By Ben Andrews
last updated
The best desktop computer for photo editing will keep you future-proofed for editing images and working from home
Jump to:
- The Quick List
- Best overall
- Best all in one
- Best desktop PC
- Best budget option
- Best for graphic design
- Best micro computer
- More options
- How to choose
- How we test
Looking for the best desktop computer for photo editing? This guide is here to help you to decide what is right for your photography – and find you the best prices.
In this guide
The Quick List ↩
1. Best overall
2. Best all-in-one
3. Best desktop PC
4. Best budget option
5. Best for graphic design
6. Best micro computer
7. More options
How to choose
How we test
While the best photo-editing laptops offer the ability to edit photos while maintaining on-the-go portability, a good-old desktop computer is still the preferred option for many who work in a home office. Picking the best desktop computer will give you the ability to add your own monitor; with typical sizes ranging from around 21 inches to well over 30 inches means, if you've got the desk space, you can work from home far more comfortably than if you were squinting at a laptop screen. Adding a full-size keyboard and comfy mouse further ups the ergonomic benefits over a laptop keyboard and trackpad.
Many of the best desktop computers on this page offer a level of power and performance that most laptops would struggle to match. Plus, if you don't mind opening them up and tinkering with them, they can be upgraded down the line with more powerful components, which makes them far more future-proof than typical laptops.
If you're not too keen on the idea of upgrading a PC yourself, many of the best desktop computers for photo editing can be easily customized when you buy them, so you can pick a level of performance (and price) that best suits your needs.
Ben Andrews
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. He is also our in-house computing expert with extensive experience benchmarking laptops, monitors, storage devices, and other peripherals.
The Quick List
1. Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023)
Not cheap, but this probably the most computer you can buy in the smallest footprint.
Read more below
2. Apple iMac M3 (2023)
The 24-inch iMac M3 is a complete package that packs enough power to satisfy the vast majority of image editing requirements.
Read more below
3. Acer Aspire TC
A relatively cheap desktop PC for working on your photographs, and available in lots of spec configs - a great budget pick.
Read more below
4. Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)
Cheaper and smaller than our top-rated Mac Studio, yet still capable of serious image editing. Just add a monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Read more below
5. Microsoft Surface Studio 2+
With a huge touchscreen screen that can pivot down to double as a drawing board, this is a desktop computer that's also a giant graphics tablet.
Read more below
6. Intel Frost Canyon NUC
A tiny PC that you can hide almost anywhere, and that's highly configurable. Spec this up and you'll have the power for some intensive photo editing.
Read more below
The best desktop computer for photo editing in 2024
Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.
Best overall
1. Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023)
The best all-round desktop computer for photographers
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 Max/Ultra
Graphics: Up to 76-core integrated GPU
RAM: Up to 192GB
Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
Connectivity: 4x USB 4/Thunderbolt 4, 1x HDMI, headphone socket, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth (Front: 2x USB-C, SDXC slot)
Dimensions (WxDxH): 197 x 197 x 95mm
Reasons to buy
+ Small and compact profile New M2 chips are ridiculously fast A lot of power in the most affordable base model Ports galore
Reasons to avoid
- Speccing out the Studio gets very expensive fast Speaker still lousy No parts upgradability
Buy it if
✅ You want the most power in the smallest package:There's enough performance in this compact, svelte machine to shame many hulking computer towers.
✅ Ports are a priority: The regular Mac mini isn't blessed with great connectivity, but the Mac Studio puts that right.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want any form of upgradability:No part of the Mac Studio is upgradable, so you'll need to spec it carefully at the point of purchase to stay future-proofed.
The Apple Mac Studio with M2 chips is probably the most computer you can buy in the smallest footprint. The small and compact size is completely deceptive of the power that is hidden inside. The M2 Max chip we tested in this Mac Studio was a beast, it absolutely flew through photo editing in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop and easily handled video editing with multiple tracks, and effects on Apple Final Cut Pro. Even the quality of life improvements like opening files and programs faster made the Studio just more enjoyable to use.
The Mac Studio starts off at quite affordable for a freelancer or small studio, with the base model being powerful enough for most users' needs, however when upping the specs on the Mac Studio, things can get very expensive very quickly. Although with no options to upgrade parts down the line, you should buy a build you will be happy using for the foreseeable future.
You can read our full Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023) review.
