO. When you combine that with an elegant design, it's easy to see why it's our top pick. The 4K display is bright and spacious, and we found the performance more than good enough for this type of PC. It's the fastest, nicest AIO at this size for general and professional use.
If you work with a lot of windows, sheets, tabs, and generally multi-task quite a bit, you'll love the sharpness and digital real estate the display provides here. The processor ensures you won't see slowdown during that, also, but note that there is no discrete graphics option, potentially a dealbreaker for some users. If you have the physical space to fit this handsome AIO, it's a joy to use.
Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i9-H Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 GB All-in-One Screen Size 31.5 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution by All-in-One Screen Type IPS Graphics Card Intel Iris Xe Graphics Operating System Windows 11 Home GET IT NOWShades of the '90s gumdrop iMac live on in today's 24-inch iMac. Apple's current iMac comes in seven lively colors, from yellow to purple (with a matching mouse and keyboard in each box), so one is sure to fit the decor of any room in your abode. But it's not just a pretty face: The previous M3-based iMac line has been upgraded to Apple's M4 chip for speedy performance, while the 4.5K display and Center Stage webcam are first-class. As an added value for sticking with Apple, macOS's integration with your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch is unparalleled'now featuring iPhone mirroring on Macs.
Its ultra-thin flat panel makes the iMac the most fashionable all-in-one and a top choice for students or home-office entrepreneurs using the Apple ecosystem. Like most Apple wares, it's not cheap (starting at $1,299 with a skimpy 256GB of storage), but it remains an iconic home computer. You won't find a 27-inch option anymore, so this looks like the main iMac going forward.
Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Apple M4 (10-core) Processor Speed RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 1 TB All-in-One Screen Size 23.5 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution by All-in-One Screen Type IPS Graphics Card Apple M4 (10-core) Operating System Apple macOS SequoiaYou'll find a lot to like about this system for business users, from its slick design to the attractive price. A crisp 27-inch p touch display provides plenty of space for productivity, and the 13th Gen Core i5 processor is fast enough to keep you moving through multiple applications and tasks. That's all backed up by a robust supporting feature set: The webcam has a sharp picture, the stand can wirelessly charge your devices, the speakers deliver ample volume, and it all runs quietly. Our model was just $1,029 despite that, and it starts just under $1,000, providing some budget flexibility.
This machine has few downsides for average business use, well suited to lower-end to moderate professional demands. Most businesses favor traditional minitower or small-form-factor desktops because the computer and monitor can have separate lifespans, and they can sometimes drive more performance. However, offices choosing the AIO route will be thoroughly satisfied with the EliteOne 870 G9.
Desktop Class All-in-one Processor Intel Core i5- Processor Speed 2.5 GHz RAM (as Tested) 16 GB Boot Drive Type SSD Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested) 512 GB All-in-One Screen Size 27 inches All-in-One Screen Native Resolution by All-in-One Screen Type Touch Screen Graphics Card Intel UHD Graphics 770 Operating System Windows 11 ProSo, you just started shopping for an AIO. The first thing to look at (no pun intended) is the display'the centerpiece of any AIO. While some less-expensive AIO PCs will come with panels smaller than 23 inches, those are better suited to exceedingly cramped spaces such as classroom labs or dorm rooms. (Go much smaller than that, and you might as well just buy a big-screen laptop.) What you want is a display at least 23 inches on the diagonal'and larger is better if you can do it. The biggest all-in-ones we've seen to date have curved 34-inch screens.
With a screen 23 inches or larger, you're almost guaranteed a native resolution of at least 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (aka, full HD), and larger screens will go even higher. In many cases, that's up to 4K'3,840 by 2,160 pixels'for a conventionally shaped screen or 3,440 by 1,440 pixels on an ultra-wide display. High resolutions of that kind allow you to view multiple windows side by side or view a spreadsheet three to four pages wide. Indeed, if you're a multitasker, the more screen room, the better.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Though it's not a concern to those with 20/10 vision, a larger screen and a higher native resolution will let you increase the font size on your Word documents or Excel spreadsheets while still keeping a lot of information on the screen at one time. Desktop screens tend to be brighter than laptop displays in general, as well. Look for in-plane switching (IPS) technology for the best screen quality. IPS screens are inherently better at off-axis viewing, so you won't have to sit perfectly centered to see accurate colors and all the detail in your images.
