OTF vs. TTF comparisons generally favor OTF. However, the comparison is not that straightforward.
If you've ever played around with typefaces or fonts, chances are you've asked yourself 'What's the difference between OTF and TTF?' when deciding to download fonts for your system. Why is something as simple as a few pixels on the screen so complicated?
Fear not, MakeUseOf has you covered. Today, it is time to sit down and analyze some of the key differences between OTF and TTF fonts. Read on to discover the differences, which font format is better, and when it's appropriate to use one over the other.
Web typography has come a long way over the past few years, and web designers and developers are no longer limited to only using a handful of web safe fonts. The rise of web fonts and the ability to link directly to font files has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for website font usage.
TrueType Fonts (TTF)
Let's start with TTF because it came first. Well, that's not entirely true. PostScript pre-dates TTF by several years, but it's not incredibly common today, so we're going to skip it for the sake of relevance.
TTF was a joint effort by Apple and Microsoft in the early 1980s. The purpose was simple: they needed a format that both Windows and Mac could use natively, as well as a format that could be read by default by most printers. TrueType Fonts fit the bill.
The package containing the font included both the screen and the printer font data in a single file. This made it easy to install new fonts and served as an early cross-platform font format that was usable by most consumer devices.
OpenType Fonts (OTF)
OTF was also a joint effort, except this time between Adobe and Microsoft. Much like TTF, OTF was cross-platform and included the display and printer font data in a single package, but that's where the similarities end.
OTF extended TTF by offering many capabilities that the latter wasn't capable of providing. For example, OTF featured a format that allowed for the storage of up to 65,000 characters.
Obviously, there are only 26 characters in the alphabet (A-Z), ten numbers (0-9) and a handful of extras, like punctuation, currency signs, and various others (@#%^&*, etc.). However, this was especially beneficial to font design and creation.
Since the format offered additional storage for characters that far exceeded the number of characters that the average user would ever need, designers had the ability to add extras like:
- Ligatures
- Glyphs
- Small caps
- Alternate characters
- Old-style figures
Previously, these additions had to be added as additional fonts using TTF. With OTF, they could reside in the same file as the default typeface and remain easily accessible to designers and the like.
The Differences Between OTF and TTF
For designers, both amateur and professional, the main useful difference between OTF and TTF is in the advanced typesetting features. OTF features embellishments like ligatures and alternate characters—also known as glyphs—that exist to give designers more options to work with. (25+ sites for amazing free fonts!)
For most of us non-designers, the additional options will likely go unused.
In other words, OTF is indeed the 'better' of the two due to the additional features and options, but for the average computer user, those differences don't really matter.
You can't, for example, just decide to use a different version of an 'F' in Facebook or embellish common connecting letters like 'TH' to make them look like ornate typography. Those that use these will typically do so in the Adobe Creative Suite, and for the sole purpose of making subtle tweaks that make text look better for print or on the web.
Let's flesh things out by looking at three of the most common additions to OTF packages
Glyphs
Glyphs are alternate characters that you can change to when you're looking for something stylistically different from the default. Traditional characters might look something like this:
If you need a different 'A,' for example, you could elect to use a glyph that displays an 'A' with different stylistic qualities, or one that is used as the default in other alphabets and languages. For example:
Ligatures
Ligatures are strictly a stylistic addition. These are most common with script fonts, but they appear in nearly all high-end packages. Cheaper fonts, or those that you can find for free online, are less likely to have many glyphs, ligatures, or other extras.
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Ligatures are typically combinations of two different letters that meld together to become a stylistic two-in-one entity. When letters are combined like this, they typically end up having embellished designs or adjusted spacing between the two.
Alternate Characters
Alternate characters are just what they sound like: alternatives to non-alphanumeric characters. Think of them as glyphs for the non-number and non-letter characters in a font set. They allow designers to select a stylistically different version of the characters they want to use.
Let's look at some examples. A typical character might look something like this:
While the alternate version will look slightly different, like this:
For most of us, the difference is minimal, and we probably won't care all that much which version to use. If you're laying out text for a magazine, however, these small changes can be the difference between good and bad design.
OTF vs. TTF Fonts: What's Better?
Best reference management software for mac 2018. OTF is undoubtedly the more robust of the two options. It has more features that are intended to allow typesetters and designers flexibility to provide incremental changes designed to improve the overall look of a piece.
