15 Best iMac Alternatives for Graphic Designers & Visual Artists in 2021
FullStop Team
May 17, 2021
If you want to make a graphic designer happy, give him a room full of Apple products and he'll be indebted to you for years. iMac has a respected place amongst graphic designers and all sorts of creative persons in the field. But not all of us are able to avail the awesome experience that an Apple iMac offers.
Don't worry if you can't have an Apple iMac as I've so many iMac alternative options to make!
I understand how it feels not to have your favorite tech, having an apple icon on the back, but there are options that offer you almost the same usage experience.
And I've created this list to suggest to you some of the best iMac alternatives for 2021 so you can get your creative work done without starting a scuffle with your faulty machine.
Come, let me suggest you some of the coolest iMac alternative options that exceed your favorite Apple in some ways.
How to Select an iMac Alternative?
Since you're going to invest into an iMac alternative, you must know what exactly to look for when making the purchase. Apple has made iMac a flawless, in fact fabulous, All-in-One computer especially for those who rarely move during creative work.
Since, you're not going to use an iMac and switch to iMac alternative, you must know what particular device to pick that offers you an experience that's close to iMac, the prime choice for designers.
Screen Size
One of the prime reasons that every graphic designer falls for an Apple iMac is its ultra-wide screen. And this is one prominent feature that you must look for when seeking an iMac alternative so you can enjoy the same wider screen experience even if you don't have an Apple computer.
Processor
Another reason that every graphic designer opts for an iMac than other AIO computers is the maximum number of cores in its processors. Though, not 9 but you should seek the maximum number of processor cores in order to have a super-fast processing speed in your iMac alternative computer.
RAM
Similar to processor's cores, you must seek the higher number of RAM in your iMac alternative computer. Doing so would help you in having the fastest computer to match the speed of your creative thoughts just like you get to have in iMac.
Storage
Since you're going to have an iMac alternative computer, you must have realized the storage aspect of Apple's beast that gets everyone's attention. So, do seek an iMac alternative computer that offers you a huge storage range (at least more than 512GB) so you can store and keep your project files accessible for years in your computer.
Graphics Card
Since you're an iMac fan you won't settle on a machine that loads images slowly and makes you upset due to a snail-like speed. When you seek the best iMac alternative for graphics design work, be sure to select an AIO computer that has a powerful graphics card such as NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 or AMD Radeon RX 560X.
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Best Apple iMac Alternatives in 2021
Being a graphic designer, I can understand the diverse reasons for switching from iMac and seeking more options that suit your current work situations. I've created this list, below, that showcases the best iMac alternatives for 2021 that either offer you an ideal price tag or have the ideal graphics card that surpass iMac's AMD Radeon Pro 5300. Come, let me share various iMac alternative computers for your graphic design work, below.
HP- AIO 24 Series
Screen Size: 24" | Ram: 8GB | Processor: AMD Ryzen 3 3250U | Graphics Card: AMD Radeon Graphics | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 18 pounds
HP 24" All-in-One Desktop Computer is the first iMac alternative that I decided to include in this list. This is an ideal option to replace your iMac with a budget friendly PC that offers you a fairly wide screen and a nice processor speed. HP 24" All-in-One Desktop Computer offers you AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor along with an AMD Radeon Graphics card that gives your creativity a boost of fast visual loading speed.
Along with having a fantastic graphics card and processor duo, this iMac alternative is best for those who change the workstation settings often as it weighs only 18 pounds. There’s a nice 256GB storage space that might not match with iMac’s 512GB but still does a decent job. HP 24" All-in-One Desktop Computer also comes with an 8GB RAM that gives you a pleasant work experience close to iMac.
- What I liked the most in the HP 24" All-in-One Desktop Computer that I added to the iMac alternative list is the fastest processor and the HD webcam that helps you in coordinating with the team during work.
- I did feel the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 would make it more relevant for a faster internet connectivity.