To touch-screen or not to touch-screen'that is a question of personal preference. Modern Windows operating systems were designed with touch panels in mind, which makes interacting with your various applications as easy as ever. Although these can be fun and functional for families, a touch screen isn't 100% necessary for everyone, especially if you plan to use the all-in-one like a traditional computer. If you're looking at an Apple iMac all-in-one, on the other hand, the decision is made for you: macOS doesn't take advantage of touch screens, and no Macs include them.
(Credit: Brian Westover)Don't fret either way. Scrolling with a mouse or a touchpad will still be as quick as or quicker than on a touch screen because, with an AIO, you have to reach up to the screen, taking a hand off the keyboard or mouse. Selecting text for copying and pasting is easier with a mouse, too. If you fill out forms online and switch among text-entry boxes, pull-down menus, and checkboxes, you can quickly enter data with a keyboard and mouse.
If you're planning on using the touch screen at least 50% of the time, look for one of the handful of systems with screens that can recline down to horizontal or almost horizontal. This lets you use the system like a large tablet, so you don't have to hold your arm out constantly to use the touch screen. Think about using an ATM: The vertical screen is fine for a 90-second transaction, but it would become tiring after 10 minutes or more. It comes down to simple ergonomics.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Speaking of vertical orientation, the occasional AIO will come with a stand that lets you pivot the screen into a portrait orientation. Portrait mode lets you view content such as webpages and appropriately shaped pictures without wasting space on the sides of the screen. It's a boon for web developers and layout artists still working on print publications. If portrait mode is something you'd be interested in, make sure the system features auto-rotate; without it, you'll need to switch display settings every time you pivot the display. Portrait pivoting is far more common in stand-alone desktop monitors than in AIOs.
PC manufacturers are generally slower to update AIOs than their other products, so some of the units here are not necessarily running the newest generation of processors. When comparing CPUs in AIO PCs, a key distinction to make is whether the AIO uses a full-desktop CPU or a mobile one.
All else being equal, a full-desktop chip is preferable but not often deployed in an all-in-one due to space constraints. How to tell: Mobile chips from the likes of Intel will have "U," "H," or "HX" appended to the end of the chip model number. A desktop CPU will have no letter at the end, or perhaps "K" or "T." Most desktop AIOs will use Intel chips, as opposed to ones from rival AMD.
Most PCs have, by , adopted at least Intel 13th Generation ("Raptor Lake") processors, if not 14th Generation ("Raptor Lake Refresh"). We've yet to see an AIO with one of Intel's or AMD's new AI-ready chips (Intel's Core Ultra "Meteor Lake," "Lunar Lake," or "Arrow Lake," or AMD's "Strix Point"), but we expect that to change before long.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Other types of AIO, including extreme-budget Windows models and the handful of ChromeOS desktops that exist, may use less powerful chips, like those from Intel's Pentium line. Any modern processor will help edit photos or videos or run intensive media processes in the background while you work on several tasks in the foreground.
AMD's Ryzen chips have appeared in a few all-in-ones, in the form of Ryzen 5 and lower-powered Ryzen 3 processors. Some of our past top picks have been Ryzen models, and the company's chips turn up in some highly regarded, powerful laptops. We may also see Ryzen AI chips deployed in AIOs in the future. But in general, Intel CPUs dominate the AIO PC market.
Meanwhile, among Macs, Apple's 24-inch iMac was based on the Apple M1 processor, which was a harbinger of the iconic iMac's future. Sure enough, the iMac came equipped with the M3 chip, the iMac debuted with the M4, and these AIOs (and all Apple computers) will continue to run on Apple's homebrewed silicon for the foreseeable future.
(Credit: Brian Westover)An 8GB helping of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM should be the minimum amount of system memory you settle for. Although 4GB will work fine for the most basic tasks, you'll feel the pinch of such a low-spec computer. Having 8GB or 16GB will let you keep dozens of tabs open on your browser and still have room left over for a demanding program such as Photoshop. Plus, 16GB is the recommended minimum for professional content-creation use.
You won't see them in new models, but avoid traditional spinning hard drives, which are relatively slow at booting and loading apps. Insist on an AIO that uses a solid-state drive (SSD) as the boot drive. (Almost all now do.) If you keep all your files on a central network-attached storage (NAS) device or stored in the cloud, just about any SSD 500GB or larger should be sufficient. That's enough for the operating system and a handful of frequently used programs. Look for a boot drive of at least 1TB capacity if you store heaps of video on your PC. Videos clog up hard drives faster than just about any other file type.