That said, for typical end users like you and me who probably aren't using these features anyway, it's not going to make a bit of difference. If you have the option, OTF is always the better of the two, but if you're in a pinch and can't find the OTF version of a font, there's nothing wrong with TTF.
Struggling to match up fonts for a new design or important document? Check out the best sites for finding perfect font pairingsThe 5 Best Sites for Finding Perfect Font PairingsThe 5 Best Sites for Finding Perfect Font PairingsFinding the perfect fonts for your next project can be tricky. Thankfully, there are a number of font pairing sites out there.Read More and take advantage of these free font bundlesThe 10 Best Free Font Bundles for Graphic DesignersThe 10 Best Free Font Bundles for Graphic DesignersIf you're a graphic designer, picking fonts can be a daunting task. However, these free font bundles should help you out.Read More.
Explore more about: Fonts, Graphic Design, Logo Design, Typography.
Wow! Your article was very clear and Helpful to me.
As a designer I never wondered which one to use, until today by reading your article.
Mostly I was using ttf without a second thought.
But after you explained the differences, now I will stop using the .ttf and start using solely the > format.
And yes It's true. The ttf does not include that extra 'ligatures', as in the otf.
You can notice these differences clearly in the graphic design programs, using the text properties, symbols and Glyphs. Such as in Corel Draw, (the one I am using. Adobe is not the only suite for designers 😠)..Anyway, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for clarifying this difference between those two.
Please remove this article as it's spreading confusion amongs designers. There is no such difference between OTF and TTF. Both can have those features.
This article is mostly wrong. Almost all modern fonts are OpenType. The .OTF file ending signifies PostScript-flavor OpenType, while .TTF now indicates TrueType-flavor OpenType. If you have a Mac, you can verify this using the Font Book utility and looking at the Kind attribute.
Love the article, but there are a few details left out. Like which type is used on an android phone for example. These days this point is just as important as covering Microsoft, Apple and Adobe.
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You are mistaken and most of the information in this article is incorrect.
OpenType being a superset of the TrueType font container format, inherited its TTF file extension and introduced OTF as a new one. TTF fonts are therefore as much 'OpenType' as OTF ones, and both can include the same 'embellishments like ligatures and alternate characters' that you claim are exclusive to OTF. TTF as a file extension tends to be used to indicate that the font is made of 'Truetype' glyph outlines (also known as sfnt or simply quadratic bezier curves) whereas OTF tends to be used to indicate that they are PostScript curves (i.e., cubic bezier curves, a degree more complex than TrueType ones).
Now, for which one to go with: OpenType-compatible font renderer is compatible with both cubic and cuadratic curve outlines, and pretty much any serious font creation program uses cubic bezier curves by default and downgrades them to quadratic (which is a lossy even if at an imperceptible degree) when exporting as TTF, so there is little reason to go with TTF when an OTF counterpart exists. Why go for a lossy conversion when the original is just as compatible (which makes one wonder why font foundries produce both versions, but could be ignorance about what File > Export > TTF actually entails or possible backwards compatibility with old TrueType container engines—whose systems are so old I cannot think why would anyone care anymore).
There is one additional potential catch with TTF. OpenType is not the only format supersetting the original TrueType container format to allow 'embellishments like ligatures and alternate characters' just like OpenType's, but in a way that is incompatible with OpenType font renderers. Others are Apple Advanced Typography (AAT) and Graphite (SIL) (the former, at least, predating OpenType), formats that also inherit the TTF file extension. Fonts in those other 'competing' formats are rather rare, though.
So while a TTF font might potentially be as fully featured as an OTF font, it is difficult to know if those features are actually OpenType-compatible (although, again, AAT and Graphite fonts are very rare) and at any rate its curves are probably a lossy downconversion from the ones in the OTF version.
So your conclusion was right, though: if you've got two flavors of a font, go for OTF.
Jorge,
Because OTF is based on TTF doesn't mean that a TTF font is 'as much 'OpenType' as OTF' fonts. That's like saying HTML 1.0 is HTML5 just because HTML5 was based on HTML 1. A subset can never be equal to a superset that contains it.
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The author did a sufficient job of explaining what OTF offers that TTF can't, particularly for the intended audience. Your statement that a TTF font might be as fully-featured as an OTF font is only true if the OTF font in question makes very little use of it's inherent extra capabilities. Much the same way a web page coded in HTML 1 could display exactly the same as one coded in HTML5. That is to say, that would be the case if no one bothered to take advantage of any of the extra capabilities, but then what would be the point?
