Best Mini PCs for Home Assistant and Plex 2026
Many mini PCs sold as home servers ship with a single memory stick or fan controls buried in the BIOS. This guide ranks five current models by expert consensus, and the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC leads.
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices change frequently — check the current price on Amazon before buying. Learn more
The Short Answer
The MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC ranks first on the SHE Home Server Mini PC Score because it holds the highest documented expert consensus, 8.7/10 from 3 reviews. The GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition delivers the lowest price in this comparison but carries a six-core processor with less transcoding capacity.
Featured in this Guide
MINISFORUM
AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC
- •Highest expert consensus here, 8.7/10 from 3 reviews
- •16 cores and up to 96GB of DDR5
GEEKOM
A5 Pro 2026 Edition
- •Lowest Amazon price in this guide
- •6 cores and up to 64GB of memory
Mac
mini (M5 Pro, 2026)
- •15-core CPU with 307GB/s of memory bandwidth
Mac
mini (M6, 2026)
- •Internal power supply keeps it to one power cable
GEEKOM
A9 Max 2026 Edition
- •Two SODIMM slots accept up to 128GB, the most in this guide
Head-to-Head: Consensus, Cores, Memory, Setup and Ecosystem
Networking
Chart
Smarthomeexplorer.comTap any pick to check its live price on Amazon.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
RecommendedCheck price
Anker SOLIX F3800
Good ValueCheck price
PETKIT Purobot Ultra
Must BuyCheck price
Synology DS925+ 4-Bay NAS
Must BuyCheck price
ASUS RT-BE96U
RecommendedCheck price
PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin
RecommendedCheck price
What a Home Server Mini PC Actually Buys You
The SHE Home Server Mini PC Score reports each model's expert consensus, the weighted average of verified outlet ratings, displayed without rescaling across the comparison. Processor cores, maximum memory and the Amazon price never move the ranking; each factor instead assigns a documented role to the model that leads on it.
For always-on duties like Home Assistant automation, Plex transcoding and container hosting, that consensus summarizes how independent reviewers evaluated performance, acoustics and connectivity. The composite ranks the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC first, while the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition finishes last despite the largest memory ceiling in this guide. Nothing here represents first-party benchmarking, so the ranking describes published expert opinion rather than measured server reliability.
Best Overall: MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC
MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC
- Sixteen cores and thirty-two threads on the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX
- Tom's Guide measured up to 60dB while gaming
(Current price, subject to change)
The MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC suits households consolidating Home Assistant automation, Plex transcoding and occasional gaming onto one capable desktop computer. It scored 8.7 on the SHE Home Server Mini PC Score because Tom's Guide, PC Gamer and GBAtemp each published favorable evaluations, praising its performance and versatility. Its sixteen-core AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX processor supplies generous headroom for simultaneous virtual machines, containers and media libraries.
Minisforum documents a desktop-class NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 operating at 145W, complemented by DDR5 memory support reaching 96GB and a dedicated 5Gb Ethernet port with Wi-Fi 7. Tom's Guide recorded 90 fps in Red Dead Redemption 2 at 1080p, while PC Gamer describes a desktop application alternating between three processor power profiles.
Its limitations are acoustic and physical, because Tom's Guide measured 40dB during productivity work and 60dB while gaming, and PC Gamer recorded processor temperatures reaching 93°C. Compared to the palm-sized Mac mini (M6, 2026), the documented 215 x 57 x 315mm enclosure demands substantially more shelf space.
What We Love
- Sixteen cores and thirty-two threads on the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX
- Supports up to 96GB of DDR5 memory for virtual machines
- 5Gb Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7 for fast network transfers
- Desktop-class RTX 5060 GPU running at a full 145W
What Could Be Better
- Tom's Guide measured up to 60dB while gaming
- PC Gamer recorded CPU temperatures up to 93°C
- Large 215 x 57 x 315mm chassis for a mini PC
The Verdict
If one always-on machine must run Home Assistant, Plex and evening gaming, the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC fits the brief with sixteen cores and a desktop-class RTX 5060. Plan for fan noise under load, which Tom's Guide measured at up to 60dB.
Ready to upgrade your home?