You can have the best of both worlds with an all-in-one PC that boots from an SSD but has an additional spinning hard drive for storage, though that arrangement is rare nowadays. If you're a power user, look for at least a 256GB SSD boot drive and 1TB of supplemental hard drive storage. You'll need more storage (2TB to 4TB) if you keep your entire video, music, and photo collection on your AIO.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Adding an extra terabyte or so is also easy with an external drive. SSDs cost more per gigabyte than regular spinning hard drives, but SSDs boot up and wake from sleep so much faster than regular drives that we highly recommend them as boot drives. Unfortunately, some AIO PCs are hard or impossible to upgrade yourself, so make sure you get what storage you need at the start.
Because an all-in-one is, at its heart, a computer, it should have all the ports you expect to need during your day-to-day activities, particularly USB ports (in easy-to-access places, if at all possible). You may also want a dedicated Ethernet jack, though all-in-ones today all come with Wi-Fi support built-in, so you can easily hook up the system to the wireless network you already have in your home or office.
Also handy is an HDMI input port, which allows you to use the AIO as a discrete display for a separate PC, game console, or video source. This gives an AIO with a sharp display some potential usefulness years down the road as a stand-alone monitor when the PC portion inside becomes obsolete.
On the most basic level, one of the main reasons for choosing an AIO is that you don't need to buy separate parts in addition to your computer tower, like a monitor and speakers. All-in-one PCs represent exactly what the name implies: a complete desktop computer in one package, delivering a plug-and-play experience. Your screen and components are all tied up in one device, like a laptop, which takes up less of your desk or floor space than a desktop tower and monitor combination.
Even if you find a laptop you like with a roomy 16- or 18-inch screen, you'll need a strong back to carry it anywhere; 6 pounds and up, plus an AC adapter, is typical for machines like these. We suspect you won't travel with a true desktop-replacement machine like that all that much, and that could make even a small-screen AIO a viable stay-at-home alternative. And because AIO desktops are plugged in, you won't ever run out of battery power.
Because AIOs tend to use more powerful processors than many laptops do, all-in-one PCs will execute CPU-intensive tasks more rapidly, on the whole. Some 3D games will run better, too, thanks to the discrete graphics chips in some A-grade AIO PCs. To find AIOs with discrete chips, look for one of the very few (Microsoft's Surface Studio line is the rare example) graphics solutions dubbed GeForce RTX, as opposed to Intel Iris Xe, UHD, or HD Graphics, or AMD Radeon (no "RX") integrated graphics.
(Credit: Brian Westover)Other advantages? You can share the PC among family members, and use it to store centrally accessible photos, music, and videos. And a large, widescreen AIO PC makes for a fine videoconferencing system. Rather than having the family crowd around your iPad or a little laptop screen, seat them in front of a 27- or 34-inch AIO desktop so you're not subconsciously squeezing together to "fit on the screen." Plus, a large AIO screen is ideal for watching a movie from 5 or 6 feet away, so a couple in, say, a studio apartment could use a big-screen AIO as a TV in front of a small sofa or loveseat. Or, if you place the system in a central location, such as your kitchen counter, you can monitor your children when they're online.
But these PCs aren't just suitable for play. A few years back, Apple brought the AIO further into workstation territory with the iMac Pro. The starting price for this monster machine at launch was high at $5,000, but it packed a jaw-dropping amount of muscle: It had a 27-inch 5K screen and was configurable with up to an 18-core processor, 128GB of memory, and 4TB of solid-state storage. (Note that it is still for sale at this writing from non-Apple sources, usually used or as a refurbished model, but as of March , Apple discontinued it.)
This kind of muscle is usually found only in elite-grade tower PCs, but the best AIOs can rival a high-end desktop. Apple's homebrewed M-series chips in the latest iMacs mentioned earlier are pretty fast. While many Windows AIOs trend toward the budget side, you'll find some models with potent processing options, like the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8.
Of course, all-in-one designs come with some considerable limitations. If something goes wrong with the display, it's not as easy as swapping out the monitor, as you might with a standard PC tower setup. The screen is part of the package; the same goes for any component here. This is much closer to the laptop experience: When one part goes, it usually makes the system less usable overall. You're much more likely to buy an entirely new laptop or AIO when a part (or multiple parts) stops working well.
