5 Best Stick PCs For Streaming

Buying Guides

5 min. read

Updated on October 4, 2023

by Madalina Dinita

updated on October 4, 2023

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For those of you that don’t know, a stick PC is a single-board computer that’s pretty much the size of a USB stick that can be plugged in directly into an HDMI port, without the need of an HDMI cable. These stick PC‘s are quite impressive given their size, but they in no way can replicate the power of an actual PC or even a laptop of a fanless mini-computer. In fact, their use is pretty simplistic and usually for a precise purpose, such as streaming media more efficiently. Note: Deals are subject to change. Keep in mind that the price tag often varies. We recommend going on the vendor’s website to check the price. Some of the products may be out of stock by the time you’ve made your purchasing decision. So, hurry up and hit the buy button.

What are the best stick PCs that I can buy right now?

ASUS Chromebit CS10

If you want a device that fits in your hands and that will easily turn any HDMI device into a Chrome OS computer, then the V is the right choice for you.

It is a great stick PC for streaming online content such as Netflix, and can even support 4K content. More so, it features USB ports that lets you extend the storage even more via USB sticks.

Pros:

Smallest Chrome OS device
Turn any HDMI display into a computer and 100 GB Google Drive space
Dual-band a/b/g/n/ac 802.11 Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.0
16 GB Flash memory storage
Included HDMI extender cable and 4 hook and loop stickers
Thousands of Chrome OS apps at your disposal
Power supply: 18 W power adapter

Cons:

Heats up fairly easily
Start lagging over long uses

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Intel Compute Stick CS125

The Intel Compute Stick is a very good device that you should consider if you want to enjoy a new level of home entertainment since it lets you transform any HDMI display into a full computer.

It comes with Windows 10 pre-installed and all you need to do to make it work is simply plug it in into an HDMI port-compatible display, or you can even use an HDMI adapter.

Pros:

Quad-Core Intel Atom x5 Z8300 Processor
Windows 10 (32 bit)
Intel HD graphics
2 GB DDR3L 1600 MHz soldered down single-channel memory
Integrated Wireless 802.11ac (Intel Dual Band Wireless AC 7265)
One USB 3.0 and One USB 2.0
Bluetooth 4.0

Cons:

Doesn’t work well for 4K streaming
Not compatible with all TV brands

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Azulle Access Plus

In essence, a stick PC is a device that will turn any HDMI-compatible display into a PC, and that’s precisely what you’ll get if you buy the Azulle Access Plus.

It sports good enough stats to warrant its place on our list, and it comes at an affordable price. It features quite a large storage space that can also be expanded upon, making it great for carrying content around as well.

Pros:

4GB of DDR3L RAM,
32 GB of onboard storage
Micro SDXC card Slot providing up to 128GB of storage
Built with a quad-core processor
4GB of DDR3L RAM
Can stream HD 1080P content thanks to its Intel HD Graphics card (Gen 8)
Offers both Wifi connectivity and an Ethernet port

Cons:

Overall poor quality

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ASUS VivoStick TS10-B017D

When they designed the ASUS VivoStick TS10-B017D, they probably looked at what stick PCs usually have problems with, and they focused on fixing just that.

The only entry on our list to have a built-in fan, the ASUS VivoStick TS10-B017D is great for usage over long periods of time, so binging and streaming media will not be a problem at all.

Pros:

Measures only 5.3 x 1.4 x 0.6 inches
Quad-core Intel Atom x5-Z8350 processor
Bluetooth 4.1 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi
VivoStick features an internal cooling fan to prevent overheating
1x USB 2.0
1x USB 3.0 ports
ASUS VivoRemote app for intuitive control from mobile devices

Cons:

Nothing noticeable

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W5 Pro

The W5 Pro occupies a spot on our list thanks to it being the most basic and budget-friendly stick PC given the specs that it brings.

While the capabilities that it sports are average, the fact that you can turn a TV or monitor into a mini-computer for such a low price is quite impressive.

Pros:

Windows 10 Pro Version Preinstalled
4GB DDR,64GB eMMC,Support Micro SD card up to 128GB
Built-in 2.4G/5G AC WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2
Intel HD graphics,
Supports 4K HD
Two USB ports (one 2.0 and one 3.0)

Cons:

Price tag too high given the specs

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Closing thoughts on stick PCs for streaming

Stick computers are by design meant to be used for singular purposes, and streaming content off of the Internet is probably the most resource-intensive task of them all.

As such, if streaming is your primary concern, but you lack the funds to replace your regular TV with a Smart TV, then a stick PC can be the next best thing for you.