The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 Mini PC impresses with its smooth performance for everyday tasks, compact design, and good value. With an Intel Alder Lake N100 processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a fast 512GB SSD, it's ideal for light productivity and entertainment. However, it's not designed for demanding tasks like heavy video editing or AAA gaming.
- Pros: Good overall performance, quiet, low power consumption, generous storage and RAM.
- Cons: WiFi only in version 5, no card reader or front USB-C port, limited GPU.
- Conclusion: A great option for home offices, students, or users who want a compact and efficient device for everyday tasks.
Key technical specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Alder Lake N100 (4 cores, 4 threads) |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 512GB PCIe M.2 SSD |
| Operating system | Windows 11 Pro |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics (24 EU) |
| Wireless connectivity | WiFi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Ports | 2x HDMI, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, Ethernet RJ45 |
| Size and weight | Approximately 12 x 12 x 4 cm, 400g approx. |
| Energy consumption | Low (6W TDP) |
Design and build quality
The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 adopts a minimalist aesthetic, with a matte plastic casing that doesn't feel premium, but still feels solid. Its square, lightweight form factor allows it to be placed behind your monitor, on a small desk, or even easily carried in a backpack. There are no internal moving parts (such as large fans), so its operation is nearly silent. The ventilation is effective, given its low TDP.
Screen and multimedia
This mini PC doesn't include a display, but it does support dual HDMI outputs with support for 4K resolution at 60Hz. This makes it suitable for connecting two monitors simultaneously, which is useful for multitasking. As for multimedia, it can play 4K video from streaming platforms like YouTube or Netflix without any issues thanks to hardware decoding. Integrated sound depends on the monitor, but works correctly via HDMI. For a better experience, external speakers are recommended.
Performance and software
With the Intel N100 processor, based on Alder Lake architecture, this Mini PC performs remarkably well for browsing, office work, video calls, light photo editing, and even some programming. It's not suitable for demanding gaming, but light titles like Minecraft, League of Legends, and 2D games run smoothly.
Windows 11 Pro comes preinstalled, without much additional bloatware, and is ready to work right from the start. The inclusion of this version of the operating system is appreciated for its professional focus and compatibility with business features. Updates are well managed and don't slow down the computer.
Cameras
This device doesn't include a camera , which is common with this type of mini PC. For video calls, you'll need to connect a USB webcam.
Battery and charging
As this is a compact desktop computer, it doesn't have an internal battery. It's powered by a 12V power adapter included in the box. Its energy consumption is very low, making it an ideal option for keeping it powered all day without worrying about your electricity bill.
Connectivity and extras
The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 delivers on the essentials: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, 1 Gbps Ethernet, and four USB ports. However, it lacks a USB-C port and an SD card reader for photographers or content creators.
In terms of cooling, the system stays cool under moderate load, with no noticeable noise. It doesn't have IP certification or biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition), which is expected in this price range.
Personal opinions on well-known pages
The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 Mini PC has gained traction on various e-commerce platforms and tech forums, especially among users looking for a compact and affordable solution for everyday tasks. Here are some of the most notable reviews:
Amazon
On Amazon's global stores, shoppers give this model a positive rating, with average scores of 4.4 to 4.6 stars out of 5. Reviews particularly praise its:
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Boot speed: “Boots up in less than 15 seconds, ideal for the office.”
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Silent operation: “It makes no noise at all, even after several hours of use.”
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Good performance for the price: “I didn’t expect this little rig to perform so well for light editing and browsing.”
Some users mention wireless connectivity as an area where it needs improvement , as WiFi 5 feels somewhat limited compared to more modern standards like WiFi 6 or 6E. There are also comments about the lack of USB-C ports or easily accessible expansion slots.
AliExpress
This is where this mini PC has sold widely. With thousands of units shipped, the average satisfaction rating also exceeds 90% . Reviews often highlight:
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Good value for money.
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Shipping speed from local warehouses.
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Works great with 4K monitors.
In contrast, some specific complaints focus on details such as power adapters with the wrong plug (depending on the country), or in some cases, Windows settings that come in Chinese by default (although easily solved).
Specialized forums and YouTube
On channels like Reddit (r/MiniPCs) or reviews from YouTubers specializing in budget hardware, the SOYO M2 PLUS 2 appears to be an excellent option in the sub-$200 range. It stands out as an ideal machine for:
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Secondary workstations.