> Because OTF is based on TTF […]
No, what I said is that OpenType is based on TrueType. It's not quite the same as 'OTF is based on TTF'.
OTF and TTF are only file extensions, both officially sanctioned by the OpenType specification as valid OpenType fonts (see ). I repeat: an OpenType font can have either. The file extension naming scheme that OpenType decided on is admittedly unfortunate, and it does lead many people to asume that .OTF is used to denote that a font file is OpenType as opposed to .TTF denoting that the font is old plain TrueType without anything of what OpenType brought on top of it. Nowadays, that is just not what the file extensions express.
You are probably also mistaken by the fact that 'TrueType', since the original specification of the format, has been used indistinctly to refer to two different things in different contexts: there is the 'TrueType format' (i.e. how data is structured inside the font file) and then 'TrueType glyph outlines', the type of curves characters are drawn with, used as a shorthand for 'quadratic bézier curves' (opposed to old PostScript fonts being said to use 'PostScript outlines', as an easy substitute for 'cubic bézier curves'). OpenType, which was created to phase out those two formats, supports both types of outlines: you have TrueType-flavored OpenType fonts (using quadratic curves) and PostScript-flavored OpenType fonts (using cubic curves). That is what the file extension (sort-of) tries to hint at: what kind of glyph outlines the font uses, but nothing else.
So, to back up: TTF just means that the glyphs inside the font file are made of quadratic bézier curves, nothing relative to the advanced typographic features of the font. A TTF font can be an old plain bare TrueType font, or an OpenType font with all/some of the new bells and whistles, or even an Apple Advanced Typography font or a Graphite fonts (competing formats with similar bells and whistles, but needing their own compatible font rendering engine to enable them). The latter two, also being supersets of the old TrueType format, also kept the TTF file extension. As a consequence, you have no way of knowing just by the file extension being TTF which of those four formats a font is, and consequently, how feature rich or feature less the font is. AAT and Graphite are rare enough, though, that you can asume that any vendor offering TTF files does so in neither of those two rarer formats unless it specifically says so.
The same with OTF: that naming only tells that the glyphs are probably made of PostScript outlines, i.e. cubic bézier curves, as opposed to quadratic ones ('probably' because, to add insult to the injury, while the OpenType spec says that it is in such cases when OTF should be chosen as the file extension, it does not enforce that, so you do have some rogue TrueType-flavored OpenType fonts using the OTF file extension). But OTF does not imply anything about the feature-richness (or richlessness) of the font. An OTF font could be a font using cubic outlines, but just as bare, typographically speaking, as an old pre-OpenType TTF font.
So, then, to go back to the title of the post: why would you prefer one over the other? Having come to the realization that both OTF and TTF fonts can have exactly the same typographical features (because now you have realized, have you not? ^_-), I would always choose OTF if only because vector tools in most font authoring software create cubic bézier curves by default unless the author explicitly says he or she prefers quadratic ones (which is improbable because other more popular apps like Photoshop or Illustrator only work with cubic ones, and therefore it is what most people are used to), if the software allows the user to work with quadratic curves at all (some do not). So I bet most fonts are originally made with cubic outlines, and only automatically 'dumbed down' to quadratic when the author tells the software to export to TTF, operation which introduces imperceptible alterations to the outlines but then some nonetheless.
Now, if pretty much any system that supports Opentype, and therefore supports the same features in OTF files as in TTF (of the OpenType type) files, why would an author that created the font with Postcript outlines even output both formats at all, instead of only OTF, if both are in practice identical? My suspicion is that most font authors are as confused as you as to the actual meaning of TTF and what actually happens when they tell the software to create a font in that format as opposed to choosing OTF (after all, they do not need to know this at all to be extraordinary font creators and the nomenclature can be as misleading to them as it is to most people). For them, outputting a TTF version of their PostScript-flavored OpenType original, on top of the OTF one, is just a click away and they are done with it.
The… funny? part if that the video embedded in the article illustrates exactly what I tried to explain, which, yes, contradicts the whole article. I now watched after I wrote my two replies and was surprised to see that it says the same as I did almost word for word.
