Best Linux Mini Computers of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2026

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Linux mini computers are a popular choice for those looking for a compact and affordable computer. These devices run on the Linux operating system, which is known for its stability and security. Despite their small size, these mini computers are capable of handling basic computing tasks such as web browsing, email, and document editing. They are also great for use as media centers or home servers. With their low power consumption and small form factor, Linux mini computers are a great option for those looking for an energy-efficient and space-saving solution.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

GMKtec Nucbox G3 Mini PC Cover #TOP 1
GMKtec Nucbox G3 Mini PC
ftb score rating icon 9.8
GEEKOM A6 Mini PC Ryzen 7 6800 Cover #TOP 2
GEEKOM A6 Mini PC Ryzen 7 6800
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Beelink Me Mini Intel N95 NAS PC Cover #TOP 3
Beelink Me Mini Intel N95 NAS PC
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 4 Linux Mini Computers

GMKtec Nucbox G3 Mini PC

G3 Plus
Lush Green
GMKtec Nucbox G3 Mini PC Cover
GMKtec Mini PC, Intel Twin Lake N150 (Upgraded N100), 16GB DDR4 RAM 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD, Desktop Computer 4K Dual HDMI/USB3.2/WiFi 6/BT5.2/2.5GbE RJ45 for Office, Business

The GMKtec Mini PC is powered by the latest Intel Twin Lake N150 processor, offering a performance boost for everyday tasks and home entertainment. With 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, you can enjoy fast boot times and smooth multitasking, making it perfect for running multiple applications at once. The dual HDMI ports allow you to connect two 4K displays, enhancing your productivity and entertainment experience. Additionally, with WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, you’ll benefit from high-speed wireless connectivity for all your devices, ensuring a seamless internet experience.

What We Like
Excellent price-to-performance ratio
Compact and portable design
Versatile storage options
Strong Linux and server compatibility
Quiet, cool operation
What We Don't Like
Limited gaming performance
Minor Bluetooth and RAM issues

GEEKOM A6 Mini PC Ryzen 7 6800

GEEKOM A6
Matte Silver
Standard Edition
GEEKOM A6 Mini PC Ryzen 7 6800 Cover
GEEKOM A6 Mini PC with AMD Ryzen 7 6800, 32GB DDR5 RAM (Upgradable, Not LPDDR), 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, Compact Aluminium Design Windows 11 Pro Desktop Computer with USB4/8K/Wi-Fi 6E/BT 5.2/SD Slot

The GEEKOM A6 Mini PC offers a powerful computing experience in a compact design. You get a three-year warranty, which is much longer than many competitors, giving you peace of mind about its durability and build quality. Its small size and energy-efficient AMD Ryzen 7 6800 processor mean it runs quietly and stays cool, saving you energy costs while delivering strong performance. Plus, it comes preloaded with Windows 11 Pro and supports Linux, giving you flexibility in choosing the operating system that suits your needs. With these features, the GEEKOM A6 Mini PC is a reliable, efficient, and versatile choice for both work and entertainment.

What We Like
Compact size and VESA mount
Good CPU and graphics performance
Clean Windows 11 Pro install
Low power consumption
Multiple 4K display outputs
What We Don't Like
Non-upgradable WiFi chip
Single-channel RAM installed
#TOP 3

Beelink Me Mini Intel N95 NAS PC

ME MINI
Pearl White
N95 12G/1TB
Beelink Me Mini Intel N95 NAS PC Cover
Beelink Me Mini, Mini PC NAS, Intel N95 CPU, 12GB LPDDR5, 1TB PCIe SSD, 6*M.2 PCIe3.0 SSD Slots(MAX 24TB), Dual 2.5G LAN/WiFi6/BT5.2/USB3.2/HDMI, HTPC, Private Cloud, Soft Router, Storage Solution

The Beelink Me Mini PC offers a powerful Intel Alder Lake N95 processor with 4 cores, making it energy-efficient and capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, whether you're running Windows or Linux. With 12GB of fast LPDDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe SSD, plus six extra slots for M.2 SSDs, you can easily store thousands of movies, songs, and photos, perfect for building your own private cloud or media library. The dual 2.5G LAN ports and WiFi 6 connectivity ensure fast and stable networking, great for streaming 4K videos or sharing files quickly. Its quiet fan and compact size let you place it anywhere in your home without noise disruption.

What We Like
Compact size
Low power consumption
Easy setup
Expandable storage
Budget-friendly price
What We Don't Like
Occasional slow performance
Limited SATA NVMe support

KAMRUI Essenx E1 Mini PC

black
KAMRUI Essenx E1 Mini PC Cover
KAMRUI Mini PC E1, W-11 Pro 12th N95 Mini Desktop Computers (up to 3.4GHz), Mini PC 16GB RAM 1TB SSD, Desktop PC Support 4K HDMI+DP, Mini Computer with Dual WiFi, Business Home Office

The KAMRUI Essenx Mini PC is powered by Intel’s 12th Gen N95 processor, offering you faster and more efficient performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. With 16GB of RAM and a spacious 1TB SSD, you get smooth multitasking and plenty of storage for your files, software, and media. This mini PC comes preloaded with Windows 11 Pro, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of applications and providing a user-friendly experience. Plus, it supports stunning 4K resolution at 60Hz on dual displays, so you can enjoy crisp visuals whether you’re working, streaming, or browsing. It’s a compact yet powerful option for your home or office setup.

