8 Best Mini PC under 300 (October 2026)

Shopping for a mini PC under 300 dollars means accepting that you are buying a quiet, compact workhorse and not a gaming rig. The interesting question is which compromise you can live with. Some machines in this tier spend their budget on a modern low-power Intel chip, others on an older but more capable Ryzen 5 laptop-class processor, and one even leans on a business-class tiny desktop with a six-core Core i5. Each path changes how the machine behaves once you open twenty browser tabs, a spreadsheet and a video call at the same time.

This guide is for home office users, students, living-room media setups and anyone who wants a second computer that disappears behind a monitor. It covers eight listings, from an 8GB entry unit to a 16GB machine with an NVMe drive. All judgments rely on the specifications written in each listing, so treat them as a way to narrow your shortlist, not as measured results. Pay close attention to RAM capacity and storage type, since those two lines decide how a cheap mini PC feels day to day in 2026.

Quick Picks

KAMRUI AK1PLUS Mini PC Computer, Intel Celeron N5095 (Up to 2.9GHz), 16GB RAM 256GB SSD, Dual 4K Mini Desktop Computer, Support 2.5'' SSD Expansion, WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Business Home Office PC

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GMKtec G3S Mini PC Intel N95 Processor (Up to 3.4GHz) 8GB RAM 256GB M.2 SSD | Mini Desktop Computer with VESA Mount for Office Home Business HTPC Proxmox, Dual 4K Display, WiFi 5, Gigabit Ethernet

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Getorli Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 3500U (4C/8T, Max 3.7GHz) Small Desktop Computer 16GB DDR4 RAM 512GB NVMe SSD Budget Micro Compact PCs 4K HD Dual HDMI WiFi 6 BT5.3 Prebuilt OS-Home Office Gaming Streaming

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BOSGAME Mini PC AMD Ryzen 5 3501U, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD

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HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini Tiny Business PC, Intel Hexa-Core i5-8500T up to 3.5GHz, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD, Dual Monitor Support, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, DisplayPort, Windows 11 64-bit (Renewed)

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BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC Ryzen 5400U, 8GB Upgradable RAM 256GB SATA SSD | Dual 2.5G LAN, WiFi 5/BT5.0, 4K Triple Display HDMI+DP+Type-C, W11, Soft Router, Home & Office

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origimagic C3 Mini PC Intel Core i3-5005U, 8G RAM 512G SSD | 2 HDMI, Gigabit LAN, Wi-Fi 5, 10 OS, Home Office Mini Computer, Learning & Digital Signage & Thin Client Cloud

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BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC, AMD Ryzen 5300U 4C/ 8T, Business Home Office PC | 8GB DDR4 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, 2.5 GbE Dual Lan Desktop Computers, Triple Displays 4K 60Hz, Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.0, Support Linux SSH

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The 8 Best Options

KAMRUI AK1PLUS

The AK1PLUS targets buyers who prize memory capacity over processor muscle. The listing shows an Intel Celeron N5095 running up to 2.9GHz, paired with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, and it supports dual 4K output plus 2.5 inch SSD expansion. Sixteen gigabytes in an entry-level mini PC is unusual, and it helps a machine that mostly lives in a browser with many tabs open. The expansion bay is the other practical hook, because a cheap second drive solves the storage squeeze that hits small SSDs.

• 16GB of RAM gives more headroom for tabs and office apps than the 8GB machines on this list.
• Support for 2.5 inch SSD expansion lets you add storage later.
• Dual 4K output suits a two-monitor desk for documents and video calls.

• The Celeron chip is the most modest processor named here, so heavy multitasking will favor the Ryzen units.
• 256GB fills quickly once Windows updates and a few programs are installed.

Skip it if you plan to edit video or run demanding software, since the processor is the limit. Compared with the next pick, the GMKtec G3S, the KAMRUI offers twice the RAM but a slightly slower listed clock, so it is the better pick for browser-heavy work and the G3S the one for lighter, quieter use. A useful way to frame the decision is to picture your typical afternoon: if a mail client, a chat app, a document and a dozen browser tabs are all open together, the extra memory in the KAMRUI will be felt, while a person who opens two or three things at a time will not miss it.

GMKtec G3S

This is a compact pick for light office duty, a bedroom media box or a hallway kiosk. The title lists an Intel N95 with a top speed of 3.4GHz, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB M.2 SSD, and it mentions a VESA mount for hiding the unit behind a monitor. The N95 sits in the same low-power family as other entry chips, built for modest loads and modest heat, which usually means a machine that stays quiet.