MOVA P10 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
See it on Amazon
roborock F25 Ultra Steam Wet Dry Vacuum Mop
See it on Amazon
Philips Wi-Fi Keypad Deadbolt with Handle
See it on Amazon
Sponsored listings from Amazon’s Sponsored Products for Creators program, kept apart from our reviews and rankings. How we make money
Best Value: GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition
GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition
- Ubuntu and Fedora ran perfectly out of the box, per IT Pro
- Six-core Ryzen 5 7530U is the fewest cores here
(Current price, subject to change)
The GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition appeals to budget-conscious builders who prioritize efficiency and Linux compatibility over maximum processing capability. It scored 8.6 on the SHE Home Server Mini PC Score because IT Pro, Geektopia and Testsieger each published favorable evaluations, and KitGuru separately awarded eight out of ten. As the most affordable computer in this comparison, it still accepts up to 64GB of DDR4 memory and includes 1TB of NVMe storage.
IT Pro reports that Ubuntu and Fedora operated perfectly out of the box, which simplifies installing a dedicated Linux distribution for containers and automation services. KitGuru measured approximately 14W at idle, Testsieger documented near-silent idle acoustics, and the included VESA bracket enables discreet mounting behind a compatible monitor or television.
Its compromises appear relative to the alternatives, because the six-core AMD Ryzen 5 7530U trails the sixteen cores inside the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC. IT Pro also notes its wireless card omits 6GHz connectivity entirely.
What We Love
- Ubuntu and Fedora ran perfectly out of the box, per IT Pro
- Memory expands up to 64GB across two SODIMM slots
- About 14W at idle in KitGuru's measurement
- Included VESA bracket mounts it behind a monitor or TV
What Could Be Better
- Six-core Ryzen 5 7530U is the fewest cores here
- No 6GHz Wi-Fi support
- No Kensington lock slot
The Verdict
For a dedicated Home Assistant and file-sharing box on a modest budget, the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition is a sensible pick for that setup, with 2.5GbE networking and expandable memory. Heavier Plex transcoding queues favor the higher core counts elsewhere in this guide.
Best Mac for Heavy Workloads: Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026)
Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026)
- 15-core CPU, with an 18-core upgrade available
- Memory tops out at 64GB
(Current price, subject to change)
The Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) serves Apple households wanting a compact, powerful server for media libraries, automation and local artificial intelligence experiments. It scored 8.4 on the SHE Home Server Mini PC Score because Trusted Reviews and AppleInsider both rated it highly, with AppleInsider awarding four out of five. Its fifteen-core M5 Pro chip with 307GB/s of memory bandwidth delivers abundant parallel throughput for transcoding and virtualization. One owner agreed: "M5 Pro in a Mac Mini with 64GB RAM and 10Gbit Ethernet seems like the perfect Jellyfin server and Ollama test server." (stuff4ben on Hacker News)
AppleInsider documents three Thunderbolt 5 ports operating at 120Gbps, plus HDMI and 2.5Gb Ethernet, while Trusted Reviews confirms Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread support through Apple's N1 chip. Unified memory configurations reach 64GB, and Trusted Reviews recorded a Geekbench 6 multi-core result of 27911.
Its limitations emerge relative to the AMD alternatives, since memory stops at 64GB compared to 96GB in the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC. Trusted Reviews also notes the power button sits underneath, so manual restarts require flipping the enclosure over.
What We Love
- 15-core CPU, with an 18-core upgrade available
- 307GB/s of memory bandwidth for heavy media work
- Three Thunderbolt 5 ports at 120Gbps
- Thread support through the Apple N1 chip
What Could Be Better
- Memory tops out at 64GB
- Power button sits on the bottom of the case
- Built-in speaker mostly suits alerts, per Trusted Reviews
The Verdict
When an Apple household wants Thread support and Thunderbolt 5 storage expansion in one compact server, the Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) lines up with what you actually need. Its largest configuration stops at 64GB of unified memory.
Easiest Setup: Mac mini (M6, 2026)
Mac mini (M6, 2026)
- Internal power supply means a single power cable
- Memory is capped at 32GB
(Current price, subject to change)
The Mac mini (M6, 2026) suits buyers wanting the simplest always-on installation and the most affordable Apple entry point in this guide. It scored 8.3 on the SHE Home Server Mini PC Score because Engadget, Gizmodo and Tom's Guide rated it favorably, while AppleInsider's more reserved evaluation pulled the consensus downward. Tom's Guide highlights its internal power supply and single-cable design, which simplifies cable management.
