Intel Compute Stick

284 reviews

Jul, 2024

Positive
price (33)
size (33)
usability (33)
design (26)

Negative
reliability (5)

General overview
Price comparison

alaTest has collected and analyzed 284 reviews of Intel Compute Stick. The average rating for this product is 3.5/5, compared to an average rating of 4.1/5 for other Desktops for all reviews. Reviewers really like the design and price, but there are some negative opinions about the reliability.

size, price, design

reliability

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Desktops the Intel Compute Stick is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 92/100 = Excellent quality.

Review analysis

(Based on 284 reviews)

Expert Reviews

User Reviews

Review Ratings

(28% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews (30% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews (17% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews (11% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews (14% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

usability
Show positive (55%)Show negative (45%)(Show all)

size
Show positive (73%)Show negative (27%)(Show all)

price
Show positive (77%)Show negative (23%)(Show all)

design
Show positive (76%)Show negative (24%)(Show all)

reliability
Show positive (17%)Show negative (83%)(Show all)

Showing 113 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

Disclaimer:

Below is a list of reviews for this or similar products. If you think this grouping is wrong please click here to flag.
Read more on our FAQ’s page.

Showing 1 - 11 of 113 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (171)

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Intel Compute Stick

alaTest has collected and analyzed 1 user review of Intel Compute Stick from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.0/5 for other Desktops on Amazon.com.

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Jul, 2024

Expert review by (engadget.com)

Intel Compute Stick review (2016): Second time's the charm

Intel's new Compute Stick bundles just about everything you'd need for a basic computer into a compact, inexpensive package.And unlike its predecessor, it works.

Powerful enough for most computing tasks ; Inexpensive ; Very portable

2GB of RAM limits multi-tasking ; Still needs to be plugged into an AC adapter

Well, Intel did it. The Compute Stick bundles just about everything you'd need for a basic computer into a compact, inexpensive package, and unlike its predecessor, it works. It's no wonder we named it one of our Best of CES finalists this year. If you...

Jan, 2016

Read the full review

Expert review by (engadget.com)

Intel Compute Stick review: nothing more than a prototype for now

The Compute Stick is proof that Intel can cram all the hardware you need for a PC into a portable stick, but it's far too limited for most.

Inexpensive ; Works well for light tasks ; Very portable

Slows down quickly ; Only one USB port ; Less useful than inexpensive laptops

After testing out the Compute Stick for a few weeks, I was reminded of Intel's first foray into mobile processors. For years it showed off ugly prototype phones at CES and other tech conventions that nobody in their right mind would buy. They were just...

May, 2015

Read the full review

Expert review by : Matthew S. Smith (digitaltrends.com)

Intel Compute Stick review

Small enough to fit behind a monitor ; Can play 1080p video smoothly ; Inexpensive

Poor performance ; Not enough ports ; Limited storage ; Far too expensive for media streaming

Can the Compute Stick be your sole computer? Yes, absolutely. It can run everything any other affordable desktop can except games. The question is not whether this device can be your only PC, but whether you’d want it to be.

Read the full review

Expert review by : Joel Santo Domingo (pcmag.com)

Intel Compute Stick (Core m3)

Powered by a Core m3 processor, the Intel Compute Stick excels as a fully functional PC that fits in your pocket and can use a TV as a display.

Class-leading performance. Light, compact design. Includes Windows 10. Plugs directly into an HDMI port on a monitor or TV. Plentiful memory and storage. Equipped with lots of expansion and connectivity options, including three USB 3.0 ports....

Only one USB-C port. USB mouse and keyboard are required for initial wireless setup.

Performance and Conclusion Here we come to the real justification for this updated model: better performance. The Compute Stick might be made of parts that sip electricity, but its Intel Core m3-6Y30 processor helped it run the board on our benchmark...

