9 Best Portable PCs in 2026

You need a full Windows PC, but the last thing you want is a tower under your desk. Maybe you travel between home and the office, or you game on a flight and want something that fits in a bag. The answer used to be a laptop, but laptops compromise on upgradeability, cooling, and raw power. That gap has been filled by a new wave of portable PCs: mini desktops small enough to slip into a backpack, and handheld gaming consoles that let you play AAA titles on the train.

The best portable PCs in 2026 cover a huge range. There are palm-sized boxes that can drive three 4K monitors. There is a gaming mini PC with an RTX 5070 that outruns most desktops. And there is a handheld console that turns into a portable workstation when you plug it into a monitor. Whether you need a quiet machine for spreadsheets or a GPU-heavy rig for ray tracing, this roundup walks you through the nine most compelling options on the market right now.

TL;DR: The ROG NUC is the performance king for gamers and creators who need desktop power in a 3-liter chassis. The Lenovo Legion Go S is the best portable PC for gaming on the go, with a built-in screen and controllers. The GEEKOM A5 is the mini PC that balances price, expandability, and everyday speed. And the KAMRUI Pinova P2 is the budget pick that gives you triple 4K output and a real quad-core AMD CPU.

#	Product	CPU / GPU	RAM / Storage	Price	Best for
1	Lenovo Legion Go S	AMD Ryzen Z2 Go / Radeon 600M	16 GB LPDDR5 / 512 GB SSD	$701.86	PC gaming on the go, handheld console replacement
2	ROG NUC (2025)	Intel Core Ultra 9 / RTX 5070 Mobile	32 GB DDR5 / 1 TB NVMe	$2,499.00	High-end gaming, VR, 8K video editing, compact desktop
3	GEEKOM A5 2026 Edition	AMD Ryzen 5 7430U / Vega 7	16 GB DDR4 (up to 64) / 512 GB NVMe	$437.00	Home office, multitasking, light creative work
4	KAMRUI Pinova P2	AMD Ryzen 4300U / Radeon Vega 5	16 GB LPDDR4 / 512 GB M.2	$329.99	Triple 4K office setups, budget multitasking
5	KAMRUI Essenx E1 N150	Intel N150 / UHD	16 GB DDR4 / 256 GB M.2	$359.99	Quiet home server, 4K streaming, basic office
6	DreamQuest Mini Plus	Intel N95 / UHD	12 GB DDR5 / 512 GB M.2	$249.99	Portable displays, travel workstation, student
7	GMKtec G3S N95	Intel N95 / UHD	8 GB DDR4 / 256 GB M.2	$249.98	Light office, HTPC, Proxmox, cost-sensitive buyer
8	KAMRUI Essenx E1 (3150U)	AMD Athlon 3150U / Radeon	8 GB DDR4 / 256 GB M.2	$269.99	Digital signage, light server, dual 4K monitoring
9	Bmax B1 Plus	Intel Celeron J3355 / HD 500	6 GB LPDDR3 / 128 GB eMMC	$179.99	Basic browsing, media player, ultra-budget build

Prices and availability are subject to change. Check each product page for the latest deal.

How we picked

Not every portable PC is created equal. Here are the criteria we weighed when choosing the best portable PCs in 2026.

• Performance per liter. A tiny chassis is useless if it thermal-throttles under load. We prioritized models with real quad-core or better CPUs and adequate cooling, then separated them by what kind of work they can actually handle (office, gaming, creative).
• Connectivity that travels. A portable PC needs the right ports to adapt to different monitors, projectors, and docks. Dual HDMI or USB-C with DisplayPort was a baseline; extra USB-C, Thunderbolt, or DP adds serious value.
• Storage expansion. Soldered eMMC is a dead end. The best picks let you swap or add an M.2 SSD, and a few even offer a 2.5-inch bay. Expandability separates a PC you'll use for years from one you'll replace next year.
• Real-world noise and heat. Fan noise kills the advantage of a small PC sitting on your desk. We looked for designs that stay quiet during normal work and only ramp up under sustained load, without cooking the CPU.
• Price vs. upgrade path. We compared what you get out of the box to what you can upgrade later. A cheaper machine with replaceable RAM and a free SSD slot can be better value than a pricier model that forces you to buy a new unit for more storage.
• Use case fit. A gaming handheld and a mini server need different trade-offs. We didn't try to crown one winner; we sorted them by what each does best so you can match the device to your actual needs.

