Anyone who’s ever watched an episode of Black Mirror should know already just how integral it is that you choose the best computer for your needs. One wrong move and you could end up reviving, and falling in love with, an AI simulation of a deceased loved one. This is why we’ve taken the opportunity to create a list of the best PCs you can buy in 2018. Computers aren’t as simple as they used to be, and they just keep advancing at a lightning pace.
In 2018, you can get a wide range of computers from desktops like that one in your parents’ study that’s running something far older than Windows 10 to more innovative and groundbreaking computers. All in one PCs, for example, are extremely popular these days due to their space-saving attributes, and even though upgrading them is a bit of a hassle, mini PCs are becoming more and more compelling by the minute.
All we’re trying to say here is that the best computers aren’t always going to be as one-dimensional as ‘the most powerful computer’ or ‘the most expensive computer’. When we created this list we approached every computer here with the belief that the best computers will strive to strike a balance between price and performance. And with this balance in mind, we tested and reviewed every single PC we could get your hands on in order to find the best computers available in 2018. No matter what your needs are, we’re confident you’ll find the best computer for you below.
Best PC: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition
Don’t be fooled, this mainstream machine is a gaming PC at heart
CPU: : Intel Core i5 – Core i7 | Graphics: : AMD Radeon RX 580 – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Storage: 256GB SSD; 1TB HDD – 512GB SSD; 2TB HDD
Full online customer supportCompact, minimalist design
Starting memory isn't ideal for VR
Lower graphical performance compared to rivals
For lack of a better word, the Dell XPS Tower Edition is stealthy. Looking quite similar to that old computer that your parents had hidden beneath the desk, this boring exterior belies an exciting array of components. Inside you’ll find your choice of the latest in GPU tech, in addition to a blazing-fast 7th generation Intel CPU and a spacious hard drive and/or SSD. Now, the Special Edition is only available in the US, but our readers in the UK and Australia will still be able to buy the regular Dell XPS Tower and beef it up to the same level through Dell’s configuration page.
Best all-in-one PC: Microsoft Surface Studio
The art kid’s dream computer in a metallic nutshell
CPU: : Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: : Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M – 980M | RAM: : 8GB – 32GB | Storage: : 64GB SSD; 1TB HDD – 128GB SSD; 2TB HDD
Impeccable build qualityThe best digital drawing board
All rearward ports
Pricey proposition for most
The Microsoft Surface Studio is one of the most glamorous PCs you can buy. It shakes up the all-in-one formula of putting all the components behind the screen, and instead moves everything to the base. The resulting device has one of the thinnest 28-inch PixelSense Displays that puts even most 4K screens to shame. What’s more, the fully-articulating stand makes it a versatile tool for work and play with Surface Pen support. All in all, the Surface Studio is an exceptional work of, and for, art.
Best mini PC: Zotac Magnus EN1060
A VR-ready micro-machine
CPU: : Intel Core i5-6400T | Graphics: : Nvidia GTX 1060 (6GB GDDR5 VRAM) | RAM: N/A | Storage: N/A
Powerful and smallWhisper quiet
Requires some assembly
Limited upgradability
The Zotac Magnus EN1060 is practically as small as the Apple Mac Mini, but it’s an exponentially more powerful gaming PC, potent enough to drive virtual reality experiences. Thanks to its small size and understated features, users can place this mini PC under an entertainment center and it won’t draw attention to itself. Keep in mind, though, this system doesn’t come with storage or RAM pre-installed, not to mention it lacks an operating system, so interested users will need buy these components and software separately.
Best gaming PC: Alienware Aurora R6
Great gaming performance without breaking the bank
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 560 – Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Storage: 1TB – 2TB HDD, 256GB - 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD, 2TB HDD
Distinct case designEasy to upgrade
Partially obstructed cooling
The Alienware Aurora R6 is an excellent gaming PC that offers brilliant performance in a conveniently compact body. The affordable price is pretty great as well, considering the power on offer and users itching for upgrades will have room to pick up a second graphics card, plus more RAM and storage.
Best living room PC: MSI Trident 3
A slimline console-sized mini PC for your living room
CPU: Intel Core i5-7400 – i7-7700 | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti – 1060 | RAM: 8GB – 32GB DDR4 (2,400MHz) | Storage: 2TB HDD; 120GB SSD – 2TB HDD; 1TB SSD
Silent and cool runningCompact size
External 330W power brick
Positioned as a “console killer,” the MSI Trident 3 looks a lot like an Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, but it’s a far more powerful PC that feels just right in your living room. Complete with all the ports you could ever dream of, the MSI Trident 3’s advantages are clear. Still, in trying to be as thin and light as possible, the MSI Trident 3 comes equipped with a 330W external power supply brick, resembling some of the least attractive console designs.
Best Mac: Apple iMac (2017)
A powerful, price-efficient (albeit old-hat) package
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i7 | Graphics: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 – AMD Radeon Pro 560 | RAM: 8GB – 32GB | Storage: 1TB HDD – 1TB SSD
Excellent valueGorgeous 4K, P3 color display
Poor audio performance
Baffling mouse charging method
You wouldn’t see it coming based on the logo alone, but Apple’s latest iMac is neatly priced when compared to other all-in-one computers out there. In fact, the Surface Studio costs three times as much as the iMac to start. Despite lacking the fancy trimmings of its Microsoft-contrived competitor, e.g., a touchscreen and adjustable stand, the option for a 4K P3 wide color display and 7th-generation processor make the 21.5-inch iMac not only gorgeous, but up to date as well.
Best budget PC: HP Pavilion Wave
It's a prettier, if less-beefy, Mac Pro
CPU: Intel Core i3 – Intel Core i5 | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 530 – AMD Radeon R9 M470 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 1TB HDD
Clever and effective audio solutionUnique, stylish cylindrical form factor
No optical audio port
Unflattering specs
Though at first you might confuse it for a fabric-woven Mac Pro refresh, the HP Pavilion Wave is anything but. This compact Windows machine packs in 6th-generation Intel Core processors and optional discrete AMD graphics with a uniquely integrated Bang & Olufsen speaker. Wrapped in a handsome fabric exterior, this is the perfect PC to have on the desk, as it radiates crisp sound while you browse the web or watch movies.
Best stick PC: Intel Compute Stick
The tiny computer that can
CPU: Intel Atom – Intel Core m5 | Graphics: : Intel HD Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 515 | RAM: 1GB – 4GB | Storage: 8GB-64GB eMM
Wide CPU choices
Extremely portable design
Limited fan cooling
Limited RAM and storage
No, this isn’t a USB thumb drive you’re looking at. The Intel Core Compute Stick might look like something you would store a PowerPoint presentation on shortly before losing it, but it’s actually a palm-sized personal computer that plugs into any screen with an HDMI port. Configurations start at a lowly 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor running Linux, and at the highest end is a notebook-class Intel Core m5 processor.
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