Whether you want a PC for HTPC usage or for basic office use, then having a compact computer can always be quite handy. And if you want one of the smallest options available out there, then you can go with something like the best PCs on a stick given down below which have been chosen based on these factors:
- CPU: Similar to any other type of PC, you would also want your PC on a stick to be as powerful as possible. For the same, you can consider checking the CPU used by it. Most PCs on a stick use either the Intel Atom X5-Z8350 or the Intel Celeron J4125 processors where the Celeron chip is much faster.
- RAM: Another factor that can affect the performance of your PC on a stick is the RAM or the primary offered by it. Since the RAM of your computer is highly important for multi-tasking and running heavy applications, you can find 2 GB, 4 GB, and even 8 GB RAM in some PCs on a stick where having more RAM is always better.
- Storage: Even though it may not affect the performance of your PC on a stick, the storage offered by it can definitely affect your whole computer experience. While budget PCs on a stick may come with just 32 GB or 64 GB of storage, most high-performance options offer 128 GB storage which should be plenty for most users.
While these might be some of the most important factors considering PCs on a stick, you still need to consider much more. Thus, all of the best PCs on a stick given here have all their major features and aspects well explained along with a detailed “Buying Guide”. Since we have also given an FAQ section down below, you can easily pick the best PCs on a stick for your needs by following this list.
Best Stick PCs 2024
| PCs on a Stick | CPU | RAM | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Stick PCs | Rockchip RK3288 | 2 GB | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Aioexpc Stick PCs | Intel Atom X5 Z8350 | 8 GB | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| MeLE Stick PCs | Intel Celeron J4125 | 8 GB | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| AKLWY Stick PCs | Intel Atom X5 Z8350 | 8 GB | --- | Check On Amazon |
| Azulle Stick PCs | Intel Celeron J4125 | 4 GB | 1 year long | Check On Amazon |
| Azulle Quantum Stick PCs | Intel Gemini | 4 GB | - | Check On Amazon |
| AIOEXPC Stick PCs | Intel Atom X5 Z8350 | 4 GB | -- | Check On Amazon |
Best Stick PCs Reviews
1. ASUS Stick PCs
Asus is primarily known for its full-size desktops and laptops which also happen to be making a few PCs on a stick that you can consider if you are looking for something small and compact.
The Asus Chromebit CS10 PC on a stick comes at the 1st position of this list since it is one of the smallest options available out there. This is made possible by its low-power internals which are enough to power this Chrome OS PC on a stick. Talking about its internals, you will find the Rockchip RK3288 CPU which is paired along with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage.
Since this PC on a stick is highly compact, you only get a single USB port other than other common connectivity options like HDMI, WiFi, and Bluetooth. Thankfully, since Asus is a highly reputable brand of computers, you get a great build quality and a 1-year warranty with this PC on a stick.
Best Features:
- Powered by the Rockchip RK3288 CPU
- Offers 2 GB RAM and 16 GB storage
- Runs on Chrome OS for its operating system
- Features connectivity options like HDMI, USB port, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Superb cooling performance at a low noise level
- Amazing looking RGB lights with various effects
- Quite a long warranty for peace of mind
Cons:
- Does not come with Windows for its operating system
2. Aioexpc Stick PCs
Aioexpc is one of the smaller and a recently launched brands when you are talking about PCs on a stick that you can consider if you are looking for high-performance numbers without paying a premium for the same.
This Aioexpc PC on a stick comes at the 2nd position of this article because it is quite a powerful option while having a fairly justified price tag resulting in an excellent value for money. Starting with the internals of this PC on a stick, you will be glad to know that it uses the Intel Atom X5 Z8350 CPU. Since it is paired along with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, you can expect excellent performance from it.
You also get a decent number of connectivity options with this PC on a stick including options like HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card, WiFi, and Bluetooth. While you do get a decent 1-year warranty with this PC on a stick, you unfortunately only get an average build quality with it.