What We Like
Easy setup
Compact and lightweight
Fast performance
Excellent value
Quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Limited upgrade options
Occasional video stutter
Buying Guide Image

The Best Linux Mini Computers to Buy Right Now

Consider Your Needs

Before you start shopping for a Linux mini PC, it's important to take a moment to assess your needs. What do you plan to use the mini PC for? Are you looking for a media center, a home office setup, or a device for gaming? Knowing your needs will help you narrow down your options and choose the best Linux mini PC for your needs.

Look for Compatibility

Once you know what you need from a Linux mini PC, it's time to start looking for one that is compatible with your needs. There are many different versions of Linux, and not all of them will work with all types of hardware. Some versions of Linux are better suited for media centers, while others are more suited for gaming or office work. Make sure to do your research and choose a Linux mini PC that is compatible with your needs.

Consider the Hardware

When shopping for a Linux mini PC, it's important to consider the hardware. You'll want to look for a mini PC with enough power to handle your needs. This will depend on what you plan to use the mini PC for. For example, if you plan to use it for gaming, you'll want a mini PC with a powerful processor and graphics card. If you plan to use it for media playback, you'll want a mini PC with plenty of storage and a good video card.

Consider the Price

Price is always a factor when shopping for a Linux mini PC. You'll want to choose a mini PC that fits within your budget, but also provides the features and performance you need. Keep in mind that you'll also need to purchase a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, so make sure to factor those costs into your budget as well.

Read Reviews

Before making a purchase, it's always a good idea to read reviews from other users. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from the mini PC, and whether or not it will meet your needs. Look for reviews from users who have similar needs to your own, and pay attention to any common issues or complaints.

Choose a Reputable Brand

When shopping for a Linux mini PC, it's important to choose a reputable brand. There are many companies that make Linux mini PCs, and not all of them are equally reputable. Look for brands with a good track record of making high-quality products, and avoid any brands that have a history of poor customer service or reliability issues.

Consider Your Options

Once you've considered your needs, compatibility, hardware, price, reviews, and brand, it's time to start comparing your options. Take the time to carefully compare the features and specifications of the different Linux mini PCs you're considering, and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Take the Plunge

Once you've found the perfect Linux mini PC for your needs, it's time to take the plunge and make the purchase. You'll be rewarded with a compact, powerful, and versatile device that will help you get the most out of your Linux experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the smallest Linux computer?

The PocketBeagle is currently the smallest Linux computer available on the market. It is a single-board computer that is about the size of a few quarters and can be purchased for $25.

2. Can you install Linux on mini PC?

Yes, you can install Linux on a mini PC. One example is the Intel NUC, which doesn't come with Linux pre-installed but allows you to choose and install Linux on it, making it an excellent choice for a Linux-based mini PC.

3. What kind of computer do I need to run Linux?

To run Linux, you generally need a computer with a 64-bit Intel or AMD processor. The hardware compatibility of Linux has improved, so most popular Linux varieties and distributions can be installed on any PC with these processors.

4. What is the difference between Raspberry Pi and mini PC?

Mini PCs are typically more powerful than Raspberry Pi. They have more powerful processors, more RAM, and more storage, making them better suited for tasks that require higher processing power, such as video editing, gaming, and running multiple applications simultaneously.

5. What is the minimum RAM for Linux?

To run Linux smoothly, a minimum of 1-2 GB of RAM is typically required. However, the actual minimum memory requirements for the Linux operating system alone (without additional software) can be even lower. For example, it is possible to install Debian with just 20MB of RAM.

6. Can Linux run any Windows program?

By default, Linux cannot run Windows programs. However, third-party software like Wine allows you to run some Windows applications on Linux. Wine provides compatibility to run Windows programs on Linux systems.

7. Can I run Linux on an old Windows PC?

Yes, Linux is a popular choice for older machines because lightweight distributions like Xubuntu can run smoothly on low-memory and low-processor power PCs. In contrast, modern versions of Windows may struggle to perform well on aging hardware.

8. Can a Raspberry Pi replace a computer?

The Raspberry Pi 4 can serve as a convenient replacement for certain PC tasks. Its specifications and performance show that it can handle basic PC-like tasks with minimal issues. However, it may not be suitable for more demanding tasks that require higher processing power and resources.

Editor's Notes

During our linux mini computer research, we found 24 linux mini computer products and shortlisted 4 quality products. We collected and analyzed 28,806 customer reviews through our big data system to write the linux mini computers list. We found that most customers choose linux mini computers with an average price of $340.44.

The linux mini computers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of linux mini computers, including GMKtec, GEEKOM, Beelink, KAMRUI. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 372 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.