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Acer Aspire C24-963-UA91 AIO Desktop
Screen Size: 23.8" | Ram: 8GB DDR4 | Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i3-1005G1 | Graphics Card: n/a | Storage: 512GB NVMe M.2 SSD | Weight: 12.47 pounds
Next, I'd recommend you to look at Acer Aspire C24-963-UA91 AIO Desktop that gives you fastest work freedom with a wireless keyboard and mouse along with various other features. Having a Core i3 processor enables this beast to perform your commands at a lightning pace and the ultra-wide 23.8" screen gives you a broader perspective of your imagination when you work on your designs.
There's one particular reason for calling it the best iMac alternative, it offers you more connectivity options with multiple USB ports and an HDMI port for adding an additional monitor, too. Just like iMac, you get 512GB of storage along with 8GB DDR4 RAM. The Aspire series offers you 2 Built-in Stereo speakers along with an HD Webcam for making your work extremely easier in terms of coordination with the team and presenting your mockups.
- I found Acer Aspire C24-963-UA91 AIO Desktop's screen up to my expectations and the design also gives it an additional point.
- But, in order to be called an iMac alternative, this could have a better set of speakers.
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Apple Mac Mini
Screen Size: n/a | Ram: 8GB | Processor: Apple M1 chip 8-core CPU | Graphics Card: Apple 8-core GPU | Storage: 256GB | Weight: 3.43 pounds
If you're not ready to give up on Apple products but don't have enough money to buy an iMac, I'd suggest you to go for Apple Mac Mini. Nope, it’s not an AIO computer but works like a magic wand with a wide display monitor and acts just like an iMac which is one of the reasons that I added it to iMac alternatives.
This portable PC comes with 8GB RAM and a nice 256GB storage capacity to support your creative design saving habits. Plus, this wonderful device only weighs about 3.43 pounds so if you want to keep it with you during the commute, there's no weight or size issue. The Apple M1 Chip 8 Core CPU gives it an astonishing processing speed which you'd love while working on your designs.
- Its fastest processing speed is what convinced me to include it into the best iMac alternative in 2021 along with having Wi-Fi 6 that gives you a stable internet connectivity during work.
- Apple Mac Mini might not be a good choice for those who are habitual of having USB ports in their AIO computers.
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Lenovo AIO 300 Series 23"
Screen Size: 23" FHD Multitouch | Ram: 8GB | Processor: Core i5 | Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 520 | Storage: 2TB | Weight: 15.34 pounds
If you truly want to have an iMac alternative that gives you the best working experience, I'd recommend you to invest in Lenovo AIO 300 Series 23" that has identical specs just like your darling computer, iMac.
Firstly, it comes with an 8GB RAM and has an Intel Core i5 processor along with Intel HD Graphics 520 graphics card to live up to its title, the best iMac alternative in 2021. Along with that, it’s the 2TB storage capacity that wins your hearts if you opt for Lenovo AIO 300 Series 23".
- I'll give Lenovo AIO 300 Series 23" 4 out of 5 for having such an artistic design along with the intel Core i5 processor that offers you the fastest surfing speed.
- I did notice that the USB ports have a little tricky location to reach when you want to plug any accessory.
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Dell Inspiron 24 5000 Silver Touch AIO
Screen Size: 23.8" Full HD IPS Touchscreen | Ram: 8GB DDR4 | Processor: Intel Core i3 Processor | Graphics Card: UHD 620 | Storage: 1TB HDD | Weight: 17.41 pounds
If you prefer having Intel processors, I've just the perfect iMac alternative in the shape of Dell Inspiron 24 5000 Silver Touch AIO that offers you an amazing work experience as you're immersed in your creative thoughts. The Dell Inspiron 24 5000 Silver Touch AIO has 8GB or RAM along with a Core i3 processor that gives you a fairly fast processing speed.
Plus, the HDMI port lets you connect an additional monitor to extend your view along with the webcam inclusion that offers you a crystal-clear picture quality for quick zoom meetings with other team members if you're working from home. And the best part about Dell Inspiron 24 5000 Silver Touch AIO is its humongous storage capacity of 1TB that convinced it’s the perfect iMac alternative in 2021.
- I give Dell Inspiron 24 5000 Silver Touch AIO 4 out of 5 for having such perfect combinations of HDMIs and USB ports along with a Wi-Fi 6 support.