• The highest listed boost clock among the Intel entry chips here.
• M.2 SSD storage rather than a slower drive type.
• VESA mount support keeps the desk tidy.

• 8GB of RAM is the minimum for comfortable browsing, with little room left for heavy use.
• Four-core entry processors struggle with large spreadsheets and many open programs, and the listing gives no hint of a second drive bay.

Skip it if you want to keep many applications open all day. Next is the Getorli, which leaps to a Ryzen 5 and a bigger NVMe drive, so the choice is between a calm low-power unit and a busier but stronger one. The G3S is the better match for a room where silence matters, such as a bedroom or a reading corner, while the Getorli suits a desk where the machine is asked to do more than one job. Shoppers who cannot decide should weigh how much they value the VESA mount against the extra threads.

Getorli Mini PC Ryzen 5 3500U

Here is the machine for someone who wants real multitasking without paying much more. The title names an AMD Ryzen 5 3500U with 4 cores and 8 threads, boosting to 3.7GHz, together with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB NVMe SSD, plus dual HDMI, 4K output and Wi-Fi. That memory and storage combination is more generous than almost every other listing here, and eight threads gives the processor room to juggle background tasks.

• 4 cores and 8 threads help when several applications run at once.
• 16GB of DDR4 and a 512GB NVMe drive are the most generous memory and storage pairing among the Ryzen units.
• Dual HDMI supports a two-screen desk.

• It is an older mobile processor, so it will not match recent mid-range chips.
• Small-brand support and documentation can be thin.

Skip it if you want a recognizable brand with long-term software support. Compared with the next pick, the BOSGAME Ryzen 5 3501U, the Getorli doubles the RAM and storage, which makes it the stronger value on paper. The caveat is that budget brands vary widely in support, so read the return and warranty terms closely and plan to run Windows updates and driver checks soon after setup. If the seller terms are clear, this is among the most balanced specifications in the group, and it is the natural yardstick against which to judge the remaining Ryzen units.

BOSGAME Mini PC Ryzen 5 3501U

The simplest of the Ryzen options, this one gives you a Ryzen 5 3501U with 8GB of DDR4 and a 256GB SSD. The title is short and does not list ports or extras, so what you see is what you get: a straightforward entry into Ryzen 5 territory. It is a decent fit for a household shared computer, where web browsing, homework and streaming are the main jobs.

• A Ryzen 5 processor in a compact form for a modest outlay.
• DDR4 memory, which is common and inexpensive to upgrade if the unit allows it.
• Uncomplicated spec line with no unusual extras to learn.

• 8GB and 256GB leave little breathing room.
• The listing does not mention ports, wireless standards or an expansion bay.

Skip it if you need to know ports and wireless details before buying, because the title leaves those gaps for you to fill by reading the full listing. Households that mostly want a dependable second computer for homework, printing and video streaming will find the specification adequate, provided they keep the browser tidy and close unused tabs. Anyone who wants to add a monitor or a network drive later should check the product page for the exact port count first. Next on the list is the HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini, a business-class machine whose title lists considerably more processor and memory.

HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini

This one comes from a different school: a business tiny desktop. The listing names an Intel hexa-core i5-8500T that runs up to 3.5GHz, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, a 256GB NVMe SSD, dual monitor support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Six cores are more than any other CPU listed in this group, and the business-class design usually brings neat chassis engineering and easy servicing.

• Six cores offer the strongest multitasking potential in this group.
• 16GB of RAM and an NVMe SSD give it a responsive feel.
• Dual monitor support, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are all listed.

• The platform is older, so newer standards may be missing.
• Business tiny desktops are not designed for lighting or gaming.

Skip it if you prefer a brand-new generation of chip. Compared with the next pick, the BOSGAME E5 Plus, the HP trades connectivity extras for raw processing power, and for most office workloads it is the better pick. It is also the easiest to justify for a shared office or a family desk, since the business-class chassis is designed for continuous use, and the six-core processor leaves room for background syncing, video calls and a long list of browser tabs at the same time. Buyers who prize newer wireless standards should still read the full listing before ordering.

BOSGAME E5 Plus

The E5 Plus is aimed at users who care about ports. The listing names a Ryzen 5400U, 8GB of upgradable RAM, a 256GB SATA SSD, dual 2.5G LAN, Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, plus triple 4K display output through HDMI, DisplayPort and Type-C, and it advertises soft router use. Dual 2.5G ports are rare at this tier and are the reason people pick it for home labs.

