The 5 Best All-in-One Computers for Work and Play
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We’ve entered an age where laptops boast desktop-level performance and face computers, glasses computers, and watch computers are a (hellish) reality. Yet, amidst a landscape that offers the freedom to work from anywhere, it’s important not to overlook the enduring power and convenience of all-in-one (AIO) desktop computers. These devices represent a fusion of form and function, seamlessly integrating the most essential components (processor, RAM, storage) with a display into a single, slim, and elegant unit.
Beyond their practicality, AIO computers look way better than the setup you cobbled together back in 2010. Their sleek designs add sophistication and style to your workspace, while saving space and reducing clutter. Additionally, they deliver high-end performance, especially when compared to smaller laptops. Allowing you to crunch numbers, edit some photos, unwind with a video game, and hop on a last-minute Zoom no body wants to join at 6 pm on a Friday.
Finding the right AIO isn't drastically different from choosing a traditional desktop or laptop. You'll still need to consider factors like processor, RAM, and storage. But there are key AIO-specific factors to consider. Screen size and resolution directly impact your experience, so choose wisely based on your needs. Additionally, since the monitor is built-in, prioritize ergonomics by looking for options with touch input or adjustable stands for optimal comfort and use.
In an era when portability is king, the best all-in-one computers provide you with a versatile and aesthetically pleasing solution for your home office.
iMac 24-inch All-In-One with M3 chip
The iMac’s popularity may pale in comparison to Apple’s venerable MacBook series, but it remains the best and most user-friendly all-in-one computer money can buy. It boasts Apple’s newest M3 processor, a stunning design, and the best display in its class. The entire unit is remarkably thin at less than half an inch, yet it doesn’t skimp on performance. And, in a callback to the Macs of the '90s, it comes in seven color options—including green, yellow, and purple—making it easy to match the vibe of your current space.
The 24-inch 4.5K resolution display is incredibly sharp and vibrant, making it an excellent choice for creative work. The display can also get very bright, so the colors don’t look dull in rooms that get a lot of natural light. Other nice features include a 1080p resolution webcam, a tilt adjustable display, and up to four USB-C ports for connecting peripherals. Finally, the iMac comes with Apple’s Magic Mouse and a color-matching Magic Keyboard, two accessories that provide a high-end experience right out of the box.
iMac 24-inch All-In-One with M3 chip
apple.com
$1299.00
Inspiron 5420 All-in-One
We’ll admit the Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One isn’t the most powerful all-in-on on the market. It features a 13th Generation Intel Core 1315U, offering two performance cores and four efficiency cores. Still, with a starting price of $599, it offers decent performance for casual computing, so we can’t complain too much. Dell’s machine also features 8GB of memory and 512GB of internal storage, rounding out good bang for your buck.
Like the iMac, Dell’s computer features a 24-inch display, although the resolution is only 1080p (as opposed to the iMac’s 4.5K display). For video calls, there’s a 1080p webcam that you can pop up and hide. Dell’s AIO also comes standard with several ports, including five USB ports, two HDMI ports, Ethernet, and, unlike a Mac, an SD card reader. It’s a well-rounded option for the price, especially for basic computing needs.
Inspiron 5420 All-in-One
amazon.com
$597.02
Surface Studio 2 Plus
Microsoft’s Studio Surface 2 Plus really leans into its premium design. The standout feature is the clever hinge mechanism, which allows you to adjust the 28-inch display until it’s essentially laid down flat. This flexibility makes the Studio Surface 2 Plus an excellent choice for content creation, giving you the immediacy of a tablet in a much larger form factor.
The 28-inch touchscreen display features a resolution of 4500 x 3000 and Dolby vision support. Like the iMac, it has a maximum brightness of 500 nits, making it usable in rooms with a lot of natural light. It also has built-in Surface Pen support, transforming the device into a super-sized tablet for drawing. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s all-in-one has a premium price, but it’s hard not to instantly want one based on its stunning design.
Surface Studio 2 Plus
bhphotovideo.com
$4499.95
Envy 34 All-in-One Desktop
Widescreen monitors are wildly popular amongst gamers, but they've become a boon for productivity as well, allowing users to have multiple windows open side-by-side without feeling cramped. The HP Envy 34 All-in-One takes everything that’s good about widescreen monitors and elevates it to a new level. Its expansive 34-inch display features a resolution of 5120 x 2160 and a “three-sided micro-edge” design, which basically just means the bezels are kept to a minimum. The result is a beautiful widescreen all-in-one that’s perfect for those who prioritize multitasking above all else.