- But I did notice that the stand needs more improvements for stability purposes.
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HP 24 Pavilion All-in-One
Screen Size: 23.8" | Ram: 16GB | Processor: 10th Gen Intel i7 | Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 1TB HDD | Weight: 14.77 pounds
In case you’re seeking the lightweight AIO computer as an iMac alternative, I’d suggest you consider buying HP 24 Pavilion All-in-One. With its 23.8” wide screen and 10th Generation Intel i7 processor, this computer gives a tough competition to other iMac alternatives mentioned in this list.
Plus, you get to have 1TB HDD storage in your HP 24 Pavilion All-in-One that’s another edge over the iMac, the most demanded option for graphic designers and illustrators. And the Intel UHD Graphics 630 is another commendable inclusion in this beast that you’d really like during loading heavy visual graphics files.
- The speedy processing rate is what makes HP 24 Pavilion All-in-One an ideal option as the iMac alternative in 2021.
- But I do feel that having a wireless keyboard and mouse would've made this computer even more accurate for graphics design work.
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HP EliteOne 800 G4 23.8"
Screen Size: 23.8" FHD (1920x1080) IPS | Ram: 16GB | Processor: Intel Core i5-8500 | Graphics Card: Integrated Intel UHD 630 | Storage: 1TB SSD | Weight: 19.24 pounds
Here's another recommendation for a wide screen iMac alternative in the shape of HP EliteOne 800 G4 23.8" that gives you a pleasant usage experience. This computer comes with a 16GB RAM and a huge 1TB SSD storage option to let you store as many files as you want in your creative den, your home office computer. Plus, the Core i5-8500 processor is a fantastic addition to HP EliteOne 800 G4 23.8" that makes your surfing faster than ever.
- There's an NFC reader, a wall mounting option, and the 3.0 USB ports that makes HP EliteOne 800 G4 23.8" an ideal option to be called iMac alternative in 2021.
- The only negative aspect, that I noticed was the recessed I/O ports in back otherwise it’s a useful investment for any graphic designer.
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Dell Inspiron 27 7000
Screen Size: 27" | Ram: 16GB | Processor: Intel Core i7 | Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Storage: 512GB | Weight: 24.8 pounds
Dell has also introduced its AIO computer in the shape of Dell Inspiron 27 7000 that offers you a number of features to get the creative work done just like you'd on an iMac.
It's 27" wide screen is the prominent attraction for anyone who's looking to switch from an iMac to another AIO computer. Plus, the Intel Core i7 is another commendable feature of this computer apart from the fantastic design that reciprocates your creative preferences.
- Dell Inspiron 27 7000 competes with the iMac in terms of design which makes it a strong iMac alternative in 2021 along with having various interesting features such as HDMI input and dual storage drives.
- I personally feel that having the height adjustment feature could've made this iMac alternative more appealing for graphic designers.
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Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10
Screen Size: 37.5" WQHD+ curved screen | Ram: 8GB GDDR6 | Processor: 4.4 GHz ryzen_7_3700x | Graphics Card: AMD RX 5700XT | Storage: 512GB SSD | Weight: 38.50 pounds
Give your creativity a boost of Dell’s Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 that comes with 4.4 GHz Ryzen 7 3700x processing card. Along with that, you get to work on heavy graphics files with its AMD RX 5700XT graphics card that gives this machine a plus point than other options of this list. Store more and enjoy 8GB GDDR6 RAM in your Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 that makes your work as fast as you think during your creative brainstorming session.
- If you prefer to work at a fast pace, you'd love the Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10 which can be regarded as an amazing iMac alternative, after the Apple Mac Mini, due to its astonishing design.
- I didn't like the noisy fans that kept stealing my attention during the work otherwise it’s a fantastic iMac alternative to have.
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Dell G5 Gaming Desktop
Screen Size: n/a | Ram: 16GB | Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5 | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | Storage: 512GB | Weight: 18.46 pounds
If you're planning to ditch AIO computers and want a faster desktop computer only, I'd recommend you to own a Dell G5 Gaming Desktop that has all the essential features that you'd need as a graphic designer. With its Intel Core i7-9700 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card, you'd love surfing and working on your creative projects.
