These desktops from Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo provide the convenience of a monitor and computer in a single, space-saving unit
All-in-one desktop computers from Apple (left), Lenovo (center left and right), and HP (right).
By Melanie Pinola
Laptops may have surpassed desktops in popularity, but if you don’t need your next computer to be portable, there are lots of good reasons to consider an all-in-one desktop.
All-in-one desktops have displays large enough to accommodate your email inbox, browser windows, spreadsheets, and Slack feeds all at once for better multitasking.
They tuck much of the computer hardware behind the display, saving workspace compared to a full-sized or compact desktop tower.
They allow you to spread out, moving the keyboard and mouse into a comfortable position, reducing the strain on eyes, necks, wrists, and backs.
“Generally, desktops have the space for more powerful components, too,” says Antonette Asedillo, who leads Consumer Reports’ computer testing. “The large fans in a desktop, for example, allow processors to work harder without overheating. This allows some desktops’ processors to have higher clock speeds or more cores for better performance.”
The all-in-one desktop computers shown here range in price and performance, but all have been tested—and recommended—by Asedillo and her team.
All support the latest wireless networking standard (WiFi 6), have a built-in webcam, and come bundled with a wireless keyboard and wireless mouse, so you get a complete computing package.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit member organization devoted to building a fairer, safer marketplace. We buy everything we rate. For more desktop test results, members can see CR’s computer ratings.
Budget All-in-One: Acer Aspire C24-1700-UA91
Acer Aspire C24-1700-UA91
Most all-in-one desktops cost over $1,000, which is reasonable considering they come with a large monitor. This Acer Aspire, featuring an Intel Core i3 processor, performs as well as computers that cost twice as much for routine tasks such as web browsing, videoconferencing, and working on large spreadsheets. It lacks a dedicated graphics card, however, so don’t expect to run demanding video games.
CR testers praise the 23.8-inch anti-glare display, which has a wide viewing angle that’s helpful when more than one person is looking at the screen. Other specs include 8 gigabytes of memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, built-in speakers, and four free USB-A ports.
Big-Screen PC: HP Pavilion 31.5
HP Pavilion 31.5
For toggling between email and productivity apps or immersing yourself in a video, the HP Pavilion 31.5 offers a large 31.5-inch display, which CR testers praise for its high contrast and color accuracy.
Specs are beefed up, too, with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of memory, and a 1TB solid-state drive. In CR’s labs, the computer had a zippy performance for even demanding tasks such as video editing and rendering 3D models. There’s no dedicated graphics card for playing intense video games, however.
In addition to five USB ports to connect all your peripherals, you’ll find a convenient way to charge your phone if it supports wireless charging. Just plop it onto the base of the desktop.
Best All-in-One Apple Computer: 27-Inch iMac
Apple 27-inch iMac (Core i7, 2020)
The top-rated iMac in CR’s ratings, this 27-inch model comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8 gigabytes of memory, and a 512GB solid-state drive. The display is bright and has a wide viewing angle, which is helpful when more than one person needs to see the screen.
The iMac has a dedicated graphics card with 8GB of video memory, which helped the desktop run smoothly in our tests even when video game settings were maxed out.
The model has six USB ports and supports the speedier Thunderbolt 3 protocol over regular USB.
If the price is too rich for your budget, the 24-inch iMac with Apple’s home-brewed M1 chip usually runs around $1,300.
Best Touchscreen All-in-One: Dell Inspiron 7700-7740SLV
Dell Inspiron 7700-7740SLV
For those who want the convenience of tapping on the screen to interact with the computer, there’s this Dell Inspiron all-in-one. It packs an Intel i7 processor, 16GB of memory, plus plenty of storage—a fast 512GB solid-state drive as well as a 1TB traditional hard drive. The model provides four USB ports.
The computer has a dedicated graphics card with 2GB of video memory in addition to the integrated graphics card. This hybrid setup allows the computer to switch to the dedicated card when needed for demanding programs or games.
Although testers say the 27-inch touchscreen has low contrast, which can make colors appear a bit flat, the display is still bright, a plus if you use the computer under intense indoor lighting.
Best All-in-One for Gamers: Lenovo Yoga AIO 7
Lenovo Yoga AIO 7 27ACH6
The top-rated all-in-one in our tests, the Yoga AIO 7 has a 27-inch touchscreen, an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16GB of memory, a 512GB solid-state drive, and an 8GB dedicated graphics card, also from AMD. (To see how AMD’s Ryzen line stacks up to Intel’s offerings, read our processor breakdown.)
This all-in-one excels in display quality, performance, and ergonomics. Testers say the screen has realistic and accurate color reproduction, and the computer has one of the fastest speeds among tested desktops, holding up even under demanding tasks such as video encoding and video gameplay.
Unlike the other all-in-ones on this list, the model has no built-in memory card reader, but it does feature five free USB ports.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.