Best PC sticks 2023: Great picks for gaming, media server

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PC sticks are instant computers; you only need to add a screen. The compromise is ultimately on performance, but they are extremely portable and useful when you need a little bit of computing power on the go. 

We’ve put together a list of the best PC sticks available — whether you want a truly budget option or something with a few extra features — so you can take your computer with you wherever you go.

Why buy a PC Stick? 

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The reasons you might want to buy a PC stick vary from person to person. PC sticks are extremely easy to carry around with you while traveling, and they make for easy hubs while staying in hotels. At their base, they’re a great way to run full Windows anywhere as long as you have a screen available.

Better still, a PC stick is a great idea to use as a media PC or server plugged into the back of your TV. They’re extremely low-powered and can be left on all the time.

Pros: 

• Small and extremely portable.
• Affordable. 
• Very power efficient. 
• Perfect to use with a TV as a media machine or a small server. 

Cons: 

• Limited performance for more intensive tasks. 
• Limited connectivity options. 

The best PC Sticks

AIOEXPC PC stick

Expandable storage

The AIOEXPC has the same specs and design as our old top pick, the Terryza W5 Pro. It comes with a quad-core Intel Atom Z8350 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, up to 128GB of eMMC storage, and Windows 10 Pro. It will stream all your favorite shows and movies, and it’ll let you browse the web. The microSD card slot can be used to expand storage capacity — up to 128GB — making it easy to store any necessary files and apps. Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 allow for easy connection of wireless accessories, and there are two USB-A ports for wired devices.

AWOW NY41S Mini PC stick

Quad-core CPU

The AWOW Mini PC stick comes with an Intel Celeron J4105 quad-core CPU, up to 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and up to a 128GB SSD. It has a microSD slot to expand storage, there’s Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity, and it supports a 4K display via the HDMI 2.0 port. USB-C 3.0, two USB-A 3.0, Mini DisplayPort 1.2, and a Kensington lock slot round things out. It comes with Windows 10 Pro installed.

Azulle Access4 Pro PC stick

With Ethernet

Pre-loaded with Windows 10 Pro, the Azulle Access4 Pro comes with 64GB of onboard storage and a microSD card slot that can use up to a 512GB card. Its dual-core Intel processor is enough to stream movies and get your email done, especially with 4GB of RAM. It has an Ethernet port, but it also has an attached antenna for better Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. Other ports include 3.5mm audio, USB-C, USB-A, microSD, and a Kensington lock slot.

MeLE Mini PC stick

Excellent performance

The fanless PC stick packs in a quad-core Intel Celeron J4125 CPU, 8GB of LPDDR4 RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage. A Gigabit Ethernet port is included, as well as an antenna for better Wi-Fi 5 reception. Bluetooth 4.2 is also there for wireless accessories. It supports Wake on LAN, PXE, and RTC Wake, plus its microSD storage can be expanded up to 1TB. Other ports include 3.5mm audio, USB-A, and a Kensington lock slot.

Axon Mini PC stick

Affordable pick

This option from Axon might be the best PC stick for those who don’t want to spend a ton of money. It has Windows 10 Pro, an Intel Celeron CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of eMMC storage. The microSD card can handle up to 512GB of extra storage, and a flip-up antenna helps the Wi-Fi 5 connectivity. There’s also Bluetooth for your accessories. Other ports include USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI out, and Mini DisplayPort.

A pint-sized PC

Any of the options listed above will land you a portable Windows 10 PC for even less money than the best budget laptops. Having a small, pocket-sized PC that runs Windows 10 is a fantastic tool for anyone who finds themselves traveling a lot for work or pleasure. They can also be a great addition to a TV in a living room or garage, turning it into a media center on the cheap.

If you’re wondering exactly where to start, the AIOEXPC is a well-rounded option that balances performance and price. It boasts a quad-core Intel Atom CPU, up to 8GB of RAM, and up to 128GB of eMMC storage with the ability to expand by 128GB through a microSD card reader. Connect with two USB-A ports, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 4.2. If you’re looking for a general-purpose option, this is it.

If you’re looking for a PC stick that has potential as a media hub, the AWOW NY41S PC with quad-core Intel Celeron J4105 is probably your best bet. With expandable storage via microSD, up to 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM, Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility, and both USB-C and USB-A ports, it’s easy to make this stick into a portable media hub.

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Cale Hunt is formerly a Senior Editor at Windows Central. He focuses mainly on laptop reviews, news, and accessory coverage. He’s been reviewing laptops and accessories full-time since 2016, with hundreds of reviews published for Windows Central. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user, and spends most of his time either tinkering with or writing about tech.