1. Lenovo Legion Go S: Handheld Gaming Powerhouse

The Lenovo Legion Go S is the most genuinely portable PC in this roundup (it fits in a slim bag or even a large jacket pocket), but calling it a PC undersells what it does. This is a handheld gaming console that runs full Windows 11, connects to a TV via USB-C, and works as a compact desktop when you plug in a keyboard and mouse. The AMD Ryzen Z2 Go processor and Radeon graphics are tuned specifically for this form factor, and they handle recent AAA titles at the native 120Hz resolution with reasonable graphics settings.

The 8-inch PureSight IPS display hits 500 nits and covers 100 percent sRGB, so it looks rich even under hotel-room lighting. Lenovo includes three months of PC Game Pass and EA Play, which gets you rolling immediately. The ergonomic TrueStrike controllers have an anti-slip texture that makes long sessions less fatiguing. Cooling is handled by Legion ColdFront technology, which keeps the system from throttling during extended play. The 55.5Whr battery runs three to four hours of demanding gaming, and you can stretch that to six or seven for lighter indie titles and video playback.

What you give up is upgrade potential. The RAM is soldered, the SSD is replaceable but not trivial to access, and you are buying into a specific fixed configuration. For pure portability and the ability to game anywhere without a desk, nothing else here competes. But if you need more raw GPU power or intend to leave the PC plugged in most of the time, the ROG NUC is a better fit.

Pros

• Built-in screen, controllers, and battery mean zero setup required.
• 120Hz display with good color and brightness.
• Ryzen Z2 Go delivers solid 1080p gaming performance.
• Ergonomic controllers with anti-slip grips.
• Includes PC Game Pass and EA Play for three months.

Cons

• RAM is not upgradeable.
• Battery life is average for demanding titles.
• Full desktop workflows are limited by the 8-inch screen.

Best for: Someone who wants to play PC games anywhere without compromise, and occasionally docks the handheld to use as a desktop.

Check current price on Amazon →

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2. ROG NUC (2025): Desktop Replacement in a 3-Liter Box

The ROG NUC is the answer to the question "Can a portable PC actually replace my desktop?" Intel's Core Ultra 9 (Series 2) CPU and the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 mobile GPU fit inside a chassis that is roughly the size of a hardcover book. This machine plays any current game at 1440p with high settings and handles ray tracing without breaking a sweat. It also pushes three 4K monitors for creative workflows, and the triple-fan QuietFlow cooling with dual vapor chambers keeps the noise low enough that you can sit next to it during a conference call.

ASUS packed this thing with 32 GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB NVMe SSD, both of which are replaceable via thumb-screw access on the top panel. That is rare in a mini PC this powerful. You also get Thunderbolt 4, multiple USB ports, HDMI, and DisplayPort. The ARGB lighting can be synced with Aura Sync if you care about aesthetics, but the real draw is the sheer performance density. It is the only PC here that can comfortably run VR headsets or render 8K video.

The downside is the price. At $2,500, the ROG NUC costs more than many full-sized desktops with similar specs. You are paying for the engineering that squeezes that power into a footprint you can slide into a backpack. It is also heavier than the other mini PCs at about seven pounds, but that still beats hauling a full tower.

Pros

• RTX 5070 and Core Ultra 9 deliver genuine desktop-grade gaming performance.
• Upgradeable RAM, SSD, and Wi-Fi module with tool-less access.
• Quiet under load thanks to vapor chamber cooling.
• Thunderbolt 4 supports fast peripherals and external GPUs if needed.
• Compact enough to take to LAN parties or move between rooms.

Cons

• Very expensive compared to similarly equipped desktops.
• No integrated battery; must be plugged in at all times.
• ARGB lighting is unnecessary and adds to the price.

Best for: Gamers and creators who need a maximum-power portable PC that can be moved between locations without sacrificing performance.

Check current price on Amazon →

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3. GEEKOM A5 2026 Edition: The All-Around Mini PC

The GEEKOM A5 hit the sweet spot for home-office and multitasking users who want a portable PC that stays out of sight but never out of steam. The AMD Ryzen 5 7430U is a six-core, twelve-thread chip that handles dozens of browser tabs, video calls, and light photo editing without fan ramping. Out of the box you get 16 GB of DDR4 RAM (expandable to 64 GB via two SO-DIMM slots) and a 512 GB NVMe SSD.

