The 10 best WiFi dongles to buy in the UK
The best WiFi dongle is a fantastic investment for anyone that travels frequently and requires a good connection to the internet. This is common for many commuting to work or travelling long distances, allowing you to stay connected so that you can get work done or pass the time with some entertainment.
However, finding the best wirless adapter can be challenging for first-time buyers, as finding the right piece of tech hardware is not always easy. To help with this, check out the handy buying guide below, it covers all the information that you need to know to find the best WiFi done for your needs.
What are WiFi dongles?
A WiFi dongle, also known as wirless adapter, is a small, portable modem that plugs into a laptop or computer to provide access to the internet. The dongle looks almost identical to a USB flash drive, although many come with an antenna to boost the signal and wireless connections and can connect using both wireless and mobile (e.g. 3G & 4G) broadband.
Why should you buy a good WiFi dongle?
The best WiFi dongles let you effortlessly connect to the internet on the go, making them especially useful for anyone that travels frequently and wants to remain connected to the internet. It can also be great for working away from home like in a café or coffee shop, saving the hassle (and risk) of using public WiFi, letting you connect your devices to secure internet via the dongle.
How to choose the right WiFi dongle in 2024?
Choosing a piece of new tech can be difficult, so here are some things to think about to help find the best WiFi dongles:
- Compatibility: It is easy to overlook this, as not all dongles are compatible with every operating system, so be sure to double-check this before buying. For example, if you are using a laptop with Windows 10, make sure the WiFi dongle is compatible with this.
- Speed: Older WiFi dongles connect to 3G mobile broadband, which is much cheaper but also offers the slowest speeds. The best WiFi dongles are 4G enabled, allowing connections to the fastest mobile internet currently available, so be sure to check what speeds the device offers to ensure ts suitable for your browsing needs. Also, you may want a dongle that is 5G enabled.
- Data Plan: Because a WiFi dongle connects to mobile broadband like a mobile phone, you will need to select a data plan to determine how much internet you can use. Pay as you go plans are great for anyone using the dongle infrequently, featuring no long term contracts as you just top up before using the dongle. This is not great for daily use as it will quickly run out, so if you plan on using the dongle most days then a monthly data plan with enough data to meet your needs is recommended.
What is the best kind of WiFi dongle in the UK?
There are the two most popular types of WiFi adapters available to buy:
- WiFi Dongle: This is the standard dongle that connects to a single device, usually a laptop or computer, converting mobile broadband data so you can use the internet on these devices. It’s simple to use and comes with various data options, although it is limited to a single device at a time.
- 4G Router: This newer device connects to 3G and 4G networks like a standard WiFi dongle but can create WiFi hotspots as well. As a result, you can connect multiple devices like your smartphone to a single dongle, making it great for families, groups travelling, or anyone using many devices at once.
Top 10 list of WiFi dongles in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their WiFi dongles. Which WiFi dongle is the best?
- Supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS, Linux
- One button security setup - Easily setup a secure wireless connection with one-touch…
- Soft AP mode - turns a wired internet connection to a PC or Laptop into a Wi-Fi…
- Advanced security –supports 64/128-bit WEP, WPA/WPA2, and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK…
- Operating System – Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS 10.910.13
- Nano design USB Wi-Fi - Small, unobtrusive design allows you to plug it in and forget…
- Super mini size: Compact design usb wifi adapter for easy carrying, and you can leave…
- Easy to use: Before plugging the wireless network adapter into the usb port, please…
- USB Wifi Adapter Support Operation System: Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000, Mac OS…
- Supports the Latest Operating Systems: Fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8…
- Extended AP Mode and WiFi Dongle: The USB WiFi adapter for PC supports Soft AP mode,…
- Easy to Use: Before plugging the wireless network adapter into the usb port, please…
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 - Up to 10x faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0
- Improved Security - WPA3 provides the latest security enhancements for personal password…
- Lower Latency Gameplay - OFDMA and MU-MIMO ensure the most efficient WiFi connection…
- Soft AP Mode and Advanced security: USB WiFi dongle turns a wired internet connection…
- USB Wifi Adapter Support Operation System: Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000, Mac OS…
- Easy to Use: Before plugging the wireless network adapter into the usb port, please…
- Multi-Encryption, Safe Internet: Support WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK/WPA3-SAE/WPA/WPA/WPA2/WPA3…
- Built-in Driver: UGREEN Wifi Dongle has normal wireless card mode and AP mode. You…
- Dual 5dBi High-Gain Antennas: UGREEN Wifi 6 ethernet dongle adopts an external adjustable…
- NOTEWhen the laptop is used, the USB should be inserted in the 3.0 interface to use,…
- Compatible SystemsWindows 11/10 Plug and Play, for Windows 11/ 10/ 8/ 7/ XP/ Mac…
- AP Function & Wireless EncryptionDongle wifi supports AP routing function and…
- Ultra Speed Wifi Dongle: Runs ultra-speed 802.11ac WiFi that is almost three times…
- USB 3.0 Data Port: USB WiFi adapter is applied with USB 3.0 port with data transfer…
- Dual Band Wireless: WiFi adapter can receive WiFi signals on two separate bands with…
- Aftersale2-Year Warranty. Before using, please disable your computer's other…
- Widely Compatible USB 3.0 With USB 3.0 port design, wifi internet dongle enjoy 10…
- Perfect Compatibility & WPA3 Wireless USB adapter WPA3 encryption standards keep…
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