Best Features:
- Powered by the Intel Atom X5 Z8350 CPU
- Offers 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage
- Runs on Windows 10 for its operating system
- Features connectivity options like HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Superb value for money PC on a stick
- Quite a powerful stick PC for the price
- Decent number of connectivity options and ports
Cons:
- Build quality could have been better
3. MeLE Stick PCs
Mele is one of the more premium and high-end options that you can consider if you are looking for PCs on stick which is not highly powerful but also offers handy features for ease of use.
The Mele PC on a stick is the most powerful option given here making it perfect for high-end usage since it is also highly versatile thanks to its connectivity options. As for its performance, you will be glad to know that it uses the high-end Intel Celeron J4125 CPU. This CPU is paired along with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage so that you can get the most out of it.
Apart from highly powerful internals, Mele also features great connectivity options including HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card slot, ethernet, audio jack, WiFi, and Bluetooth which are more than enough for most. And since this is a premium PC on a stick, its included 1-year warranty along with a sturdy build quality is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Powered by the Intel Celeron J4125 CPU
- Offers 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage
- Runs on Windows 10 for its operating system
- Features connectivity options like HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card slot, ethernet, audio jack, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Excellent performance numbers for heavy-duty usage
- Wide range of connectivity options for ease of use
- Great build quality and a decent warranty period
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
4. AKLWY Stick PCs
Even though Aklwy is one of the smaller and a fairly new brand of mini computers like its PC on a stick given here, it can still be a great option if you want something that offers a great value for money to the user.
Aklwy’s PC on a stick offers pretty great performance numbers in a handy form factor despite having a decently low price tag. To be exact, this PC on a stick is able to offer high-end performance numbers thanks to its Intel Atom X5 Z8350 processor. Since this PC on a stick is made for high-end usage, you also get 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage with it.
Moving over to the connectivity options of this PC on a stick, you will find options like HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card slot, WiFi, and Bluetooth which is on par with other options in its class. Unfortunately, since Aklwy is a fairly small brand of PCs on a stick, you do not get any warranty with this value for money option.
Best Features:
- Powered by the Intel Atom X5 Z8350 CPU
- Offers 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage
- Runs on Windows 10 for its operating system
- Features connectivity options like HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card slot, WiFi, Bluetooth
Pros:
- Great value for money PC on a stick
- Pretty great performance numbers for the given size
- Decent connectivity options and ports
Cons:
- Lacks any form of included manufacturer warranty
5. Azulle Stick PCs
Azulle also offers higher-end and much more premium options that you can consider when you are looking for PCs on a stick that offer high end performance to the user.
This Azulle Access4 Pro PC on a stick is one of the higher-end options out there that you consider if you do not have any budget restrictions and want something made for heavy-duty usage. It is able to offer good performance numbers thanks to its Intel Celeron J4125 CPU. Although, despite having such a powerful CPU, you only get 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage with this PC on a stick.
Thankfully, Azulle does offer a wide range of connectivity options with this high-end PC on a stick which includes HDMI, USB type A, USB type C, ethernet, audio jack, WiFi, and Bluetooth, which is always great to have. Similar to the previous Azulle PC on a stick, this one also offers a 1-year warranty and a pretty great build quality.
Best Features:
- Powered by the Intel Celeron J4125 CPU
- Offers 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
- Runs on Windows 10 for its operating system
- Features connectivity options like HDMI, USB type A, USB type C, ethernet, audio jack, WiFi, Bluetooth
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
Pros:
- High-end CPU for great performance numbers
- Quite versatile in terms of connectivity options
- Premium build quality with a long warranty
Cons:
- Quite an expensive PC on a stick
- Limited RAM and storage for the price
6. Axon Stick PCs
When you are talking about mini PCs and PCs on a stick, Axon is most likely the first option that comes to your mind since it offers a wide range of compact PC options that are generally fairly affordable.
Axon Access PC on a stick comes at this position in this listicle as it is the cheapest option given here making it the perfect choice for buyers on a tight budget. Although, due to its entry-level price tag, you only get the Intel Gemini Lake 40 series with it. Similarly, this CPU is paired with just 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage because of which you should look at other PCs on a stick for heavy-duty usage.