You can configure the HP’s machine to be quite powerful, too. You can customize it with a 12th Generation Intel Core i7-12700, 32GB of RAM, and a GeForce RTX 3060, the latter of which means you can comfortably play Helldivers 2 during your lunch break. HP’s all-in-one also comes with a 16-megapixel webcam that you can move to get your good side. Finally, the display is height adjustable, making it easy to put in the most comfortable position.
Envy 34 All-in-One Desktop
amazon.com
$2410.50
Envy Move
It seems absurd to buy a portable all-in-one when you can get a decently powerful laptop for the same price. But, the HP Envy Move actually makes a lot of sense if you frequently work in different locations but still want a traditional desktop experience. The 24-inch display features a 1440p resolution and touch support, so you can navigate it like a giant tablet. Of course, it works just as well with the included keyboard, which features a built-in trackpad.
You can transport the HP Envy like a briefcase thanks to the integrated handle. There’s also a fabric pocket behind the monitor that provides just enough space to store your keyboard. HP estimates its AIO can last for around four or five hours on a single charge, depending on your usage, which should be plenty of time to work away from an AC outlet. The Envy Move also has a five-megapixel webcam and a few ports for connecting additional peripherals, rounding out one of the more unique all-in-one options available.
Envy Move
amazon.com
$949.99
What to Consider When Buying an All-in-One Computer
Although laptops are the popular choice among students and bi-city professionals, AIO computers are a solid alternative if you primarily work from home. That said, finding the right one requires careful consideration of various factors, including screen size, internal components, and port selection.
Screen size - A 15-inch laptop screen will feel cramped if you work with a lot of applications, causing you to squint and slouch over your keyboard like a neanderthal. This is where an AIO can come in clutch, offering a large, high-resolution display for enhanced productivity. The best AOIs feature a 24-inch or larger screen, giving you plenty of space to juggle your documents and Chrome tabs.
No matter the display’s size, we recommend a minimum resolution of 1080p. Ideally, the higher the resolution the better—a 1440p display offers a sweet spot between sharpness and affordability. Meanwhile, a 4K display delivers sharper visual clarity, making it an excellent choice for those who edit photos, videos, or graphics.
Processor - The processor serves as the brain of your AIO, orchestrating everything from simple tasks like web browsing to demanding creative work. The latest chip from Apple is the M3—it’s notable for combining the CPU, GPU, security enclave, neural engine, and shared memory into a single unit. For Windows machines, Intel and AMD are the primary CPU makers, with the latest being Intel’s 13th Gen Core and AMD Ryzen 7000 Series processors.
To ensure smooth performance, especially for demanding tasks, consider the processor’s clock speed (measured in GHz) and number of cores. The higher the GHz and the more cores generally translates to better performance. If you primarily browse the web and check emails, a processor with a lower GHz and fewer cores will suffice. However, for heavy multitasking, gaming, or creative work, a processor with a higher GHz and more cores is recommended.
RAM - To ensure smooth multitasking and prevent your computer from slowing down or freezing, consider the amount of RAM needed for your typical computer usage. For basic tasks like web browsing and emailing, 8GB of RAM is plenty. If your typical usage includes more demanding tasks like photo/video editing or running multiple applications simultaneously, we recommend 16GB of RAM or higher. The more RAM will provide smoother overall performance even during heavy workloads. While it can be expensive to configure your computer with more RAM, it may be worth it since you generally can’t upgrade after the fact.
Storage - There’s no reason to settle for 128GB of internal storage in 2024. At a bare minimum, the AIO you purchase should have a 256GB solid-state drive (SSD), giving you room for a good number applications, documents, photos, and games. The reason we recommend SSDs over traditional hard drives is because they have no moving parts, translating to faster and more reliable storage. In addition to your computer’s internal storage, a portable SSD or hard drive can offer additional storage for large files and media you only occasionally need, freeing up space on your computer.
Ports - Ports are essential for expanding your computer’s capabilities, allowing you to connect various devices for transferring data, charging, and more. USB-A is the most common type of port, while USB-C is becoming increasingly popular (likely it'll soon be standard) due to reversible design, faster data transfer speeds, and ability to deliver power. Thunderbolt 4 is the latest and most advanced type of USB port, offering blazing-fast data speeds and video output capabilities.
Why Trust Esquire?
We've been reviewing the best tech for (collectively) decades. During that time, we've used every type of personal computing device you can imagine, including laptops and all-in-one computers from today’s most well-established brands. To curate this list, we extensively researched the top models available, ensuring they met our rigorous criteria outlined above. We also tapped into past Esquire reviews and recommendations, leveraging our expert coverage to give us deeper insights into what’s worth your hard-earned money.
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