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10 Best Wifi Dongle For Mac 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

USB WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC, Wavlink AC1900 WiFi Adapter Dual Band Wireless Network Adapter with High Gain Antennas, MU-MIMO, Supports Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10/11 MacOS 10.7-10.15

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,228
Antenna Design
Speed

Most important from
319 reviews

Antenna Design
Excellent signal reception, even through concrete walls and at considerable distances from the router.
Speed
A great device that offers super-fast WiFi connection with simple plug-and-play setup.

The WAVLINK AX1800 USB WiFi Adapter offers dual-band connectivity supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, providing speeds of up to 574Mbps and 1201Mbps respectively. This makes it suitable for gaming, downloading, and streaming. Its four high-gain antennas and advanced Beamforming technology ensure strong and stable signal reception, enhancing coverage and efficiency with support for multiple users via OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies.

The adapter includes WPS one-key encryption for secure connections and a magnetic base with a 3.28ft cable for flexible placement, particularly useful for desktop setups. Compatibility-wise, it supports Windows XP through Windows 11 and MacOS 10.7 to 10.15, excluding Mac's latest versions and Linux. Notably, the soft AP function that allows it to create a WiFi hotspot does not work on Mac OS.

The adapter offers an easy setup with built-in drivers and a USB 3.0 interface, but the absence of support for newer MacOS versions is a significant drawback for Mac users. This adapter is ideal for those using compatible Windows or older MacOS versions who need a robust and versatile WiFi connection for their desktop PCs.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,228
Antenna Design
Speed

Most important from
319 reviews

Antenna Design
Excellent signal reception, even through concrete walls and at considerable distances from the router.
Speed
A great device that offers super-fast WiFi connection with simple plug-and-play setup.
#2

NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB 2.0 Mini Adapter for Desktop PC | Dual Band WiFi Stick for Wireless Internet (A6150-100PAS)

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Driver Support

Most important from
682 reviews

Compatibility
Impressive performance with a much stronger signal, especially for older devices.
Driver Support
The small form factor makes it convenient and it works flawlessly after a simple driver download.

The NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB 2.0 Mini Adapter (A6150-100PAS) is a compact and easy-to-use device designed for enhancing wireless internet connectivity on desktop PCs and laptops, supporting both Windows and Mac OS. Its dual-band capability offers fast WiFi speeds of up to 1200 Mbps, making it suitable for HD video streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.

One of its key advantages is its nano-size design, which ensures it doesn’t block other USB ports when plugged in. Additionally, the adapter features MU-MIMO technology, allowing multiple devices to stream data simultaneously, and Beamforming+ technology, which enhances the range and reliability of the connection. However, it's important to note that this product is specifically made for use in the US and Canada.

Being a USB 2.0 device, it may not take full advantage of the higher data transfer rates available with USB 3.0 ports. Additionally, while the adapter is praised for its ease of use and performance, its small size might make it easier to misplace. In summary, the NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi adapter is a solid choice for users looking to boost their WiFi capabilities on both Mac and Windows devices without obstructing other ports, though it may not fully leverage the speeds available through USB 3.0.

Rating
9.8
Compatibility
Driver Support

Most important from
682 reviews

Compatibility
Impressive performance with a much stronger signal, especially for older devices.
Driver Support
The small form factor makes it convenient and it works flawlessly after a simple driver download.
#3

TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter, AC1300Mbps Dual Band 5dBi High Gain Antenna 2.4GHz/ 5GHz Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop PC (Archer T4U Plus)- Supports Windows 11/10, Mac OS 10.9-10.14

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
WiFi Standards
Antenna Design

Most important from
9080 reviews

Compatibility
Plug and play functionality is praised, making setup quick and effortless.
WiFi Standards
The dual-band support effectively enhances connectivity, especially after updating to the latest drivers.
Antenna Design
The adapter's range is notably better, detecting more nearby networks compared to smaller dongle types.
Speed
Significant speed improvement, jumping from 20mbps to 330mbps, showcasing impressive performance.

The TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter (Archer T4U Plus) is a robust choice for Mac users needing a WiFi dongle, especially those using macOS versions 10.9 to 10.14. With dual-band support, it offers flexible connectivity on both 2.4GHz (up to 400Mbps) and 5GHz (up to 867Mbps) bands, making it suitable for a variety of online activities like gaming, streaming, and downloading.

