Best Desktops under $800 for workstation use

Best Pick

Apple Mac Studio M2 Max Silver 2023

64.2 Workstation Score
Apple M2 Max32GB RAM512GBApple M2 Max 30-coreaio
Why we recommend this

The M2 Max chip’s 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU deliver formidable compute in a compact, quiet chassis with extensive I/O including four Thunderbolt 4 ports. Its pristine refurbished condition offers a cost-effective entry to this level of performance without sacrificing build quality or the 10Gb Ethernet connection. This machine is best for developers and business users who need high-throughput processing for code compilation or data analysis but have no use for AAA gaming.

View Details & Prices
Price $539
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:
Apple Mac Studio M2 Max Silver 2023 desktop

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple Mac mini M4 Silver 2024

58.5 Workstation Score
Apple M4 16GB RAM512GBApple M4 10-coremini
Why we recommend this

The M4 chip’s 10-core CPU and GPU deliver fluid, snappy performance in a 5-by-5-inch, 0.68kg aluminum unibody that fits under any monitor. Front-facing USB-C ports and a headphone jack now join Thunderbolt and HDMI for convenient connectivity, while seamless iPhone Mirroring and Apple Intelligence integration strengthen its ecosystem. This is best for home office users and business professionals who want a compact, secure desktop that handles productivity apps and light creative work without clutter.

View Details & Prices

Apple iMac A Grade Desktop Computer 27-inch 3.8GHZ Quad Core i5 MNED2LL/A Silver 2017

54.1 Workstation Score
3.80GHz8GB RAM2.1TBAMD Radeon Pro 580aio
Why we recommend this

The 27-inch Retina 5K display with 5120 x 2880 resolution and one billion color support remains the standout feature, driven by a Radeon Pro 580 with 8GB of VRAM. This refurbished unit combines a spacious 2TB Fusion Drive with a 7th Gen quad-core i5, offering a bright, color-accurate canvas for a lower entry price. It is best for home-office users and small business owners who need a large, high-resolution screen for document management and light photo editing.

View Details & Prices
Apple iMac A Grade Desktop Computer 27-inch 3.8GHZ Quad Core i5 MNED2LL/A Silver 2017 desktop
Price $660
Check Price at Best Buy
Also available open box & refurbished:

Best Desktops under $1,500 for workstation use

Best Pick

Apple Mac mini M4 Silver 2024

63.8 Workstation Score
Apple M4 24GB RAM512GBApple M4 10-coremini
Why we recommend this

Powered by the Apple M4 10-core chip and 24GB of unified memory, it delivers fluid performance inside a 5x5-inch, 0.68kg aluminum chassis. Front-facing USB-C and Thunderbolt ports, plus iPhone mirroring with a shared clipboard, make multi-device workflows notably seamless. It’s best for business professionals and home office users needing compact macOS power, not for gaming or component upgrades.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iMac 24-inch All-in-One Pink 2024

50.4 Workstation Score
Apple M4 16GB RAM256GBApple M4 8-coreaio
Why we recommend this

The M4 chip delivers snappy performance for multitasking and creative apps, housed in an ultra-thin 4.42kg design with a vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including iPhone Mirroring, and a 12MP Center Stage camera make it a standout for connected workflows. This all-in-one is best for home office users and business professionals who prioritize a stylish, space-saving desktop over gaming performance.

View Details & Prices

Best Desktops under $2,500 for workstation use

Best Pick

Apple Mac Studio M4 Max Silver 2025

75.4 Workstation Score
Apple M4 Max36GB RAM512GBApple M4 Max 32-coresff
Why we recommend this

Driven by an M4 Max 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU with ray tracing, this quiet desktop handles intensive 3D animation and film scoring. Four Thunderbolt 5 ports and support for five external displays deliver expansive I/O in a 7.7-inch square footprint. It’s best for professional animators, video editors working with 8K footage, and film scorers who need a silent, compact workstation.

View Details & Prices
Price $1,999
Apple Mac Studio M4 Max Silver 2025 desktop

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Apple iMac M4 Green 2024

64.2 Workstation Score
Apple M4 24GB RAM512GBApple M4 10-coreaio
Why we recommend this

The Apple M4 chip drives a strikingly thin all-in-one design with a vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, 24GB of RAM, and a 12MP Center Stage camera. Its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem, including iPhone Mirroring, and a colorful, space-efficient build set it apart for connected workflows. This desktop is best for business users and home office workers who prioritize a clutter-free setup and fluid multitasking across Apple devices.

View Details & Prices

Apple

47.7 Workstation Score
M416GB RAM256GBApple M4 10-core
Why we recommend this

The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits of brightness and the 10-core Apple M4 chip drive snappy multitasking in a strikingly thin, 4.44kg all-in-one design. It comes in seven colors and integrates seamlessly with your iPhone via mirroring and shared clipboard, backed by a 12MP Center Stage camera and a six-speaker Spatial Audio system. This desktop is best for home office users and business professionals who want a stylish, plug-and-play Mac with a vibrant screen for productivity apps and everyday creative tasks.

View Details & Prices

Best Desktops under $4,000 for workstation use

Best Pick

Apple Mac Studio M4 Max Silver 2025

81.9 Workstation Score
Apple M4 Max64GB RAM1000GBApple M4 Max 40-coresff
Why we recommend this

The M4 Max chip’s 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU with 64GB unified memory accelerate 4K video editing and 3D rendering inside a compact 2.74kg chassis. Thunderbolt 5 and six USB-C ports enable connecting up to eight high-resolution displays, and the 1TB SSD delivers fast project load times. It’s best for video editors, music producers, and software developers who need a silent, high-bandwidth desktop for sustained multitasking.

View Details & Prices

No Desktops found in this category. See our top picks under $4,000