Best Wi-Fi dongles: he top wireless adapters to enhance your internet connection

Nowadays, internet connectivity is a crucial aspect of our daily lives. From streaming movies and attending virtual meetings to playing games and browsing social media, we rely heavily on Wi-Fi. For this reason, it can be frustrating when our wireless connection is slow or patchy, and the cause of these problems could be anything from outdated equipment and broken devices to environmental obstructions such as thick walls or a poorly positioned router.

Fortunately, the best Wi-Fi dongles can often solve these issues by providing advanced networking hardware that can boost your connection or replace a faulty wireless card without having to replace your entire PC. For more on getting your speeds up to scratch, check out our guide to the best Wi-Fi extenders.

If you're experiencing connectivity issues, we've got you covered. We've compiled a list of the best Wi-Fi dongles and wireless adapters available right now. Our selection includes budget-friendly options as well as high-speed USB adapters to enhance your Wi-Fi experience. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a casual user, we've got something for everyone.

The best Wi-Fi dongles in 2024

Best Wi-Fi 6 dongle

(Image credit: ASUS)

Did you know that the quality of Wi-Fi can differ depending on the router you're using? If your internet service provider gave you an outdated router, upgrading to a newer model may not necessarily improve your laptop's Wi-Fi speed and range. However, the ASUS AX1800 AX56 USB Wi-Fi Adapter takes away that worry. This adapter enables your device to take advantage of the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, ensuring that you receive the best possible speeds for your network.

It also utilizes beamforming and MU-MIMO technology to enhance signal strength and prevent other wireless devices from interfering with your connection, and the wing-like aerials with gold accents also lend a stylish touch. Meanwhile, the separate USB cradle makes it effortless to connect without any hassle, so you can easily enjoy faster and more reliable internet connectivity.

Best budget Wi-Fi dongle

(Image credit: TP-Link)

Maintaining a clutter-free workspace can be a challenge, especially when dealing with Wi-Fi gadgets, but this isn't an issue with this tiny USB adapter. Measuring just a thumbnail size, it's small enough that you might worry about misplacing it, but it's perfect for those who want to plug it into a spare USB port and forget about it.

While it may not offer the absolute best Wi-Fi speeds, it's an excellent value for those who don't require top-of-the-line performance. With a combined maximum speed of 600Mb per second across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz channels, this discreet dongle is ideal for those with limited internet connections.

Best Wi-Fi dongle for business

(Image credit: Netgear)

If you're a business traveler, you probably know that a reliable internet connection is essential to staying productive. That's why the Netgear A7000 AC1900 wireless adapter is the perfect solution, and its small size makes it easy to pack and carry around with you. But don't let its size fool you - this adapter offers a strong signal even in busy environments like airports and hotels.

The Netgear A7000 AC1900 has four internal antennas and beamforming technology, which means you can expect high-speed connections and reliable performance. What's more, the magnetic cradle allows you to attach it to any metal surface to keep it out of the way while you work. We also appreciate its sleek and subtle design, which fits in seamlessly with any workspace.

Best all-round Wi-Fi dongle

(Image credit: D-Link)

When it comes to wireless adaptors, it's not always about being the best at one thing, but rather excelling at a few key areas, and that's exactly what D-Link's DWA-181 does. While it may not be the absolute top performer in any one category, it combines the best features of its rivals to create a truly standout product.

One of the key advantages of this Wi-Fi dongle is its size. It's small enough to easily tuck away without drawing attention, yet powerful enough to deliver speeds of up to 867Mb per second. This makes it an ideal choice for most households, even those with high bandwidth needs. What's more, the DWA-181 is affordably priced, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget. At this price point, it'd be hard to find a better wireless adaptor that offers the same level of performance and versatility.

A reliable dongle with MU-MIMO tech

(Image credit: TP-Link)

If you're tired of slow Wi-Fi speeds and buffering when streaming HD movies, the Archer T4U Wi-Fi adapter can solve a lot of problems by upgrading your laptop or PC to fast AC1300 Wi-Fi speeds, promising smoother streaming and quicker downloads. With selectable dual 2.4 GHz (400 Mbps) and 5 GHz (867 Mbps) bands, you can avoid crowded networks and Wi-Fi slowdowns for speed and range, and the adapter also features beamforming technology, which concentrates the Wi-Fi signal towards your router for stronger connections.

