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Prices, availability, ratings, and review counts checked August 16, 2026. Costco’s desktop catalog changes quickly, so this ranking is a snapshot—not a guarantee that every configuration will remain available. We ranked current Costco listings by combining customer rating, review volume, hardware, setup completeness, and fit for common buyers. A 5.0 rating from one review does not automatically outrank a 4.8 rating supported by dozens of reviews.
The older version of this list, published in November 2023, featured models such as the Lenovo IdeaCentre 5i, Dell Inspiron 27 7000, M1 iMac, and Dell XPS Desktop Tower. Those configurations and prices should not be treated as current. See the original ranking for historical context.
Quick ranking
| Rank | Desktop | Rating and reviews | Best for | Monitor included? | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 | 4.8/5; 45–69 reviews, depending on configuration | Best overall all-in-one | Yes | Limited upgradeability and macOS compatibility |
| 2 | Acer Aspire Desktop with Intel Core i5-14400 | 4.0/5; 90 reviews | Best Windows value | No | Integrated graphics and potentially modest base memory |
| 3 | Dell Inspiron Small Form Desktop | 4.1/5; 54 reviews | Best compact Windows tower | No | Less expansion room than a full-size tower |
| 4 | Apple Mac mini with M4 Pro | 4.7/5; 32 reviews | Best performance per size | No | Requires a monitor and peripherals |
| 5 | Dell Tower Desktop with Intel Core Ultra 5 225 | 3.6/5; 19 reviews | Best basic current Intel tower | No | Lower rating, integrated graphics, and 512GB storage |
Browse Costco’s computer department, but open the exact item page before buying. Costco may list similar products under different item numbers, processors, storage capacities, or colors.
How we ranked these Costco desktops
“Top-reviewed” can mean the highest average star score, the largest review count, or the best combination of both. For this list, review volume matters because a rating based on dozens of customers is generally more informative than a perfect score based on one or two reviews.
#1 Best Overall
- [INTEL POWERED CONTENT] - Built with a 8th Generation Hexa-Core Intel i5 and 32GB of DDR4 RAM; Modern, Windows 11 ready, with 4K support, Executive multitasking, media streaming and smooth, multi-tab web browsing; Perfect as an all-purpose multimedia computer; built for content creators; Plenty of RAM and Mass storage for photo and video editing powered by Intel HD 630
- [LATEST WIRELESS TECH] - This Dell Desktop Computer easily connects to the internet through the Built In WiFi / Bluetooth
- [SOLID STATE STORAGE] - This Dell Computer setup comes with an ultra-fast 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD); Setup as the primary boot device; Boot and load programs with lightning speed ; Additional expansion available
- [BUY & OWN WITH CONFIDENCE] - From the world's largest Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher; Quality Guarantee and Free Tech Support; Award-winning Customer Service; | Support Sustainable Business
- [MODERN HI-SPEED PORTS] - USB 3.0 (x4) | USB 2.0 (x4) | DisplayPort (x1) | HDMI Port (x1) | Audio Combo Jack (x1) | Audio Out (x1) | RJ-45 Ethernet (x1) | Internal SATA (x3)
Customer reviews still have limits. Costco ratings are not controlled benchmark tests, and reviewers may be evaluating delivery, packaging, setup, value, or customer service rather than long-term reliability and raw performance. Ratings and review counts can change, and Costco may combine or separate reviews across configurations.
We also considered whether each computer fits its intended category. An all-in-one, mini desktop, office tower, and gaming PC should not be judged as though they serve the same buyer.
1. Apple iMac 24-inch with M4: best overall all-in-one
Costco listing: Apple iMac 24-inch with M4
Rating: 4.8/5, with 45, 67, or 69 reviews depending on configuration
Monitor: Included
The M4 iMac is the strongest mainstream all-in-one choice among Costco’s highly reviewed current desktops. It combines the computer, a 24-inch 4.5K display, webcam, speakers, keyboard, and mouse in one clean setup.
The Costco-listed configuration includes 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 12MP Center Stage camera. Apple identifies the M4 iMac family as offering up to a 10-core CPU, up to a 10-core GPU, up to 32GB of unified memory, and up to 2TB of storage. Confirm the exact Costco item number before relying on any configuration detail. Apple’s specifications are available at Apple.com.
Why buy it
- Nearly everything needed for a desktop is included.
- The 4.5K display is a major advantage for photos, schoolwork, office tasks, and everyday family use.
- Apple silicon provides a quiet, efficient system for general work and many creative workloads.
- It integrates naturally with other Apple devices.
Why skip it
Skip the iMac if you need Windows-only software, want to replace internal components frequently, or already own a high-quality monitor. Its display is also a fixed part of the design, so replacing the computer later does not leave you with a conventional standalone monitor.
The iMac is not the most powerful desktop at Costco. It is the best fit when convenience, display quality, macOS, and a complete package matter more than maximum expansion or gaming performance.