• Dual 2.5G LAN suits soft router or network appliance projects.
• Triple display outputs over HDMI, DP and Type-C.
• RAM described as upgradable.

• A SATA SSD is slower than the NVMe drives on other listings.
• 8GB of memory is the baseline, so plan to expand if you multitask.

Skip it if you only need a simple web and office machine and will never use the networking. Next is the origimagic C3, a very different unit built around basic tasks. If you do not need the networking extras, the HP or the Getorli will generally feel faster in daily use, and the E5 Plus becomes the sensible choice only when its dual 2.5G ports and three display outputs are exactly the features you came for. Plan to add memory on day one if you multitask, since the listing describes the RAM as upgradable.

origimagic C3

This is the pick for signage, kiosks and basic learning tasks. The listing names an Intel Core i3-5005U, 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, along with two HDMI outputs, Gigabit LAN and Wi-Fi 5, and it mentions digital signage use. The processor is the oldest generation here, so it is best for light work such as slideshows, reading and web basics.

• 512GB of storage is generous for an 8GB machine.
• Two HDMI ports make it handy for signage or a dual-screen display.
• Gigabit LAN and Wi-Fi 5 cover the basics of connectivity.

• The processor is dated and will feel slow under heavier use.
• The listing stops short of detailing the operating system beyond a brief mention.

Skip it if you want smooth multitasking. Compared with the next pick, the BOSGAME E5 11 Pro, it is the weaker processor but the larger drive. That makes it a fit for purposes where storage and display count more than speed, such as a lobby screen rotating slides or a study terminal running a handful of lightweight programs. For anything more demanding, even the cheapest Ryzen on this list will feel noticeably more capable.

BOSGAME E5 11 Pro

The last pick pairs a Ryzen 5300U with 4 cores and 8 threads, 8GB of DDR4 and a 256GB M.2 2280 SSD, and it adds 2.5 GbE dual LAN and triple-display output. It fits a small office that wants fast wired networking and a clean multi-screen desk without needing a large drive.

• 4 cores and 8 threads in a compact box.
• M.2 2280 SSD slot is a standard size, so storage upgrades are straightforward.
• Dual 2.5 GbE LAN for fast wired networking.

• 8GB and 256GB are on the low side of comfortable.
• Adds similar features to the E5 Plus, so the two are close.

Skip it if you already own the E5 Plus or prefer an NVMe pairing with more memory, since the Getorli and HP give more in those areas. It closes the list by overlapping with the E5 Plus, so decide between them on the SSD type and the exact processor. The E5 11 Pro is the one to consider when wired speed and a tidy three-screen setup matter more than a bigger drive, and you plan to expand storage later through the standard M.2 slot. Buyers who care about NVMe speed should look at the Getorli or the HP instead.

Why Buy a Mini PC Under 300 Dollars

A tiny desktop at this price suits specific roles better than a laptop or a full tower. It uses little power, takes almost no desk space and can be moved behind a monitor, which makes it the quiet choice for everyday jobs. The decision usually comes down to whether your daily work fits inside a browser and a handful of office programs. If it does, a small box with 16GB of RAM can feel as responsive as a much more expensive machine, and it frees the desk for the things you actually use.

Home office and study desks

Email, documents, video meetings and web research do not need a powerful machine. The Ryzen 5 and Core i5 units here handle that comfortably, and any model with 16GB of RAM feels freer when many tabs are open.

Media centers and living rooms

A mini PC behind a television can stream video, play music and browse. Look for 4K output and Wi-Fi 5 or better, and a mount that hides the box. A unit with a VESA bracket, like the GMKtec, can vanish behind a television, and a model with Bluetooth lets you use a wireless keyboard from the couch. Check that the HDMI output fits your television before you buy.

Second computers and small projects

Dual-LAN units like the BOSGAME E5 series fit home networking tasks, while the origimagic C3 suits signage. A cheap mini PC is also a good sandbox for hobby projects because it costs little to repurpose. Hobbyists use machines like these for home automation hubs, file servers and retro media players, and the dual-LAN BOSGAME units suit anyone who wants a small, low-power network appliance on the shelf next to the router.