Sticking with the laptop comparison: While AIOs have bigger screens, you're giving up a lot of portability versus a laptop. AIOs are more portable than tower PCs, but you're unlikely to move your AIO once it's in place, apart from purpose-made models like the unique (and aptly named) HP Envy Move, shown below.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)Compared with standard desktops, PC towers tend to have a higher power ceiling than AIOs. Most all-in-ones employ higher-end laptop processors, given their slimmer design and limited cooling, so traditional desktops contain more power potential. High-end towers are a much better fit for intensive work, like CAD/CAM or scientific data processing, and this is doubly true on the graphics front. AIOs lack desktop-equivalent graphics cards because of size and thermal concerns; the very few that have discrete graphics at all opt for laptop-level mobile graphics chips. PC gamers will get far more value and satisfaction from a stand-alone tower (where they can swap out a graphics card) than from a fixed-config AIO PC with much weaker integrated graphics.
Crucially, all-in-one PCs lack the expandability of most towers, which is again related to their slimmer, more space-limited designs. This brings us to the next point.
Generally speaking, this is a highly restrictive aspect of owning an AIO compared with a traditional tower desktop. AIOs have much more in common with laptops; both may let you upgrade the memory or storage, at best. For some users, that's enough, but it's still not all that common for these mostly sealed designs. Like with laptops, memory or the SSD may be directly integrated or soldered onto the motherboard, meaning you're stuck with what you have. And CPU and graphics upgrades are a nonstarter.
End-user upgrades are just not a priority with AIO designs. Even if an AIO chassis does open up easily and its components are not soldered down, it's more like upgrading a laptop. An AIO may use mobile SO-DIMM RAM (possible to acquire, but not the same size as desktop RAM), and M.2 SSDs may be size-limited versus the full-size slots on most desktop motherboards.
With a traditional desktop tower, installing a graphics card into a system you originally purchased without one is at least an option (provided it has the space, the slot, and an adequate power supply). You'll never fit one in an AIO's interior, however. If substantial future upgrades are a priority or even a concern, an AIO is not the right pick. Get a tower-style desktop.
As mentioned above, AIOs function on more of a laptop lifecycle, since it's one complete package rather than discrete parts. Regardless, at minimum, you should still get several years of use out of your machine. As far as speed and performance do, modern processors are snappy as a baseline, so you should be set for the near future and should expect to get a minimum of three years out of your machine.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)For reasons outlined, though, it's often harder to fix when something goes wrong with an AIO's hardware than with a tower. (If your AIO display goes bad, it's not as easy as buying a new monitor, so hopefully, it's still under warranty if this happens.) With AIOs focused on business users, you'll find more support and longer warranties, like the three-year coverage for the HP EliteOne 870 G9. One- or two-year warranties are more common otherwise.
If you're lucky and you don't suffer component malfunction or damage, it comes back to speed and deprecation. If you're a power user, you may see sluggish performance after a few years, and if you hold on to an AIO for a truly long time'approaching a decade'the processor may no longer receive security patches, or Microsoft may drop support for the aging Windows version the PC shipped with.
By Dave Gershgorn
Dave Gershgorn is a writer covering monitors, laptops, and tablets. He is a certified display calibrator through the Imaging Science Foundation.
An all-in-one computer can be a great family PC or a centerpiece for a home office because the all-encompassing design helps you avoid a mess of display, power, and peripheral wires. However, all-in-ones typically cost more than a laptop or a mini PC plus a monitor, so keep in mind that you're paying more for that streamlined design.
Although the latest Apple 24-inch iMac with M4 processor is expensive, it offers the best combination of display quality, performance, and design for the price. For a less expensive alternative with a touchscreen, we also recommend the HP Envy Move. And if you want a bigger screen, the HP OmniStudio X is a versatile all-in-one with tons of ports and a large 4K display.
Apple's 24-inch iMac is fast and silent, and it looks great on a desk.
This touchscreen desktop is great for families or kids.
The OmniStudio X's big 4K display and variety of ports make it a perfect home computer.
Apple's 24-inch iMac is fast and silent, and it looks great on a desk.
