Android external Wi-Fi adapter. Best Wireless Android Auto Adapter for 2023

Android external Wi-Fi adapter

SI SI https://www.simore.com/en/dual-triple-SIM-card-active-simultaneous-adapter-router-Wi-Fi-three-phone-numbers-e-clips-Android.html

E-Clips Android. Dual Triple SIM for Android smartphones. 2 or 3 SIM cards active simultaneously. Wi-Fi DATA / Internet function

E-Clips Android is a dual triple SIM adapter which allows to use 2 or 3 phone numbers active at the same time on one Android smartphone or tablet.

This adapter turns your Android phone into a simultaneous Dual Triple SIM smartphone and allows to make data from any SIM card on one mobile phone.

E-Clips Android Triple dual SIM allows you to make and receive calls and SMS, surf the internet at high speed, all with two or three SIM cards simultaneously and without having to carry several mobile phones.

You can manage and centralize your calls, messages, Internet and phone data (phone book, SMS, call logs. ) of two or three phone numbers active simultaneously from the screen of your Android smartphone.

The E-Clips Android Dual Triple SIM device is also a MiFi Wi-Fi cellular Router.

The Triple dual SIM adapter creates a Wi-Fi access point secured by a password and connects to your smartphone, allowing you to enjoy Internet connectivity wherever you are and at any time.

Additionally to benefits of personal internet connection, the E-Clips Android can be used as a MiFi Wi-Fi hotspot to share your connection with many other devices (iOS, Android and Windows smartphones and tablets, PC laptop, Mac)

It is possible to connect up to 8 users at the same time and provide them high speed internet access.

Your family, friends or colleagues can use the wireless connection to browse Internet, download and watch images and videos, catch up with their social networks. simultaneously.

With its stylish and functional design, the Triple Dualsim E-Clips Android adapter is easy to carry and always stays with you.

This innovative adapter has been specially designed to be used alone, as a compact box that fits into your or your bag.

How it works:

Download and install the SIMPlus App available on Google Play Store on your Android smartphone.

Insert 1 or 2 SIM cards into the E-Clips Android device.

Connect your smartphone to E-Clips Android via Bluetooth (wireless connection).

Enjoy the simultaneous Triple Dual SIM phone function.

With its simple and intuitive interface, the SIMPlus app allows you, at a glance, to select the right SIM card, access your contacts and messages, view your networks information, mobile phone provider, signal strength, the battery level and the Wi-Fi / MiFi router status.

E-Clips Android Triple dual SIM has a micro SD card slot (up to 32 Go) which provides an external storage option.

With the long lasting battery, the Dual Triple SIM E-Clips Android can operate for 4 to 6 hours despite intensive use. It is rechargeable via the provided micro USB cable.

Performances

Your Android mobile phone or tablet becomes a Dual or Triple SIM card smartphone.

Have high speed internet access with you everywhere.

Wireless Multi SIM MiFi Wi-Fi Hotspot Router for up to 8 users.

Easy to use: Simply download and install the SIMPlus app from the Google Play Store on your Android phone.

Connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth in a radius up to 10-15 meters.

Credit card sized, E-Clips Android takes place easily to your. your wallet or a bag.

Bluetooth multi-point access to use other Bluetooth devices (hands-free headset, car kit…).

Micro SD card extension for external storage capacity (to be used as a USB flash drive accessible by cable).

Included

1 x Triple Dual SIM adapter MiFi Wi-Fi Router E-Clips Android SI

1 x Micro USB charging cable

1 x User Manual (English. French)

Compatibility

E-Clips Android is compatible with all Android smartphones and tablets

Works with all Android OS versions from 4.4

Compatible with all GSM, 3G and WCDMA (Band 1, 8) SIM cards from all mobile providers

All iOS, Android and Windows smartphones, tablets, laptop PC, Mac… can connect to E-Clips Android through Wi-Fi to access internet

Note

Does not require you to unsimlock your Android device

Internet access is available with the SIM card placed into your smartphone’s slot and with the SIM-1 placed into the adapter over 3G; the SIM-2 is for calls and SMS over 2G