What sets the A5 apart is how much connectivity it offers relative to its size. Four USB ports, two USB-C (both with DisplayPort alt mode), two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 2.5 GbE LAN port let you connect up to four displays. The integrated Vega 7 graphics can drive an 8K monitor through the USB-C port. GEEKOM also includes a 2.5-inch SATA bay and an extra M.2 2242 slot, so you can run a 10 TB total storage array if you need it. That is uncommon at this price.

The build quality is better than most budget mini PCs: a reinforced ABS+PC shell over a metal frame, vibration-damping feet, and a 3D antenna for Wi-Fi 6. The three-year warranty is twice as long as the industry standard. The only real weakness is that the CPU and GPU are integrated, so you won't be gaming at high settings without dialing down resolution. For office work, media, and light creative tasks, this is the best portable PC for most people.

Pros

• Upgradable RAM, dual M.2 slots, plus a 2.5-inch drive bay.
• Six USB ports plus dual USB-C with DisplayPort.
• 8K video output via USB-C.
• Quiet operation during normal workloads.
• Three-year warranty and solid build.

Cons

• Integrated graphics limit gaming to older or less demanding titles.
• No Thunderbolt 4 support.

Best for: A home-office worker or student who needs a potent, expandable mini PC that can drive multiple monitors and last for years.

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4. KAMRUI Pinova P2: Triple 4K on a Budget

The KAMRUI Pinova P2 proves you don't need to spend top dollar to run three 4K monitors simultaneously. The AMD Ryzen 4300U is a genuine quad-core, eight-thread processor with Radeon Vega 5 graphics. In multi-core tasks it runs circles around Intel N95 and i3-10110U chips, and the Vega 5 iGPU is about 2.5 times faster than the Intel UHD graphics in those competitors. That means smooth triple 4K output at 60 Hz without stutter, even on demanding spreadsheet layouts or stock trading dashboards.

KAMRUI paired the CPU with 16 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and a 512 GB M.2 SSD. You can add a second M.2 SATA drive for up to 4 TB total. The ports include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C that also carries display signals. The compact silver chassis matches most monitor stands, and the VESA mount lets you tuck it behind a panel.

Build quality is decent but not premium. The plastic top panel flexes slightly, and the fan is audible under sustained load (though not annoying). Where the P2 really shines is value: you get triple 4K output, a true quad-core CPU, and 16 GB of RAM for about $330. That is less than half the price of the GEEKOM A5, even if you give up some upgrade flexibility and GPU grunt.

Pros

• Triple 4K @60 Hz via HDMI, DP, and USB-C.
• Real quad-core Ryzen 4300U outperforms N95 and i3 in multithreaded work.
• 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD at a low price.
• USB-C port supports 10 Gbps data and DisplayPort.
• VESA mount included.

Cons

• Plastic chassis feels less solid than metal alternatives.
• RAM is soldered; not upgradeable.
• No Wi-Fi 6 (only Wi-Fi 5).

Best for: Professionals who need three monitors for productivity but don't want to overspend on the PC itself.

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5. KAMRUI Essenx E1 (N150): Quiet 16GB Workhorse

If you need a silent runner for a home server or media center, the KAMRUI Essenx E1 with Intel N150 is a strong candidate. The N150 is the successor to N100 and N95, and KAMRUI claims a 35 percent CPU and 75 percent GPU improvement over the N95. In practice that means snappy 4K streaming, smooth video calls, and responsive multitasking for office apps. The 16 GB of DDR4 RAM is generous at this tier, and the 256 GB M.2 SSD can be supplemented with a second M.2 drive up to 2 TB.

This machine is almost silent during light use. The fan spins up only when you push the CPU, and even then it is more a whisper than a whoosh. VESA mount support means you can stick it behind a monitor and forget it exists. The dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) and Bluetooth 4.2 are adequate but not cutting-edge. If you need Wi-Fi 6 or Bluetooth 5, look at the GEEKOM A5 or DreamQuest Mini Plus.

The biggest drawback is price. At $360, the Essenx E1 N150 costs more than the DreamQuest Mini Plus and GMKtec N95 options, which offer similar or better specs for less. You are paying for the quiet operation and the 16 GB RAM out of the box, but the value proposition is weaker.

