10 Best Mini Pcs For Homelab in 2026

Mini PCs have revolutionized how enthusiasts build home labs by offering powerful computing in compact footprints. These devices support virtualization, network routing, and media servers without consuming excessive desk space or power.

We evaluated ten top models based on processor strength, network port availability, and expansion capabilities. Each unit was assessed for its ability to handle continuous workloads typical of homelab environments and server tasks.

Every pick highlights specific strengths like dual LAN ports or upgradeable RAM to match your project needs. Keep in mind that prices fluctuate frequently so verify current listings before making your final purchasing decision.

Top 3 Picks for Best Mini Pcs for Homelab

Top 10 Best Mini Pcs for Homelab in 2026 Compared

This side-by-side comparison highlights the key specifications and networking features of each model to help you identify the most suitable unit for your specific homelab requirements and budget constraints.

1. BOSGAME E5 Mini pc – Best Overall Mini Pcs for Homelab

4.6Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

BOSGAME E5 Mini pc

AMD Ryzen 3 5300U CPU

8GB DDR4 RAM expandable

Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports

256GB SSD storage base

The BOSGAME E5 Mini pc stands out as a top contender for homelab enthusiasts due to its balanced mix of performance and networking capabilities. With a solid rating and reliable architecture, it offers the stability needed for 24/7 server operations without consuming excessive power.

Pros

• Dual fast LAN ports for routing
• Upgradable to 64GB RAM
• Triple 4K display support
• Quiet cooling system design
• Full-function Type-C port

Cons

• Limited to DDR4 memory speed
• Stock storage may need upgrade

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Its standout feature is the dual 2.5GbE LAN ports powered by Realtek RTL8125 controllers. This allows you to easily set up a software router or firewall like pfSense without needing additional hardware. The 4-core 8-thread Ryzen 3 5300U provides enough processing power for multiple virtual machines and containerized applications.

While it comes with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD, both are expandable. You can upgrade memory to 64GB and add a second NVMe drive via the empty M.2 slot. The only trade-off is the DDR4 limitation which is acceptable for most homelab workloads but might not suit extreme memory bandwidth scenarios.

This unit is ideal for anyone building a home server, NAS, or network lab. Its quiet operation and triple display support make it versatile for monitoring dashboards. We recommend it as the best overall choice for those needing reliable networking and easy expansion.

Advanced Networking Features

The dual 2.5GbE LAN ports enable seamless separation of WAN and LAN traffic for advanced homelab routing and firewall setups.

Scalable Storage and Memory

Dual SODIMM slots and an extra M.2 NVMe slot ensure you can grow storage and RAM as your lab projects expand over time.

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2. BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC – Excellent Homelab Workstation

4.3Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC

AMD Ryzen 3 5400U CPU

8GB DDR4 RAM upgradable

Dual 2.5GbE LAN ports

256GB SATA SSD base

The BOSGAME E5 Plus Mini PC builds upon the previous E5 model with a slightly refined processor and robust connectivity options. It scores well for daily computing and homelab tasks thanks to its responsive performance and comprehensive port selection.

Pros

• Slightly faster boost clock speed
• Dual fast Ethernet interfaces
• Triple 4K video outputs
• Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro
• Full-function USB-C support

Cons

• Initial RAM is standard 8GB
• SATA SSD slower than NVMe

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Powered by the Ryzen 3 5400U with a 4.0GHz boost clock, it handles multitasking smoothly. The dual 2.5GbE LAN ports are crucial for homelab users who need to separate network traffic or run a firewall appliance efficiently.

Although it ships with 8GB DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SATA SSD, the motherboard supports upgrades up to 64GB RAM and an additional NVMe SSD. The SATA drive is fast enough for most apps but upgrading to NVMe will improve boot times significantly.

This model suits users who need a reliable workstation for virtualization and networking experiments. Its support for Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu makes it flexible for various operating system preferences. It is a strong choice for those prioritizing network performance.

