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Ready-made budgetdesktop computersare the most straightforward option for picking up an affordable PC.
Acer’s Aspire TC-1775 remains the top budget desktop computer so far in 2025.
Acer’s Aspire TC-1775 is an evolution of a budget PC I still use every day.
Best overall budget desktop computer
1.
I favorablyreviewed the Aspire TC-895in 2021, and I still use it connected to my living room TV today.
I’ve nowreviewed the TC-1775, which has been completely redesigned with a modified look.
It has a Core i5-14400 CPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD.
This combination will easily handle productivity tasks like homework, email, streaming, and web browsing.
It even hasWi-Fi 6Efor fast and reliable wireless internet.
Read our fullAcer Aspire TC-1775 review
Best budget All-in-One
2.
The 2560x1440 (QHD) is plenty crisp at this size.
The PC’s feet can swivel in and out, and there’s a carrying handle on the back.
Read our fullHP Envy Move review
Best budget mini PC
3.
At the time of my latest update, it’s down to $389.
Read our fullBeelink EQR6 review
4.
Acer’s Aspire TC-1775 is an evolution of a budget PC I still use every day.
It’s still going to tackle productivity work and streaming with ease.
Port selection, size, and build quality are all taken into account.
On to performance, a full range of synthetic benchmarking performance is employed.
Pre-built desktop PCs generally contain standard parts, all of which appear in various computers we test individually.
What about budget desktop gaming computers?
Thebest pre-built desktop gaming PCsdon’t come cheap, at least not the ones we’re comfortable recommending.
HP’s Envy Move is a versatile AIO PC available at a very reasonable price.
If you’re interested in gaming on the cheap, we recommend agreat gaming handheld.
TheROG Ally Xsuccessor is also on the way with some notable improvements, though it costs more.
Budget desktop computer FAQ
Not sure if a budget desktop computer is right for you?
Answers to these frequently asked questions might have the key to getting the right PC.
How much should I budget for a “good” PC?
If you do want to shop under $500, agreat mini PCis probably your best bet.
The Beelink EQR6 is one of our favorite mini PCs ever, all thanks to a compact design and strong performance.
Is it still worth buying a desktop computer?
Absolutely desktop computers are still plenty popular.
The rise in popularity of mini PCs presents a new solution.
Lenovo’s IdeaCentre Mini (Gen 8) is great for home or office work, and it keeps dropping in price as it ages.
How much RAM and storage should my PC have?
For better future-proofing or multitasking capabilities, 16GB will serve you better.
Most desktop PCs all-in-one models like the HP Envy Move excluded allow for relatively easy hardware upgrades.
Getting inside a desktop PC to check cable management, ease of upgrades, and hardware quality is key step in testing computers.
The same goes for storage.