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Media centers (HTPC).
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Users who want to avoid the noise and energy consumption of a traditional PC.
Some reviewers point out that it outperforms other Mini PCs with Intel J4125 or N5095 , especially in energy efficiency and multitasking.
Trustpilot and review blogs
Although SOYO isn't a brand that appears frequently on Trustpilot, the few mentions indicate a positive purchasing experience. On niche tech blogs like MiniPCDB or Lookkle (independent reviews), it's mentioned as:
“One of the best options for students and remote workers who need more than a Chromebook but don’t want a tower.”
Technical Test Summary
The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 Mini PC has been subjected to a series of technical tests to evaluate its real-world performance and compare it with other mini PCs in its class. Here are the key points from the most relevant tests conducted by experts and advanced users:
1. Intel Alder Lake N100 Processor Performance
The Intel Alder Lake N100 processor is a low-power CPU designed for basic tasks and light multitasking. In synthetic benchmarks like Cinebench R23 , the CPU scores around 3500 points in multi-core , indicating sufficient power for office work, intensive web browsing, and high-resolution multimedia consumption.
Compared to previous Intel Gemini Lake-based models (N4100, J4125), the Alder Lake N100 shows notable improvements in efficiency and speed, benefiting from a more modern architecture.
2. DDR4 16GB RAM memory
The 16GB DDR4 configuration is a strong point for this mini PC, given that many competitors in this range typically only come with 8GB. The high amount of RAM allows you to keep multiple applications and tabs open simultaneously without experiencing lag or excessive disk swapping, resulting in a better multitasking experience.
In real-world usage tests, the system was found to use only 30-40% of memory for normal tasks, leaving room for more demanding software or light virtualization.
3. PCIe M.2 SSD 512GB Storage
The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 features a PCIe M.2 SSD with sequential read speeds of over 2000 MB/s and write speeds of around 1500 MB/s , as measured by CrystalDiskMark. These numbers confirm that the device has fast storage that significantly reduces application loading and boot times compared to traditional SATA drives.
This speed also facilitates large file transfers and improves the responsiveness of the installed Windows 11 Pro operating system.
4. WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
The Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) adapter lives up to expectations, delivering stable speeds of up to 300-400 Mbps on compatible networks. For homes with Wi-Fi 6 routers, this version won't fully utilize its potential, but it's still sufficient for 4K streaming without interruptions or buffering.
Bluetooth 5.0 has been tested with several devices (headphones, mice, keyboards) and showed stable connections and adequate range, without interference or frequent disconnections.
5. Cooling and noise
In stress tests with software like Prime95 and FurMark, the maximum CPU temperature never exceeded 75°C , thanks to an efficient active cooling system. This allowed the mini PC to run at full capacity without throttling or throttling.
The noise generated by the fan is kept to a low level (approximately 35 dB at one meter), making the unit virtually inaudible in office or studio environments.
6. Energy consumption
Idle power consumption is around 8-10 watts , rising to around 25-30 watts under heavy load. This represents a considerable savings compared to a traditional tower PC, ideal for those seeking energy efficiency and lower electricity bills.
7. Real-life testing
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Office and productivity: No lag when using suites like Microsoft Office, Google Chrome with multiple tabs, Zoom, and email applications.
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Streaming and multimedia: Smooth playback of 4K HDR content on platforms like Netflix and YouTube, with hardware-accelerated video support built into the processor.
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Light gaming: Undemanding or retro games run smoothly at 720p or 1080p on low settings. More modern and heavy games are not recommended.
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Basic professional software: Simple photo and video editing in Photoshop or DaVinci Resolve works acceptably, although not for complex projects.
Final conclusion
The SOYO M2 PLUS 2 Mini PC is ideal for those looking for a compact, affordable, and modern solution for work, study, or light entertainment.
It's not a workstation or a gaming console, but it is a quiet and efficient alternative to traditional towers. It's especially attractive for those who need a computer that's always on, low-power, and hassle-free.
Alternatives to consider:
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Beelink EQ12: similar to the N100, but with more connectivity and WiFi 6
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Blackview MP60: with similar specifications and a slightly more premium design
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NiPoGi AK2 Plus: Cost-effective option with expandable storage and dual LAN