Processor:M4 10-core CPUScreen:23.5-inch IPS, ×Graphics:M4 10-coreStorage:256 GBMemory:16 GBWebcam:12 megapixelsThe Apple 24-inch iMac is a streamlined all-in-one computer with a sleek, fanless design that doesn't sacrifice processing power. Its M4 processor is powerful enough for any general task, including writing documents, surfing the web, streaming media, and even doing some light coding or video editing. It also has a gorgeous, 4.5K-resolution display that's bright enough for use in any room, even sunny rooms where other screens might seem dark. And if you work next to a window, Apple's optional nano-texture display, previously found only on its professional monitors, is extremely good at cutting down reflections and glare. The iMac comes with the highest-quality mouse and keyboard of any all-in-one we've tested by far, and there are seven color options, so you can match your computer to your aesthetic. All of this quality comes at a price, though: The iMac costs hundreds of dollars more than Windows all-in-one options'but you do get what you pay for.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTThis touchscreen desktop is great for families or kids.
The HP Envy Move is a unique all-in-one that has a handle and built-in battery that lasts for about four hours, so you can easily move it around and set it up in different places in your home. Even if you don't use it to switch locations, it's a quick, solid-performing computer that's great for families or working from home. The Envy Move has a p touchscreen, which is a higher resolution than that of many competitors. And touch capability makes it easier to use around the house for watching videos or swiping through websites. It has USB-A, USB-C, and power ports, as well as an HDMI port for using it as a display for another computer or game console.
The OmniStudio X's big 4K display and variety of ports make it a perfect home computer.
The HP OmniStudio X is a great choice if you're looking for an all-in-one computer with a large display. That screen can come in handy when you're using it as a shared or family computer, as it's easier to see from across a room, but its HDMI-in port allows it to work as a TV or screen for a game system as well. A large screen also makes it easier for you to spread out applications and tabs, and you can configure the OmniStudio X with an Nvidia RTX graphics card if you need the juice. However, its 4K display does have a 60 Hz refresh rate, so it isn't the best for competitive or quick-twitch games.
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Featured content:I'm a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering computer monitors, laptops, tablets, and 3D printers. I'm a certified display calibrator through the Imaging Science Foundation, and I'm responsible for all of Wirecutter's computer monitor coverage.
For this guide:
An all-in-one computer combines a PC, monitor, speakers, and webcam into one streamlined device that has fewer cords and is typically a bit more aesthetically pleasing than a traditional desktop. As a result, an all-in-one often works well as a family computer in a kitchen or other shared space, an office computer at reception desks or service desks, or in areas that have limited outlets.
All-in-ones are also the simplest computers available. If you don't want to make a bunch of purchasing decisions on your computer, monitor, webcam, and peripherals, our top pick is a great computer that includes all of those components.
But if you don't mind making those purchases separately, it's more cost-effective to buy a mini PC and a monitor instead of an all-in-one. For instance, Apple's M4 Mac mini and our top-pick 27-inch monitor would together cost about $900 before tax, and they would provide far better performance than a budget all-in-one. You could even upgrade to a 4K monitor and still spend a few hundred dollars less in total than you would on the Apple iMac. Separate components are also easier to upgrade in the future, because the display or webcam isn't physically attached to a mini PC as in an all-in-one'though combining separate components involves more unruly wires and requires more power outlets.
Most all-in-ones aren't repairable, if that's important to you. Since the computer's components are packed tightly into the display, these machines are typically held together with glue and other bits of manufacturing trickery that make them difficult to open, clean, and fix.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA good all-in-one PC should have a nice-looking screen that's colorful and reasonably sharp, and it should be fast enough to handle web browsing, work and school assignments, and some light gaming in a pinch. We use the following criteria while sifting through the dozens of all-in-ones available from Acer, Apple, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and other PC makers:
To test each computer, we use each one for a couple of days of work. This process includes browsing the web and communicating through , Slack, and Discord, video-chatting over Zoom and Google Meet, and editing documents and other files. We run performance benchmarks and encode some video files to see how each computer would fare on heavier work, and we play a handful of older or less-demanding games (such as Fortnite, Bioshock Infinite, and Valorant) to get a sense of how each one would handle the sort of casual gaming that a family PC might be called upon to do.
Apple's 24-inch iMac is fast and silent, and it looks great on a desk.
Processor:M4 10-core CPUScreen:23.5-inch IPS, ×Graphics:M4 10-coreStorage:256 GBMemory:16 GBWebcam:12 megapixelsThe Apple 24-inch iMac is a fast, well-designed computer that comes in a bunch of fun color options. It has the same M4 processor that powers the company's MacBook Pro, Mac mini, and iPad Pro, and it has a few upgrades that make it worth buying. Apple has updated the webcam to a new 12-megapixel sensor that performs far better in low light than previous iMac cameras. This model also has a gorgeous high-resolution display, so text is crisp and clear while you're working, and it's great for watching movies or TV shows. The optional nano-textured display is very effective at diffusing glare rather than reflecting it back at you, and worth considering if you work near a window and struggle with reflections on your screen. And the iMac comes in seven colors: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple.