Rank #2
- Model: Dell OptiPlex 7050 Small Form Factor (SFF)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-7700 3.60 GHz
- Memory: 32GB DDR4 Ram
- Storage: 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) Fast Boot + Storage
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
2. Acer Aspire Desktop with Intel Core i5-14400: best Windows value
Costco listing: Acer Aspire Desktop listings
Rating: 4.0/5 from 90 reviews
Monitor: Not included
The Acer Aspire has the largest clearly visible review sample among the current desktop listings examined. Its 4.0 average is less impressive than the iMac’s 4.8, but 90 reviews make it a more meaningful value signal than a perfect score attached to only a handful of customers.
The exact Costco configuration must be checked at publication. Acer’s related Aspire TC documentation describes a typical platform with Windows 11 Home, an Intel Core i5-13400- or i5-14400-class processor, 8GB of memory, a 512GB SSD, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth, and integrated graphics. Do not transfer specifications or pricing from Acer’s manufacturer store directly to Costco; the stores may sell different item numbers.
Best uses
This is a practical choice for documents, spreadsheets, browsing, email, schoolwork, streaming, and light photo editing—especially if you already own a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Important limitations
Integrated graphics are not intended for demanding modern games, 3D work, or GPU-heavy editing. Eight gigabytes of memory is increasingly restrictive for heavy multitasking, so verify whether the Costco configuration includes 8GB or 16GB and whether an upgrade is supported.
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3. Dell Inspiron Small Form Desktop: best compact Windows tower
Costco listing: Dell Inspiron comparison listing
Rating: 4.1/5 from 54 reviews
Monitor: Not included
Rank #3
- IMMERSIVE 24 INCH DISPLAY: Experience stunning clarity on a Full HD IPS screen with ultra-thin bezels, offering a 90% screen-to-body ratio that makes everything from spreadsheets to streaming come alive with vibrant colors and crisp details.
- POWERFUL INTEL PROCESSING: Tackle demanding tasks with ease thanks to the Intel processor and 16GB of high-speed memory, delivering smooth performance whether you're multitasking between applications or running productivity software.
- GENEROUS STORAGE: Store all your important files, photos, and programs with blazing-fast solid state drive technology that ensures quick boot times, rapid file access, and plenty of space for your digital life.
- ENHANCED PRIVACY AND COLLABORATION: Work confidently with the pop-up privacy camera that tucks away when not in use, plus dual microphones with noise reduction for crystal-clear video calls that keep you connected professionally.
- ECO-CONSCIOUS DESIGN: Feel good about your purchase with an EPEAT Gold registered and ENERGY STAR certified computer that combines premium performance with responsible environmental manufacturing practices.
The Dell Inspiron Small Form Desktop is suited to a home office, shared family space, or small desk where a full-size tower would be inconvenient. The referenced Inspiron 3020 platform supports a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-13400, Intel UHD Graphics 730, and a 512GB NVMe SSD.
Its conventional Windows design is easier to live with than an all-in-one if you want to choose your own monitor or replace external accessories. The trade-off is that a compact chassis generally provides less room for additional drives, memory, or graphics hardware and may have less cooling capacity than a traditional tower.
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Who should buy it
Choose it for ordinary productivity, browsing, schoolwork, video calls, and compact Windows computing. Confirm the processor, memory, storage, and item number because Dell’s newer Core Ultra tower listings are separate products with different specifications and review histories.
Who should skip it
Skip it if you expect to install a large graphics card, run demanding games, or perform sustained professional workloads. The Dell documentation for the referenced platform is available through Dell’s product page and processor documentation.
4. Apple Mac mini with M4 Pro: best performance per size
Costco listing: Apple Mac mini with M4 Pro
Rating: 4.7/5 from 32 reviews
Monitor: Not included
The M4 Pro Mac mini delivers strong performance in a very small enclosure. Costco’s listed configuration includes an M4 Pro chip with a 12-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD.
It is a strong fit for developers, creative professionals, and multitaskers who already own a monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, and speakers or headphones. Its small size also makes it attractive for a tidy desk.
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high-performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
- Dell Optiplex 3050 SFF Desktop computer PC, Intel Quad Core i5-6500 up to 3.6GHz, 16GB DDR4, 256GB SSD
- Includes: USB Keyboard & Mouse, USB WiFi adapter, Microsoft office 30 days free trail.
- Port: Front: USB 3.0(2), USB 2.0(2); Rear: DP, HDMI, USB 3.0(2), USB 2.0(2), RJ-45.
- Support 4K (3840x2160) Dual display, makes it easy to connect two monitors at the same time, and you can expand working Windows, mirror content, or expand a single window across multiple monitors.
The advertised computer is not a complete desktop setup. Add the cost of a display and peripherals before comparing it with an iMac. macOS software compatibility and limited internal upgradeability also deserve consideration. Choose the Mac mini when you want compact performance and already have accessories; choose the iMac when you want everything in one package. Apple’s product overview is at Apple.com.
