The Best Small PC for Remote Work and Zoom Meetings in 2025
- Gav Mag
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Remote work is here to stay, and having the right setup can make all the difference in productivity and comfort. If you're tired of bulky desktops or underpowered laptops, a small PC (also called a mini PC) could be the perfect solution.
But not all mini PCs are created equal—especially when it comes to remote work, video calls, and multitasking. In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ Why a small PC is ideal for remote work
✅ Key features to look for
✅ Top 2 mini PC brands for Zoom meetings & productivity
✅ Accessories to enhance your setup
✅ Where to buy in South Africa
Let’s dive in!
Why Choose a Small PC for Remote Work?
1. Space-Saving Design
Unlike traditional desktops, mini PCs are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for small home offices, co-working spaces, or even temporary setups. Some models are as small as a TV streaming box, yet powerful enough for serious work.
2. Energy Efficient & Quiet
Mini PCs consume far less power than full-sized desktops, reducing electricity costs. Many models also use fanless cooling, meaning zero noise—ideal for distraction-free Zoom calls.
3. Easy to Transport
If you work between home, office, or travel frequently, a mini PC can easily fit in a backpack. Just plug it into any monitor, and you’re ready to go!
4. Cost-Effective
Compared to high-end laptops with similar specs, mini PCs often offer better performance for less money since you’re not paying for a built-in screen or battery.
What to Look for in a Mini PC for Remote Work?
Not all mini PCs are optimized for smooth Zoom meetings and multitasking. Here’s what matters most:
✔ Processor (CPU) – The Brain of Your Mini PC
Intel Core i5/i7 (12th Gen or newer) – Best for multitasking.
AMD Ryzen 5/7 (5000/7000 Series) – Excellent for performance and efficiency.
Avoid Celeron or Atom processors—they struggle with video calls.
✔ RAM – For Smooth Multitasking
Minimum 8GB (for basic tasks).
16GB recommended if you use Chrome, Slack, Zoom, and Office apps simultaneously.
✔ Storage – SSD is a Must
256GB SSD (minimum) – Faster boot times than HDD.
512GB+ recommended if you store large files.
✔ Connectivity – Ports & Wireless
USB-C & HDMI/DisplayPort – For dual monitors.
Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.0+ – Stable connections for Zoom.
Ethernet port – For wired reliability.
✔ Webcam & Microphone Support
Most mini PCs don’t include a webcam, so you’ll need an external one. Look for:
Logitech C920/C922 (1080p, great for Zoom).
Razer Kiyo Pro (for premium video quality).
Top 2 Mini PC Brands for Remote Work & Zoom (2025)
If you're looking for a small, powerful, and affordable mini PC for remote work, two brands stand out: Beelink and MINISFORUM. Both offer excellent performance for Zoom meetings, multitasking, and everyday productivity—but which one is right for you?
Let’s compare the best models from each brand to help you decide.
1. Beelink Mini PCs – Best for Performance & Value
Beelink is known for packing high-end specs into compact designs at competitive prices. Their mini PCs are ideal for professionals who need smooth Zoom calls, fast multitasking, and even light gaming.
🔥 Top Beelink Models for Remote Work
A. Beelink SER5 Pro (AMD Ryzen 7 5800H) – Best All-Rounder
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
8-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800H – Handles Zoom, Slack, Chrome, and Office apps without lag.
16GB RAM + 500GB NVMe SSD – Plenty of speed for multitasking.
Dual HDMI (4K@60Hz) – Supports two monitors for productivity.
Wi-Fi 6 & Bluetooth 5.2 – Stable wireless connections.
Compact & silent – No loud fans, perfect for home offices.
💰 Price in South Africa: ~R8,000 – R10,000 (Takealot, Evetech)
B. Beelink SEi12 (Intel i5-12450H) – Best for Business Use
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
Intel 10-core i5-12450H – Strong single-core performance for Zoom & Office apps.
16GB DDR4 + 512GB SSD – Reliable for daily workloads.
Thunderbolt 4 support – Future-proof for fast external storage.
Sleek metal design – Professional look.
💰 Price in South Africa: ~R9,000 – R11,000
2. MINISFORUM Mini PCs – Best for Innovation & Compact Power
MINISFORUM focuses on unique designs and powerful AMD Ryzen processors, making them great for creatives, programmers, and power users who need extra performance in a tiny package.
🔥 Top MINISFORUM Models for Remote Work
A. MINISFORUM N100 (Intel Celeron) – Best Budget Choice
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
Intel N100 CPU – Smooth performance for Zoom, emails, and web browsing.
16GB RAM + 512GB SSD – Excellent value under R6,000.
Dual 4K display support – Great for multitasking.
Low fan noise – Zero noise during calls.
💰 Price in South Africa: ~R5,999 – R8,000
B. Beelink Mini S12 Pro Intel N100 (Intel Celeron) – Most popular purchase
✅ Why It’s Great for Remote Work:
Intel N100 – Faster than most entry level laptops in this price range.
DDR4 RAM + M.2 SSD – Blazing-fast speeds.
USB3 & Wi-Fi 6 – Best connectivity options.
Compact yet powerful – Handles video editing + Zoom effortlessly.
💰 Price in South Africa: ~R5999
Must-Have Accessories for Your Mini PC Setup
Since mini PCs don’t come with peripherals, here’s what you’ll need:
🖥️ Monitor
15.6-inch FHD Portable Monitor (1080p) – Affordable and sufficient.
⌨️ Keyboard & Mouse
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo
🎤 Webcam & Audio
For the month of April 2025 both these mini pcs mentioned above will come with a free webcam
📶 Wi-Fi Extender (If Needed)
TP-Link RE450 – Boosts signal for lag-free calls.
Where to Buy a Mini PC in South Africa?
🛒 Online Stores
Final Verdict: Best Mini PC for Remote Work?
If you want the best balance of performance and price, the Beelink SER5 Pro (Ryzen 7 5825U) is our top pick. It handles Zoom, multitasking, and even light gaming without breaking the bank.
For business users who need reliability, the MinisForum Venue Intel Core i5 is a solid choice.
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