MMS function is currently not supported

Complete your purchase

To attach the E-Clips Android Triple Dual SIM adapter onto the back of your smartphone:Magnetic holder CellSnapp

Vidéos

Galaxy Note 10 E-Clips Gold Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy Note 10 Plus E-Clips Gold Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy Note 8 E-Clips Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy Note 9 E-Clips Gold Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy Note20 Ultra E-Clips Gold Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy S10 Plus E-Clips Gold Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy S8 Plus E-Clips Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

Galaxy S9 Plus E-Clips Android Triple Dual SIM active adapter View the video

FAQ

I want to have 4 or 5 SIM cards, or more, on one mobile phone. Is it possible ?

Yes, you can mix one Bluetooth SIM adapter with one X-T 3G/4G adapter. You will have 2 or 3 SIM cards active simultaneously and from 1 to 4 extra SIM cards with switching on one single phone.

Can I choose incoming calls ringtone for the SIM card placed in the bluetooth adapter ?

Yes, a selection of ringtones is proposed.

Can I receive calls and SMS simultaneously on 3 SIM cards with the E-Clips triple SIM bluetooth adapter ?

Yes, the bluetooth adapter E-Clips is a Triple SIM system with simultaneous connection that allow you to use 3 active SIM cards at the same time on one mobile phone.

Can I choose the SIM card I want to use to make calls or SMS ?

Yes, the SIMPlus app allows you to select the SIM you want to use for calling your contacts or sending messages.

Can I surf the web and make data with E-Clips Triple SIM active adapter ?

Yes, E-Clips allows you to make data and browse the internet through the SIM data plan of your choice (with the SIM placed into your mobile slot and with the SIM-1 placed into the adapter).

How to share my Internet connection ?

You can share your Internet connection with up to 8 users. Simply activate the Wi-Fi tethering function in the SIMPlus App and connect to the E-Clips Multi-SIM Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Can I use all SIM cards sizes into the Triple Dual SIM E-Clips ?

E-Clips hybrid SIM slot supports one Nano SIM card and one Micro SIM card.It is possible to turn your SIM cards into micro or nano SIM size by using our SIM accessories.

Do I need to buy a case to use the E-Clips triple SIM adapter ?

The case is optional. You can use E-Clips on it’s own, just keep it in your or your bag or fix it on the E-Clips Case for iPhone 8-7-6-6S, E-Clips Case for iPhone 8-7-6-6S Plus or E-Clips Case for iPhone X. So long as it is in Bluetooth range, it will work perfectly.

What is the E-Clips battery life ?

The E-Clips triple SIM active adapter has its own battery.E-Clips can last up to 20 days on standby. However it will last 18-24 hours ‘talking time’ (calls and SMS).When used for data it will last from 5-8 hours.

What languages does SIMPlus app cater for ?

The SIMPlus app caters for English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Turkish, and Dutch speakers.

What is the Bluetooth’s and Wi-Fi operating range ?

The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection range is 10. 15 meters.

How to charge the E-Clips adapter ?

Each E-Clips adapter comes with a USB charging cable.You can charge it with your cellphone USB charger or with your computer USB plug using the provided cable.

Can I use another Bluetooth device simultaneously with the E-Clips Triple SIM active adapter ?

Yes, it is possible to connect at the same time another bluetooth system (for example Hands-free headset or car kit) to your mobile phone.Note: All available BT devices have not been tested.

Do I need to unsimlock my Android device to use E-Clips triple dual SIM active bluetooth adapter ?

No, you don’t need to unsimlock your Android smartphone or tablet to make it work with E-Clips.

What is the difference between E-Clips and E-Clips Gold ?

E-Clips is Dual Band (Band 1 and 8).E-Clips Gold is Quad Band (Band 1, 2, 5 and 8).

Best Wireless Android Auto Adapter for 2023

Did you know that a wireless Android Auto Adapter allows you to wirelessly stream content from your Android phone to an in-car entertainment system built with a wired Auto Android System? Google created the Android Auto system, which gives you access to your Android phone’s call, messaging, navigation, and media apps through the dashboard display in your car.