Pros

• Very quiet operation, even under load.
• 16 GB RAM handles heavy multitasking.
• Expandable storage via second M.2 slot.
• VESA mount included for clean installation.

Cons

• More expensive than similarly performing N95-based PCs.
• Only Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
• Intel N150 still limited for gaming or heavy rendering.

Best for: A home server or HTPC that runs 24/7 and needs to stay whisper-quiet.

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6. DreamQuest Mini Plus: DDR5 and Dual USB-C

The DreamQuest Mini Plus stands out from the N95 crowd because it uses DDR5 memory instead of DDR4. With 12 GB of DDR5 and a 512 GB M.2 SSD, it loads applications faster and handles memory-intensive multitasking better than the 8 GB DDR4 competition. The two full-function USB-C ports support power delivery, data transfer at 10 Gbps, and DisplayPort video output. That means you can connect a portable monitor without a separate adapter, making this an excellent travel companion.

The Intel N95 CPU is the same 12th-gen Alder Lake chip used in several other picks here. It peaks at 3.4 GHz and handles office work, streaming, and light photo editing without complaint. The dual HDMI ports plus dual USB-C give you up to triple 4K output at 60 Hz. Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 are both present, which is ahead of most competitors at this price.

Where the DreamQuest falls short is customer support confidence. The warranty is one year, and the seller (ReachingTech) is less established than brands like GEEKOM or GMKtec. The build is also all plastic, though it feels dense enough. If you want DDR5 and dual USB-C on a tight budget, this is the best portable PC in its segment. Just know the long-term track record is unproven.

Pros

• DDR5 RAM provides faster data access than DDR4.
• Two full-function USB-C ports for video and power.
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
• 512 GB SSD included at a low price.
• Supports triple 4K displays.

Cons

• One-year warranty only.
• Plastic chassis, not as durable as metal.
• N95 CPU is entry-level for gaming.

Best for: Students or frequent travelers who need a portable mini PC with modern connectivity and enough speed for everyday schoolwork.

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7. GMKtec G3S N95: The Budget Proxmox Machine

The GMKtec G3S is the cheapest N95-based mini PC that still includes dual HDMI 2.0 ports for 4K@60 Hz output. With 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256 GB M.2 SSD, it handles the basics: web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and light server duties. The N95 CPU is a noticeable step up from the N100, and GMKtec claims a 36 percent overall performance improvement. In real use, that means fewer stutters when you have ten browser tabs and a spreadsheet open.

This is the machine many homelab enthusiasts buy for Proxmox, Docker, or Plex. The passive cooling is actually a small fan that stays quiet most of the time, and the VESA mount is included. Dual Gigabit Ethernet would have been nice for router projects, but you only get one port. The build quality is fine for the price: plastic but not flimsy. The 1-year warranty is standard.

At $249.98, the G3S is a hair cheaper than the DreamQuest, but you give up DDR5, the second USB-C port, and Wi-Fi 6. If you need those features, pay the extra dollar. If you just want a reliable, ultra-budget mini PC for secondary use, this works.

Pros

• Very affordable for an N95 with dual HDMI 2.0.
• VESA mount included.
• Compact dimensions fit anywhere.
• Quiet fan during normal operation.

Cons

• Only 8 GB RAM; limited for heavy multitasking.
• Single Ethernet port.
• No Wi-Fi 6 (only Wi-Fi 5).
• RAM is probably not upgradeable (lacks clear specs).

Best for: A lightweight home server, HTPC, or secondary office PC where cost is the primary concern.

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8. KAMRUI Essenx E1 (AMD 3150U): Entry-Level Dual 4K

Before the N150 version, KAMRUI sold the Essenx E1 with an AMD Athlon Gold 3150U. This is the most affordable way to get dual 4K output from a portable PC. The 3150U is a 2-core/4-thread chip that runs up to 3.3 GHz. KAMRUI claims parity with Intel i3-10110U, and that is about right: it handles office work, light code compilation, and media playback without drama. The Radeon integrated graphics (up to 1000 MHz) are about 15–30 percent faster than Intel UHD solutions.

You get 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256 GB M.2 SSD, plus an empty M.2 slot for expansion up to 2 TB. The ports include HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, four USB 3.2 ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. Features like Auto Power-On and Wake-on-LAN make it suitable for digital signage or a headless server.