> both officially sanctioned by the OpenType specification as valid OpenType fonts (see )
The form ate the hyperlink where I point at the OpenType spec at Microsoft's site where its very introduction states how both TTF and OTF are valid file extensions for OpenType fonts. Just google 'The OpenType Font File' with quotes.
The main difference is that TTF has 255 glyphs, OTF has 65535 (the first byte on a font is used for other stuffs such as font information). OTF is good to avoid compatibility problems between Mac and Windows.
I always choose OTF over TTF due the first one offers better performance and possibilities. Congratulations for the great review!
Thanks!
Thank you so much, this completely explained and answered my question. I use Design Space with my Cricut Explore and some of my fonts have the glyphs and swashes so OTF will be my choice from now on if available. New mac lipsticks for 2018. Thank you again.
What is a good version of an adobe type program to use OTF fonts on a MAC? Anyone know?
I would definitely recommend using adobe Illustrator or adobe InDesign.
Both programs have the ability to create outlines and expand the appearance of the type so that they are malleable shapes rather than just regular text. However, many can argue that InDesign is useless because with illustrator you can do everything the exact same, and end with complete vectors.
InDesign is very useful when creating documents with a lot of type. the type settings are very straight forward..I really like the two programs. I mainly use Illustrator for artwork and then InDesign for creating brochures/ marketing cards etc
Well written! It all makes sense now.. Where can I put 5 stars :)
Excellent article! Very informative; thank you. I think I'm biased toward Apple (and I detest Adobe), so that alone makes me lean toward TTF fonts. However, I need the font for chapter heading designs in a print book, so I just may go with OTF. (Grumble, grumble.) ;) Thank you so much for helping me decide!
You're stupid. Why would your dislike of a company affect your choice of a jointly-created file format that offers more functionality than the other? You're stupid.
Why call someone stupid (twice) just because you can't handle someone's opinion? You seem rude and thats worse than stupid..
I'm also wondering why Mharper 'detests Adobe'?
My guess is he had to deal with their tech support. Nuff said.
For my graphic design needs, I use a Microsoft program from many years ago that I find far easier to use than programs like The Gimp. Unfortunately, the program doesn't recognize OTF fonts, so I can only use TTF fonts. Program compatibility is therefore a consideration when deciding between the two.
Desktop PCs: All About the Power
Why, given the advanced state of laptops, would you want to buy a desktop PC or Mac nowadays? Simply put: sheer muscle and computing comfort. Mobile devices like laptops and tablets simply can't fill some computing needs as well as the stalwart desktop.
Desktop-class CPUs and graphics processors are more powerful than their mobile counterparts for the same money. They give you the grunt to finish whatever task you're working on in less time. Your money goes further with desktop components in general, too, so instead of buying a $500 laptop with a competent Intel Core i3 processor, you can buy a $500 desktop with a more powerful Intel Core i5 desktop CPU in it and maybe even squeeze in a dedicated graphics card.
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You can get desktops with screens that are already built in (see our guide to the best all-in-one PCs), or they can be connected externally to a monitor. In either case, you'll get a bigger display than even the largest desktop-replacement laptop, which tops out at about 18 inches in screen size. Another plus is that expandable desktops can accommodate multiple graphics cards to support sky-high frame rates for competitive gaming or powering through the latest titles on super-fine 4K displays.
For some sensitive situations, buying a desktop gives you physical control of the computer and its use. Limiting access to desktop PCs lets you control who sees confidential business data, and the combination of a desktop PC and a large screen means that parents can monitor what their children are doing online via a quick glance across the room.
Which OS: Windows 10, macOS, or 'Other'?
The Mac vs. PC debate is one of the oldest in modern technology, and we're not going to pick a side here. But if you're of an open mind, not wedded to one or the other by years of habit, and are considering a switch, here's a quick rundown of your choices.
Windows 10 is the latest iteration of Microsoft's operating system. Desktops that use it and previous versions of the OS are what most people typically rely on, so you'll be assured of the best compatibility and widest selection of third-party software. This also applies to browser plug-ins, since some only work with Windows.
The current version of Apple's operating system is macOS Mojave. It's an excellent choice if you're already in an Apple-centric household, since it interfaces seamlessly with devices like iPads and iPhones, with all your iTunes purchases and subscriptions, and lets you receive iMessages on any device connected to your iCloud account.
