A good PC stick is an instant computer, just add a screen! That's the idea at, least, but it can be hard to know which one to buy. Relax, we've got you covered.
We came up with a list of the best PC sticks available — and even included some budget options — so you can take your computer with you wherever you go.
Intel Compute Stick CS325
Intel promised better stick PCs, and they've delivered with the Intel Compute Stick CS325. However, you will pay for the upgrade: the Intel Compute Stick CS325 starts at around $379.
The biggest change with Intel's newer model is its processor. It no longer runs on the Atom, and the Intel Core m3-6y30 processor delivers a much smoother experience. The upgrades don't stop there. The CS325 also increased its RAM to 4GB, giving you the extra speed you need to do all the browsing and streaming you want much more efficiently.
This version of Intel's Compute Stick runs on the 64-bit version of Windows 10 and also offers onboard storage of 64GB, making it easier to store more of your important files and documents on the go.
The CS325 has three 3.0 USB ports, one on the stick itself, and two on the power adapter, making it easy to hook in any devices or peripherals you deem necessary. On top of that, Bluetooth 4.2 is also included, which is perfect for pairing a keyboard and mouse to the stick. Intel Compute Stick CS325 will cost you approximately $395.
For those looking for even more power, Intel sells a version with a Core m5 processor, which we recently reviewed, and we came away impressed, despite the sticker shock.
Intel Compute Stick 2nd Gen
Running a 32-bit version of Windows 10, the Compute Stick allows you to have a full desktop PC anywhere you have a screen with an HDMI port. It runs Intel's Atom x5-Z8300 processor and has 2GB of RAM, making it perfectly capable of streaming HD video from your favorite services. The 32GB solid-state drive (SSD) offers limited storage space; however, the microSD card slot supports cards up to 128GB if you find yourself starved for space. Add dual-band Wi-Fi, and this tiny machine is ready to browse all your sites.
Intel included two USB ports on the 2nd generation Compute Stick — one 2.0 and a faster 3.0 — so it's much easier to connect the peripherals you might need. Plus, it has Bluetooth 4.0, so using a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse will free up those USB ports for other things.
It's worth mentioning that even though the Compute Stick has a small internal fan, it will still get quite warm while running. But since you'll likely have it plugged into the back of a monitor or television, you probably won't even notice.
You can pick up the Intel Compute Stick 2nd Gen from Amazon for about $125.
Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC Stick
The Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC Stick is powered by Intel's quad-core Atom Z3735F processor, making it powerful enough to handle most basic day-to-day uses, such as checking your email, browsing the web, or streaming your favorite media. With 2GB of RAM, this PC stick is even good enough to do some light gaming. The 32GB of internal storage isn't a lot, but you can expand the memory via the microSD slot, so downloading apps shouldn't stress you out.
It comes with Windows 10 installed, meaning you have a fully working OS in a device that fits in the palm of your hand. It may only have one USB 2.0 port on its side, but the Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC Stick has an Ethernet port, which is handy in hotels or other locations where Wi-Fi is spotty or unavailable. As an added perk, there's no fan, making it completely silent.
An Azulle Quantum Access LAN PC Stick costs about $150.
Lenovo Ideacentre Stick 300
The Lenovo IdeaCentre Stick 300 is essentially a carbon copy of Intel's 2nd Gen Compute Stick, at least on the inside.
Including the Intel Atom Z3735 processor, the Lenovo's stick also comes with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, meaning it will stream all your favorite shows and movies, and let you browse the web just fine. Much like Intel's PC stick, the microSD card slot will allow you to expand your storage capacity, making it easy to store all the necessary files and apps you want.
Lenovo's connectivity is a little more limited due to having only one USB port; however, it's still compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 which means connecting the essential devices —such as a keyboard and mouse — will be no problem.
The greatest thing about the Lenovo stick is its price: It's about $25 cheaper than the Compute Stick ($100), meaning you can have a portable PC that is nicer to your wallet.
ASUS VivoStick TS10-B017D
ASUS makes some pretty decent high-end monitors and gaming computers, and now they have entered the PC stick market with the Asus VivoStick TS10-B017D.
With a Windows 10 on board, you'll have a full operating system to work with when you plug this little stick into a monitor or TV. Also inside you'll find a quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor, which means the Asus VivoStick is more than capable of day-to-day activities like streaming Netflix, checking your email, and browsing the web. The VivoStick only features 32GB of storage and it isn't expandable like on some other PC sticks.
When it comes to connecting to other devices, the ASUS VivoStick features one USB 2.0 port and one USB 3.0 port allowing you to plug in various devices that use USB-A connections. ASUS even managed to squeeze in a headphone jack, allowing you to use wired headphones with the VivoStick, something you haven't seen on other stick PCs. Of course, there's Bluetooth 4.0 on board, so you don't have to use a wired connection for the essentials like a mouse and keyboard.
You can pick up an ASUS VivoStick TS10-B017D for about $120.
Which PC Compute Stick do you use?
Let us know in the comments!
Updated July 27, 2018: These are still the best options for folks looking for PC sticks.
