The best all-in-one computers of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

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The best all-in-one computers of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

All-in-one (AIO) computers can do it all without sacrificing valuable desk space. These often-stylish AIO systems build the processor, storage, and other components directly into the display, so you don’t need a separate desktop tower, and you have fewer cables cluttering up your work area. AIO computers are convenient but have a few drawbacks compared to traditional desktop PCs.

Also: The best laptops you can buy: Expert tested

These systems often have less powerful components, few (or no) upgrade options, and reduced repairability. For this reason, it’s important that you buy the right AIO computer at the outset. An AIO computer is a great fit for households that need a space-efficient computer with a decent-sized screen and won’t miss a laptop’s portability.

What is the best all-in-one computer you can buy right now?

We went hands-on with several all-in-one computers across various categories, covering different price points, use cases, and operating systems. Our top pick is Apple’s 24-inch iMac, was chosen for its strong performance, high-resolution display, and eye-catching design. Of course, the iMac is not the only option out there, and we found plenty of appealing Windows-based choices for different needs. Read on for the rest of our picks to help you find the best AIO computer for you.

The best all-in-one computers of 2024

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Taking the top spot on this list should come as no surprise — it is the 2024 iteration of the Apple iMac. This year’s iteration takes everything good of the previous generation and improves upon it.

The 2024 iMac is a versatile AiO powered by the company’s M4 chipset, which outperforms the older M3 processor by a good amount. Thanks to AI, workflows are enhanced, enabling faster speeds for productivity and creative tasks such as 4K video editing. Plus, the base model now includes 16GB of RAM, providing better multitasking capabilities while maintaining its $1,299 price tag.

The iMac still shouldn’t be considered a gaming machine by any stretch; however, the 10-core GPU does support ray tracing and dynamic caching. These pieces of software allowed for a decent gaming experience.

Also: I tested the new iMac M4, and one of the standout upgrades is also the least flashy

It houses a 24-inch, 4.5K resolution Retina display for sharp and vivid imagery. What’s neat about the computer is it can output to another screen at 8K resolution or to a dual-monitor setup at 6K resolution each. Other notable features include a 12MP webcam that comes with Center Stage for automatic graming, support for the USB-C standard, and a thin design available in a wide array of colors.

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The HP EliteOne 870 G9 is the rare AIO computer with a ridiculous number of ways you can customize your unit. Its high degree of customizability makes this business-centric model stand out from the crowd. As noted earlier, AIO computers are not easy to fix or upgrade, so it’s important you pick a system with everything you need from the get-go.

Also: How much RAM does your Windows 11 PC need?

The base model starts with a modest Intel Core i3-12100 CPU, but you can choose from several options, including upgrading to a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13700 processor. You can also upgrade from a 1080p display to a 2K pixel display, with or without a touchscreen. Memory starts at 8GB of RAM and scales up to a massive 64GB. You can purchase up to three separate M.2 SSDs if you purchase Windows 11 Pro, for a total of 4TB of storage (at a significant premium over the base price, of course). Also, the adjustable stand can have a VESA cover plate instead of a clutch.

Further customizations include adding a fingerprint reader, speakers, and integrated wireless (Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3). Because you can customize so much, the price for the EliteOne varies wildly. A baseline pre-configured model starts at just under $2,000, though some configs can sell for less, and most will sell for more.

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Buying an AIO computer can be an expensive endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be — as this Dell Inspiron 24 5420 shows. This Dell is one of the many inexpensive AIOs out there that deliver solid performance, and it stands out for its range of inputs.

Inexpensive models tend to cut corners by opting for smaller screen sizes, old hardware, and such. But not the Inspiron 5420. As its name suggests, it sports a 24-inch InfinityEdge display with 1,920 x 1080 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. InfinityEdge is Dell’s term for its thin bezel design. The display also has an anti-glare coating ensuring the picture remains crystal clear even in bright environments.

Also: How much RAM does your Windows 11 PC need?

Inside, the Inspiron 5420 comes with a solid hardware configuration. The mid-range configuration listed here has a 13th-Gen Intel Core i5-1335U processor, an integrated Intel UHD graphics card, 8GB of memory, and 512GB of storage. You can adjust some of the components (which scales the price up or down accordingly), but keep in mind some upgrades are tied to one another. For example, step up to a beefier build with a 1TB SSD, and you also need to upgrade the graphics to an NVIDIA GeForce MX550 GPU, the processor an Intel Core i7-1355U, and the memory to 16GB.

One quirk worth noting: This AIO only comes with a single USB-C port. What’s strange is that the Inspiron 5420 has an array of ports, including HDMI, RJ45, and USB-A. You’d think Dell would’ve added at least one more USB-C input to the setup.

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The inclusion of the Surface Studio 2+ here may seem strange to some. It runs on an old 11th-Gen Intel Core i7 processor instead of the recent 12th-Gen version, and the bezels around the screen are pretty thick, robbing the display of its potential size. But Microsoft’s computer has a lot of things going for it that still earn it a spot on this list. Chief among them is its Zero Gravity Hinge, which allows you to position the screen at an angle. Being able to adjust the screen in this manner is great for creative professionals who need to draw, but don’t have a tablet. You can instead illustrate directly on the touchscreen.

