Mobile computers may be dominating the modern business world, but that doesn’t mean desktops don’t have their place (although some say the desktop is dead). Whether you need intense hardware for video editing, a larger monitor to get more work done, or a room full of workstations, desktops are a fundamental part of business.
Check out these 13 desktop options, and learn how unique features of each model suit particular business needs.
If Windows all-in-one PCs are more your speed, be sure to consider the Envy Curved AIO 34. Its massive 34-inch screen has a slight curve to make all of its 4K display easier to see without having to swing your head around. The AIO 34 also has a Qi-compatible charging pad built right into its base, so you can charge your wireless devices simply by setting them on your PC.
MSRP: $1,729
CNET Review: HP Envy Curved All-in-One 34 (2017) review: An ugly-duckling desktop becomes a swan
CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.4/10
Companies with plans to develop VR applications should check out the Tiki–at least if CNET’s review is any indication. CNET called the Tiki the most powerful VR-ready PC it’s tested, which makes sense given its impressive hardware specs.
It’s also ridiculously small, which is great for offices where space is at a premium but high performance is essential.
MSRP: $4,900
CNET Review: Falcon Northwest Tiki review: A compact powerhouse for virtual reality
CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.6/10
The high price of an Apple desktop can be prohibitive for many companies, especially when a lot of workstations need to be ordered. The Mac Mini exists to fill the gap between high-performance desktop and MacBook, and it does so quite well.
You’ll need to buy the peripherals to attach to the Mac Mini (it only comes with the computer itself), but the whole setup will still be a lot cheaper than an iMac while still delivering the macOS experience.
MSRP: $499
CNET Review: Apple Mac Mini (2014) review: Apple’s most affordable Mac
CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10
VR-ready computers can be expensive (see the Falcon Northwest Tiki), but you don’t have to shell out $5,000 to get a computer capable of developing VR software. The Origin PC Chronos may not perform as insanely well as the Tiki, but it’s more than capable of getting the job done for VR developers looking for a better deal.
MSRP: $1,349
CNET Review: Origin PC Chronos review: A compact powerhouse for VR gaming
CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.4/10
Mini desktops, like the Mac Mini, have their place both in the enterprise and home offices. CNET said the HP Elite Slice is great for the work-at-home crowd, so if that’s you this might be the mini PC you’re looking for.
The HP Elite Slice is designed to fill two niches that business professionals need covered: Desktop PC and conference call hub. That’s right–the Slice can be connected to a phone line and used to make hands-free calls as well as being a workstation. It’s perfect for those who spend a lot of time on the phone for business, and could also be a fantastic conference room hub PC.
MSRP: $699
CNET Review: HP Elite Slice review: A dapper desktop with perks for the work-at-home crowd
CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10
SEE: Special report: How to optimize the smart office (ZDNet) | Download the free PDF version (TechRepublic)
All-in-ones seem to be the future of desktop PCs (at least in the professional world), and the OptiPlex 5260 from Dell is just one more example of this popular form factor.
The OptiPlex has some stand-out hardware for its price, and also comes with a webcam that pops out of the top of its body–perfect for conference calls with added privacy when the cam isn’t in use.
MSRP: $949
ZDNet Review: Dell OptiPlex 5260 review: Compact business AIO with strong performance at a competitive price
ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 9.0/10
Lenovo’s entry into the all-in-one field, the ThinkCentre M910Z, isn’t trying to be a powerhouse PC in a compact design. As ZDNet puts it, “the M910z simply aims to provide a good all-round office PC at a competitive price.”
The M910Z is great for an office PC, largely in part because of how flexible its positioning is–it has a flexible stand that allows it to be moved into a comfortable position for workers of any height.
MSRP: $809.10
ZDNet Review: Lenovo ThinkCentre M910z AIO review: Unassuming design, strong performance for the price
ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10
AMD’s EPYC CPUs are powerful, and this workstation from Boston can handle up to 64 cores worth of them (that’s two 32-core processors). Professionals who need a lot of multi-threaded power will find Boston’s Venom EPYC a very interesting possibility.
MSRP: Built-to-order ZDNet review model valued at $13,594
ZDNet Review: Boston Venom EPYC Workstation review: Price/performance equation adds up for multi-threaded applications
ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 8.5/10
Creatives who work with Microsoft products likely use a Surface tablet or laptop, so why not go all-in and opt for the desktop Surface Studio? The Surface Studio is an all-in-one that can function as a desktop by raising its adjustable arms, or as a giant 28-inch drawing surface by lowering it down to an angle similar to that of a drafting table.
MSRP: $2,999
ZDNet Review: Microsoft Surface Studio review: An appealing all-in-one for creatives, but the price is high
ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 7.5/10
Mini PCs are great, but the low profile often means sacrificing hardware quality. ZDNet said that isn’t the case with the Z2 Mini G3, which it said delivers workstation-level performance in a mini-PC form factor.
The Mini G3 even has the ability to connect six monitors at once–perfect for multi-screen setups.
MSRP: $972.17
ZDNet Review: HP Z2 Mini G3 Workstation review: Power in a pint-sized package
ZDNet Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10
It might be odd to see the Intel Compute Stick in a list of best desktop workstations, but it deserves a mention, especially for professionals who are on-the-go but want a desktop experience.
The newest version of the Compute Stick has a Core m3 processor, giving it a lot more power than previous versions. Users just need to stick it into a monitor, connect a keyboard and mouse, and they’re ready to do all the (basic) computing they need. Compute Sticks are also great for customer-accessible kiosks and shared workstations.
MSRP: $410
CNET Review: Intel Compute Stick (Core m3) review: The most powerful stick PC yet
CNET Editors’ Rating: 8.0/10
\tIf your job entails scanning 2D and 3D objects, the HP Sprout Pro G2 is the desktop computer for you. Not only does it have built-in scanning technology, it also has a projector, a stylus-enabled touch mat for manipulating virtual scanned objects, and cameras.
\tAs CNET said, it’s essentially a one-stop shop for 3D printing–just add printer.
\tMSRP: $4,439.
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\tNote: TechRepublic, CNET, ZDNet, and Tech Pro Research are CBS Interactive properties.
Brandon is a Staff Writer for TechRepublic. He's an award-winning feature and how-to writer who previously worked as an IT professional and served as an MP in the US Army.
