10 Best Wireless Dongles 2025 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 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.