Thankfully, Axon does offer a wide range of connectivity options like HDMI, USB port, micro USB port, micro SD card slot, WiFi, and Bluetooth making it fairly versatile. Because Azulle is a mainstream brand of compact PCs, you also get a decent and handy.
Since this PC on a stick is highly compact, you only get a single USB port other than other common connectivity options like eMMC Support 4K HD, 2.4/5G WiFi, BT 4.0.
Best Features:
- Powered by the Intel Gemini Lake 40 Series
- Offers 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage
- Runs on Windows 10 for its operating system
Pros:
- Affordable and entry-level PC on a stick
- Decent connectivity options for the given price
- Features a complete Windows 10 experience on a budget
Cons:
- Not an ideal option for heavy-duty usage
7. AIOEXPC Stick PCs
Coming to the last option in this list of PCs on a stick, we have an AIOEXPC option that you can consider if you wish to get a decently powerful PC at a fairly entry-level price tag.
Despite being a smaller and recently launched brand, you can expect pretty great performance from this PC on a stick. This is made possible thanks to its Intel X5 Z8350 processor which is on par with most other premium brands. You also get 4 GB RAM and 128 GB ROM (hard disk size), which is always great to have for a smooth computing experience.
You also get a decent number of connectivity options with this PC on a stick which includes HDMI, micro SC card slot, dual USB ports, Bluetooth (4.2), and Dual-band WiFi (2.4G & 5G) which is similar to most other premium PCs on a stick. However, if you are looking for something reliable, you should go with other options since this one does not offer any warranty to the user.
Best Features:
- Offers 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage
- Powered by the Intel Atom X5 Z8350 CPU
- Runs on Windows 10 as its operating system
- Features connectivity options like dual USB ports, HDMI, micro SD card slot, Bluetooth, and Wifi
Pros:
- Pretty great value for money option
- Comes with Windows 10 Pro OS installed out of the box
- Large storage and quiet operation
- Wireless technology of dual-band Wifi, and Bluetooth 4.2
- Intel HD graphics 400 to support 4K HD videos
Cons:
- No information available on its warranty
- Build quality could have been better.
Buying Guide for the Best Stick PCs:
As you can most likely guess by the name, a PC on a stick is more or less a computer with a stick-like form factor. Not only are these computers highly portable and ideal for on-the-go usage, but they can also fit in tight places like behind a monitor.
Because of these and various other practicality reasons, we have given some of the best PCs on a stick already in this listicle. With these various best PCs on a stick, you must have also come across their important factors and aspects. But if you wish to know even more about PCs on a stick, consider checking out this complete buying guide for the best PCs on a stick:
CPU
Starting with the internals of your PC on a stick, checking the CPU model used by it is highly important to ensure that you get enough performance output from it. And to ensure the same, you can consider checking the CPU or the processor used by your PC on a stick. While buying a PC on a stick, you will primarily find the Intel Atom X5 Z8350 and the Intel Celeron J4125 as the two most common CPU models. When compared with each other, the Intel Celeron J4125 offers much better p[performance for all kinds of applications and uses.
RAM
Even if your PC on a stick has a powerful CPU inside, it might be limited in terms of its performance if it does not have enough RAM or memory. This is due to the reason that all of the running programs of your computer get stored in the RAM during their operation.
As a result, whether you are running heavy computer applications or running a bunch of them at once, making sure that you have enough RAM for the same is highly important. While a budget-friendly PC on a stick may come with just 2 GB or 4 GB RAM, you can also find high-performance options that can offer up to 8 gigs of RAM for optimum performance at all times.
Storage
In any given computer, you are going to store a lot of data for which you will need ample storage. To be more precise, you will be storing things like the operating system, programs, applications, and your personal data and media files.
Due to this, checking the storage offered by your PCs on a stick is highly important. For the same, you can find storage options like 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, and even 128 GB of storage depending on the PC on a stick that you are going for. As you would expect, having a higher storage capacity of 128 GB is going to be the best option to easily store all your programs and files that you want to use on your PC on a stick.
