10 Best Wireless Dongles 2026 in the United States

The NETGEAR Wireless-N 150 USB Adapter WNA1100 is a compact and lightweight device, weighing just 74 grams and measuring 0.73 x 2.4 x 0.35 inches. It is designed for desktops and uses USB 2.0 for connectivity, making it easy to plug in and use without occupying much space.

The device supports a data transfer rate of up to 150 Megabits per second, which is suitable for basic internet browsing and online activities. However, it may not be ideal for high-bandwidth tasks such as streaming or gaming. The adapter is compatible with Wireless-N standard, but it does not support dual-band frequencies, limiting its performance in crowded wireless environments.

The design is simple and straightforward, making it easy to install and use. It is a decent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly and basic wireless adapter, although there may be more advanced options available for users with higher performance needs.

The ASUS WiFi 6 AX1800 USB Adapter is a solid choice if you want to upgrade your PC or laptop to the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology without opening your device. It supports dual-band Wi-Fi (both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), offering faster speeds up to 1800 Mbps, which is great for gaming, streaming, and general internet use. The adapter uses a USB interface and comes with an external antenna and cradle that help boost signal strength, improving your connection in crowded or large spaces.

It is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, making it suitable for most modern PCs and laptops. Security-wise, it supports WPA3, which is currently the strongest Wi-Fi encryption standard, providing better protection for your network. The setup is simple with plug-and-play support, so you don't need to worry about complicated installations.

On the downside, this adapter is only compatible with Windows, so Mac or Linux users will need to look elsewhere. Also, while the adapter is compact and lightweight, the external antenna and cradle mean it takes up more desk space than tiny, fully integrated dongles. If you need a reliable and faster wireless connection on a Windows device and don’t mind the slightly larger physical footprint, this ASUS adapter is a practical option.

The Panda Wireless® N600 Dual Band USB Adapter is a versatile option for users needing reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands and can reach speeds up to 300Mbps. The support for multiple operating systems, including various Linux distributions and Windows versions, makes it highly compatible for a broad range of users, though it lacks support for MacOS, which could be a downside for Apple users.

Security-wise, it covers a wide range of protocols including WPA and WPA2, ensuring safe connections. The adapter's small size and lightweight design (2.4 x 0.9 x 0.35 inches, 0.32 ounces) make it highly portable and easy to use with laptops, though it’s not suitable for media players, gaming consoles, or other devices outside Intel/AMD-based PCs and Raspberry Pi. The inclusion of a WPS button facilitates easy and secure connections. However, it doesn't support higher speed AC standards which might be a limitation for those needing faster connections.

The product offers good customer support and warranty, which is reassuring. This dongle is ideal for users looking for a reliable and portable solution for their PC or Raspberry Pi, as long as they do not require compatibility with Mac devices or non-PC systems.