With contributions from

• Richard DevineManaging Editor – Tech, Reviews

The best stick PCs for 2023

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By

Jon Martindale
and
Jacob Roach

January 24, 2023

The best stick PCs ensure 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 carried around in your pocket. Stick PCs are also great if you are looking for a streaming device or a PC that can quickly work across displays. The mini-PC market has exploded in recent years, making it tough to wade through and find the best ones. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the top options, with stick PCs from all different brands and at various prices.

AIOEXPC PC Stick

Jump to details

Azulle Access4 Pro

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Awow Fanless Mini PC Stick NV41S

Jump to details

MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick

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Axon Mini PC Stick

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AIOEXPC PC Stick

Pros

• Built to resist overheating
• Dual-band Wi-Fi
• MicroSD card slot

Cons

• Lacking higher-end specs

Why you should buy it: This PC is capable of HD playback and has an affordable price.

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.

AIOEXPC PC Stick

Azulle Access4 Pro

Pros

• Comes with Windows 10 Pro
• Extra USB port
• USB-C connectivity
• Option to switch to Linux

Cons

• No Wi-Fi 6

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 a USB-C connection (something that is not very common), a modified Intel Gemini Lake processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of onboard storage. There is no built-in microSD card slot, but you can plug in extra storage using the additional 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 are well worth exploring for the right user.

The only downside for the advanced Access4 Pro is that there is no Wi-Fi 6 support, however, it remains one of the best options for serious business or education settings.

Azulle Access4 Pro

Awow Fanless Mini PC Stick NV41S

Pros

• Fully enclosed design that’s easy to clean
• Larger 128GB storage
• HDMI and USB options

Cons

• Had to be careful to avoid damaging the antenna

Why you should buy this: It’s a reliable PC stick with an extra-clean design.

Who it’s for: Those who want a minimalist design and hospitals looking to add streaming to TVs.

Why we picked the Awow Fanless Mini PC Stick NV41S:

Buyers looking for a reliable stick supporting Windows 10 64-bit will find this durable Awow PC stick an excellent choice. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0, and Bluetooth 4.0 for connection options, which isn’t cutting edge but more than enough for good connection speeds.

The Awow NJ41S stick uses an Intel Celeron J4105 processor, has 4GB of RAM, and has 128GB of onboard storage space. The 10W fanless design is also a great choice for saving on power usage in the office or classroom — and the fully enclosed body helps this stick stay as durable as possible and free of crevices that can be gathering places for bacteria (also making it nice for hospital use). Just be careful operating the built-in antenna, as that can be a weak point in stick designs like this.

Awow Fanless Mini PC Stick NV41S

MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick

Pros

• Boosted 8GB RAM
• Up to 256GB storage space
• Dual-band Wi-Fi

Cons

• No USB-C

Why you should buy this: It packs some extra power for better multitasking.

Who it’s for: Those who want to get closer to the capabilities of a full computer and want plenty of port options.

Why we picked the MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick:

As you may have noticed, many stick PCs follow the same general 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage design. It’s easy to fit those specs in hardware this small while still keeping things affordable, so it’s a popular option. But if you really need a bit more performance and storage in your portable PC, this stick offers up to 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB and 256GB, opening up many more multitasking capabilities.

The MeLE PC stick also includes an Intel Gemini Lake generation Celeron J4125 processor and Windows 11 Pro. Connections are impressive too, including two USB 3.0 ports, a microSD card slot for expansion, and a Gigabit Ethernet port, along with Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi support. It’s one of the best choices for more demanding work while still staying portable.

MeLE Fanless Mini PC Stick

Axon Mini PC Stick

Pros

• Built for looped media and similar uses
• Updated USB-C port and mini DisplayPort
• Gemini Lake processor

Cons

• Specs are a little lighter to help reduce the price

Why you should buy this: It’s a great affordable PC stick for low-key background streaming.

Who it’s for: Businesses that want to enable streaming or looped media on a screen without paying too much.

Why we picked the Axon Mini PC Stick:

One of the common uses for PC sticks is to enable basic content for a business, like streaming a channel to a lobby TV or animating a billboard with a looping ad. This particular Axon stick is an excellent example of a model made for these purposes. It’s more affordable than other models on our list and has a durable design that’s perfect for streaming all kinds of media. Inside, you’ll find a quad-core Intel Gemini Lake processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. Ports include mini DisplayPort and USB-C, along with a micro SD card slot.

The Axon PC stick’s specs are lower than some of our other picks, and that makes it less suitable as a computer alternative for the average user (although it can still handle that for minor applications). But for businesses that want a long-term solution to enable older screens with a bit of streaming, it’s an excellent fit that could be a solution for many different setups.