Connectivity Options
Just like a larger computer, you would also want to connect various external devices to your PC on a stick. This can include things like connecting keyboards and mice, connecting storage devices, accessing the internet, and much more.
For being able to use all these various external devices, you should check the connectivity options offered by your PC on a stick. This includes both physical as well as wireless connectivity options like USB, HDMI, ethernet, SD card slots, audio ports, WiFi, Bluetooth, and more. Any PC on a stick which features multiple of these connectivity options is going to be highly versatile and practical.
Operating System
Other than the hardware side of things, you should also check the software or the operating system of your PC on a stick. Similar to other PCs of various form factors, most PCs on a stick also come with Windows 10 as their pre-installed operating system. Because of this, you can enjoy pretty much all the features of a full-size computer. Although, a few PCs on a stick might be running ChromeOS which is not as good as Windows in terms of application support and inbuilt features for the user.
Warranty
Upon getting a new PC on a stick, you would want yours to last for as long as possible without any issues and functioning properly. To ensure the same, checking the warranty included with your PC on a stick is always a great idea. Thankfully, similar to most laptops and pre-built computers, even PCs on a stick feature a decent 1-year warranty to the user. If you wish to use your PC on a stick for on-the-go usage, then checking its build quality can be another great idea to ensure long-term usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Even though a PC on a stick features pretty much all the same functionality as a full-size desktop, it might not be as powerful. So while you can definitely replace your desktop with a PC on a stick for basic office use and media playback, the same cannot be said about heavy-duty usage.
Ans: If you wish to upgrade the internals of your PC on a stick like its CPU, RAM, or storage, then you are out of luck as due to their highly compact form factor, all parts are soldered and cannot be changed. Although, a few PCs on a stick do feature micro SD card slots for storage expansion with ease.
Ans: Almost all PCs on a stick are meant to be plugged into the HDMI port of a monitor or a TV. While this does result in a highly compact form factor, the HDMI port alone is not going to be enough for using a PC on a stick. This is due to the reason that you will also need to use its included power connector that either connects in a micro USB port or a DC barrel plug type power port.
Ans: Thanks to the highly compact form factor of most PCs on a stick, they are excellent for certain computing applications. This includes using your PC on a stick for media consumption, using it as an HTPC, using it for a projector computer, using it for basic office work, or any other application where you do not want a full-size desktop to take up a lot of space.
Conclusion
Thanks to various improvements in computer hardware, modern computers are getting smaller and smaller in size. Other than desktops and laptops, you can even find highly compact PCs which only have a stick-like design. In fact, we have already discussed a few of such best PCs on a stick up above.
To help you in picking up the right one, all these PCs on a stick also have all their significant details and specifications listed along with an extensive buying guide regarding the best PCs on a stick to help you pick the right one. Although, if you are still confused, you can also consider going with one of our favorite picks for the best PCs on a stick:
- If you are on a tight budget, then you can pick the Axon Mini PC Stick since it is the best option given here. For its given price, you get 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage which is paired along with the Intel Gemini Lake 40 series CPU. While it may not be the most powerful, you do get Windows 10 installed in it.
- Taking a look at the other end of the spectrum, the MeLE PC on a stick is the perfect option for those without any budget restrictions since it is the most powerful option present above. This is possible thanks to its Intel Celeron J4125 CPU, 8 gigs of RAM, and 128 GB storage. In fact, this PC on a stick also features HDMI, dual USB Type-A ports, ethernet port, audio jack, micro SD card slot, Wifi, and Bluetooth connectivity for high versatility.
- You can also consider the Aioexpc PC on a stick if you want something that offers a great value for money. With this PC, you will find the Intel Atom X5 Z8350 CPU paired along with 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage which is quite great for the given price. In fact, you also get various connectivity options like HDMI, dual USB ports, micro SD card slot, WiFi, and Bluetooth with this PC on a stick which are always great to have considering its given price.