The AC1300 speed ensures fast and reliable internet access, while the dual high-gain antennas enhance range and signal quality, which is beneficial for desktop users who might place their PCs further from the router. The USB 3.0 port also ensures faster data transfer compared to USB 2.0, contributing to a better performance experience.

However, a major drawback is its limited compatibility with newer macOS versions beyond 10.14, potentially excluding users with more recent updates. Additionally, the relatively large size and external antennas, while beneficial for signal strength, may not be ideal for users looking for a more compact, portable solution. Despite these limitations, the TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter stands out for its impressive speed, enhanced range, and performance, making it a strong contender for desktop users needing reliable WiFi connectivity.

Rating
9.7
Compatibility
WiFi Standards
Antenna Design

Most important from
9080 reviews

Compatibility
Plug and play functionality is praised, making setup quick and effortless.
WiFi Standards
The dual-band support effectively enhances connectivity, especially after updating to the latest drivers.
Antenna Design
The adapter's range is notably better, detecting more nearby networks compared to smaller dongle types.
Speed
Significant speed improvement, jumping from 20mbps to 330mbps, showcasing impressive performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Wifi Dongle For Mac

Choosing the right WiFi dongle for your Mac can significantly improve your internet connectivity and overall user experience. A WiFi dongle is a small device that plugs into your computer's USB port and allows you to connect to wireless networks. When selecting a WiFi dongle, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and compatibility for your needs.
CompatibilityCompatibility refers to whether the WiFi dongle will work with your Mac's operating system. This is crucial because not all dongles are designed to work with macOS. To ensure compatibility, check the product specifications or packaging for macOS support. If you are using the latest version of macOS, make sure the dongle supports it. If you are using an older version, verify that the dongle is compatible with that specific version.
WiFi StandardsWiFi standards determine the speed and range of your wireless connection. The most common standards are 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax. 802.11n is older and offers decent speeds for basic browsing. 802.11ac provides faster speeds and better range, suitable for streaming and online gaming. 802.11ax, also known as WiFi 6, offers the highest speeds and best performance, ideal for heavy internet usage and multiple devices. Choose a dongle that supports the highest standard your router can handle for optimal performance.
USB Port TypeThe type of USB port on your Mac will determine which WiFi dongle you can use. Most modern Macs have USB-C ports, while older models may have USB-A ports. Ensure the dongle you choose matches the port type on your Mac. If your Mac has USB-C ports, look for a dongle with a USB-C connector. If it has USB-A ports, choose a dongle with a USB-A connector. Some dongles come with adapters to fit both types, offering more flexibility.
Antenna DesignAntenna design affects the range and stability of your WiFi connection. Dongles with external antennas generally offer better range and signal strength compared to those with internal antennas. If you need a strong and stable connection over a larger area, consider a dongle with an external antenna. For portability and convenience, a dongle with an internal antenna may be more suitable, especially if you use your Mac on the go.
SpeedSpeed is a critical factor for activities like streaming, gaming, and large file downloads. WiFi dongles are rated by their maximum speed, usually in megabits per second (Mbps). Basic dongles may offer speeds up to 150 Mbps, suitable for light browsing and email. Mid-range dongles can provide speeds up to 600 Mbps, ideal for streaming and moderate usage. High-end dongles can offer speeds over 1 Gbps, perfect for heavy internet usage and multiple devices. Choose a dongle that matches your internet plan and usage needs.
Security FeaturesSecurity features protect your data and ensure safe browsing. Look for dongles that support the latest encryption standards, such as WPA3, which offers enhanced security compared to older standards like WPA2. This is especially important if you handle sensitive information or use public WiFi networks. Ensure the dongle supports the same security protocols as your router for seamless and secure connectivity.
Driver SupportDriver support refers to the software required for the dongle to function properly with your Mac. Some dongles require you to install drivers, while others are plug-and-play and work immediately. Check if the dongle comes with macOS-compatible drivers or if you need to download them from the manufacturer's website. Plug-and-play dongles offer convenience and ease of use, while those requiring drivers may offer more advanced features but need additional setup.

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