The iMac is more expensive than other all-in-ones, but it offers an outsized value. Many competitors try to build their all-in-ones to compete against budget monitors and budget PCs, which give you low-resolution displays and underpowered processors. Apple's version of an all-in-one is more expensive, but its combination of a high-resolution display, a quiet processor, and modern design makes it far more pleasurable to use. We recommend buying the version powered by the 10-core M4 processor as opposed to the cheaper eight-core model because the pricier iMac offers four USB-C ports instead of two, support for two external monitors instead of one, Gigabit Ethernet, a keyboard with Touch ID, and the option to upgrade to the nano-textured display.
The iMac's screen is incredibly sharp. The iMac's 24-inch display has a 4.5K resolution, which makes applications, icons, text, images, and video look crisp and clear. The display also gets bright enough for use in sunny rooms or around bright lights, since the screen can emit up to 500 nits of brightness. The M4 model offers a new nano-textured display option, which isn't a coating but different glass that is made to diffuse, rather than reflect, external light. It's very effective, significantly cutting down on visible reflections. iMac screens are already very bright, which helps battle the light of the sun, so we recommend getting the upgraded glass only if you're already annoyed by glare or reflections on your screen. The one downside is that, with this screen's maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz, this all-in-one computer isn't meant for serious gaming.
It runs on Apple's M4 processor. The iMac runs on Apple's M4 chip, which is powerful enough to handle basic computing tasks such as web browsing, streaming, and light video editing and doesn't generate a lot of heat. In our tests, the 10-core processor we recommend didn't balk at opening dozens of tabs, streaming audio and video, or editing media.
You can add more RAM and storage, but the basic package is likely enough. The iMac configuration we recommend includes 16 GB of RAM and a 256 GB solid-state drive for storing files. Apple has upgraded the base memory on most Macs to 16 GB, which we think is enough for most people. . However, if your current computer is using more than 150 GB to 200 GB of storage, upgrading to a 512 GB drive or investing in an external hard drive for extra storage would be worthwhile.
The iMac's built-in webcam represents a serious step up from previous iMacs and MacBooks. The iMac's new 12-megapixel webcam looks far sharper and has more dynamic range than the p webcams found in the last-gen iMac and MacBooks. The camera has a really wide angle, and we found that it looks best when used with Apple's Center Stage software, which automatically crops the image to better frame your face in a video call. You can activate Center Stage anytime the camera is in use, on the right side of the macOS menu bar, along with automatically blurring or swapping your background. Center Stage can look a little goofy sometimes if you move your head around when you talk, but generally the results are a welcome improvement over those of the previous webcam.
The iMac we recommend has more ports and connects to more monitors. We recommend the iMac with a 10-core M4 processor, which comes with four USB-C ports capable of Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. This version also supports up to two external monitors, whereas the base-model version supports only one external monitor. If you plan on using the computer for basic tasks, with few accessories and no external monitor, and if you are going to connect the computer over Wi-Fi and don't need the nano-texture display, the eight-core version will almost certainly be enough.
It ships with premium accessories. The iMac comes with Apple's Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard, which are by far the best accessories shipped with any all-in-one we've tested. Most all-in-one manufacturers bundle in comparatively cheap and dinky peripherals, which we recommend replacing immediately. By contrast, the Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard are high-quality, feel great to use, and will last for years. These accessories certainly factor into the iMac's high cost, but Apple's decision to include about $180 worth of peripherals goes a long way toward ensuring that your experience with the computer is great from the first time you boot it up. The 10-core M4 model of the iMac comes with a keyboard with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which is a nice quality-of-life upgrade over having to type your password all the time.
It's expensive. Buying a mini PC and a nice monitor would be cheaper. But if you specifically want a high-quality computer with the aesthetics and simple design of an all-in-one, you don't have many other great options. Competing all-in-ones generally have far worse screens, processors that require loud fans, and junky peripherals.