High-Speed Networking

Dual 2.5GbE Ethernet ports provide ample bandwidth for high-throughput file transfers and complex network topology experiments.

Flexible Operating Systems

Compatibility with both Windows 11 Pro and Ubuntu ensures you can tailor the environment to your specific homelab needs.

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3. Getorli Mini PC – Powerful 6-Core Performance

4.5Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Getorli Mini PC

AMD Ryzen 5 7430U CPU

16GB DDR4 RAM standard

Dual 2.5G LAN ports

512GB SSD storage

The Getorli Mini PC brings a significant performance jump with its 6-core Ryzen 5 7430U processor. This makes it ideal for heavier homelab workloads that require more threads for parallel processing and virtualization tasks.

Pros

• 6-core 12-thread processor
• 16GB RAM pre-installed
• WiFi 6 support included
• Aluminum alloy cooling shell
• Triple 4K display support

Cons

• Slightly higher price point
• DDR4 RAM limits bandwidth

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With 16GB of DDR4 RAM coming out of the box, you save the initial cost of upgrading memory. The dual 2.5G LAN ports ensure that network throughput remains high even under heavy load from multiple clients or services.

Its aluminum alloy shell and honeycomb heat dissipation design keep temperatures low during extended operations. WiFi 6 is another great addition for wireless clients needing stable connectivity. The only downside is that it still uses DDR4 which is common but limits peak speeds.

This unit is perfect for advanced homelab users who need more processing power without moving to a full tower. It supports triple 4K displays for detailed monitoring dashboards. We recommend it for those who want ready-to-use power for complex server setups.

Multi-Core Efficiency

The 6-core 12-thread architecture handles multiple virtual machines simultaneously without stuttering or performance drops.

Enhanced Wireless Connectivity

WiFi 6 support ensures low latency and high bandwidth for wireless devices accessing your home server or router.

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4. Mini PC Intel Pentium N3700 – Budget Homelab Starter

3.7Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Mini PC Intel Pentium N3700

Intel Pentium N3700 CPU

8GB RAM capacity

1000M RJ45 LAN

128GB SSD storage

The Mini PC with Intel Pentium N3700 offers an incredibly low power entry point for those starting their homelab journey. Its 6W TDP ensures minimal electricity usage and heat output which is perfect for 24/7 operation in small spaces.

Pros

• Ultra-low 6W power usage
• Very affordable entry price
• Supports 4K dual display
• Compact silent operation
• VESA mount included

Cons

• Slower CPU for VMs
• Only one Gigabit LAN port

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While the processor is basic with 4 cores and 4 threads it handles lightweight tasks well. You can run simple Docker containers or basic file services. The Gigabit LAN port is sufficient for entry-level home networking but lacks the speed of 2.5GbE.

It includes 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD but supports expansion up to 2TB. The dual 4K display support via HDMI makes it versatile for media playback. The only real limitation is the CPU which may struggle with heavy virtualization demands.

This device is best suited for users on a tight budget or those needing a secondary node for monitoring or storage. Its portability and silent design allow it to hide easily. It is a great budget option for basic homelab tasks.

Power Efficiency

At just 6W TDP this unit keeps energy costs extremely low for always-on servers or network appliances.

Dual 4K Media Support

Two HDMI ports enable dual screen setups for media streaming and system monitoring simultaneously.

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5. KAMRUI Mini PC – Dual Gigabit LAN Value

4.6Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

KAMRUI Mini PC

AMD Ryzen 5 3501U CPU

8GB DDR4 RAM

Dual Gigabit LAN ports

256GB SSD storage

The KAMRUI Mini PC stands out for its dual Gigabit LAN ports at a competitive price point. This makes it a natural choice for DIY router projects or firewall appliances where separate network connections are essential.