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Best all in one
2. Apple iMac M3 (2023)
A desktop computer that's stunning in -almost- every way
Specifications
CPU: 8-core Apple M3 chip
Graphics: 10-core Apple M3 GPU
RAM: 8-32GB
Storage: 256GB-4TB SSD
Dimensions (HxWxD): 46.1 x 54.7 x 14.7cm
Reasons to buy
+ Slim design with 7 color choices Powerful and efficient M3 SoC 4.5K Retina display
Reasons to avoid
- 23.5-inch screen can be restrictive Expensive SSD upgrades
Buy it if
✅ You want a great screen:Apple's Retina display's have long set the benchmark for screen quality, and the display here is no exception - it's stunning.
✅ You want snappy performance:The M3 hardware here makes light work of even heavy workloads, and is super-responsive in the process.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a good port selection:Physical ports are limited here, making a dongle a must-have extra for many.
❌ You can't stretch to a memory upgrade: the base 8GB config just isn't enough to ensure good long-term performance - spec the 16GB upgrade.
There are definitely more budget-friendly ways to snag a desktop computer, but the iMac M3 doesn’t just sport fancy design – it packs a punch for its price tag. It’s not only fast and powerful with a stunning screen, but it's also adaptable enough to fit into any corner of your home and cater to various needs.
Yet, there are some downsides. Firstly, the shortage of ports might be a bit of a headache. Also, watch out for how costs soar when you start upgrading specs. My advice? Opt for 16GB RAM over 8GB, especially for heavy-duty photo or video editing and multiple users logged in. While the baseline 256GB storage can work, bumping it up to 512GB is better; anything beyond that, it’s smarter to plug in speedy external SSDs for extra storage.
Let’s be real here—the iMac M3 is a powerhouse, a practical beast that’s versatile and a delight to use, even just to admire. But hey, it’s not flawless.
Read our full Apple iMac M3 (2023) review
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Best desktop PC
3. Acer Aspire TC
The best budget desktop PC for photographers
Specifications
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-11700F (8 core, 2.5GHz)
RAM: 8GB DDR4
Storage: 1TB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Dimensions (WxDxH): 340 x 163 x 350mm
Reasons to buy
+ Cheap Compact
Reasons to avoid
- Limited RAM
Buy it if
✅ You're after great value:You get good performance for a modest outlay here.
✅ You want easy upgradability:unlike the Mac options above, you can upgrade the hardware in this PC down the line.
Don't buy it if:
❌ Aesthetics are important:This is an old-school PC tower design - best kept hidden under your desk!
❌ You're a demanding user:This should cope with modest workloads, but it's not designed to break speed records.
If you’re looking for a cheap desktop PC for working on your photographs, then the Acer TC is a great budget pick. It's available in several spec configurations, and all are very well priced, though that does mean you'll have to make do with only 8GB of RAM, which is really the bare minimum for photo editing these days. The Aspire TC comes in a slimline case that won't dominate your desk space.
You can still open it up and upgrade it when needed (it supports up to 32GB of RAM, for example), and it even features a built-in SD memory card reader. A 1TB SSD is included in some models for fast and spacious storage - great if you're working with high-res raw files or 1080p video. Although it’s worth bearing in mind internal storage can also be easily upgraded, or there's always our pick of the best external hard drives.
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Best budget option
4. Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)
A cheaper - and almost as compelling - alternative to the Mac Studio
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 or M2 Pro, 8-core or 10-core
Graphics: Up to 16-core integrated GPU
RAM: 8-32GB
Storage: 256GB-8TB SSD
Connectivity: 2x USB 4/Thunderbolt/DP, HDMI, headphone socket, Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth
Dimensions (WxDxH): 197 x 197 x 36mm
Reasons to buy
+ Blisteringly fast performance Excellent value Extra Thunderbolt ports
Reasons to avoid
- Only configurable to 32GB Same design
Buy it if
✅ Minimalism is a must:The Mac mini is wonderfully compact - it'll fit almost anywhere
✅ You don't want to sacrifice speed:It may be small, but the M2 chip inside packs a serious punch.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You'll be connecting lots of peripherals:ports are in short supply here, making a dongle almost essential.
❌ You can't stretch to a memory upgrade:The base 8GB config isn't really enough - go for 16GB for peace of mind.
The Mac Mini may now look a bit second-rate compared to the all-powerful Mac Studio, but it's still a great desktop computer in its own right, not to mention significantly cheaper.
Like the Mac Studio, you'll still need to add your own monitor, but the computer itself is tiny at 197 x 197 x 36mm, so should fit on any desk. This latest Mac Mini M2 differs from previous Minis by using Apple's own processor designed for computers. It's a similar construction to an iPhone/iPad processor but beefed up for desktop computing.And boy, has Apple done a good job. The ultra-efficient M2 processor can outperform many current high-end Intel Core-series processors, while up to 32GB RAM is enough for serious image editing - just avoid the base 8GB model, as it's not really enough memory to ensure you're future-proofed.
