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 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.

The Panda Wireless PAU09 N600 Dual Band Wireless N USB Adapter is a versatile option for those needing to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. It supports a broad range of operating systems including various versions of Windows and Linux, but it does not support MacOS, which could be a limitation for Apple users. With a maximum connection speed of 300Mbps, it should be sufficient for most home and office internet needs, though it may not be the fastest available for high-demand applications like gaming or streaming high-definition video.

The dual 5dBi antennas help in improving signal strength and stability, making it a reliable choice for areas with weaker Wi-Fi signals. However, the size of the unit, being slightly bulkier due to the antennas, might not be ideal for users looking for a more compact solution. The adapter also includes robust security features like WEP, WPA, and WPA2, ensuring secure wireless communication.

It is important to note that it is not compatible with devices like digital media players, DVRs, and security cameras, making it specifically suited for PC and Raspberry Pi users. Support for both infrastructure and ad-hoc modes adds flexibility in network configurations. For those who might run into issues, the manufacturer offers responsive technical support and a warranty. The Panda Wireless PAU09 is a strong contender for users needing a reliable, dual-band wireless adapter for their PC or Raspberry Pi with extensive OS compatibility and strong security features, though Mac users and those with specific other device needs will need to look elsewhere.