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10 Best Budget Desktop Computers 2026 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dell Slim Desktop ECS1250 - Intel Core Ultra 5-225 Processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 16GB Memory, 512GB M.2 SSD, 3.0 SD Card Reader, Dell Wired Keyboard and Mouse, Windows 11 Home, Onsite+Migrate Service

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,374
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
404 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Offers impressive speed and responsiveness for everyday tasks, making it a reliable choice for home and office use.
Memory (RAM)
Equipped with a generous amount of RAM and storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for files and applications.
Storage
Equipped with a generous amount of RAM and storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for files and applications.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Limited power supply and case size restrict upgrades, particularly for adding discrete graphics cards, but potential exists with specific PSU replacements.
Ports and Connectivity
Expansion options include an additional RAM slot and a SATA port for extra storage, though M.2 SSD expansion is limited.
Operating System
Good choice for users upgrading from much older systems, offering modern features like Windows 11, Wi-Fi 6, and DDR5 memory.

The Dell Slim Desktop ECS1250 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly desktop suited for business, education, and everyday use. It runs on the newer Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor, which offers good speed for typical tasks and some light multitasking, supported by 16GB of fast DDR5 memory. Storage is handled by a 512GB solid-state drive, providing quick boot times and ample space for files and applications. While the graphics rely on integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730, this is sufficient for general use including video streaming and office work, though not ideal for gaming or heavy graphic design. The desktop supports multiple monitors, which is beneficial for increased productivity.

Connectivity is well covered with multiple USB ports including USB 3.0, an SD card reader, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect your devices. It comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, offering a modern and user-friendly operating system out of the box. The design is compact and stylish, taking up little space which is great for small desks, and it’s made with recycled materials adding an eco-friendly aspect. Easy access to internal parts means upgrading components later won’t be a hassle.

With an integrated graphics solution and CPU speed of 2.7 GHz, this PC isn’t intended for heavy gaming or demanding creative software, but it performs well for everyday tasks, office work, and learning. Dell’s basic onsite service provides peace of mind for support. For those seeking a budget desktop that’s fast, efficient, and ready for multitasking with modern features, this model represents a good option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,374
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
404 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Offers impressive speed and responsiveness for everyday tasks, making it a reliable choice for home and office use.
Memory (RAM)
Equipped with a generous amount of RAM and storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for files and applications.
Storage
Equipped with a generous amount of RAM and storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and ample space for files and applications.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Limited power supply and case size restrict upgrades, particularly for adding discrete graphics cards, but potential exists with specific PSU replacements.
Ports and Connectivity
Expansion options include an additional RAM slot and a SATA port for extra storage, though M.2 SSD expansion is limited.
Operating System
Good choice for users upgrading from much older systems, offering modern features like Windows 11, Wi-Fi 6, and DDR5 memory.
#2

HP Envy Desktop PC, Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, UHD Graphics 770, Windows 11 Pro, TE01-5002 (2024)

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
168 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The HP Envy Desktop PC, powered by the Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, is an excellent option for business users or as a medium-sized home server.
Memory (RAM)
The HP Envy Desktop PC, powered by the Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, is an excellent option for business users or as a medium-sized home server.
Storage
The HP Envy Desktop PC, powered by the Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, is an excellent option for business users or as a medium-sized home server.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While its Intel UHD Graphics 770 isn't designed for gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, it works well for day-to-day office work and media streaming.
Operating System
Learning Windows 11 at the same time loading software. Machine is smooth.

The HP Envy Desktop PC TE01-5002 stands out in the budget desktop category with its robust Intel Core i7-14700 processor, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB SSD. This combination provides users with strong performance for multitasking, making it suitable for both business and education purposes. The integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 enables smooth streaming of 4K content, although serious gamers might find the graphics capabilities limited for more demanding titles.

One of the key strengths of this desktop is its ample storage with the 1 TB SSD, which is significantly faster than traditional hard drives. This allows for quick access to files and applications, enhancing user experience. Additionally, the Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 capabilities ensure seamless connectivity, which is a big plus for those who need to connect multiple devices or rely on a fast internet connection.

The design is sleek and fits well in most workspaces, making it visually appealing. Windows 11 Pro brings a modern interface and improved features that can enhance productivity and creativity. The inclusion of a month’s Xbox Game Pass subscription is an attractive offer for gaming enthusiasts as well. This desktop excels in many areas, but it may not be the best choice if you're looking for heavy-duty gaming performance due to its integrated graphics, which are more suitable for casual gaming rather than high-end graphics-intensive applications. Pricing might also be on the higher side for those strictly shopping within a tight budget.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Storage

Most important from
168 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The HP Envy Desktop PC, powered by the Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, is an excellent option for business users or as a medium-sized home server.
Memory (RAM)
The HP Envy Desktop PC, powered by the Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, is an excellent option for business users or as a medium-sized home server.
Storage
The HP Envy Desktop PC, powered by the Intel Core i7-14700, 32 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD, is an excellent option for business users or as a medium-sized home server.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While its Intel UHD Graphics 770 isn't designed for gaming or graphics-heavy tasks, it works well for day-to-day office work and media streaming.
Operating System
Learning Windows 11 at the same time loading software. Machine is smooth.
#3

HP 27 inch All-in-One Desktop PC, FHD Display, AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, AMD Radeon Graphics, Windows 11 Home, 27-cr0012 (2024)

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
168 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The processor is fast, and the PC is robust, making it perfect for occasional remote work.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Gaming performance is limited; suitable for simpler games like Roblox or Minecraft but struggles with more demanding titles.
Ports and Connectivity
Port selection is more than sufficient with 3 SuperSpeed USB ports and an HDMI out for an additional monitor.

