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10 Best Wifi Dongle For Mac 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter, AC1300Mbps Dual Band 5dBi High Gain Antenna 2.4GHz/ 5GHz Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop PC (Archer T4U Plus)- Supports Windows 11/10, Mac OS 10.9-10.14

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,259
Compatibility
WiFi Standards
Antenna Design

Most important from
26983 reviews

Compatibility
Plug and play functionality is praised, making setup quick and effortless.
WiFi Standards
The dual-band support effectively enhances connectivity, especially after updating to the latest drivers.
Antenna Design
The adapter's range is notably better, detecting more nearby networks compared to smaller dongle types.
Speed
Significant speed improvement, jumping from 20mbps to 330mbps, showcasing impressive performance.

The TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter (Archer T4U Plus) is a robust choice for Mac users needing a WiFi dongle, especially those using macOS versions 10.9 to 10.14. With dual-band support, it offers flexible connectivity on both 2.4GHz (up to 400Mbps) and 5GHz (up to 867Mbps) bands, making it suitable for a variety of online activities like gaming, streaming, and downloading.

The AC1300 speed ensures fast and reliable internet access, while the dual high-gain antennas enhance range and signal quality, which is beneficial for desktop users who might place their PCs further from the router. The USB 3.0 port also ensures faster data transfer compared to USB 2.0, contributing to a better performance experience.

However, a major drawback is its limited compatibility with newer macOS versions beyond 10.14, potentially excluding users with more recent updates. Additionally, the relatively large size and external antennas, while beneficial for signal strength, may not be ideal for users looking for a more compact, portable solution. Despite these limitations, the TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter stands out for its impressive speed, enhanced range, and performance, making it a strong contender for desktop users needing reliable WiFi connectivity.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,259
Compatibility
WiFi Standards
Antenna Design

Most important from
26983 reviews

Compatibility
Plug and play functionality is praised, making setup quick and effortless.
WiFi Standards
The dual-band support effectively enhances connectivity, especially after updating to the latest drivers.
Antenna Design
The adapter's range is notably better, detecting more nearby networks compared to smaller dongle types.
Speed
Significant speed improvement, jumping from 20mbps to 330mbps, showcasing impressive performance.
#2

TP-Link Nano USB WiFi Adapter for PC(Archer T3U Nano)-AC1300 2.4G/5G Dual-Band Wireless Network Transceiver Adapter for Desktop PC, Travel Size, Supports Windows 11,10, 8.1, 8, 7 / up to Mac OS 10.15

Rating
10.0
Compatibility
WiFi Standards
Antenna Design

Most important from
3253 reviews

Compatibility
Installation was straightforward with plug-and-play on my Windows system, and within minutes, I was connected.
WiFi Standards
The dual-band capability, offering 2.4G and 5G support, makes it versatile depending on the type of network you’re on.
Antenna Design
For its small size, it’s remarkably unobtrusive, perfect for travel or plugging into a laptop without worrying about it getting in the way.
Speed
I noticed a significant improvement in speed when connected to 5G networks—perfect for streaming and browsing without interruption.
Driver Support
Although it comes with a CD containing drivers, I never needed to use it— the device was recognized and installed by Windows instantly.

The TP-Link Nano USB WiFi Adapter (Archer T3U Nano) is a compact and sleek device designed to enhance the Wi-Fi capabilities of your Mac or PC. With its AC1300 dual-band features, it offers fast speeds of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, ensuring a lag-free internet experience. The adapter supports several WiFi standards and is compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7 and MacOS up to 10.15, making it a versatile choice for various operating systems.

Its miniature size means it can be plugged in and forgotten, making it highly convenient for travel or use in tight spaces. The inclusion of MU-MIMO technology improves network efficiency, and WPA3 support ensures robust security for your internet connections. Users should note that it uses a Micro USB 3.0 Type B port, which might not be as common as standard USB ports. Additionally, it might not support MacOS versions later than 10.15, which could be a limitation for users with the latest Mac updates.

Despite these minor drawbacks, this adapter is well-suited for anyone looking to boost their internet speed and security in a compact form factor.

