10 Best Wifi Dongle For Mac 2025 in the United States

The WAVLINK AX1800 USB WiFi Adapter offers dual-band connectivity supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, providing speeds of up to 574Mbps and 1201Mbps respectively. This makes it suitable for gaming, downloading, and streaming. Its four high-gain antennas and advanced Beamforming technology ensure strong and stable signal reception, enhancing coverage and efficiency with support for multiple users via OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies.

The adapter includes WPS one-key encryption for secure connections and a magnetic base with a 3.28ft cable for flexible placement, particularly useful for desktop setups. Compatibility-wise, it supports Windows XP through Windows 11 and MacOS 10.7 to 10.15, excluding Mac's latest versions and Linux. Notably, the soft AP function that allows it to create a WiFi hotspot does not work on Mac OS.

The adapter offers an easy setup with built-in drivers and a USB 3.0 interface, but the absence of support for newer MacOS versions is a significant drawback for Mac users. This adapter is ideal for those using compatible Windows or older MacOS versions who need a robust and versatile WiFi connection for their desktop PCs.

The NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB 2.0 Mini Adapter (A6150-100PAS) is a compact and easy-to-use device designed for enhancing wireless internet connectivity on desktop PCs and laptops, supporting both Windows and Mac OS. Its dual-band capability offers fast WiFi speeds of up to 1200 Mbps, making it suitable for HD video streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.

One of its key advantages is its nano-size design, which ensures it doesn’t block other USB ports when plugged in. Additionally, the adapter features MU-MIMO technology, allowing multiple devices to stream data simultaneously, and Beamforming+ technology, which enhances the range and reliability of the connection. However, it's important to note that this product is specifically made for use in the US and Canada.

Being a USB 2.0 device, it may not take full advantage of the higher data transfer rates available with USB 3.0 ports. Additionally, while the adapter is praised for its ease of use and performance, its small size might make it easier to misplace. In summary, the NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi adapter is a solid choice for users looking to boost their WiFi capabilities on both Mac and Windows devices without obstructing other ports, though it may not fully leverage the speeds available through USB 3.0.

The D-Link USB WiFi Adapter Dual Band AC1300 (DWA-181-US) is a compact and efficient solution to enhance WiFi connectivity for your Mac. It offers strong compatibility with MacOS (versions 10.09-10.14), Windows, and Linux, making it versatile for different operating systems. This dongle supports dual-band technology, providing speeds up to 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band, catering well to both everyday browsing and more demanding tasks like gaming or streaming.

Its nano-sized design ensures it can stay plugged into your USB port without being obtrusive, which is particularly advantageous for laptop users who are frequently on the go. The integrated antenna design helps deliver a more robust WiFi signal and improved range. Security features are solid, with support for WPA3/WPA2 encryption, ensuring your connection remains secure. Driver support is good, with updates available online to maintain optimal performance.

However, it's important to note that users on MacOS beyond 10.14 may encounter compatibility issues, and the nano-sized design, while convenient, might limit antenna range compared to larger models. Additionally, while it supports high data transfer rates, real-world performance can vary depending on network conditions. This dongle is ideal for users looking to upgrade their WiFi capability on older Macs, laptops, or desktops without internal WiFi solutions, offering a balance of speed, security, and convenience in a small package.