The main drawback is the 2-core CPU. It will feel sluggish if you open too many tabs or run multiple virtual machines. Also, at $269.99, it is barely cheaper than the N95-based GMKtec, which has a more modern architecture. The 3150U is a fine chip for 2020, but in 2026 the N95 is a better buy for the same money. Only consider this if you specifically need AMD graphics for compatibility.

Pros

• Dual 4K output via HDMI and DisplayPort.
• Expandable storage via second M.2 slot.
• Auto Power-On and Wake-on-LAN for server use.
• Small footprint with VESA mount support.

Cons

• Only 2 cores; multitasking suffers.
• 8 GB RAM is entry-level for 2026.
• Outperformed by similarly priced N95 mini PCs.

Best for: A single-purpose digital signage player or a very basic office PC where budget is tight and AMD GPU compatibility matters.

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9. Bmax B1 Plus: Ultra-Budget eMMC Box

The Bmax B1 Plus is the cheapest portable PC on this list, and it shows. The Intel Celeron J3355 is a 2-core, 2-thread processor from 2016. It boosts to 2.5 GHz, and paired with 6 GB of LPDDR3 RAM, it struggles with Windows 11 multitasking. Two browser tabs with a video streaming in the background will cause stuttering. Do not buy this for work.

But for a specific use case, the B1 Plus makes sense. It runs Windows 11 Home (or Linux) and draws very little power. The 128 GB eMMC storage is supplemented by dual M.2 slots (one SATA, one NVMe), allowing expansion up to 2 TB. It also includes a One-Click Restore feature via the F9 key, which is handy if you mess up the OS while tinkering. The package includes a VESA mount and a power adapter.

The dual HDMI ports support 4K@60Hz, though the HD 500 GPU will lag with high-resolution video. This is really a machine for retro gaming emulation, a dedicated server for a single lightweight service, or a kiosk display. If you need any serious computing, skip it. But at $179.99, it is the cheapest way to get a Windows PC you can mount behind a monitor.

Pros

• Lowest price of any mini PC in this roundup.
• Dual M.2 slots for expansion.
• One-Click Restore for easy OS recovery.
• Dual HDMI output.

Cons

• Very slow CPU that lags with modern OS demands.
• Only 6 GB of slow LPDDR3 RAM.
• eMMC storage is slower than an SSD.
• Limited to light, single-task use.

Best for: A budget media player, a basic retro gaming emulator, or a secondary PC for a single simple task.

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Buyer's guide: how to choose a portable PC

Picking the best portable PC means deciding what "portable" means to you: is it something that runs on battery, or something that fits in a bag but needs a wall outlet? The buys in this roundup split into two camps (handheld gaming consoles and mini desktops), and within each camp, a few key factors will steer you to the right model.

Performance vs. size

The trade-off is simple: smaller chassis have less room for cooling and powerful components. Handhelds like the Legion Go S integrate a screen, battery, and controllers, so the CPU and GPU are constrained by thermal and power limits. Mini desktops can use laptop-grade chips with better cooling, so a machine like the GEEKOM A5 with a 15W Ryzen 5 will outrun the Legion Go S in sustained CPU loads, but you need to bring your own monitor and keyboard.

For pure computing grunt, mini desktops win. For all-in-one mobility, the handheld wins. There is no right answer; you have to choose which constraint matters more.

Connectivity and display output

A portable PC that cannot connect to the monitors and peripherals you already own is half as useful. Look for at least two video outputs. HDMI 2.0 is the baseline; DisplayPort or USB-C with DP alt mode adds flexibility. The number of USB-A ports matters if you use wired mice and flash drives. Thunderbolt 4 is a nice bonus for fast external storage, and Wi-Fi 6 ensures smooth streaming and file transfers.

In this roundup, the GEEKOM A5 offers the best connectivity with six USB ports, dual USB-C, dual HDMI, and 2.5 GbE LAN. The ROG NUC and DreamQuest Mini Plus also handle multiple displays well. The Bmax B1 Plus, despite its low price, at least gives you dual HDMI.

Storage and upgrade options

Soldered storage limits your future options. The best portable PCs let you replace the boot drive or add a second one. M.2 NVMe slots are preferable, and a 2.5-inch SATA bay gives you even more flexibility for cheap bulk storage. If you plan to keep the PC for more than two years, prioritize models with upgradeable RAM and storage.

