The best stick PCs give you the experience of a full desktop PC without the extra bulk. Although the best laptops on the market offer more power, stick PCs are cheaper, require fewer cables, and are small enough to be mistaken for a flash drive. If you want a device for streaming or a PC that can quickly work across displays, you need a stick PC.
The mini PC market has exploded in recent years, making it tough to wade through and find the best ones. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the top options, with stick PCs from all different operating system brands and at various prices. The Terryza Mini Computer Stick is our top pick thanks to its on-board power and excellent streaming options.
The best stick PCs at a glance
Terryza Mini Computer Stick
Why you should buy this: This speedy streaming stick is perfect for all kinds of jobs, including streaming and mobile workstations.
Who it’s for: Those who want plenty of PC power for work or streaming.
Why we picked the Terryza Mini Computer Stick:
If you want die-hard streamer that demands the best quality, you need a stick that can keep up, and this Terryza pick is one of the best. It comes with a four-core Intel Atom Z8350 processor (not to be confused with the Intel Compute Stick) and 8GB of RAM. The most important features, however, are 4K support and dual-band Wi-Fi, making it a great solution for those who want more than the usual TV streaming devices.
Other benefits include USB-A 3.0 and 2.0 ports, as well as support for HDMI, so you have plenty of connection options to use as needed. You can even expand the internal storage through the microSD slot if you find yourself filling the stick with files and apps. The Terryza also ships out with a full version of Windows 10 Pro, so you’ll get all the great admin features you need, like Bitlocker encryption and remote access.
With Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity, the Terryza Mini Computer Stick gives you plenty of options for connecting accessories based on your setup, too. However, note that it does not have an Ethernet port for a wired connection, so it’s intended to focus on wireless streaming specifically.
Terryza W5 Pro PC Stick
Why you should buy it: It’s the most affordable name-brand PC stick on the market.
Who it’s for: Those who want streaming or mini PC activity on a budget.
Why we picked the Terryza W5 Pro PC Stick:
If you want an affordable stick PC that can handle a variety of tasks, from streaming to private computing, Terryza W5 Pro is for you. The cheapest model is powered by an Intel Atom Z8250 chip. It has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage space to work with, plus the durable Terryza design with microSD card support for expanding storage. You can also pick up the W5 Pro with an Intel Atom Z8350 and 8GB of RAM.
Still, the base model comes with enough power for web browsers, streaming apps, office apps, and video apps. You should consider the Terryza W5 Pro PC for any lightweight PC apps, especially if you need to swap between screens frequently or want to access streaming services.
The Terryza W5 Pro PC Stick supports dual-band AC Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 for connections and should be able to handle 4K streaming if you have a compatible TV to use. In addition to HDMI and microSD compatibility, there’s also a USB-A 3.0 port to manage alternative connections.
Awow Mini PC Stick
Why you should buy it: This stick is built for moving between workstations.
Who it’s for: Professionals or students who frequently move between rooms and workstations.
Why we picked the Awow Mini PC Stick:
Awow Mini PC Stick goes beyond features with a durable build, plenty of connection options, and Wi-Fi on-board It comes packed with an Intel Celeron N3350 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. In addition to Windows 10 Pro, the stick includes includes dual-band Wi-Fi to make swapping workstations a breeze. It’s also made with a fanless design to help keep components cool no matter where you’re working or how often you’re moving around. If you’re keeping to one spot, there’s also Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for a better-quality connection.
We also appreciate the Awow Mini PC Stick‘s instant-on feature that boots up whenever you plug it in and turn on the display, which also saves some time when traveling around. It’s not as cheap as the cheapest computers, but the Awow Mini PC Stick is still under $200.
AIOEXPC PC Stick
Why you should buy it: This PC is capable of 4K playback and offers the latest connections.
Who it’s for: Those looking to give their TV some PC properties and access streaming content.
Why we picked the AIOEXPC PC Stick:
If streaming is your goal, you need a stick that’s ready to enable any TV and stream for long periods of time without overheating. We recommend this stick, powered by an Intel Atom Z8350 processor with 4GB of RAM, support for dual-band Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.2. The Intel HD Graphics 400 technology is enough to support 1080p, and there is also support for a supplemental microSD card.