Pros

• Dual 1Gbps LAN ports
• Strong Vega 8 graphics
• Triple 4K display support
• USB-C Power Delivery support
• Quiet 28W cooling design

Cons

• RAM cap at 32GB
• USB-C lacks display output

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Powered by the Ryzen 5 3501U it offers solid multi-threaded performance. The Vega 8 graphics are surprisingly capable for light media decoding and general desktop use. It supports triple 4K displays which is rare in this price range.

You can expand RAM to 32GB and storage up to 4TB via M.2 slots. The USB-C port supports 65W Power Delivery allowing single-cable setups though video output requires HDMI or DP. The cooling design keeps it whisper quiet during loads.

This unit is excellent for budget-conscious homelab enthusiasts needing specific network features. It handles virtualization and media services efficiently. We recommend it for those who prioritize LAN ports and multi-monitor setups on a budget.

Network Hardware Integration

Dual built-in Gigabit ports remove the need for USB adapters or separate switches for network segmentation.

Display Versatility

Triple display outputs enable comprehensive monitoring dashboards for server health and network traffic analysis.

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6. BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC – Ready to Use Solution

4.4Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC

Ryzen 3 5300U CPU

8GB DDR4 RAM

Dual 2.5GbE LAN

256GB NVMe SSD

The BOSGAME E5 11 Pro Mini PC comes pre-installed with Windows 11 Pro which is a major convenience for users wanting immediate setup. It shares the robust architecture of other E5 models ensuring reliable performance for homelab duties.

Pros

• Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro
• Dual fast 2.5GbE ports
• NVMe storage standard
• Triple 4K display support
• Compact silent design

Cons

• Slightly higher price than basic
• No extra SATA ports

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Its dual 2.5GbE LAN ports make it ideal for network enthusiasts needing high-speed connections. The Ryzen 3 5300U provides enough processing power for multiple browser tabs and VMs. It boots quickly thanks to the included NVMe SSD.

Memory can be upgraded to 64GB and storage extended via an extra M.2 slot. The quiet cooling system ensures it remains unobtrusive even in living areas. The premium price reflects the clean system and warranty support provided by the manufacturer.

This model suits users who want a business-ready device for home server tasks. The included OS license saves time and hassle. We recommend it for those who value out-of-the-box convenience and professional-grade hardware features.

Professional Operating System

Windows 11 Pro pre-installation provides ready access to advanced features without extra licensing steps.

Reliable Hardware Support

Extended warranty coverage ensures peace of mind for long-term homelab deployment and maintenance.

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7. BOSGAME E5 Mini PC – Upgraded Memory and Storage

4.6Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

BOSGAME E5 Mini PC

Ryzen 3 5300U CPU

16GB DDR4 RAM

Dual 2.5GbE LAN

512GB NVMe SSD

This variant of the BOSGAME E5 offers a generous 16GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD out of the box. It is designed for users who want to avoid immediate upgrades while maintaining high performance for complex tasks.

Pros

• 16GB RAM standard
• 512GB NVMe storage
• Dual fast 2.5GbE ports
• Triple 4K display support
• Full-function Type-C

Cons

• Price higher than 8GB model
• DDR4 RAM speed limit

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The dual 2.5GbE LAN ports continue to be a highlight for networking enthusiasts. The Ryzen 3 5300U ensures smooth multitasking for office applications and virtual machines alike. Boot times are fast thanks to the NVMe drive.

Expansion remains possible with slots for 64GB RAM and a second drive. The triple 4K display capability is perfect for monitoring dashboards. The only drawback is the cost which is higher than the base model though justified by the specs.

This unit is ideal for those who want a ready-to-use powerful workstation without tinkering. It suits both home office and homelab scenarios. We recommend it for users valuing convenience and performance in a compact footprint.

Ready-to-Use Performance

16GB RAM and 512GB storage provide ample resources for multiple services right out of the box.

Networking Speed

Dual 2.5GbE ports ensure your internal network and internet routing remain fast and responsive.