Speaking of which, the touchscreen on the Surface Studio is fantastic. It has an image resolution of 4,500 x 3,000 pixels, which is better than 4K. This level of quality is further enhanced by its support for the DCI-P3 color gamut and Dolby Vision. What’s more, it has a 1200:1 contrast ratio. Putting everything together results in a display capable of showing vibrant colors in stunning quality.

Review: Microsoft Surface Studio 2+: Elegant, flexible all-in-one PC gets an upgrade

Going back to the hardware, the computer can be surprisingly strong thanks to its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphic card. it gives professionals a powerful enough GPU to render 3D objects. Plus, the 3060 model is quite good at meeting the performance requirements for video editing. That type of work can be tough on other AIOs, but the Surface Studio 2+ handles them with ease.

Other notable features include 1TB, 32GB of RAM, three USB-C ports, and a 1080p webcam.

Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ specs: OS: Windows 11 Pro | CPU: Intel Core i7-11370H | GPU: GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU, GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU (6GB) | RAM: 32GB (DDR4) | Storage: 1TB SSD | Camera: 1080p + IR for Windows Hello face authentication | Audio: stereo 2.1 speakers with Dolby Atmos, dual far-field studio mics, 3.5mm headphone jack | Dimensions: Base: 9.8 x 8.7 x 1.2 inches • Display: 25.1 x 17.3 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 21 lbs

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HP is in a unique position among AIO manufacturers because of its huge presence in the market. The company makes a lot of great AIO computers to the point where you could arguably fill out this entire list with HP models. However, we decided to slim things down to one of its best offerings: the Envy 34.

This thing is a beast, measuring 34 inches diagonally and making one of, if not the, largest AIO machine out there. Most of these devices peak at 27 inches, yet HP pushed the limits. So, what do you get with this one? An outrageous 5K (5,120 x 2,160) WUHD display. It supports nearly the entirety of the DCI-P3 color gamut, enabling eye-catching colors. Plus, it has a brightness configuration of 500 nits for crystal clear quality. HP even covered the glass with an anti-reflection coating so you can continue seeing the screen even if the sun is peeking through the blinds.

For 2024, the company slimmed down its offerings by only having a single Envy 34 configuration on sale. Don’t worry though; it’s still plenty powerful. The computer has a 12th-Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD. It houses an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 as its graphics card. Although it isn’t the latest model, that GPU delivers great performance allowing for high-resolution rendering.

Purchasing the HP Envy 34 also includes a free mouse and keyboard as well as a 16MP True Vision adjustable webcam.

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After a long day’s work, nothing beats kicking up your feet and watching a movie. If you’re looking for an AIO computer to double as an entertainment center, then we strongly recommend the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i from Lenovo. It has a stunning 32-inch Ultra HD 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) display, making it perfect for viewing movies or editing 4K video. The screen produces vibrant colors and crisp detail.

Also: The best graphic design monitors

This model has a Harmon Kardon-certified audio system comprised of a pair of tweeters and two woofers. And it supports Dolby Atmos audio. In our review of the Yoga AIO 9i, we noted how this AIO’s speakers output immersive audio, with deep bass and powerful treble. Even dialogue in TV shows sounded crystal clear. The speakers are loud, which means you could keep the volume at a mere 30 percent and still feel enveloped by immersive audio.

The Yoga AIO 9i comes with a 13th-Gen Intel Core i9-13000H processor, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD (if you’re lucky, you can catch the 1TB version on sale on Lenovo’s site for less than the 512GB version). When using this hardware for everyday work, it quickly becomes apparent that this was a powerful combination, enough so for keeping open multiple apps, windows, and browser tabs while also playing multiple videos — all without suffering a significant slowdown. Plus, when we ran it through our benchmark tests, it scored high numbers.

As much as we like this computer, it’s not perfect. It looks attractive, with a metal bar connecting the screen to the base. But it also has some awkward design elements, most notably that the ports are on the back of the base in a hard-to-reach place. The port location can make connecting accessories more difficult than it should be. Regardless of hiccups like that, this is still a great machine.

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If you didn’t know, ASUS develops its own series of AIO computers. No one can blame you for not knowing this, as the brand is more famous for its gaming hardware. It would be remiss of you not to know the great machines they have, like the M3700.

This is an excellent computer for the office thanks to its clean-looking design and solid performance. Its visually pleasing aesthetics are partly owed to the razor-thin NanoEdge bezel surrounding the screen. The large screen-to-body ratio is perfect for viewing family photos and watching videos. The Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) display shows content in a stunning visual quality. It even covers the entire sRGB color gamut, enabling “vivid and realistic-looking colors.” To further sweeten the deal, the glass on the M3700 is covered in an anti-glare coating so it stays clear even in bright environments.

The company equipped its AIO with some of its proprietary tech. Its display supports ASUS Splendid, an image-enhancing feature to boost color vibrancy. The installed speakers come with SonicMaster to ensure voices and vocal performance come across crystal clear. ASUS’ M3700 would be a perfect office computer if it weren’t for its 720p webcam — a higher resolution would’ve been nice.