Basically, this program streams apps from Android devices to the head units in compatible cars, allowing users to access and control their phones while driving easily. By using this function, you can concentrate better while driving and have quick access to a number of things without constantly pulling up your phone.

While some automobiles have Android Auto systems that can connect wirelessly with Android phones, some can only establish a wired connection. There are several wireless Android Auto Adapters available that you may use to wirelessly link your car’s head to your phone if your car was built with a wired Android Auto system.

What is the most effective wireless Android auto adapter, though? From the well-known MA1 to Carsifi, there are a number of wireless Android Auto Adapters you can use. Hence, in order to help you choose the best option for your car, this article will review the best wireless Android Auto Adapter along with some extra details you may need.

What Do I Need To Use Wireless Android Auto Adapter?

In order to use a wireless Android Auto adapter to connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system, you will need the following:

• A Vehicle or car stereo or compatible with Android Auto and has a USB input.
• A wireless adapter that is compatible with your car stereo.
• A smartphone with Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher version.
• The updated Android Auto app should be installed on your smartphone.
• A stable Wi-Fi connection between your smartphone and the wireless adapter.
• Have the latest firmware version installed on your car stereo.

Best Wireless Android Auto Adapter

Looking for the best wireless Android Auto Adapter? Below are the reviews of the ones that are worth checking out:

CarSifi

With CarSifi, one of the best wireless Android Auto adapters available, you can wirelessly connect your Android phone to the infotainment system in your car using the in-built Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The device is really simple to set up and transmits data over Wi-Fi at 2.4GHz or 5GHz while also using Bluetooth for calls and audio.

CarSifi is compatible with all head units and automobile brands. With the use of a “magic button” on the front of the device, you may pair multiple phones with it, choose one as the default, and quickly swap between the previous two phones you paired with. over, the CarSifi’s front-mounted button may be configured to perform various tasks like pausing and restarting Android Auto.

This waller-friendly wireless Android Auto adapter supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. It may be used with Android devices running Android 9.0 and higher, however, Android 6 to 8 require companion software, which can be downloaded by scanning the QR code located within the box lid.

• It is very easy to set up
• Automatic connection
• Allows you to switch between multiple devices

Motorola MA1

Motorola’s MA1 is a choice you should look at if you’re looking for a wireless Android Auto adapter. The Motorola MA1 is a well-known device that allows you to wirelessly connect your Android phone to the car’s display unit so that you may use it to access functions and apps on the phone.

The Motorola MA1 is sleek and compact, however, it has a non-detachable cord that some people could find uncomfortable. Furthermore, it supports Wi-Fi 5GHz, which speeds up the device’s data connectivity. If you use several smartphones, this gadget can accept up to two devices paired to it, and it features a side button that you may use to switch between the paired smartphones.

Once set up, this Motorola’s wireless Android Dongle establishes a seamless connection between the infotainment system in your car and your Android smartphone. The Motorola MA1 uses Android Auto receiver technology, making it easy to get updates. Although it has a premium price tag, this product is well worth it.

• Compatible with most Android phones
• Sleek design
• Create a very stable connection

OttoCast U2-X

If you don’t drive a brand-new car and want to enjoy a wireless connection between your Android phone and your car’s head unit, there is another excellent wireless Android Auto adapter to take into consideration. OttoCast U2-X supports Apple CarPlay in addition to Android Auto, so if you use a variety of smartphones and wish to connect them to your car’s infotainment system, you’ll find it to be fascinating.

Although it is the priciest of the wireless Android Auto adapters on this list, it also offers the most comprehensive set of features compared to its rivals. Its 2-step setup promise is entirely correct, making it the list’s easiest item to set up. Furthermore, it is quite easy to keep in cars thanks to its well-designed prism-like form factor. OttoCast U2-X uses a 15S auto-connect technology to enable quick data transmission. Before making a purchase, you should be aware that the Plug n Play device only supports Android 11 and higher.