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8. C3 Mini PC – Reliable Classic Architecture

4.2Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

C3 Mini PC

Intel Core i3-5005U CPU

8GB RAM expandable

Gigabit Ethernet LAN

512GB SSD storage

The C3 Mini PC uses the Intel Core i3-5005U which is known for stable and efficient single-core performance. It is optimized for continuous operation making it suitable for industrial or commercial setups.

Pros

• Strong single-core performance
• 512GB SSD standard
• 2.5K video support
• Quiet efficient operation
• Supports Ubuntu Linux

Cons

• No Windows 11 support
• Older CPU architecture

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It comes with 512GB SSD storage and 8GB RAM which can be expanded. The Intel HD Graphics 5500 supports 2.5K video streams for media use. Gigabit Ethernet ensures decent network speeds though it lacks the advanced dual LAN of other models.

The design supports Ubuntu Linux and allows for flexible deployments. It runs quietly due to low power architecture. The main limitation is the lack of Windows 11 support which may restrict some users requiring that OS.

This device is great for Linux users or simple server tasks. Its efficiency and storage capacity make it practical for home use. We recommend it for budget users who prioritize storage over latest CPU features.

Stability Focus

Optimized for 7×24 operation ensuring reliable performance for continuous server or display tasks.

Linux Compatibility

Full support for Ubuntu and other Linux distros makes it flexible for open-source homelab projects.

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9. BOSGAME P6 Neo Mini Gaming PC – High-End Powerhouse

4.3Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

BOSGAME P6 Neo Mini Gaming PC

Ryzen 7 6800H CPU

24GB LPDDR5X RAM

Dual Gigabit LAN

1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD

The BOSGAME P6 Neo Mini Gaming PC offers top-tier performance with its Ryzen 7 6800H and massive 24GB LPDDR5X RAM. It is designed for users who need serious computing power in a small form factor.

Pros

• 8-core 16-thread processor
• 24GB fast LPDDR5X RAM
• 1TB PCIe 4.0 storage
• WiFi 6E and BT 5.3
• Triple 4K display support

Cons

• Highest price in comparison
• Onboard RAM limits upgrades

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The 8-core processor and PCIe 4.0 SSD deliver incredible speed for data-heavy homelab workloads. Dual Gigabit Ethernet ensures reliable connectivity while WiFi 6E supports modern high-speed wireless protocols. Triple 4K displays enable extensive multitasking.

While the onboard RAM cannot be upgraded, 24GB is already ample for most tasks. The cooling system keeps noise low even under load. The only drawback is the price which reflects its premium components and gaming capabilities.

This unit is perfect for advanced users who need power for media transcoding or complex virtualization. It suits those who want a single device for work and entertainment. We recommend it for premium homelab deployments.

Extreme Processing Power

The 8-core Ryzen 7 CPU handles heavy transcoding and multiple high-performance virtual machines efficiently.

Next-Gen Connectivity

WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 provide fast wireless options for modern peripherals and network access.

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10. Bmax Mini PC B1 Plus – Entry Level Expansion

4.2Editor scoreCheck price on Amazon

Bmax Mini PC B1 Plus

Intel Celeron J3355 CPU

6GB RAM capacity

Gigabit Ethernet LAN

128GB eMMC storage

The Bmax Mini PC B1 Plus is a compact solution with unique dual M.2 SSD slots allowing flexible storage expansion. It is designed for basic office tasks and light homelab duties where portability is key.

Pros

• Dual M.2 SSD slots
• Compact palm-sized design
• Pre-installed Windows 11
• Supports Linux/Ubuntu
• One-Click Restore feature

Cons

• Limited 6GB RAM total
• Slower Celeron CPU

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Powered by the Celeron J3355 it handles web browsing and documents well. The 128GB eMMC is small but you can add larger SSDs via the extra slots. Dual 4K HDMI ports are useful for simple monitoring setups.

