10 Best mini PC for plex media server 2026 in the United States

The MINISFORUM Mini PC AI X1 Pro is a very powerful mini computer equipped with an AMD Ryzen 9 processor boasting 12 cores and speeds up to 5.1 GHz, making it more than capable of handling a Plex media server along with multiple other tasks without slowing down. Its 64GB of fast DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD offer plenty of space and speed for storing and streaming large media libraries smoothly. The PC supports up to four 4K displays and 8K resolution, which is great if you want crystal-clear video output or multitasking on multiple screens. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, WiFi 7 for fast wireless connections, Bluetooth 5.4, and multiple USB4 ports for quick data transfer or adding external devices.

The compact form factor and intelligent cooling system keep the device quiet and energy-efficient, even under heavy loads. It runs on Windows 11, which is user-friendly and compatible with Plex software. On the downside, this mini PC is quite advanced and might be more expensive than simpler models designed solely for media streaming. Its gaming-oriented graphics and AI assistant features are nice extras but not essential for a Plex server. Unless you also need a powerful machine for gaming or creative work, this might be more than you need. For those seeking a future-proof, high-performance mini PC that excels in multitasking, fast network speeds, and high-resolution video, the MINISFORUM AI X1 Pro represents a strong choice.

The Dell OptiPlex 7020 MFF is a compact and powerful mini PC that fits well for use as a Plex media server, especially if you want strong performance in a small footprint. Its standout feature is the 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700T processor with 20 cores, which offers plenty of speed and multitasking power to handle streaming multiple media files smoothly. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM is more than enough for running Plex alongside other tasks without slowdowns. Storage is excellent with a 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD, providing fast read/write speeds and enough space for a large media library. Connectivity options like WiFi 6, Ethernet, USB-C, and multiple USB-A ports ensure you can easily connect to networks and external drives. The inclusion of DisplayPort and HDMI allows for direct monitor connections if needed.

Windows 11 Pro is the operating system, offering compatibility with Plex and other apps, though some users might prefer a lightweight Linux alternative for a dedicated media server. The mini form factor is ultra-small and quiet, making it easy to place anywhere without noise distraction or space issues. On the downside, the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770 is fine for video playback but not suited for heavy transcoding tasks that Plex sometimes requires. Also, this model is on the higher end price-wise compared to simpler Plex server setups.

If your Plex usage involves multiple simultaneous 4K streams or additional computing tasks, this PC will serve you well. However, if you only need basic streaming on a budget, it might be more than necessary. This Dell mini PC combines strong processing power, ample memory, and fast storage in a compact design, making it a solid choice for a versatile, high-performance Plex media server environment.

The ACEMAGIC M1 Mini PC is a strong candidate for a Plex media server thanks to its powerful Intel Core i9-11900H processor with 8 cores and 16 threads, which ensures smooth handling of multiple video streams and media transcoding tasks. Its 32GB DDR4 RAM offers plenty of memory to support seamless multitasking and future-proofing, while the 1TB SSD provides fast storage that's ideal for quick access to media files. There's also room to expand storage further, which is handy if your media library grows. Connectivity is well-covered with a 2.5G LAN port, WiFi 6, and multiple USB ports, ensuring fast and stable network connections along with options to connect various devices.

The triple 4K display outputs are great if you want to set up multiple monitors, though this feature is more useful for office or creative work than just a media server. The mini PC's compact size and quiet cooling system make it easy to place anywhere in your home without noise disruption. It runs Windows 11 Pro, which supports Plex server software and other apps you might want to use.

On the downside, integrated Intel UHD Graphics are sufficient for media playback but won't support heavy gaming or advanced GPU-based tasks. The price is likely higher than entry-level mini PCs, reflecting its high-end CPU and RAM but might be more than needed if you only want a basic Plex server. This mini PC delivers excellent performance and connectivity for users looking for a powerful yet compact Plex media server, especially if you plan to use it for additional tasks like office work or light content creation.