Axon Mini PC Stick

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a stick PC?

The main benefit of a stick PC 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?

Realistically, no. Stick PCs come with the bare minimum in terms of power, so although they have onboard 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.

What factors are driving trends in stick PCs?

Stick PCs are a niche product that can help out in several important ways. Popular demand tends to be focused on a few different areas:

• Flexible workstations and schools where a simple computer system may need to be set up in a variety of different rooms.

• Travelers giving presentations on the go who want their slideshows and other data to be immediately accessed on any screen they’re working with.

• Businesses that want to stream digital ads or other loops for a large advertising screen.

• Parents who want their kids to start learning how to use a computer but with an affordable, contained option.

How is a PC stick powered?

PC sticks do not have batteries and draw power directly from the devices they are connected to. That could be an issue with particularly old USB ports that don’t supply enough power for modern PC sticks, but this rarely happens.

Are fanless PC sticks better?

They are designed to be smaller and quieter, which does have advantages. They also have fewer moving parts, which means they’re more likely to last longer. Fanless sticks are made with efficient chips and designs that disperse enough heat that they don’t need fans to work. This tends to make them great picks, and many are featured on our list. However, models with fans can still serve the same purposes and may offer better performance.

Can a PC stick be used on a laptop?

Yes. As long as the laptop has the right connection for the PC stick, it can work. Sometimes laptop users want a separate environment to run certain programs or test things out and turn to a stick PC. However, it will also drain a laptop’s battery. PC sticks can also work on any monitor or TV with the proper connections, so there are plenty of possibilities.

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A brief overview of available and upcoming computers on a stick / Sudo Null IT News

Today, there are already several “computers on a stick” on the market – full-fledged computers, not much larger than the usual flash drives. Here is a brief overview of the available models.

Already on sale

Intel Compute Stick

$134
www.amazon.com/Intel-Compute-Stick-Windows-BOXSTCK1A32WFCR/dp/B00W8T61O0

Introduced in March 2015. To some extent became a standards setter. Processor – quad-core Intel Atom Z3735F, 2GB RAM (1GB in case of Linux version), and 8 or 32GB eMMC drive. It is inserted into the TV or monitor in the HDMI connector, there is a USB 2.0 port, a slot for MicroSD and micro-USB for power supply. Built-in Bluetooth 4.0 for keyboard and mouse connection, 802.11bgn Wi-Fi for internet.

iView Cyber ​​PC Compute Stick

$116
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U3UW136?tag=digitren08-20

Pretty much the same hardware as the previous computer: Intel Atom Z3735F, 2GB RAM, 32GB storage, Windows 8.1 preinstalled. Differences: no fans (silent), no need to connect to power if the monitor supports HDMI MHL. The kit already comes with a wireless keyboard with a touchpad. The keyboard resembles a gamepad – there are all sorts of additional keys, incl. multimedia.

Tronsmart Mk908II

$55.9
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EO0MKMI?tag=digitren08-20

Unlike previous computers, this one runs on the Android operating system. It also does not plug directly into the HDMI port – the female connector must be connected to the monitor with a cable. Processor: Cortex A9 quad core and Mali 400 GPU. Android 4.2 OS, Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity and 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. 2GB DDR3 + 8G NAND Flash.
It has an external swivel antenna for Wi-Fi.

Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300

£129.99
shop.lenovo.com/gb/en/desktops/ideacentre/stick-300

Processor: Intel Atom Z3735F Processor, Windows 8.1 operating system, RAM: 2.0GB, 32GB storage, and SD slot for memory expansion.

Not available yet

Archos Stick PC

(planned $99)

They promise that it will be the cheapest of similar computers – cheaper than Intel and Lenovo. The hardware should be similar, while the new Windows 9 will already be preinstalled on the computer0003

Asus Chromebit

(planned up to $100)

Unlike all the others mentioned, this PC will run ChromeOS. While the exact characteristics are unknown. Rockchip RK3288 quad-core with low power consumption claims to be the processor, 2GB of memory will also be made, plus 16 GB of storage. It is positioned as a device for students and students.

Asus VivoStick

($129 planned)

Another product from Asus – this time with a full OS. The computer connects to monitors and TVs via HDMI. It has an Intel Cherry Trail processor. Typical 2 gigabytes of RAM and 32 Gb storage. Additionally, the device provides 2 USB ports and an audio jack, as well as support for Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi. The computer is running Windows 10.

Got a computer on a stick? You can turn it into a Roku-style media streaming device for free!