It includes 6GB RAM which is fixed and non-upgradeable. This limits its use for heavy multitasking or virtualization. The One-Click Restore feature helps quickly recover the system if errors occur.

This unit is best for users needing a small home office PC or simple file server. Its compact size makes it easy to mount anywhere. We recommend it for entry-level home setups with modest requirements.

Flexible Storage

Dual M.2 slots allow combining SATA and NVMe drives for customized storage solutions without replacing the OS drive.

System Recovery

Built-in One-Click Restore ensures quick recovery from system errors with minimal technical effort.

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Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Mini Pcs for Homelab

Selecting the right mini PC for your homelab involves balancing processing power, network capabilities, and expansion options. This guide breaks down the essential factors to ensure you choose a unit that meets your technical needs and long-term goals.

Processor Performance

The CPU determines how many virtual machines or containers you can run simultaneously. For heavy homelab tasks look for processors with multiple cores like Ryzen 5 or Core i5. These ensure smooth multitasking without throttling during peak loads.

Focus on core count over clock speed for server tasks since most workloads benefit from parallel processing rather than single-core bursts.

Network Connectivity

Dual Ethernet ports are highly valuable for homelab enthusiasts running routers or firewalls. This allows you to separate WAN and LAN traffic physically without extra switches. Speeds like 2.5GbE provide future-proofing for high-throughput file transfers.

Always verify the LAN port count and speed before buying if networking experiments are a priority in your lab setup.

RAM Capacity and Upgradeability

Memory is critical for running virtual machines and databases smoothly. Aim for at least 16GB RAM if you plan to run multiple services. Check if the unit has SODIMM slots for expansion since onboard RAM cannot be upgraded later.

Prioritize models with accessible RAM slots to avoid the need to replace the entire unit as your lab grows.

Storage Options

Adequate storage ensures you can host media files or logs without constant management. Look for M.2 NVMe slots for speed and SATA slots for high capacity. Some units offer dual M.2 slots which is ideal for system plus data separation.

Choose units with flexible storage expansion to accommodate growing media libraries and backup drives over time.

Power Consumption

Since many homelab units run 24/7 efficiency matters for electricity bills and heat generation. Look for low TDP ratings like 15W or 28W. These consume less power while providing enough performance for basic server tasks.

Select models with efficient power supplies to minimize energy costs during continuous operation.

Operating System Compatibility

Support for multiple operating systems like Windows and Linux is essential for flexibility. If you plan to run pfSense or Ubuntu ensure the hardware drivers are compatible. Some units lock out newer OS versions due to TPM or processor requirements.

Verify the hardware supports the OS you intend to use before purchasing to avoid compatibility hurdles.

Form Factor and Cooling

A compact design helps fit multiple units in a rack or cabinet. Ensure the cooling system is quiet enough for residential spaces. Copper heat pipes and efficient fans maintain performance without becoming a nuisance.

Prioritize silent cooling designs if your lab will be located in living areas or home offices.

Display Outputs

Multi-monitor support is useful for dashboards and server monitoring. Check for HDMI and DisplayPort counts to see if you can connect multiple screens. Triple 4K support is rare but valuable for complex visual setups.

Verify the video port count if you need dedicated screens for network traffic or system metrics monitoring.

How to Use and Care for Your Mini Pcs for Homelab

Begin by securing the mini PC in a stable position with proper ventilation. Attach peripherals like monitors and network cables using the available ports. Boot the system and install your preferred operating system or homelab software.

Configure network settings by connecting the LAN ports to your router and internal network. Enable necessary services like SSH or remote desktop to manage the device remotely. Update firmware and drivers regularly to maintain security and performance.

Monitor temperatures and system load to ensure stability. Clean dust filters periodically to prevent overheating during long runs. Backup important data to an external drive or cloud service to avoid loss during hardware failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Mini Pcs for Homelab

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