10 Best mini PC for plex media server 2025 in the United States

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.

The GMKtec Mini PC with the Intel Twin Lake N150 processor is a solid choice for a Plex media server. The upgraded N150 offers decent performance for everyday tasks, office work, and home entertainment, boasting a burst speed of up to 3.6GHz. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, this mini PC ensures ample memory and fast storage, reducing boot and load times significantly when managing media files or running multiple applications simultaneously.

The dual HDMI outputs supporting 4K resolution at 60Hz make it ideal for streaming high-definition content on multiple displays. Additionally, the integrated Intel graphics coprocessor performs well for media playback, though it may struggle with more intensive graphical tasks. Connectivity is robust, featuring four USB 3.2 ports, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a 2.5GbE Ethernet port, which provides fast and reliable network speeds crucial for streaming media.

The compact form factor and upgraded cooling system are also noteworthy, ensuring the device runs quietly and remains cool under load. However, the integrated graphics might be a limiting factor for users requiring higher-end graphical processing, and the single memory slot could restrict future expandability. This mini PC is a capable and efficient device for those seeking a compact and powerful media server setup.

The KAMRUI Hyper H2 Mini Gaming PC is a powerful small desktop that can handle Plex media server duties very well. It features an 11th Gen Intel Core i9-11900H processor with 8 cores and a turbo speed up to 4.9 GHz, which means it can smoothly stream and transcode high-quality 4K videos without lag. The 32GB RAM is generous, providing plenty of memory for running Plex alongside other tasks, and the 1TB SSD offers fast storage with enough room for many media files, expandable if needed.

Connectivity is strong with six USB 3.2 ports, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and Gigabit Ethernet. This makes it easy to connect multiple external drives, controllers, or screens. The ability to support up to three 4K monitors simultaneously is a nice plus if you want multiple displays for other uses. Its compact design (just over 5 inches in each dimension) and VESA mount compatibility allow it to fit discreetly near your TV or monitor, saving space and avoiding clutter. The mini PC runs Windows 11 Pro, which is familiar and supports all Plex server software.

On the downside, the system uses integrated Intel UHD graphics rather than a dedicated GPU, which is generally fine for Plex but may limit gaming or very intensive video editing. Also, beginners might need some help with setup or driver updates, but the brand offers lifetime tech support and a return policy for peace of mind. If you're looking for a mini PC that packs desktop-level power, ample memory, and fast storage in a tiny frame to run a Plex media server smoothly, the KAMRUI Hyper H2 is a solid choice with strong CPU performance and multiple display support, making it versatile beyond just streaming, though it’s not the cheapest option available.