Under the hood, the M3700 can come with an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U, integrated AMD Radeon GPU, and a nice 32GB of memory for speedy hardware performance.

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The Apple iMac 24-inch (M3, 2023) is ZDNET’s top choice. But one size doesn’t fit all. Check out our comparison chart below to see other worthy AIO PCs on our list.

All-in-One Computer	Screen size	Price (starting at)	OS
Apple iMac 24-inch (M3, 2023)	24 inches	$1,299	MacOS
HP EliteOne 870 G9	27 inches	$994	Windows
Dell Inspiron 24 5420	24 inches	$580	Windows
Microsoft Surface Studio 2+	28 inches	$4,500	Windows
HP Envy 34 All-In-One	34 inches	$2,340	Windows
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i	32 inches	$1,580	Windows
ASUS M3700	27 inches	$1,000	Windows

All-in-one computers have a lot of features packed into a single package. But AIOs typically can’t get upgraded after purchase, so you need to find the component mix and price that best matches your needs.

We chose Apple’s 24-inch M3-based iMac as the best AIO computer due to its great design and top-tier performance. But if you prefer a Windows AIO, we found plenty of options. See the comparison chart below to quickly see how the iMac differs from our other AIO picks.

Choose this best AIO….	If you want…
Apple iMac M4	The best all-in-one computer. Equipped with a 4.5K Retina display and a colorful design, the iMac M4 is a powerhouse for work, home, school, and more.
HP EliteOne 870 G9	An all-in-one computer with a ton of configuration options available to you. Buyers can choose from five different processors, add a second SSD, and more.
Dell Inspiron 24 5420	The best budget all-in-one computer. It offers a 24-inch 1080p display, a 13th-Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and a 512GB SSD for a reasonable price.
Microsft Surface Studio 2+	The best all-in-one computer for creative purposes. Its Zero Gravity Hinge lets you reposition the computer for more comfortable drawing and its (slightly old) hardware still performs well.
HP Envy 34 All-In-One	The best large-screen all-in-one computer. With a 34-inch display outputting 5K resolution, this AIO can any image look gorgeous, plus it has a solid processor and graphics card pairing.
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i	The best all-in-one computer for entertainment. It has a 32-inch Ultra HD display, a room-filling Harmon Kardon speaker system, and excellent performance. This is a perfect pick for a centerpiece computer.
ASUS M3700	The best all-in-one computer for your home office. The thin bezels surrounding the 27-inch Full HD display is perfect for viewing content. Plus, the powerful speakers can engulf you in an immersive audio bubble.

Before buying an all-in-one computer, pay attention to the follow factors.

Design: Consider the size of an AIO computer, camera and speaker placement, location of ports, and its overall aesthetics. If you’re going to spend money on something, it should at least look good.
Performance: AIO computers, as a whole, don’t have the best performance as they’re meant to be easy-to-use, lightweight machines and often lack dedicated graphics processors. Still, keep an eye out for models that balance hosting hardware and affordability.
Display: Obviously, it’s important to want and have an AIO computer with a great-looking screen since you’ll be staring at one for hours. But also consider unique capabilities like touchscreen functionality.
Features: Lastly, consider the AIO’s full range of features, including its port options (does it have USB 4?) or display capabilities.

At ZDNET, we occasionally receive AIO computers for reviews. We use the model for a while, running it through benchmark tests and seeing firsthand where it excels and where it stumbles. Information from personal usage is taken into account as well.

Once we’ve compiled a list, we separate the best of the best using the guidelines noted in the previous entry. We also consider the components the AIO has, available upgrades, how well it performs, the display’s size and type, and any additional features and ports. Of course, there are certain factors we ignore. No point in taking portability into account when they commonly weigh over 20 pounds.

According to Lenovo, the average lifespan of an AIO computer is about five to eight years, but it depends on a variety of factors. It depends on how often you use it, if you take good care of the machine, and if you frequently install updates. It also depends on whether your needs change over time, and you need more powerful components the AIO lacks.

Repairability is, by far, the biggest drawback to all-in-one computers. According to ZDNET’s computer expert June Wan, “the internal parts are typically weaved into the chassis so that there’s little room for modification.” This is done to save as much space as possible. Additionally, this leads to a short life span. After about four to eight years, you may begin to experience performance problems and you’ll have to bring the entire system to a professional technician to fix it — if they can.

Another drawback is the lack of upgradability. That means you’re out of luck if a year after you’ve bought the machine you want more memory or a larger SSD.

Of course, there’s also the price point to consider. AIO computers are typically more expensive than traditional desktop computers.

It all depends on your priorities. If you value having as few cables as possible, a degree of transportability, and space-saving and stylish design, AIOs are definitely for you. On the other hand, if powerful performance, upgradability, and repairability are what you’re after, then a traditional desktop PC will generally offer more for your money.

AIO computers are ideal for users in confined spaces. The compact nature of the machines makes them perfect for receptionist desks, dorms, medical centers, and other settings that need desk space for other things.

While the curated AIO computers listed above will most likely suit your needs, there are alternatives with varying prices, sizes, and features that should be considered too. A few of them are listed below.