Best Desktops under $800 for content creation

Best Pick

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

57.8 Content Creation 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.

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

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Apple Mac Studio M2 Max Silver 2023

51.3 Content Creation 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.

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Apple Mac Studio M2 Max Silver 2023 desktop
Price $539
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Apple Mac mini M4 Silver 2024

48.8 Content Creation 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.

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Apple Mac mini M4 Silver 2024 desktop
Price $799
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Also available open box & refurbished:

Best Desktops under $1,500 for content creation

Best Pick

Apple Mac mini M4 2024

52 Content Creation Score
Apple M4 24GB RAM512GBApple Integrated Graphicsmini
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Price $999
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Also available at:
Also available open box & refurbished:
Apple Mac mini M4 2024 desktop

Great Alternatives

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Apple iMac M4 Blue 2024

44.2 Content Creation Score
Apple M4 16GB RAM256GBApple Integrated Graphicsaio
Why we recommend this ▼

Powered by the 10-core M4 chip, this all-in-one delivers fluid performance for everyday tasks within a strikingly thin, 4.41kg design available in seven colors. The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display hits 500 nits of brightness and supports one billion colors, complemented by a 12MP Center Stage camera and a six-speaker Spatial Audio system. This iMac is best for home office users and students who want a stylish, space-saving desktop with seamless iPhone integration and strong productivity app performance.

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Best Desktops under $2,500 for content creation

Best Pick

Apple Mac Studio M4 Max Silver 2025

59.4 Content Creation 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.

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Great Alternatives

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

Apple iMac 2024

53.2 Content Creation Score
Apple M4 256GB RAM256GBApple Integrated Graphicsaio
Why we recommend this ▼

The M4 chip’s 10-core CPU drives seamless multitasking on a vibrant 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits of brightness and support for 1 billion colors. Its strikingly thin, 4.43kg all-in-one design comes in seven colors and integrates a 12MP Center Stage camera with six Spatial Audio speakers for a clean, cable-free desk. This desktop is best for home office users and business professionals who want a stylish, high-performance machine tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem.

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Best Desktops under $4,000 for content creation

Best Pick

Apple Mac Studio M4 Max Silver 2025

61 Content Creation 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.

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