Although it's less prevalent than Windows or macOS in desktop PCs, Google also has its own PC operating system, called Chrome OS. Many apps designed for Windows and macOS also have Chrome OS versions now, including the popular Microsoft Office suite. Many Chrome OS-powered PCs can also run any Android-based app available for download from the Google Play store, which means the OS can now run millions of smartphone apps. Laptops running Chrome OS, dubbed Chromebooks, are easy to come by, but desktops running the OS ('Chromeboxes') are less common. Most of them are tiny, inexpensive PCs with small amounts of memory and storage.
While it has many fans, Linux is more of a do-it-yourself operating system, where you'll have to rely on your own faculties for installation, sourcing programs, and support. Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows are certainly easier choices if you simply want to buy a desktop and use it right away.
How Much Desktop Do You Need?
If all you need to do is surf the internet, write Word documents, or make simple spreadsheets, then an entry-level desktop is the way to go. You will have to make some compromises in terms of graphics, power, RAM, and storage compared with higher-end systems, but then again, you won't be paying as much, as entry-level PCs typically cost less than $600.
You'll find a wide selection of Intel and AMD processors in this category, from the budget Intel Celeron and Pentium CPUs, up to the more expensive (and more powerful) Intel Core i3 or i5 and AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 processors. You should look for at least 8GB of RAM, though you might have to make do with 4GB if you're limiting your search to very compact, extreme-budget sub-$300 machines. As for storage, a paltry 32GB of eMMC flash storage is found on the absolute least-expensive desktops. (These are all compact budget models, usually far smaller than a laptop.) But a 1TB hard drive is more prevalent as a baseline for larger desktops and a better option for most users.
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Midrange desktops will stay functional longer, thanks to more CPU power and speed, more memory for multitasking, roomier storage, or a larger built-in screen. You will have to make some sacrifices, but even demanding users will be able to find a midrange system that will last them at least five years. Look for a capable Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor in this class of machine, along with 8GB to 16GB of memory, and a 1TB hard drive or 256GB solid-state-drive (SSD) storage. Some machines will offer both an SSD and a hard drive, with the SSD as the boot/program drive and the hard drive destined for mass storage. This is an ideal arrangement for people with large media collections.
High-end desktops offer top-of-the-line components, such as the latest CPUs that will give you all the power you need for multimedia projects, loads of storage (a 512GB SSD or a 1TB hard drive, but typically 2TB or more, sometimes in an SSD-and-hard-drive combination), 3D graphics capability for gaming, or a combination of all three. These high-performance machines typically start at $1,500, and can go up to $5,000 and beyond for workstations or gaming rigs with customized paint jobs and multiple GPUs. Expect to see Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPUs in the lower tiers here, and the very highest end populated by systems based on Intel Core X-Series and AMD Threadripper processors.
While sticking to one of the three price ranges, we recommend that you buy just a little more than you need for the tasks you do now, if you can. That way, you future-proof your purchase and won't have to shop for a replacement for a while.
See How We Test Desktops
What Do You Need to Do?
General-purpose desktops, which are the kind you typically see in retail stores, are well suited to general office tasks, surfing the internet, video conferencing, and the like. They're designed to be jacks-of-all-trades: good at most tasks, but rarely great at specialized functions such as multimedia creation or gaming.
Performance PCs, which include multimedia machines and workstations, will give you more power for complex creative or math and scientific projects. Faster processors with four, six, or even 18 cores make quick work of your tasks. More RAM (16GB to 64GB) is installed, so you can keep larger images in memory for fast transformations while editing a video, rendering a 3D model, or processing a gigantic spreadsheet full of numbers you have to graph. You'll also find extra storage in the form of large hard drives and SSDs that will let you hold a multitude of work documents and program library files.
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The Mac vs. PC debate is one of the oldest in modern technology, and we're not going to pick a side here. But if you're of an open mind, not wedded to one or the other by years of habit, and are considering a switch, here's a quick rundown of your choices.
Windows 10 is the latest iteration of Microsoft's operating system. Desktops that use it and previous versions of the OS are what most people typically rely on, so you'll be assured of the best compatibility and widest selection of third-party software. This also applies to browser plug-ins, since some only work with Windows.
The current version of Apple's operating system is macOS Mojave. It's an excellent choice if you're already in an Apple-centric household, since it interfaces seamlessly with devices like iPads and iPhones, with all your iTunes purchases and subscriptions, and lets you receive iMessages on any device connected to your iCloud account.