Tom's Guide measured a Geekbench 6 single-core result of 4,708 and completed a 25GB 4K Handbrake transcode in 2 minutes 45 seconds, nearly two minutes faster than the M4. A multi-gig Ethernet port is now standard, and Gizmodo confirms simultaneous support for three external displays. One owner summarized the trade-off: "price hike makes the deal not so sweet, but still a bang on device" (himanshumehra on Hacker News)
Its constraints are memory and wireless throughput, because the M6 tops out at 32GB compared to 128GB on the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition. Notebookcheck reports its Wi-Fi 7 implementation caps transfers near 2 Gbps, and Engadget criticizes the bottom-mounted power button.
What We Love
- Internal power supply means a single power cable
- 2.5 GbE Ethernet is now standard
- Tom's Guide timed a 4K-to-1080p transcode at 2 minutes 45 seconds
- Same 5 x 5 x 2 inch footprint as its predecessor
What Could Be Better
- Memory is capped at 32GB
- Wi-Fi 7 limited to 160 MHz, about 2 Gbps
- Power button still sits on the bottom
The Verdict
If you want a compact Apple box for Home Assistant and a modest Plex library with minimal cabling, the Mac mini (M6, 2026) is the path of least friction, since its power supply is internal. Large virtual machine collections will outgrow its 32GB memory ceiling.
Most Memory Headroom: GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition
GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition
- Up to 128GB of RAM across two SODIMM slots
- Review unit shipped with a single 32GB stick
(Current price, subject to change)
The GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition targets builders anticipating growing memory requirements, because its two SODIMM slots accept up to 128GB in total. It scored 7.5 on the SHE Home Server Mini PC Score because Tom's Hardware rated it four out of five, while Gizmodo's evaluation was noticeably more reserved. Its twelve-core AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 processor combines twenty-four threads for parallel virtualization workloads.
Tom's Hardware measured only 7W at idle and a peak of roughly 41dB under combined processor and graphics stress, favorable characteristics for continuous operation. The enclosure also provides two 40 Gbps USB4 ports and Wi-Fi 7, and Gizmodo timed its HandBrake 4K transcode at 3 minutes 37 seconds.
Its weaknesses explain the lower consensus, because Tom's Hardware received a single 32GB module that heavily impairs integrated graphics performance. Fan profiles require a BIOS adjustment and reboot, and KitGuru discovered a QLC-based SSD where the previous edition used SLC storage.
What We Love
- Up to 128GB of RAM across two SODIMM slots
- Only 7W at the wall while idling, per Tom's Hardware
- Peak noise around 41dB under combined stress
- Two 40 Gbps USB4 ports that support external GPUs
What Could Be Better
- Review unit shipped with a single 32GB stick
- Fan profiles change only in the BIOS
- QLC SSD replaces the earlier SLC drive
The Verdict
For a virtualization host where memory capacity matters more than polish, the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition checks the boxes that matter for that workload, with room for 128GB of RAM. Budget for a second memory module, since the reviewed unit shipped with a single stick.
How We Score: SHE Home Server Mini PC Score
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score
Score Formula
Products are ranked by Expert consensus, the weighted average of the verified outlet scores for each model on a 10-point scale, shown as is. A tie goes to the model with more outlet reviews, then to the better CPU cores, then to research order. The other factors never change the rank; each one with a role gives that role to the model that leads on it.Score Factors
- Expert consensusThe weighted average of verified outlet scores on a 10-point scale; it alone sets the rank, from 8.7 for the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC down to 7.5 for the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition.
- CPU coresProcessor core count from reviews and maker specs; the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC leads with 16 cores and the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition has the fewest at 6.
- Maximum memoryThe most RAM each model accepts; the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition leads at 128GB and the Mac mini (M6, 2026) stops at 32GB.
- PriceThe Amazon price as checked on October 12, 2026; at that check the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition is the cheapest here and the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC costs the most.
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score — Ranked
Built from published specifications and outlet reviews read for this guide, with Amazon prices checked on October 12, 2026; it is not a first-party performance or reliability test.
MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score8.7/108.7/10 from 3 reviews: the most cores and a 5Gb Ethernet port, but loud under gaming loads.
GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score8.6/108.6/10 from 3 reviews: the cheapest pick, with clean Linux support and a modest six-core chip.
Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026)
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score8.4/108.4/10 from 2 reviews: 15 cores, Thunderbolt 5 and Thread, with memory capped at 64GB.