5. Dell Tower Desktop with Intel Core Ultra 5 225: best basic current Intel tower
Costco listing: Dell Tower Desktop with Intel Core Ultra 5 225
Rating: 3.6/5 from 19 reviews
Monitor: Not included
This Dell is a current-generation Windows tower with an Intel Core Ultra 5 225, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. It belongs on a list of five notable current Costco desktops for buyers who specifically want a newer Intel platform and a traditional tower design.
It is not one of Costco’s top-rated choices by average score. The listed configuration uses integrated graphics, so the processor alone does not make it a gaming computer. Storage may also fill quickly if you maintain a large photo library or install many games.
Buy it if current-generation Intel hardware and straightforward Windows compatibility are your priorities. Skip it if review confidence, dedicated graphics, or maximum value matters more; the Acer and Inspiron have stronger review records in the examined listings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Gaming alternative: Skytech Viper
For a gaming-focused buyer, replace the fifth-place Dell with the Skytech Viper Gaming Desktop. Costco’s current pages show a 4.4/5 rating from seven reviews and list an Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, Nvidia RTX 5070 with 12GB of graphics memory, 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory, and a 1TB Gen 4 NVMe SSD.
The RTX 5070 is the key fact: a dedicated graphics card makes this far more appropriate for modern gaming, 3D applications, and some GPU-accelerated creative workloads than office desktops with integrated graphics. However, seven reviews are not statistically equivalent to the Acer’s 90. Gaming systems can also use more electricity and produce more heat and noise. Budget for a suitable high-refresh monitor if gaming performance is the reason you are buying it.
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- Connectivity: Includes WiFi, Bluetooth, and LAN for wireless and wired connections
- Memory: Features 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking and performance
- Storage: Combines 500GB SSD and 1TB HDD for ample storage space
- Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 for crisp visuals and video playback
- Design: Sleek desktop tower with black color and slim profile for modern look
Choose the right desktop type
| Desktop type | What it means | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-one | Computer and display share one enclosure | Easy setup and uncluttered desks |
| Small-form-factor desktop | Compact Windows tower using a smaller chassis | Home offices and tight spaces |
| Traditional tower | Larger case with more ports, cooling, and expansion potential | Upgraders and demanding workloads |
| Mini desktop | Very small computer that uses external accessories | Existing-monitor owners and efficient workstations |
| Gaming desktop | Desktop with a dedicated graphics card and stronger cooling | Modern games, 3D, and GPU-heavy work |
Check these specifications before you buy
Memory
Treat 16GB as the practical baseline for a new general-purpose desktop. Eight gigabytes can work for basic office tasks but is increasingly limiting with many browser tabs and applications. Choose 24GB or 32GB for virtual machines, large creative projects, professional multitasking, or a longer useful life. Apple’s unified memory is integrated into its Apple silicon platform and is not the same as conventional, user-replaceable PC RAM.
Storage
A 512GB SSD is adequate for documents and ordinary applications but can fill quickly with photos, games, and video. A 1TB SSD is a safer household choice when available. External storage expands capacity but adds clutter and may not match the performance of the internal drive.
Graphics
Integrated graphics are suitable for office work, streaming, casual games, and everyday photo tasks. A dedicated GPU matters for modern games, 3D applications, GPU-accelerated editing, and some AI workloads. A powerful CPU by itself does not make a desktop a gaming PC.
Upgradeability
Full-size towers usually provide the most room for additional storage, memory, and graphics hardware. All-in-ones are commonly difficult or impossible to upgrade internally. Mini and small-form-factor systems may use proprietary or constrained components. Verify the exact model before assuming any part is replaceable.
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The iMac includes its display and basic input devices. The Mac mini does not include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, or speakers. Dell and Acer towers generally require a separate monitor and may require other peripherals. A gaming tower also needs a monitor suited to its graphics card; a basic 60Hz office display may waste some of the system’s gaming capability.
Costco’s monitor section and computer-accessories section can help complete a setup, but compare the combined cost rather than the desktop price alone.
macOS versus Windows
macOS is appealing for Apple-device integration, a streamlined interface, and a display-inclusive iMac setup. Windows offers broader compatibility with business software, peripherals, games, and specialized applications. Before switching platforms, check the software you rely on—particularly industry-specific tools, games, and accessories.
Costco-specific buying checks
- Confirm the exact item number, processor, memory, storage, ports, and included accessories on the live product page.
- Check whether the item is available online, at your warehouse, or both.
- Record the price and date because instant savings, promotions, and member pricing can change.
- Do not assume every desktop has the same return window or warranty terms.
- For the listed iMac page, Costco displayed a 90-day return policy, a second-year warranty, and free technical support; verify those terms remain on the live page and do not generalize them to every desktop.
Costco’s product-support page is a useful starting point for service information. A manufacturer’s price is not a substitute for Costco’s member price: for example, Acer’s related Aspire TC page displayed $599.99 and out-of-stock status when checked, which demonstrates how quickly retailer pricing and availability can diverge.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