Although it's less prevalent than Windows or macOS in desktop PCs, Google also has its own PC operating system, called Chrome OS. Many apps designed for Windows and macOS also have Chrome OS versions now, including the popular Microsoft Office suite. Many Chrome OS-powered PCs can also run any Android-based app available for download from the Google Play store, which means the OS can now run millions of smartphone apps. Laptops running Chrome OS, dubbed Chromebooks, are easy to come by, but desktops running the OS ('Chromeboxes') are less common. Most of them are tiny, inexpensive PCs with small amounts of memory and storage.
While it has many fans, Linux is more of a do-it-yourself operating system, where you'll have to rely on your own faculties for installation, sourcing programs, and support. Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows are certainly easier choices if you simply want to buy a desktop and use it right away.
How Much Desktop Do You Need?
If all you need to do is surf the internet, write Word documents, or make simple spreadsheets, then an entry-level desktop is the way to go. You will have to make some compromises in terms of graphics, power, RAM, and storage compared with higher-end systems, but then again, you won't be paying as much, as entry-level PCs typically cost less than $600.
You'll find a wide selection of Intel and AMD processors in this category, from the budget Intel Celeron and Pentium CPUs, up to the more expensive (and more powerful) Intel Core i3 or i5 and AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 processors. You should look for at least 8GB of RAM, though you might have to make do with 4GB if you're limiting your search to very compact, extreme-budget sub-$300 machines. As for storage, a paltry 32GB of eMMC flash storage is found on the absolute least-expensive desktops. (These are all compact budget models, usually far smaller than a laptop.) But a 1TB hard drive is more prevalent as a baseline for larger desktops and a better option for most users.
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Midrange desktops will stay functional longer, thanks to more CPU power and speed, more memory for multitasking, roomier storage, or a larger built-in screen. You will have to make some sacrifices, but even demanding users will be able to find a midrange system that will last them at least five years. Look for a capable Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor in this class of machine, along with 8GB to 16GB of memory, and a 1TB hard drive or 256GB solid-state-drive (SSD) storage. Some machines will offer both an SSD and a hard drive, with the SSD as the boot/program drive and the hard drive destined for mass storage. This is an ideal arrangement for people with large media collections.
High-end desktops offer top-of-the-line components, such as the latest CPUs that will give you all the power you need for multimedia projects, loads of storage (a 512GB SSD or a 1TB hard drive, but typically 2TB or more, sometimes in an SSD-and-hard-drive combination), 3D graphics capability for gaming, or a combination of all three. These high-performance machines typically start at $1,500, and can go up to $5,000 and beyond for workstations or gaming rigs with customized paint jobs and multiple GPUs. Expect to see Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 CPUs in the lower tiers here, and the very highest end populated by systems based on Intel Core X-Series and AMD Threadripper processors.
While sticking to one of the three price ranges, we recommend that you buy just a little more than you need for the tasks you do now, if you can. That way, you future-proof your purchase and won't have to shop for a replacement for a while.
See How We Test Desktops
What Do You Need to Do?
General-purpose desktops, which are the kind you typically see in retail stores, are well suited to general office tasks, surfing the internet, video conferencing, and the like. They're designed to be jacks-of-all-trades: good at most tasks, but rarely great at specialized functions such as multimedia creation or gaming.
Performance PCs, which include multimedia machines and workstations, will give you more power for complex creative or math and scientific projects. Faster processors with four, six, or even 18 cores make quick work of your tasks. More RAM (16GB to 64GB) is installed, so you can keep larger images in memory for fast transformations while editing a video, rendering a 3D model, or processing a gigantic spreadsheet full of numbers you have to graph. You'll also find extra storage in the form of large hard drives and SSDs that will let you hold a multitude of work documents and program library files.
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Workstations are specialized machines made to do the heavy lifting of high-end media creation, scientific calculations, and strenuous work tasks that have razor-thin deadlines. You'll find multicore Intel Xeon processors and ISV-certified graphics solutions from AMD and Nvidia in this category, as well as the potential, in some cases, to install enormous amounts of special error-correcting (ECC) memory in excess of 64GB.
Business PCs are typically utilitarian in appearance, but they offer work-friendly features such as easy serviceability and upgradability, extra security in the form of biometric sensors and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) support, software/hardware certification programs such as Intel vPro, and software support. Some come with onsite tech support.