The HP 27 inch All-in-One Desktop PC offers impressive performance for its price range. It's powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 7730U processor, which is a strong contender in terms of speed and efficiency for both education and business tasks. With 32 GB of RAM, this desktop can handle multitasking and memory-intensive applications without a hitch.

The 1 TB SSD storage ensures quick boot times and fast access to files, which is significantly faster than traditional hard drives. The integrated AMD Radeon Graphics are sufficient for everyday use and light gaming but might not satisfy users looking for high-end gaming or advanced graphic design capabilities. The 27-inch FHD display with a high screen-to-body ratio offers a great visual experience for both work and entertainment.

Connectivity is robust with several USB ports, including 1 USB 3.0 and 4 USB 2.0 ports, alongside modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth. The inclusion of features such as a tiltable pop-up privacy camera and dual array microphones with noise reduction makes it suitable for remote work and online collaboration. Running on Windows 11 Home, it provides users with the latest operating system experience. However, the integrated graphics and the single memory slot may limit future upgrades. Weighing 14.15 pounds, it's relatively portable for an all-in-one desktop. This model is particularly suitable for users seeking a reliable and powerful desktop for work, study, and general use on a budget.

Rating
9.1
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
Ports and Connectivity

Most important from
168 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The processor is fast, and the PC is robust, making it perfect for occasional remote work.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Gaming performance is limited; suitable for simpler games like Roblox or Minecraft but struggles with more demanding titles.
Ports and Connectivity
Port selection is more than sufficient with 3 SuperSpeed USB ports and an HDMI out for an additional monitor.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Desktop Computers

When choosing a budget desktop computer, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will impact your overall experience. By understanding these specs, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs. Consider what you'll primarily use the computer for, such as browsing the internet, working on documents, or light gaming, and prioritize the specs that will enhance those activities. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting a budget desktop computer:
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your computer. It handles all the instructions from your software and hardware. For budget desktops, you'll typically find CPUs from Intel's Core i3 or i5 series, or AMD's Ryzen 3 or 5 series. A dual-core processor is sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and document editing, while a quad-core processor is better for multitasking and more demanding applications. Choose a CPU based on your primary use: if you need the computer for simple tasks, a lower-end CPU will suffice, but for more intensive tasks, opt for a mid-range CPU.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is where your computer stores data that is actively being used or processed. More RAM allows your computer to handle more tasks simultaneously and improves overall performance. For budget desktops, 4GB of RAM is the minimum you should consider, which is adequate for basic tasks. However, 8GB of RAM is recommended for smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities. If you plan to run multiple applications at once or use more demanding software, opt for 8GB or more.
StorageStorage refers to where your computer saves all your files, applications, and operating system. There are two main types of storage: Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid State Drives (SSD). HDDs offer more storage space at a lower cost, but are slower. SSDs are faster and improve overall system responsiveness, but are more expensive per gigabyte. For a budget desktop, a smaller SSD (e.g., 256GB) can provide a significant performance boost for everyday tasks, while a larger HDD (e.g., 1TB) is better if you need more storage space for files and media. Consider a combination of both if possible.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card, or GPU, is responsible for rendering images and video. Integrated graphics, which are built into the CPU, are sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing and video playback. However, if you plan to do any gaming, video editing, or graphic design, a dedicated GPU will provide better performance. Budget desktops may come with entry-level dedicated GPUs, which are suitable for light gaming and multimedia tasks. Choose based on your needs: integrated graphics for basic use, and a dedicated GPU for more graphics-intensive activities.
Ports and ConnectivityPorts and connectivity options determine how you can connect peripherals and other devices to your computer. Common ports include USB (for connecting keyboards, mice, and external drives), HDMI (for connecting monitors), and Ethernet (for wired internet connections). Ensure the desktop has enough USB ports for your needs, and consider the types of USB ports (e.g., USB 3.0 for faster data transfer). Additionally, check for Wi-Fi capability if you plan to connect to the internet wirelessly. Choose a desktop with the necessary ports and connectivity options based on the peripherals and devices you plan to use.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that manages all the hardware and software on your computer. The most common OS for budget desktops is Windows, which offers a wide range of software compatibility and user-friendly features. Some budget desktops may come with Linux, which is free and open-source but may require more technical knowledge to use. Choose an OS based on your familiarity and the software you plan to use. Windows is generally the best choice for most users due to its ease of use and compatibility with a wide range of applications.

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