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The HP Envy Move puts a fresh spin on the traditional all-in-one computer, with a handle and battery so you can unplug it from the wall, safely pick it up, and use it in a different room for a few hours. Though it sounds a little gimmicky at first, we found that this really did make the computer more flexible and useful. Even if you don't move it, we think the Envy Move is a solid budget option due to its display, speakers, and webcam.
It has a sharp and responsive touchscreen display. The Envy Move has a 24-inch p display, while most competitors only offer a p display for a similar price. It can reach 300 nits of brightness, which is bright enough for home use but won't look very bright in full, direct sunlight. It's also a 10-point touchscreen, which we found was responsive and worked well. However, the display has a glossy finish, so you'll want to keep a microfiber cloth in the computer's back pocket to wipe it down.
It's the rare desktop PC that has a battery, which is useful. The built-in battery allows you to unplug the computer from the wall and take it with you into another room for about four hours. We found that the portability was actually pretty helpful in certain situations, like setting it on the coffee table and doing a video call with friends from the couch.
It has a back pocket to hold the included keyboard. The keyboard that comes with the Envy Move has a trackpad built in, and we were comfortable using it at a desk or on the couch. The computer has a large back pocket to hold the keyboard when it's not in use, and you could also stuff a cable or dongle in there, too.
The unique design features automatically extending feet. When you pick up the Envy Move, its two feet rotate under the computer to stow themselves. When the feet are stowed, two small pins extend from the bottom of the computer; they get pushed back in by the weight of the computer when you place it down, deploying the feet. The mechanism works really well on hard surfaces, but it doesn't work on carpet, since it's too soft to fully press the pins and deploy the legs. The whole computer tilts backward a few degrees, but not forward or not far enough that we found it comfortable to use while sitting in front of it on the floor.
It's powerful enough to get work done. The setup we recommend has an Intel Core i5-U processor and 16 GB of RAM, which is more than enough for surfing the web and working on documents, even while taking video calls. It's also capable of some casual photo and video editing. A 256 GB hard drive will be enough for documents, pictures, and some home video, but you'll want to back anything important up in the cloud or on a portable SSD.
The webcam, microphone, and speakers are all great. HP has upgraded the webcam on nearly all of its computers to 5-megapixel resolution, which looks great in most lighting situations. The webcam also has a physical privacy shutter. And we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the Envy Move's speakers, which are better than most on all-in-ones or monitors. The sound has really nice clarity, as well as discernible bass, mids, and treble; that might not sound impressive, but most monitors we test don't meet that low threshold.
It's got a few basic ports. The Envy Move has one USB-C and one USB-A, located on the left side of the computer. They're a bit cramped in the bottom corner, and bulky accessories might not fit in the space between the port and your desk. But since the keyboard and touchpad are wireless, and what most people will be using most of the time, we don't think it's a dealbreaker. There's an HDMI input and power jack on the right side, along with a button to switch between the internal computer and that HDMI.
The OmniStudio X's big 4K display and variety of ports make it a perfect home computer.
The HP OmniStudio X has a larger, higher-resolution display than our other two picks, which offers more flexibility in how you can use the computer but also demands more desk space. The 31.5-inch 4K display is bright and sharp, ideal for watching movies or TV from a couch in your home office or just spreading out browser tabs and applications when you're working on a complicated project. You can also upgrade the OmniStudio X with an Nvidia RTX graphics card, which makes it much better for video editing or light gaming.
It's built around a large, bright 4K display. The OmniStudio's 31.5-inch display is far larger than those of our other picks, and its size will make it the centerpiece of your desk. As a result, it's too big for a work nook you might have set up during the pandemic or other smaller desks. But it's an especially great choice if you use your desktop PC as a TV to watch shows or movies. In our tests the OmniStudio X reached 500 nits of brightness, which is bright enough for use in a sunny office environment. The display's refresh rate is only 60 Hz, similar to that of many TVs, so this model isn't the best for first-person shooters or other quick-twitch games. But casual gamers who otherwise play games on 60 Hz TVs wouldn't notice any difference.
It's ready for Windows's AI features. The Intel Core Ultra 7 processor that we recommend comes with one of Intel's first AI chips, which speeds up the AI features that Microsoft has been continually adding to Windows. A few of the current features include text summaries and image generation in Paint. The OmniStudio X's Core Ultra 7 processor is also good at everyday tasks: We had no issue working on multiple documents and applications at the same time, and we worked with up to 30 open tabs without seeing significant slowdown.