Rating
10.0
Compatibility
WiFi Standards
Antenna Design

Most important from
3253 reviews

Compatibility
Installation was straightforward with plug-and-play on my Windows system, and within minutes, I was connected.
WiFi Standards
The dual-band capability, offering 2.4G and 5G support, makes it versatile depending on the type of network you’re on.
Antenna Design
For its small size, it’s remarkably unobtrusive, perfect for travel or plugging into a laptop without worrying about it getting in the way.
Speed
I noticed a significant improvement in speed when connected to 5G networks—perfect for streaming and browsing without interruption.
Driver Support
Although it comes with a CD containing drivers, I never needed to use it— the device was recognized and installed by Windows instantly.
#3

TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC, AC1300 USB 3.0 Wireless Dual Band Network Adapter with High Gain Antenna(Archer T3U Plus), MU-MIMO, Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS 10.9-10.15

Rating
9.7
Speed

Most important from
26983 reviews

Speed
Amazing performance; setup was straightforward and the connection speeds are impressive.

The TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter (Archer T3U Plus) offers a solid solution for those needing reliable WiFi connectivity on their Mac or PC. It supports dual-band WiFi with speeds up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, ensuring swift and flexible internet access. The included MU-MIMO technology enhances network efficiency, making it ideal for households with multiple devices.

The high-gain, multi-directional antennas significantly improve signal strength and range, which is beneficial for users in larger homes or areas with weak signals. Compatibility is robust, supporting Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP and Mac OS versions 10.9 to 10.15, although it does not support macOS versions beyond 10.15, which could be a limitation for users with newer Macs. Additionally, the USB 3.0 interface ensures faster data transfer compared to USB 2.0, but keeping in mind that having USB 3.0 port on your device is essential to benefit from this feature.

The adapter is lightweight and comes with an easy setup process, making it user-friendly. However, the product’s relatively large antenna design might not be aesthetically pleasing or convenient for portable use. Despite these minor drawbacks, this adapter is particularly suitable for desktop users looking for enhanced WiFi performance and coverage.

Rating
9.7
Speed

Most important from
26983 reviews

Speed
Amazing performance; setup was straightforward and the connection speeds are impressive.

Buying Guide for the Best Wifi Dongle For Mac

Choosing the right WiFi dongle for your Mac can significantly improve your internet connectivity and overall user experience. A WiFi dongle is a small device that plugs into your computer's USB port and allows you to connect to wireless networks. When selecting a WiFi dongle, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and compatibility for your needs.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the WiFi dongle will work with your Mac's operating system. This is crucial because not all dongles are designed to work with macOS. To ensure compatibility, check the product specifications or packaging for macOS support. If you are using the latest version of macOS, make sure the dongle supports it. If you are using an older version, verify that the dongle is compatible with that specific version.
WiFi StandardsWiFi standards determine the speed and range of your wireless connection. The most common standards are 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. 802.11n is older and offers decent speeds for basic browsing. 802.11ac provides faster speeds and better range, suitable for streaming and online gaming. 802.11ax, also known as WiFi 6, offers the highest speeds and best performance, ideal for heavy internet usage and multiple devices. Choose a dongle that supports the highest standard your router can handle for optimal performance.
USB Port TypeThe type of USB port on your Mac will determine which WiFi dongle you can use. Most modern Macs have USB-C ports, while older models may have USB-A ports. Ensure the dongle you choose matches the port type on your Mac. If your Mac has USB-C ports, look for a dongle with a USB-C connector. If it has USB-A ports, choose a dongle with a USB-A connector. Some dongles come with adapters to fit both types, offering more flexibility.
Antenna DesignAntenna design affects the range and stability of your WiFi connection. Dongles with external antennas generally offer better range and signal strength compared to those with internal antennas. If you need a strong and stable connection over a larger area, consider a dongle with an external antenna. For portability and convenience, a dongle with an internal antenna may be more suitable, especially if you use your Mac on the go.
SpeedSpeed is a critical factor for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads. WiFi dongles are rated by their maximum speed, usually in megabits per second (Mbps). Basic dongles may offer speeds up to 150 Mbps, suitable for light browsing and email. Mid-range dongles can provide speeds up to 600 Mbps, ideal for streaming and moderate usage. High-end dongles can offer speeds over 1 Gbps, perfect for heavy internet usage and multiple devices. Choose a dongle that matches your internet plan and usage needs.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your data and ensure safe browsing. Look for dongles that support the latest encryption standards, such as WPA3, which offers enhanced security compared to older standards like WPA2. This is especially important if you handle sensitive information or use public WiFi networks. Ensure the dongle supports the same security protocols as your router for seamless and secure connectivity.
Driver SupportDriver support refers to the software required for the dongle to function properly with your Mac. Some dongles require you to install drivers, while others are plug-and-play and work immediately. Check if the dongle comes with macOS-compatible drivers or if you need to download them from the manufacturer's website. Plug-and-play dongles offer convenience and ease of use, while those requiring drivers may offer more advanced features but need additional setup.

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