Dell has just announced a new type of computer that could potentially replace your home theater while still fitting in your pocket. Dell’s announcement marked the first time that a major PC manufacturer had ventured into so-called “stick” territory. ”, a product line first developed on Kickstarter and then torn off thousands of times by foreign manufacturers. Checking eBay for “flash computers” will reveal over a dozen designs, models, and variations.

Part of their popularity is due to three factors: low price, ease of setup, and Android’s extreme versatility. Stick computers can replace the function of most lightweight streaming media devices. Why buy a Roku 3 when you can buy a flash drive for half the price?

This article details how to get streaming media on a USB stick in almost no time.

Requirements

To get started, you will need the following:

• Some kind of PC joystick.
• A display that can accept HDMI input.
• Some USB interface device such as a mouse or HTPC controller.
• WiFi network.
• Optional : other computer, only if you plan to stream media to it.

There are a huge number of virtual computers, all of which use the Android operating system. Some Linux-based devices can perform a similar function, such as the Raspberry Pi. Our very own Christian Crowley wrote a thought-provoking article on the Raspberry Pi.

Some test PCs:

• MK808B : This is probably the most popular of the multi-core computers. It supports Bluetooth, Jelly Bean Android, and costs about $50.
• Minix Neo G4: Same specs as MK808B, with more internal memory and about $70 cost.
• Cotton Candy: This is the only PC that comes with Android and Linux. It has good specs and supports local storage.

Step one: physical setup

If you look at your device, it must be equipped with at least three ports: the first is the HDMI output port, which connects to your display. Secondly, the microUSB port, which provides power. Third, the female USB port which provides “ on the go ” support for mice, keyboards and more. Unlike most other Android devices, stickers support USB peripherals.

Option slots include ports for microSD cards and additional peripherals.

• The first step is to connect the HDMI adapter plug to the computer. Most flash PCs come with HDMI extension cables, just in case there isn’t enough space for a direct connection.
• After that, you can connect the microUSB port, which turns on the device. You have the option of plugging it into the USB port available on most TVs and some monitors, or directly into an electrical outlet with an adapter. However, not all monitor USB ports provide the voltage required for a flash computer. Keep in mind that direct connection to a power outlet provides the most reliable setup method.

These devices are designed to be switched on immediately after connecting it to the power supply. While they can be manually turned off using a soft button in the GUI, simply pressing the power plug will turn it off as well.

After connecting the sticker, you will want to download the correct software.

Step two: set up the software

If you plan to use your device exclusively for streaming media services such as Netflix or Hulu, you only need to install the necessary applications. To use your device to stream media from another computer on the network, you need to set up two different devices: first, a computer that streams media, and second, an Android mass storage device.

To install apps from the Play App Store, you must register your device with your Google account. If you don’t have one and don’t plan to sign up with Google, you also have the option of using other app stores to download software to your device. There are several independent application markets; I recommend Amazon Marketplace for its low prices and huge selection of software.

There are several programs that can turn a PC into a media server: James made a quick guide. on how to set up Plex as a server (be sure to use the server version of Plex) and Serviio. In summary, once you install the Plex server software on your desktop or laptop, Plex will label folders on your computer that contain audio or video files. Once the installation is complete, your Android flash drive can read these files over the network.

The next step is to install any video player and MediaHouse on your Android device. However, I found that the default media player on my device performs reasonably well; MX Player provides an excellent browsing experience. The advantage of this setup is that MediaHouse doesn’t cost a dime and streams video from any DLNA compatible device. To my knowledge, this is the only free software of its kind (thanks to Reddit user Thunder_B*st*rd for the recommendation).

Using a flash PC simply entails launching MediaHouse. You will need to connect your device to a computer with the server software installed.

After pairing, by clicking on the Browse button, you will see a series of file directories divided into categories. Select the media you are looking for, such as audio, and continue to drill down into the file directory. Eventually you will find what you are looking for.

For other DLNA streaming software, check out Tim Brooks’ excellent list of the top six streaming services. gear

The overall installation process is extremely simple. However, before showing your device to your friends, you’ll want to throw away your magic wand.

Step Three: Accessory

Since these tiny computers support USB peripherals (and in some cases Bluetooth devices), the Air Mouse is a great combination of controllers. For those who don’t know about this amazing invention, it’s similar to a wireless mouse, except it includes accelerometers that track your hand movement. You wave the controller like a wand and the screen mouse 9The 0070 mimics the ‘s motion – ideal for home theater use.

Also shown below is a simple AC adapter.

Another option is the mini keyboard, which incorporates the touchpad into a tiny keyboard.