It can be configured with more graphics power. We recommend a version of the OmniStudio X without an additional graphics card, but HP offers an option to add an Nvidia RTX if you play a lot of games, edit video, or work with large AI models. This provides much better graphics performance, but gamers should keep in mind that it doesn't change the 60 Hz refresh rate of the display.
It has a great selection of ports. The OmniStudio X has two USB-C ports, four USB-A ports, HDMI ports in and out, an Ethernet port, a headphone jack, and a power jack. One USB-C port is located on the side of the OmniStudio X's stand for easy access, while the other is on the back of the device and also supports sending or receiving video. That means you can use that USB-C port to plug a laptop into the OmniStudio X and use the 31.5-inch display as a second monitor or use the OmniStudio X as your main computer and plug it into a second monitor.
It has a pop-up webcam. Pressing down on the top of the OmniStudio X reveals a pop-up webcam, the same 5-megapixel webcam that we've liked in previous HP laptops and all-in-ones. The webcam's image is sharp and works well even in relatively low light, and the pop-up mechanism isn't motorized, so there's less potential for failure.
It has the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology. The OmniStudio X has the latest wireless cards possible, supporting Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. You can take advantage of those capabilities only if you have a Wi-Fi 7 router, which is still expensive, or recently released devices with Bluetooth 5.4. However, their presence helps future-proof the computer for when they become more common.
It has an adjustable stand. Unlike our previous upgrade pick, this Windows all-in-one has an adjustable stand that allows you to change the height and tilt of the display. You can't rotate the monitor, however.
You might want to upgrade the peripherals. The keyboard and mouse that come with the OmniStudio X are aggressively fine, similar to the basic keyboards you most often see in schools, libraries, and hotel lobbies. The mice and keyboards we recommend are more comfortable and have more features.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTHere's what to look for if you're shopping for a budget all-in-one.
First, make every effort to see the computer in person. Stores such as Best Buy, Costco, and Walmart have display setups of their computers, so you can see firsthand whether you like the PC. You likely won't be able to test how fast the PC is or how well games run on it, but you can check other important factors. Look at the screen and determine whether it seems sharp enough for you to read small text. Check if the audio is playing, or if you can play a YouTube video to check the sound: Is it tinny, or does music sound natural to you? See if you can use the computer's webcam to confirm that it's sharp enough for you to make a video call; typically you can check the camera by opening the Start menu on Windows and finding the Camera application.
When it comes to specifications, we recommend a midrange Intel Core Ultra processor. You can identify a processor by its model number, which should start with 'Ultra 5' or 'Ultra 7.' Don't buy anything with a model number like i5- (an older processor), i5- (an even older processor), or i3- (a recent processor, but in a lower range).
The computer should also have at least 16 GB of RAM and at least 256 GB of storage, and the screen resolution should be at least p. The webcam's resolution should also be p at a minimum.
We saw a few interesting all-in-one PCs at the CES technology trade show, including a new version of the HP OmniStudio X, our current top pick for an AIO with a large display.
HP's new OmniStudio X is built around Intel's latest Core Ultra 7 processors, an upgrade that makes it a Microsoft Copilot+ PC capable of the AI features now built into many Windows applications. We've seen Qualcomm make great strides in its compatibility with Windows applications in recent months, so we're looking forward to testing the processors again. The OmniStudio X will come in 31.5-inch or 27-inch sizes, but we'd only recommend the 4K version of the 27-inch model, rather than the cheapest p screen available. The 27-inch model will start at $1,150 (for the p display), and the 31.5-inch model comes with a 4K display and starts at $1,500. No release date has been announced.
Acer also announced two Aspire S AI all-in-ones, which will come in 24- and 27-inch sizes. Both will have Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors. The 24-inch version will come with a p resolution display, while the 27-inch version will have p or 4K options. Both will also have the option to upgrade to a touchscreen. The 24-inch version will start at $1,200 and the 27-inch version will start at $1,300. Both are expected to go on sale in the second quarter of this year.
We look forward to testing all of these AIOs when they become available.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTDave Gershgorn
What I CoverI am based in Seattle and responsible for Wirecutter's computer monitor coverage, as well as all our guides to Apple laptops and desktops. I also review higher-powered laptops, such as business laptops and laptops for photo and video editing. Plus, I write our reviews for all-in-one computers, ergonomic keyboards, and home 3D printers. If it has a screen, sits on a desk, and isn't a basic Windows ultrabook, I'm usually the person to try it out.
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