Mac mini (M6, 2026)
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score8.3/108.3/10 from 4 reviews: the simplest setup, held back by a 32GB memory ceiling.
GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition
SHE Home Server Mini PC Score7.5/107.5/10 from 2 reviews: room for 128GB of RAM, but ships with a single memory stick.
Platform Support and the Memory Catch
Wired Ethernet is documented for the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC, GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition, Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) and Mac mini (M6, 2026). The Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) and Mac mini (M6, 2026) use Apple silicon, and Trusted Reviews confirms the M5 Pro's N1 chip includes Thread support alongside Wi-Fi 7. The MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC, GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition and GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition use AMD processors. IT Pro confirms Ubuntu and Fedora operated perfectly on the A5 Pro. No other model documents Thread support, and no computer in this guide documents a built-in Zigbee radio, so Zigbee accessories require an external coordinator.
The single most consequential compatibility catch is memory capacity, which limits concurrent virtual machines. The Mac mini (M6, 2026) tops out at 32GB, compared to 128GB on the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition. For Zigbee radios, pair any of these computers with one of the Best Zigbee and Thread USB Coordinators 2026 we compare, and for bulk media storage consider a Best Home NAS for Photo Backup 2026. Protect continuous uptime with a Best Smart UPS Battery Backup 2026: 5 for Home Networks, and extend local voice control through Best Home Assistant Voice Satellites 2026: ESP32 & Local.
When NOT to Buy
Skip the category entirely if your automations involve only a handful of lights and sensors, because a dedicated smart home hub handles that workload without maintaining a general-purpose computer. Avoid the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC for bedroom or living-room installations, since Tom's Guide measured up to 60dB while gaming. Avoid the Mac mini (M6, 2026) when your virtual machine plans exceed its 32GB memory ceiling. Reconsider every model here if bulk storage is the priority, because a purpose-built network storage enclosure is designed around multiple drives.
Who Should Buy What
Who Should Buy What
| If you are… | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
All-in-one power user You want one machine for Home Assistant, Plex, virtual machines and gaming, and it can live away from quiet rooms. | MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC |
Budget Linux builder You want a cheap, low-power box that runs Ubuntu or Fedora cleanly for automation and file sharing. | GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition |
Apple household with heavy media work You want Thread, Thunderbolt 5 and high memory bandwidth for media libraries and local AI tests. | Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) |
Minimal-fuss Mac buyer You want a single-cable Apple server for Home Assistant and a modest Plex library. | Mac mini (M6, 2026) |
Virtualization planner You expect memory needs to grow and want room for 128GB of RAM in a mini PC. | GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mini PC in this guide is best for running Home Assistant and Plex together?
The MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC ranks first at 8.7/10 from 3 reviews. It pairs a 16-core AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX with support for up to 96GB of DDR5. A 5Gb Ethernet port helps when streaming a large Plex library across the house. It sells for $1,719.00 (as of Oct 12, 2026), the highest price here. Tom's Guide measured up to 60dB while gaming, so place it away from bedrooms.
Is a Mac mini a good Home Assistant or Plex server?
Both Mac mini models here suit a compact server. The Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) adds Thread support through its N1 chip and scores 8.4/10 from 2 reviews. The Mac mini (M6, 2026) has an internal power supply, so it needs one power cable. Tom's Guide timed its 4K-to-1080p Handbrake transcode at 2 minutes 45 seconds. Its 32GB memory ceiling limits how many virtual machines it can host.
How much RAM do I need in a home server mini PC?
Home Assistant alone needs little, but virtual machines and containers add up quickly. The GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition accepts the most, up to 128GB across two slots. The MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC reaches 96GB, and the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition reaches 64GB. The Mac mini (M6, 2026) stops at 32GB. Note that Tom's Hardware received the A9 Max with a single 32GB stick.
Which of these mini PCs uses the least power at idle?
Tom's Hardware measured the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition at 7W at the wall while idling. KitGuru measured the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition at about 14W at idle and about 40W at peak. The sources read for this guide give no comparable idle figure for the Mac mini models or the Minisforum. Idle draw matters for a server that never switches off. Treat these as outlet measurements, not results from this site.
Is the cheapest pick, the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition, powerful enough?