Gaming PCs have even faster versions of the multicore processors found in the performance PCs. Plus, they have dedicated graphics cards, so you can smoothly view and interact with the virtual worlds that the game developers create. Flashy design elements like automotive paint, multiple graphics cards viewable through clear plastic or glass case doors, and elaborate liquid-cooling setups are available, for a price. In earlier years, these kinds of options were typically only available from boutique PC makers such as Digital Storm, Maingear, and Origin PC, but many have filtered down into configurations from the major makers.
Also, in gaming PCs, upgradability is almost (but not quite) a must-have. The most expensive gaming systems can cost upward of $10,000, capable of giving you the ultimate gaming experience possible on a PC with multiple 1080p HD or 4K displays, or when using a VR headset like the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive Pro. That said, even midrange gaming systems today in the low $1,000s can deliver a very satisfactory gaming experience with a single 1080p monitor or a VR headset.
Sizing Up (or Down) the Chassis
Desktops are no longer the uniform metal boxes that they used to be. Even certain relatively tiny PCs today can have built-in components that rival high-performance PCs of years past. Choosing one these days is a matter of space constraints and purpose.
If you live or work in truly cramped quarters, an ultra-small-form-factor (USFF) or small-form-factor (SFF) desktop is what you need. USFF (or mini) PCs take up the least amount of room, but don't have much expandability, if any at all. Even so, they contain a processor, memory, storage, and ports to hook up displays, keyboards, and mice. They are usually the most economical to buy and run, since they use power-saving components and processors. The total volume of one of these systems is rarely larger than that of a small jewelry box.
In recent years, we've seen PCs not much larger than USB flash drives, like the Intel Compute Stick. These have the benefit of disappearing behind an HDMI-equipped monitor or HDTV. You may be limited to one or two configurations and will have to give up expandability and I/O port selection, but stick PCs and slightly larger mini desktops, like those in the Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) series and their ilk, are the most flexible way to play internet streaming media and access cloud computing in your living room or conference room.
SFF desktops have more internal space, allowing you to attach additional hard drives and possibly even a gaming-grade graphics card. You'll also find more powerful CPUs here, with their more strenuous cooling requirements.
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Traditional tower desktops, including mini, midsize, and full-size towers, have the most internal space, so you can install multiple hard drives, more RAM, or multiple graphics cards, depending on your needs. They are the most flexible, but also the bulkiest.
An all-in-one (AIO) desktop will save you some space, since the display is built in. With a few exceptions for business-oriented all-in-ones, you will give up expandability compared with the traditional desktop, however. Most AIO screens come in sizes from 22 to 34 inches, and the top models support up to a 5K (5,120-by-2,880-pixel) native resolution. A 1,920-by-1,080-pixel screen is the mainstream-AIO norm, however, and some outliers have widescreen designs with resolutions that lie between 2,560 by 1,440 pixels and 4K (3,840 by 2,160).
Ready for Our Recommendations?
We review hundreds of PCs every year at PC Labs, evaluating their features and testing their performance against peers in their respective categories. That way, you'll know which are best suited for gaming, which is our favorite general-purpose all-in-one, and which is the best if all you need is a small, powerful system you can get up and running quickly.
We pull from our full range of desktops reviews for the frequently updated list below, and we include top-rated models from as many categories as possible. These are our current favorites, but for a full feed of all of our very latest desktop reviews, check out our desktops product guide.
Best Desktop Computers Featured in This Roundup:
Apple iMac 27-Inch With 5K Retina Display (2019) Review
MSRP: $1799.00Pros: Gorgeous Retina display. Sleek styling and extreme attention to detail. Top-notch computing performance. Solid sound quality. Excellent software bundle.
Cons: Expensive as configured. Small storage capacity. No HDMI or dedicated DisplayPort output. Lacks height adjustment. No touch screen.
Bottom Line: With a newly available Intel Core i9 CPU and updated AMD Radeon Pro graphics, the 2019 reboot of the 27-inch Apple iMac all-in-one is now as powerful as it is beautiful.
Read ReviewApple iMac Pro Review
MSRP: $4999.00Pros: Intel Xeon CPU and AMD Radeon Vega offer serious computing power. Gorgeous design in Space Gray extends to the wireless peripherals.
Cons: Pricey. Performance gains depend upon workflow. Uncomfortable keyboard.