How to Choose

Processor class and core count

At this price you will meet three groups. Intel N-series and Celeron chips use low power and handle light work. Older Ryzen 5 mobile chips such as the 3500U or 5300U offer 4 cores and 8 threads for better multitasking. A business-class i5 with six cores is the strongest of all. As a rule, aim for at least four cores, and favor eight threads if you keep many programs open. Ignore the highest boost clock in the title, since sustained speed depends on cooling. Compare generations too: an older Core i3 with two cores will lag behind any Ryzen 5 with four, whatever the clock numbers suggest. For a quick rule, treat two-core chips as signage-grade, four-core entry chips as office-grade, and anything with eight threads or more as the choice for people who multitask.

RAM capacity and type

Eight gigabytes is the floor for Windows with a modern browser, and 16GB is the comfortable target. Check whether the RAM is soldered or removable; a listing that says upgradable, like the E5 Plus, gives you a path to more. DDR4 is the norm for this tier, and dual-channel configurations help integrated graphics. Remember that integrated graphics borrow from system memory, so a machine with 8GB effectively has less for programs once graphics and the operating system take their share. If the title states a maximum memory capacity or a spare slot, treat that as a point in the machine’s favor.

Storage type and size

Prefer NVMe or M.2 over SATA when you can, because it makes startup and file loading feel faster. A 256GB drive is workable if you store files elsewhere; 512GB is more comfortable. A free 2.5 inch bay or M.2 slot allows cheap growth later. Be careful with unbranded drives in budget machines, since the wording SSD alone does not tell you the interface. SATA drives are fine for documents but slower for loading large programs, and a full drive slows down, so leave at least a fifth of the space free.

Ports and display outputs

Count the monitors you will connect, and match them to HDMI, DisplayPort or USB-C outputs. Wi-Fi 5 is adequate, Gigabit LAN is the minimum, and 2.5G LAN only matters if your network can use it. Make sure there are enough USB ports for a keyboard, mouse and webcam without a hub. If a monitor uses USB-C, confirm the port carries video before you count on it. Also look for an audio jack or plan for a USB headset, because some compact designs drop the headphone socket.

Operating system and licensing

Many budget listings ship with Windows installed, but wording varies. Confirm that Windows is activated and updatable before buying, and ignore vague claims about operating system compatibility. A machine sold without an operating system is cheaper but requires you to supply a license and install it yourself. If you plan to run Linux, check that the Wi-Fi and Ethernet chips are well supported, since hardware that works smoothly on Windows may need extra drivers elsewhere.

Warranty, cooling and where budget models cut corners

The cheapest units shave costs on warranty length, cooling design, bundled cables and support. Look for a stated warranty, a vented chassis and a recognizable brand if you can. Budget makers also tend to use slower memory or a SATA drive to keep the price down, so read the spec line rather than trusting a headline. Thin warranty terms, a single memory slot, a loud fan that ramps constantly and a power adapter that gets hot are other common compromises. Treat a vented chassis and metal construction as plus points, and look at whether the listing states a warranty period in months or years rather than leaving it vague. One more thing to ignore is a processor described only by marketing words; insist on seeing the exact model number so you can look up its core count and generation, and be skeptical of any listing that stacks many buzzwords but hides the processor model.

Intel Entry Chips vs Ryzen 5 vs Business Tiny Desktop

This is the choice almost every shopper in this price tier faces. Each design philosophy offers a different mix of power, noise and flexibility. The grid below summarizes how the three groups behave, followed by two scenarios that show which path suits which buyer.

If you mostly browse and watch video

The Intel entry units are enough, and their low-power design keeps noise down. Pair them with 16GB if you can, as in the KAMRUI listing. These chips draw little power and generate little heat, so the fans tend to stay quiet, which is a real advantage in a bedroom or a shared study. They are less suited to large spreadsheets, photo editing or video work, where the extra threads of a Ryzen 5 are worth having.

If you keep many programs open

Choose the Ryzen 5 or the HP. The extra threads and cores matter far more than raw clock speed, and the 16GB configurations make the difference. The Getorli adds NVMe storage and dual HDMI, while the HP brings six cores and a business-grade chassis. If you plan to run virtual machines, keep several office programs open or work across two monitors, this group is where the money is best spent in this tier. The trade-off is slightly more fan noise under load and a bigger power draw than the entry Intel chips, which matters little on a desk but may matter in a bedroom.

Business tiny desktops deserve their own mention. Their cases are designed for easy servicing, their power adapters are usually dependable, and parts such as memory and storage follow standard sizes. That is why a six-core i5 from an older generation can still be the more sensible purchase than a newer but weaker entry chip.