Read our full Apple Mac Mini M2 review.
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Best for graphic design
5. Microsoft Surface Studio 2+
A great - if expensive - Windows alternative to the iMac
Specifications
CPU: 11th-gen Intel Core i7-11370H
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
Dimensions (display) (WxDxH): 25 x 22 x 3.15cm
Reasons to buy
+ Seamlessly transitions between modes Stunning digital drawing board Built-in touch-sensitive screen
Reasons to avoid
- Ports hard to reach Pricey proposition for most
Buy it if
✅ You're a creative/designed that needs drawing board:This is like the ultimate big-screen graphics tablet - a dream machine for designers.
Don't buy it if:
❌ Bang per buck is your main priority:This is a very expensive machine, yet its performance can be matched by far cheaper computers. You've got to really want its drawing board capability.
If you like the idea of a stylish and powerful all-in-one PC, but you don’t want to use an Apple product like the iMac, then the Microsoft Surface Studio 2+ is a brilliant choice. This second iteration of the Surface Studio is stylishly designed and comes with some excellent components that make it a great bit of hardware for photographers.
Its screen is touch-capable, which gives you more options for interacting with it, and thanks to the special hinge that connects it to the base, the screen can pivot down almost flat so it can be used like a drawing board. However, the Surface Studio 2+ is expensive. Very expensive.
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Best micro computer
6. Intel Frost Canyon NUC
A tiny PC that's brilliant for photo editing
Specifications
CPU: Up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7
Graphics: Intel UHD graphics
RAM: N/A
Storage: N/A
Reasons to buy
+ Lots of ports Flexible specification Easy to upgrade
Reasons to avoid
- Requires some self-building Limited graphics power
Buy it if
✅ You want a Mac mini on a budget:An Intel NUC is seriously small, and with the right spec its price can be small as well.
✅ You like to customize:You can choose to add your own RAM and hard drive/SSD, to suit your exact performance and budget requirements.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You're a power user: This is a machine designed to be inconspicuous. It should handle light image editing, but it's no speed demon.
Next on our list of the best desktop computers for photographers is the Intel Frost Canyon NUC. Intel’s NUC devices are small yet powerful PCs that pack enough power to edit photos on, while also being tiny enough to hide away and not take up too much space on a desk. Part of their appeal is that they are barebones machines, which means you need to add RAM and a hard drive yourself.
This makes them flexible (you can add the amount of storage space and memory you need) and affordable (you can shop around for the best prices for those components). You’ll need to install Windows 10 separately, and while installing the RAM and hard drive is pretty straightforward, it might be a bit too fiddly for some people.
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More options
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7. Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO (24")
A great value Windows all-in-one
Specifications
CPU: 12th-gen Intel Core i5
Graphics: Integrated Intel® UHD Graphics
RAM: Up to 16GB
Storage: Up to 512GB SSD or 1TB HDD
Display: 23.8" IPS Multi-touch, up to 2560 x 1440
Reasons to buy
+ Competitive price Decent IPS touchscreen
Reasons to avoid
- Limited RAM and storage CPU not the fastest
Buy it if
✅ You want an iMac on a budget:Sure, it's not going to rival an iMac on raw speed, but the IdeaCentre AIO looks the part, and it's well priced.
✅ You want a touch screen:Not many desktop computers come with a touch screen - here's an exception.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You'll be pushing things to the max:There's enough power here for most situations, but really intensive workloads could prove too taxing.
Lenovo's IdeaCentre AIO (all-in-one) range pf PCs prove you don't have to buy an Apple iMac if you want a stylish and powerful all-in-one desktop computer for photo editing. While it doesn't come with the most cutting-edge components, it still offers more than enough power for running Adobe Photoshop and other photo editing applications.
It's a particularly good PC for photo editing thanks to its screen (several sizes are available - our size/price preference is the 24in version), which though 'only' 1080p resolution (some newer models can be found with a 2560 x 1440 display), uses IPS display tech for excellent contrast accuracy and viewing angles. Best of all, it's way more affordable than Apple's pricey iMac machines.
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8. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
A great compromise between price and power
Specifications
CPU: Up to Intel Core i7-10700 (8 cores, 2.9GHz)
RAM: 8GB-32GB DDR4
Storage: 256GB-1TB SSD
Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi
Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.28" x 6.12" x 12.09"
Reasons to buy
+ Affordable Nice design Lots of performance options
Reasons to avoid
- Gets very pricey if you spec it up
Buy it if
✅ You're a value hunter:This is a traditional tower PC - it may not look special, but it offers good speed at a fair price.