Additionally, MU-MIMO provides two simultaneous data streams, improving the efficiency of the entire network when working with a compatible router. The high-gain antennas also ensure improved range, signal quality, and transmission performance, and the built-in WPS button allows for an easy and secure Wi-Fi connection.

A solid USB 3.0 adapter

(Image credit: Linksys)

This Linksys USB 3.0 adapter is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to connect their computer to a wireless-AC network. With this adapter, you can easily stream high-definition video and enjoy high-speed gaming, making it the perfect choice for gamers and movie enthusiasts alike.

The adapter operates on dual-band 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz wireless frequencies, which reduces interference and enhances signal clarity, and the LED indicators provide essential information at a glance, ensuring that you're always up to date on your network's status. The adapter also boasts robust security protocols, plus up to 256-bit encryption, to help ensure that your network stays secure.

Choosing the best Wi-Fi dongle for your home

(Image credit: Netgear)

What’s the difference between 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

If you’re dealing with Wi-Fi networks, you may come across the terms ‘2.4GHz’ and ‘5GHz’ which might be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with them. Even though you don't need to know the technicalities behind them, it helps to have a basic understanding of what these terms mean.

These terms refer to the frequencies, referred to as ‘channels’ or ‘bands’, that are used to send and receive data between your router and devices. The 2.4GHz channel has a longer range but transmits data more slowly, while the 5GHz channel is faster but has a shorter range. Devices that support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies are referred to as ‘dual band’ devices.

Since the 5GHz channel is newer, some older devices may only support the 2.4GHz band. As a result, there may be more traffic on the 2.4GHz channel. To tackle this issue, newer routers may automatically switch devices to the 5GHz channel.

Do I need Wi-Fi 6?

Wi-Fi 6 is a new wireless connection technology that can improve your connection range and download speeds. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, both your router and the device you're using to connect must be compatible with Wi-Fi 6 to enjoy its benefits. But don't worry, it's still backward-compatible with older devices. 

Since it's a new technology, Wi-Fi 6 can be more expensive. The most expensive dongle on our list, the Wi-Fi 6-enabled Asus USB-AX56, is a testament to this. Additionally, Wi-Fi 6 routers are generally pricier than those using older Wi-Fi standards. If you're using the router provided by your ISP, it's unlikely to be compatible with Wi-Fi 6.

However, if you want to maximize the speed of your Wi-Fi connection and have a super-fast internet connection, investing in Wi-Fi 6-enabled hardware may be worth considering.

Do Wi-Fi dongles have to be so big?

If you're buying a Wi-Fi dongle, you may have noticed that many of them are bulky and come with long aerials. However, these aerials have a purpose. Just like with a TV or radio, larger aerials make it easier to pick up signals over greater distances. 

However, for most home or business networks, this feature is not necessary, as the maximum speed of either the router or the device itself is often the culprit for connectivity issues. 

On the other hand, if you have a large, unobstructed space that needs wireless signal transmission, such as a home office in a shed at the bottom of your garden, a dongle or adapter with a larger aerial may be a better solution than investing in a mesh Wi-Fi system.

Should I upgrade my router?

When looking to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter or any networking equipment, it's crucial to keep in mind that the speed of your connection will be limited by the slowest component of your network. For example, if your internet service provider offers a 700Mb per second connection, but your router can only handle a maximum of 400Mb per second, any device connected to that router will also be restricted to 400Mb per second, even if it has the potential for faster speeds.

Additionally, it's important to consider your network requirements. While faster internet speeds are always desirable, if you only use the internet for checking emails and watching the occasional movie, there may be no need to invest in high-end networking equipment and a premium broadband package. Conversely, a busy household where multiple people are constantly using phones, tablets, and gaming consoles may need to consider increasing their network bandwidth.

In light of these factors, it's recommended to carefully evaluate the specs of any networking equipment you're considering before making a purchase.