The GEEKOM A5, ROG NUC, and KAMRUI Pinova P2 all allow RAM upgrades. The Bmax, despite its low specs, offers dual M.2 slots. Avoid the KAMRUI Essenx E1 (3150U) if you think you will need more than 8 GB of RAM later.

Cooling and noise

A mini PC that sounds like a vacuum cleaner defeats the purpose of having it on your desk. Pay attention to fan size and heat-sink design. The GEEKOM A5 and ROG NUC use vapor chambers and large fans to stay quiet. The KAMRUI Essenx E1 N150 earns points for its near-silent operation. In contrast, the Bmax and KAMRUI Pinova P2 can be audible under sustained load, though not offensive.

If the PC will sit in a bedroom or shared office, noise matters a lot. If it goes in a closet or a media cabinet, you can tolerate more fan spin.

Use case alignment

Match the device to your primary task. Gamers who travel should consider the Legion Go S for on-the-go play and the ROG NUC for desk-bound max settings. Office workers and multitaskers will find the GEEKOM A5 or KAMRUI Pinova P2 best. Media center and server users should look at the quiet, expandable options like the KAMRUI Essenx E1 N150 or GMKtec G3S. Budget buyers have to decide between the ultra-cheap Bmax (very limited) and the slightly more capable DreamQuest or GMKtec.

Frequently asked questions

What is a portable PC?

A portable PC is a full Windows computer designed to be moved easily. This can mean a handheld gaming console with a built-in screen and battery, or a mini desktop small enough to slip into a backpack. Unlike laptops, these devices often sacrifice an integrated display and keyboard for a smaller footprint and sometimes better performance per dollar.

Can I use a mini PC for gaming?

It depends on the graphics. Mini PCs with integrated graphics (like Intel UHD or AMD Vega) can handle older titles, indie games, and esports at low settings. For modern AAA games, you need a mini PC with a dedicated GPU, like the ROG NUC with an RTX 5070. Handhelds like the Legion Go S use mobile-class integrated graphics optimized for the form factor.

How much RAM do I need in a portable PC?

For basic office work and web browsing, 8 GB is the minimum and will feel tight in 2026. 16 GB is the sweet spot for multitasking and light creative work. 32 GB is overkill unless you run virtual machines or edit large video files. The Legion Go S and GEEKOM A5 both offer 16 GB, while the ROG NUC comes with 32 GB.

Can I upgrade the RAM and storage later?

It varies by model. The ROG NUC, GEEKOM A5, and Bmax allow RAM upgrades. The KAMRUI Pinova P2 has soldered RAM but replaceable storage. The Legion Go S has soldered RAM and a partially accessible SSD. Check the product page before buying if upgradeability matters to you.

What is the difference between a mini PC and a NUC?

NUC is a brand name from Intel (now sold to ASUS) for ultra-compact PCs. The term has become generic, but technically only ASUS can call a device a NUC today. Mini PCs are the broader category. The ROG NUC is the only true NUC in this roundup.

Do portable PCs come with a battery?

Only handhelds like the Legion Go S include a battery. Mini desktops require a wall outlet. Some mini PCs can be powered via USB-C Power Delivery, but they do not have an internal battery for untethered use.

Which portable PC is best for a home office?

The GEEKOM A5 is the top pick for home office work. It has strong multitasking performance, four display outputs, upgradeable RAM and storage, and a quiet fan. The three-year warranty adds peace of mind for a daily driver.

Final verdict

The best portable PCs in 2026 fall into distinct categories, so the right choice depends on what you actually need to do. If you want a single device that fits in a coat pocket and plays Cyberpunk 2077 natively, the Lenovo Legion Go S is the obvious pick. If you need a desktop-replacement powerhouse that can handle 4K gaming, VR, and video editing, the ROG NUC is unmatched, though it costs as much as a high-end laptop. For the vast majority of office tasks, media consumption, and light creative work, the GEEKOM A5 delivers the best balance of performance, expandability, and price.

If you are still unsure, start with the A5. It is the most versatile portable PC here, and the 3-year warranty makes it a safer long-term investment than the cheaper alternatives. But no matter which path you choose, all nine of these machines prove that you no longer need to sacrifice power for portability.

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