10 Best Wireless Dongles 2025 in the United States

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 NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6E USB 3.0 Adapter (A8000) is a solid choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their Windows PC to the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard. It supports tri-band Wi-Fi—including the new 6GHz band—which means it can deliver very fast wireless speeds up to 3Gbps, roughly 2.5 times faster than older Wi-Fi 5 devices. This makes it especially good for high-quality video calls, gaming, and streaming without lag. The adapter connects via USB 3.0, ensuring a stable and fast connection to your computer. It features a flippable external antenna that helps you find the best Wi-Fi signal, and its compact design with a cradle allows flexible placement on your desk.

It’s compatible with any Wi-Fi 6 or 6E router or mesh system but to use the new 6GHz band, you’ll need a Wi-Fi 6E router. On the downside, it only works with Windows PCs, so Mac users won't be able to use it. Also, while it offers great speed and modern security features typical of Wi-Fi 6E, its full potential depends on having a compatible Wi-Fi 6E network, which is still relatively new and not as common as Wi-Fi 5 or 6.

Its small size makes it easy to carry around, but if you need a dongle for older systems or non-Windows devices, this wouldn’t be the best fit. It is a powerful and future-proof adapter if you’re ready to upgrade your home Wi-Fi setup and want faster, more reliable wireless connectivity.

The Linksys AE6000 Dual-Band Wireless Mini USB Adapter is a compact device designed to upgrade your computer's wireless capabilities, particularly useful for streaming HD video and gaming. It supports Wireless-AC standards, providing faster speeds up to 430 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and up to 150 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This dual-band support helps reduce interference in crowded areas, making it a strong choice for users in densely populated environments.

The mini design enhances portability, making it easy to carry around with your laptop or desktop. However, it's important to note that optimal performance is achieved when paired with a Linksys Wireless-AC Router, which may be a downside if you are using a router from a different brand. It connects via a standard USB port and is compatible with Windows operating systems, but its compatibility is limited to specific versions like Windows XP and Windows 7, which might be a drawback for users with newer systems.

Despite these limitations, its lightweight and compact design, combined with solid performance metrics, make it a practical choice for users looking to enhance their wireless connectivity on older Windows systems.