The Best Stick PCs for 2021

Stick PCs make our lives easier by reducing everything we need to one convenient, stick-shaped bundle. The best stick PCs can do everything your best PC or best laptop can, but without the bulk and weight. For ultimate convenience, stick PCs make all the difference.

The stick PC market has exploded in recent years, making it tough to wade through and find the best one. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the top options, with stick PCs from all different operating system brands and at various price points. The Intel Compute Stick has broad storage options and all of the quality you need.

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:

For serious streaming, you need a stick that can keep up, and this Terryza pick is one of the best, with a four-core Intel Atom Z8350 processor and 8GB of RAM. With 4K support and dual-band Wi-Fi, it’s a great solution for those who want more than the usual TV streaming devices.

This stick also comes with both 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 on-board storage with a microSD card 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 Bitlock 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:

This affordable PC stick is still ready for a variety of uses, from streaming to private computing, powered by an Intel Atom Z8250 chip. It has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage to work with, plus the durable Terryza design with microSD card support for expanding storage.

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 venues.

Why we picked the Awow Mini PC Stick:

One of the best advantages of PC sticks is how easy it is to transfer them from place to place. But if you’re frequently on the go and moving between a variety of workstations and rooms, then it’s also important that your stick is durable, can pick up a signal reliably, and has enough power to act as a laptop alternative when necessary.

Awow’s stick does this and more, with an Intel Celeron N3350 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of eMMC storage. It comes with Windows 10 Pro, includes dual-band Wi-Fi, and has a collapsible antenna if you’re in a spot where connectivity is hit or miss. 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. Though it won’t hold a candle to our best laptops, you’ll still be able to get some serious work done.

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 Access 4 Pro from Azull. It 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 the extra USB port. That puts it near the level of a Chromebook and makes it an excellent option for professionals that 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.

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