✅ You like upgrade flexibility:Thanks to its conventional design, you should be able to upgrade memory and storage should you ever need to.
Don't buy it if:
❌ Steer clear of the base spec:You need a decent turn of speed for photo editing, so avoid the cheapest configs that are designed for more basic computing.
The HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop PC is another affordable desktop computer with a gaming theme, but it's also great for photographers. It does a superb job of balancing price and features, with plenty of configurations available to suit your performance and budget requirements.
It's also possible to spec a discreet graphics card to accelerate video editing and transcoding, but be careful, as its easy to get carried away and spend big bucks. The only upgrade you really need is to spec up the RAM from the standard 8GB to a more healthy 16GB, as this can remove a major potential performance bottleneck. The Pavilion Gaming PC also comes with a multi-card memory card reader, which makes it quick and easy to get your photos off your camera.
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How to choose the best desktop computer
Mac or PC?
Macs have long been favored by creatives and image/video editors, but this bias stems from a bygone era when Photoshop was only available for Mac. Nowadays PCs are just as suitable for photo editing, and there's a huge choice of desktop PCs available, keeping prices very competitive. The iMac and Mac mini/Studio are still compelling options though, thanks to their mega-fast Apple Silicone system-on-chip processing hardware. But on the flip side, this design means nothing inside a current iMac is upgradable or easily repairable. That's in contrast to a traditional PC tower where you'll usually be able to upgrade and swap out components to keep your machine running faster for longer.
What processor (CPU) should I look for?
The heart of a computer, the CPU market is dominated by two processor manufacturers: Intel, and AMD. Each has four distinct performance tiers of processors. AMD has its Ryzen 3, 5, 7 and 9 ranges, with larger numbers generally meaning higher speed. In the Intel camp, the same is true of its Core i3, i5, i7 and i9 ranges. Within these individual product lines, processing speed - or ‘base frequency’ - refers to the speed of the processor and is measured in GHz. Also consider the number of processing cores - four is a minimum, and more is always better for faster performance.
How much RAM do I need?
RAM (random access memory) is what stores the images or video you're currently editing, as well as any apps you have open. The more RAM you've got, the better. Apps like Chrome are renowned for devouring RAM, and the same is true when editing high-res images with multiple layers in Photoshop. You'll still find a lot of computers sold with 8GB RAM, but we'd recommend 16GB as a minimum to ensure a smooth editing experience. Thankfully a benefit of a desktop PC computer tower over a laptop is RAM is often expandable/upgradable. This is no longer possible with Apple iMac or Mac mini/Studio products, however.
How much storage do I need?
An SSD (solid state drive) is a must in any desktop computer, but don’t get stuck with a small capacity. 512GB is a bare minimum if you’re working with 4K video, while 1 terabyte (TB) or more is preferable.Thankfully, a desktop computer tower will usually have space inside for a second hard drive or SSD should you need more storage later on, and you can always supplement internal storage by connecting a separate, external hard drive.
Do I need a fast graphics card?
The size of a desktop computer means there's usually space for a discrete graphics card (rather than one integrated into the central processor). A mid-range graphics card can be used to accelerate the time it takes to apply Photoshop filters and reduce video encoding times, but more expensive high-end cards are designed squarely with gaming in mind and otherwise aren't worth the huge price premium.
Should I pick an all-in-one computer?
As well as traditional tower desktop computers, there are also all-in-one computers available. These have all the components built into a screen – the Apple iMac being a great example - and there are a number of advantages to this. First of all, they are stylish and space-saving, as you do not need to have a big box sitting on your desk – just the screen, a mouse, and a keyboard. As the computer is built into the screen, it means you don’t need to buy a monitor separately either, which can save you money.
There are a few downsides you need to consider with all-in-ones, however. All-in-one computers can’t be easily upgraded like traditional PCs, as the components are usually specially designed to be fitted behind the screen – much like a laptop. They can also be more expensive, and you'll have to consider the screen quality as part of your purchase, rather than being able to take your pick from the best monitors for photographers.
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How we test the best desktop computers
During our computer testing we assess overall performance using industry standard benchmarking software, as well as running our own real-world tests using software like Adobe Photoshop. When testing an all-in-one desktop computer that includes a monitor, we'll also focus on screen quality and color space coverage. Where possible, a monitor calibrator will also be used to measure display performance and see how suitable it is for color-critical image editing. We'll then weigh these results against the computer's current retail price to determine whether it offers good value for money.
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Ben Andrews
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories –his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography!With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
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