Bottom Line: The Apple iMac Pro is a beautiful ode to creative professionals, combining remarkable computing power with the same brilliant 5k display and sleek design of the iMac.
Read ReviewApple Mac mini (2018) Review
MSRP: $799.00Pros: Deep connectivity for its size, including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Memory is SO-DIMM, not soldered. Configurable up to six cores/12 threads. New storage (2TB) and RAM (64GB) ceilings. Top-notch pre-installed software.
Cons: RAM not technically a user upgrade. No option for a 2.5-inch hard drive as internal mass storage. Scanty SSD on base model.
Bottom Line: Apple's iconic Mac mini compact desktop delivers more core-processing, storage, and memory potential than ever, in a polished box brimming with cutting-edge connectivity.
Read ReviewCorsair One i160 Gaming PC Review
MSRP: $3599.99Pros: Compact case with small footprint. Sleek look. RTX 2080 Ti ensures superior gaming performance, even at 4K. Advanced cooling system. RAM and storage accessible for upgrades.
Cons: Custom design limits core component upgrades. Expensive.
Bottom Line: The thoughtfully designed Corsair One i160 Gaming PC delivers outrageous RTX 2080 Ti grunt and blistering CPU speed in an attractive, super-compact chassis.
Read ReviewDell Inspiron Gaming Desktop (5680) Review
MSRP: $599.99Pros: Affordable price. Appealing low-key case lighting. Smooth HD gaming performance. Speedy new Intel 'Coffee Lake' processor. Plenty of storage (boot SSD and a hard drive).
Cons: Messy interior. Only 8GB memory in test model.
Bottom Line: The configurable Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop delivers 60fps 1080p gaming and Core i7 pep at $999, making it an attractive bargain for gamers on a budget.
Read ReviewDell OptiPlex 7760 All-in-One Review
MSRP: $1289.00Pros: Strong performance from Core i7 eighth-gen CPU and GeForce GPU. Beautiful 4K display on sturdy, flexible stand. Surprisingly strong audio output. Connectivity options abound.
Cons: No touch support on test system.
Bottom Line: A peppy CPU and dedicated GeForce graphics power the 4K display of the Dell OptiPlex 7760 All-in-One, a flexible business desktop for designers and creative types. Plus, it packs one of the best AIO stands we've seen.
Read ReviewHP Z2 Mini G4 Workstation Review
MSRP: $799.00Pros: Small footprint. Good Xeon multicore computing performance. ISV certifications. Relatively inexpensive for a desktop workstation.
Cons: Large external power brick.
Bottom Line: The HP Z2 Mini G4 is a mini desktop with the performance of a far larger workstation, complete with Xeon processor options and ISV certifications.
Read ReviewMicrosoft Surface Studio 2 Review
MSRP: $3499.00Pros: Elegant all-in-one digital creation solution. Snappy performance. Super-thin, spectacular display that reclines. Accurate touch input for art/design work. USB-C support. Bundled Surface Pen.
Cons: Expensive. CPU could be beefier, considering separated base. Video out via USB-C, not a dedicated port.
Bottom Line: Microsoft's Surface Studio 2 is a beautiful, pricey all-in-one desktop for artists, content creators, and professionals wedded to pen input. It packs components peppier than the original's, and a downright stunning screen.
Read ReviewLenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny Review
MSRP: $389.99Pros: Tons of at-purchase configuration options. Includes security features for businesses. Chassis is compact, rugged, and easily serviced. Plenty of ports. Runs quietly.
Cons: Minimal room for internal expansion, beyond 2.5-inch bay. Bundled keyboard and mouse are wired and subpar.
Bottom Line: Lenovo's ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is a well-rounded, capable SFF PC suitable for cramped offices or other space-constrained work environs. Just nail the configuration you need up front-upgradability is limited.
Read ReviewVelocity Micro Raptor Z55 (2019) Review
MSRP: $1249.00Pros: Exceptional performance. No-fuss case design that fits professional settings. Clean installation and cable management. Good customer-support offerings.
Cons: Minimalist aesthetic may not please all shoppers at this price.
Bottom Line: Velocity Micro's 2019 Raptor Z55 is a straightforward, cleanly assembled power desktop that posts excellent all-around performance. Its GeForce RTX 2080 Ti in our test config is ready for high-refresh 1440p gaming and capable of 60fps 4K gaming.
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