For Home Assistant and light file serving, it is a strong fit at $569.00 (as of Oct 12, 2026). It scores 8.6/10 from 3 reviews, just behind the first-ranked model. Its six-core Ryzen 5 7530U is the smallest processor here, which limits heavy Plex transcoding. IT Pro reports Ubuntu and Fedora ran perfectly out of the box. It also has a 2.5GbE port for wired transfers.
How loud are these mini PCs under load?
Noise varies widely across this guide. Tom's Guide measured the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC at 40dB during work and up to 60dB while gaming. Tom's Hardware recorded a peak of about 41dB from the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition under combined stress. Testsieger.de measured the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition at 21.3 dB idle and 33.7 dB under full load. For a living-room server, the quieter GEEKOM models are the safer choice.
Bottom Line
Get the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC if you want the most cores and 5Gb Ethernet in one box for Home Assistant, Plex and gaming.
Get the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition if you want the cheapest pick here with clean Linux support for an always-on server.
Get the Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) if you want Thread, Thunderbolt 5 and high memory bandwidth in a compact Apple server.
Get the Mac mini (M6, 2026) if you want a single-cable Apple box for a modest Home Assistant and Plex setup.
Get the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition if you need room for up to 128GB of RAM for virtual machines.
Sources & Methodology
Methodology: SHE Home Server Mini PC Score — Formula: Products are ranked by Expert consensus, the weighted average of the verified outlet scores for each model on a 10-point scale, shown as is. A tie goes to the model with more outlet reviews, then to the better CPU cores, then to research order. The other factors never change the rank; each one with a role gives that role to the model that leads on it.. Factors: Expert consensus: The weighted average of verified outlet scores on a 10-point scale; it alone sets the rank, from 8.7 for the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC down to 7.5 for the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition. | CPU cores: Processor core count from reviews and maker specs; the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC leads with 16 cores and the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition has the fewest at 6. | Maximum memory: The most RAM each model accepts; the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition leads at 128GB and the Mac mini (M6, 2026) stops at 32GB. | Price: The Amazon price as checked on October 12, 2026; at that check the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition is the cheapest here and the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC costs the most.
Expert review sources used in this analysis:
- The SHE Home Server Mini PC Score formula and factor definitions follow word for word
- Products are ranked by Expert consensus, the weighted average of the verified outlet scores for each model on a 10-point scale, shown as is
- A tie goes to the model with more outlet reviews, then to the better CPU cores, then to research order
- The other factors never change the rank; each one with a role gives that role to the model that leads on it
- Expert consensus: The weighted average of the verified outlet scores for this model, on a 10-point scale
- CPU cores: The processor's core count from reviews and maker specs, standing in for performance because no shared benchmark covers every model
- Maximum memory: The most RAM the model can be configured or upgraded with, from reviews and maker specs
- Price: The Amazon price for this model when we last checked, with prices checked on October 12, 2026
- Outlet ratings read and used: Tom's Guide, PC Gamer and GBAtemp for the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC; ITPro, Geektopia and Testsieger.de for the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition
- Outlet ratings read and used: Trusted Reviews and AppleInsider for the Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026)
- Engadget, Gizmodo, Tom's Guide and AppleInsider for the Mac mini (M6, 2026); Tom's Hardware and Gizmodo for the GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition
- Supporting specifications came from Notebookcheck, KitGuru and the Minisforum store page
- Coverage shortfall: the site's outlet list matches only one verified outlet for the MINISFORUM AtomMan G1 Pro Gaming PC and none for the GEEKOM A5 Pro 2026 Edition
- So neither carries an evidence callout
- Citation status: the Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026), Mac mini (M6, 2026) and GEEKOM A9 Max 2026 Edition each have two or more outlets on the site's list
- No box list was found for any product, so no in-the-box items are listed
- Owner quotes come from Hacker News posts verified against each post
- Amazon prices checked on October 12, 2026
- No first-party testing or measurement was conducted for this guide, and none is implied; every figure comes from manufacturer specifications or the named outlets.
Nicholas Miles is the founder of SmartHomeExplorer and a longtime smart home enthusiast focused on helping everyday homeowners make better technology decisions. He researches, compares, and writes about products across security, climate, lighting, leak prevention, sensors, home energy, and automation, with an emphasis on real-world usefulness, ecosystem compatibility, reliability, privacy, and long-term value.
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer earns affiliate commissions on qualifying Amazon purchases, and from partner programs for some non-Amazon products and services we recommend. Our scoring methodology is independent of affiliate relationships.