- It's easy personalization feature is what makes it an ideal iMac alternative.
- I do feel the need of more storage space in this beast, though.
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Dell OptiPlex 7770 All-in-One
Screen Size: 27" | Ram: 16GB | Processor: Core i3 4.20 GHz | Graphics Card: 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 | Storage: 256 GB SSD | Weight: 18.54 pounds
Last AIO computer recommendation from Dell of the list, Dell OptiPlex 7770 All-in-One is a powerful iMac alternative with 16GB RAM and a decent 256GB SSD storage option. Plus, you’ll get to use Intel Core i3 4.20 GHz processor along with the 4GB NIVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card that makes your work routine as smooth as you’d always dream as a graphic designer.
- I became a devotee of Dell OptiPlex 7770 All-in-One due to its ultra-wide screen along with various ports.
- I did miss more storage options that iMac offers in this comparatively affordable iMac alternative.
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HP Envy 27” AIO Computer
Screen Size: 27" | Ram: 16GB | Processor: Intel Core i7-7700T | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 24 pounds
If you're seeking more cores in processors, I'd recommend you to look at HP Envy 27” AIO Computer that offers you Intel Core i7-7700T that's close to iMac's 9s. Apart from that, it's the 27" display along with 16GB RAM that makes it a useful iMac alternative in the list.
- Along with having a faster processing speed and a nice NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950M, HP Envy 27” AIO Computer offers you a plethora of features that make it a smart iMac alternative.
- The only feature that it lacks is the wall mounting ability otherwise it’s a nice option to invest in.
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HP Envy 32" AIO Computer
Screen Size: 31.5" | Ram: 32GB | Processor: 9th Generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics Card: Intel NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 46.90 pounds
If your preference is to have a larger display in your iMac alternative, I’d suggest you consider buying HP Envy 32” AIO Computer that has an even bigger screen than your favorite iMac. Plus, the combo of 9th Gen Intel Core i7 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 gives you an ultimate surfing speed to skyrocket your design process with maximum storage capacity of 1TB.
- The 4K display makes HP Envy 32” AIO Computer an ideal iMac alternative.
- But I felt that having touch screen features could make it more attractive for a graphic designer like you and I.
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Lenovo IdeaCentre Yoga A940
Screen Size: 27" | Ram: 32GB | Processor: Intel Core i7-8700 | Graphics Card: AMD Radeon RX 560X | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 32 pounds
If your search includes an iMac alternative with more RAM, I’d suggest you to consider having Lenovo IdeaCentre Yoga A940 that offers 32GB RAM along with 1TB storage capacity. Plus, the integration of Intel Core i7-8700 processor gives it a boost in terms of performance, too.
- This AIO computer is loaded with various attractive features that make it a wise iMac alternative.
- But the makers could work on the exterior body to give it better, stable exteriors.
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Microsoft Surface Studio 2
Screen Size: 28" PixelSense Display | Ram: 16GB | Processor: Intel Core i7 | Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 | Storage: 1TB | Weight: 20.94 pounds
The best iMac alternatives for 2021 come from Apple's old rival, Microsoft, in the shape of Microsoft Surface Studio 2. The Microsoft Surface Studio 2 gives you the supreme processing quality with its Intel Core i7 along with NVIDIA's powerful graphic card (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060). Along with that, you get to have 16GB RAM along with 1TB storage capacity that surpasses iMac in terms of storage options.
- The design, the storage capacity and the wider display all make it an ideal iMac alternative in 2021.
- You might have to compromise on price as it exceeds the normal AIO computer range.
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Ending Note
So, this was a brief overview of the best iMac alternatives for 2021 for all the graphic designers and illustrators who are planning to switch from Apple’s iMac. There are different iMac alternatives that give Apple’s wondrous invention a tough competition but I personally found HP Envy 27” AIO Computer and Dell G5 Gaming Desktop a better pick than the rest of the options due to screen resolution and processor capabilities.
I hope this handy list would help you in switching to a better iMac alternative for graphic design related work. Keep creating, keep inspiring with your visual power. Adios!
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