Setup, Compatibility and Upgrade Tips

What to check before buying

Confirm the number of monitors you need, the connections they use and whether the mini PC has matching outputs. Check the Wi-Fi version and the number of USB ports. Verify whether the RAM and SSD are removable. Look at the box contents as well: a power adapter, an HDMI cable and a mounting bracket are common but not guaranteed. If you plan to use two displays, make sure you have the right cables, and consider a short extension for the Wi-Fi antenna if the unit sits in a cabinet.

What to upgrade first

If the unit has one memory slot filled with 8GB, upgrading to 16GB is the single best improvement. After that, add a second drive or replace the SATA drive with NVMe where supported. Before opening the case, confirm that doing so does not void the warranty, and ground yourself against static. Back up the activation details or recovery media first so you can restore the machine if a drive swap goes wrong.

Common compatibility traps

Some listings quote 4K support without noting the refresh rate, so check HDMI versions if you want smooth 4K. Mounting kits vary, power adapters are brand-specific, and an M.2 slot may be SATA-only. Always confirm the drive interface before buying an upgrade. Another trap is mixing memory speeds or buying a single large module for a dual-channel setup, which can slow integrated graphics. Finally, do not forget to update the firmware and graphics drivers, since fresh installs on budget hardware often ship with outdated versions that cause flicker or sleep problems. Keep the original recovery files if the seller provides them, and set a restore point once the machine is stable. Place the mini PC where its vents are clear, because a unit pressed against a wall or stacked beneath a router will run hotter and louder than it needs to.

Which One Fits Your Situation

You work from home with a dozen tabs open

The HP EliteDesk 800 G4 Mini or the Getorli Ryzen 5 3500U, both with 16GB of RAM and NVMe storage. The HP gives you six cores for long video calls and spreadsheets, while the Getorli is the choice if you prefer dual HDMI output and a Ryzen 5 with eight threads.

You want a quiet media box for the living room

The GMKtec G3S, with its VESA mount and low-power Intel chip. It is the least likely of the group to make noise at night, and the mount lets you tuck it behind the screen.

You tinker with home networking

The BOSGAME E5 Plus with dual 2.5G LAN and upgradable RAM. Its triple display output and soft router mention make it the most network-minded pick in the group.

You need a signage or kiosk screen

The origimagic C3 with two HDMI outputs and a 512GB drive. It handles slideshows and basic playback, which is exactly what signage needs.

Common Mistakes

• Choosing 8GB of RAM and assuming it can be upgraded without checking whether a free slot exists.
• Ignoring SSD type and ending up with a slower SATA drive.
• Buying for 4K without checking the HDMI version and refresh rate.
• Paying for networking features such as dual 2.5G ports that your router and switch cannot use.
• Assuming an older processor will feel as fast as a new one.
• Forgetting to confirm Windows activation, driver availability and a clear warranty before the return window closes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 8GB of RAM enough?

For basic browsing and office work, yes, but you will feel limits with many tabs. If the budget allows, 16GB is more comfortable, and it is the figure to look for on the KAMRUI, Getorli and HP listings.

Can a mini PC under 300 dollars run games?

Only light and older titles. These machines use integrated graphics, so treat them as office and media computers.

Is the HP EliteDesk a better buy than newer mini PCs?

It has six cores and 16GB of RAM in the listing, which is a lot of capability for the tier. Its platform is older, so newer standards may be missing.

Do I need a 2.5G LAN port?

Only if your router and switch support it and you move large files. For most homes, Gigabit LAN is enough.

Can I add a second monitor?

Most listings support at least two screens through HDMI. Check each listing for the exact outputs, and note that some models offer three display connections.

Are Ryzen 5 chips from this era still useful?

Yes, for office, study and streaming. They are not built for modern demanding workloads, but they remain capable everyday processors. Their main limit is age, so expect slower performance in demanding programs than recent chips deliver.

Final Words

The best mini PC under 300 dollars depends on how you work. For browser-heavy days, favor the units with 16GB of RAM and NVMe storage, such as the HP EliteDesk or the Getorli. For quiet media duty, the GMKtec fits. For networking projects, the BOSGAME E5 line stands out. Whatever you pick, read the RAM and storage lines first, confirm the display outputs you need, and keep expectations realistic for a compact machine at this tier. A good small PC should fade into the background, so choose the one that fits how you work rather than the one with the longest feature list.