While the AIOEXPC PC Stick may not have the highest possible specs, there’s more than enough grunt for HD video playback and web browsing. You’ll still get smooth video with a good Wi-Fi connection, and it’s a great little PC for storing backups or reserving an OS for specific activities. Note that this model is fan-cooled, so it isn’t the quietest of the stick PC options.
Azulle Access4 Pro
Why you should buy this: It’s a great speedy workplace stick that includes Windows 10 Pro.
Who it’s for: Professionals who want to enable a TV or bounce around between different workstations.
Why we picked the Azulle Access4 Pro:
Users with more robust needs — who are willing to spend more for a portable solution — will love this mini PC stick from Azull. The Access 4 Pro includes an updated USB-C connection, a modified Intel Gemini Lake processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of on-board storage, plus compatibility with SD card slot accessories thanks to an extra USB port. That puts it near the level of a Chromebook and makes it an excellent option for professionals who operate in many different environments.
The fanless stick also includes other business-friendly features like the Pro version of Windows 10, with an option to switch to Linux if you prefer it. The USB-C connection and overall specs make this a great pick for 4K streaming, controlling smart devices, and much more. Azulle also offers accessory bundles designed for the mobile office and well-worth exploring for the right user.
The only downside for the advanced Access4 Pro is that there is no Wi-Fi 6 support, something that has been slow to visit stick PCs thus far. However, it remains one of the best options for serious business or education settings.
Awow PC Stick (fan-based)
Why you should buy this: Its durable fan-based design makes this a solid option for warmer environments.
Who it’s for: You’re worried about a PC stick overheating or want a durable Awow option.
Why we picked the Azulle Access4 Pro:
While fanless PC sticks are quiet and quick, a built-in fan has some advantages on a stick that’s doing the work of an entire computer. If you work in a warmer climate or a hotter part of the office, you may be worried about a stick PC overheating and crashing or failing entirely. This Awow model includes a sturdy built-in fan to help keep things cool and a honeycomb vent design to be as efficient as possible when it comes to airflow.
The stick is also no slouch when it comes to capabilities, including an Intel Celeron N400 chip, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. It supports HDMI 2.0, ideal for 4K footage and similar demands, as well as Bluetooth 5.0 for quick wireless connections.
The USB-C stick also supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 Wi-Fi and includes instant wake-up capabilities. While it comes with Windows 10 Pro, you can also switch to Linux as needed.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of a stick PC?
The main benefit of a stick PCs is that they’re about as small as a USB stick. They’re great for running a slideshow or video on a TV without extra cables, or simply swapping between different displays. In professional settings, you can find stick PCs powering trade show presentations, kiosk TVs, and displays in classrooms.
In addition, stick PCs don’t require a power connection to the wall (most are powered off your TV’s USB port), and they plug directly into your display’s HDMI port. That makes them great for home theater purposes, where you may want to stream content from around the internet without putting together a dedicated home theater PC.
What should you consider before purchasing a stick PC?
The most important things to consider before buying a stick PC are storage, connectivity, and the operating system. The processor and RAM are important, too, but most stick PCs are configured with ultra-efficient processors that can perform without producing too much heat or drawing too much power.
For storage, a decent amount of internal storage is a must. Ideally, look for a stick PC that comes with expandable storage, such as a microSD card slot. Connectivity boils down to the network, additional USB ports, and Bluetooth. Ideally, you want a stick PC that supports Bluetooth 4.0 or newer and Wi-Fi 5 or newer. An Ethernet port is nice, too, especially if you’re using the stick PC for streaming.
Finally, look at the operating system. Windows is the standard for many stick PCs, allowing you to run apps that are available on most desktops. Some stick PCs use Linux or Chrome OS, however, which may make tracking down your favorite apps a hassle.
Can you use a stick PC for gaming?
Technically, yes. Realistically, no. Stick PCs come with the bare minimum in terms of power, so although they have on-board graphics, they aren’t good for running much more than Minesweeper. In the case of most games released in the past five years, they’ll simply refuse to boot. That said, you can use a stick PC connected to the internet to stream cloud gaming services.
Editors’ Recommendations