Sep, 2016

Partner Source

Read the full review

Expert review by : Dan Ackerman (cnet.com)

Intel Core m3 Compute Stick review: The most powerful stick PC yet

With a more powerful Core m3 processor, the new Intel Compute Stick truly is a desktop PC in your pocket.

This upgraded Intel Compute Stick has a faster Core m3 processor and extra USB ports on its power brick.

It's much more expensive than the original Atom versions, and loses one USB port on the stick itself. Onboard storage is minimal.

The latest Intel Compute Stick takes a big leap forward in power -- and price -- while still being capable of turning any TV into a PC when not traveling in your pocket.

Jul, 2016

Read the full review

Expert review by (cnet.com)

Intel Compute Stick STK2m3W64CC

Still, an Atom-powered PC-on-a-stick can only do so much, and while these micro desktops were fine for streaming video or basic web surfing , they weren't up to being an all-day, every-day PC.

This upgraded Intel Compute Stick has a faster Core m3 processor and extra USB ports on its power brick.

It's much more expensive than the original Atom versions, and loses one USB port on the stick itself. Onboard storage is minimal.

The latest Intel Compute Stick takes a big leap forward in power -- and price -- while still being capable of turning any TV into a PC when not traveling in your pocket.

Jul, 2016

Read the full review

Expert review by : Chris Welch (theverge.com)

Intel Compute Stick review: Windows 10 for your TV

Why wouldn't you want an entire Windows computer on a tiny little stick? As someone who uses a MacBook day in and day out, the idea of $159 Intel's Compute Stick, a Windows 10 PC shrunken down to...

Super portable ; Plugs into any display with an HDMI port ; Runs full Windows 10 Home

2GB of RAM limits multitasking ; 32GB of built-in storage ; Can create a mess of wires

Mar, 2016

Read the full review

Expert review by : Dan Ackerman (cnet.com)

Intel's Compute Stick gets bigger -- and better -- for its second generation

The new Intel Compute Stick adds a new CPU and better Wi-Fi, plus an extra USB port.

The pocket-size Intel Compute Stick adds several improvements for its second generation, and it works great for casual Web surfing and HD media streaming.

Very little storage, so installing apps or downloading movies is difficult. Despite the streamlined design, extra cables and adapters make for a tangled presentation.

Intel's revamped Compute Stick promises a computer in every pocket, just be prepared for an entry-level experience, although it's still fine for email, social media and movies.

Jan, 2016

Read the full review

Expert review by (cnet.com)

Intel Compute Stick 2016

And these micro-size computers have certainly put a new meaning to to the idea of handheld computing. Starting with the original Computer Stick, a surprise hit at CES 2015 and now modestly updated for 2016, you could finally squeeze a full-featured...

The pocket-size Intel Compute Stick adds several improvements for its second generation, and it works great for casual Web surfing and HD media streaming.

Very little storage, so installing apps or downloading movies is difficult. Despite the streamlined design, extra cables and adapters make for a tangled presentation.

Intel's revamped Compute Stick promises a computer in every pocket, just be prepared for an entry-level experience, although it's still fine for email, social media and movies.

Jan, 2016

Read the full review

Expert review by : Joel Santo Domingo (pcmag.com)

Intel Compute Stick (2016)

The second iteration of Intel's Compute Stick is a pocket-size Windows 10 desktop that can be used with any HDMI-equipped display. It's still easy to set up and use, but its relatively minor upgrades leave us wanting more.

Very light, compact design. Windows 10. Plugs directly into an HDMI port in a monitor or an HDTV. microSD slot. USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports. Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Quiet in operation. Improved 3D performance on our tests.

Needs a USB mouse to initially set up Bluetooth devices. Requires included HDMI extension cable in tight quarters. Only 19GB of storage available.

Conclusion The new Intel Compute Stick is a solid update for one of the smallest PCs available. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi, USB 3.0 port, and improved 3D graphics performance are certainly welcome additions. However, having only 2GB of memory and 32GB of...

Jan, 2016

Partner Source

Read the full review