• Compatible with more than 600 cars and phone models
• Support all Android Auto apps
• Fast data transmission

CarlinKit 4.0 Wireless Android Auto Adapter

CarlinKit 4.0 is another wireless AA adapter that can help secure Android Auto connection between your car’s infotainment system and your Android phone. This dongle supports dual-Band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing you to pair your phone with it via Bluetooth and then wirelessly link Android Auto between your phone and the head unit of your car using Wi-Fi at 2.4 or 5GHz.

It uses the latest version of Android Auto and comes with a regular USB-A and a USB-C cable in its box, making it possible to connect with any Smart port that is available in your car. This specific wireless Android Auto adapter also offers the very intriguing capability of enabling wireless Android Auto in CarPlay-compatible cars.

The split-screen mode in CarLink 4.0 enables you to access two things at once and supports HD video and audio streaming. It only supports Android versions 11 and up, though.

• Easy to connect
• Has built-in GPS
• It includes apps like YouTube and Google Maps

AA Wireless

The AA Wireless Android Auto adapter is one of the market’s pioneers in wireless Android Auto adapters. This adapter, like the other products we’ve featured in this article, enables quick data transfer between your Android phone and your car’s head unit. It permits pairing with several devices simultaneously and is compatible with practically all phone and automobile models.

After the initial connection using the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, AA Wireless is very simple to set up and connect your Android Auto instantly and quickly via Bluetooth. It is incredibly compact and light, and a free companion app is included for more functionality. With this Android Auto adaptor, you can’t go wrong because it is well-equipped for a decent price.

• Support almost all car models
• Can be used with multiple devices
• Comes with a companion app

CarPlay AI Box Android Auto

CarPlay AI Box is the most expensive on our list of best wireless Android Auto adapters but all the most feature-rich options. This delivers a 2-in-1 function by enabling both Android Auto and CarPlay. The CarPlay AI Box has a quad-core processor, which attests to its quick multitasking on Android Auto performance.

It lets you stream Netflix and YouTube while converting your car’s tethered CarPlay into wireless Android Auto. It is simple to set up, but you should be aware of its compatibility before making a purchase because it only works with cars that have wired CarPlay systems and are compatible with Android versions 11 and higher.

• Uses plug-and-play installation
• Can convert your Carplay system to Android Auto
• Performs very fast

What Should I Consider When Choosing a Wire Android Auto Adapter?

You should be able to easily choose the best wireless Android Auto adapter from the list we have provided above. However, the following factor may also be taken into account when selecting the best wireless adapter for your Android Auto:

Size: When choosing a wireless adapter for your car’s Android Auto system, it’s important to consider how portable and compact it is since this will ensure that you can easily place it in your car without taking up much space.

Connectivity: Since different cars allow different types of connectivity, it will be advisable to use a wireless adapter with excellent and multiple connectivity options rather than one with limited options. The ideal option is to choose a wireless adapter that supports Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and 5GHz bands.

Features: The features the wireless adapter has is also another important thing to look into when selecting a wireless Android Auto adapter, as some of these devices vary in the capabilities they offer.

Compatibility: You must also make sure the wireless adapter you want to go for is compatible with your Android phone as well as your car.

Ease of installation: Some wireless adapters are easy to install, while others take more processes. Hence, you should have an idea of this before choosing one for your car.

USB Types: You should ensure that the wireless adapter you are going for is compatible with the USB port in your car.

These are the most crucial factors to take into account when selecting a wireless Android Auto adapter so that you won’t run into any issues after making the purchase. Furthermore, some wireless Android Auto adapters use a detachable cord, making it simpler to keep them in the car, while others are not. So before choosing one, you might want to include this in your list of considerations.

How to Set Up a Wireless Adapter for Android Auto

The steps to set up a wireless Android Auto adapter varies depending on the make and model of the car stereo and the wireless adapter itself. However, here is a generic method to set up a wireless adapter:

• Plug in your Android Auto wireless adapter Plug the wireless adapter into your car stereo’s USB input.
• Start your car Start the car and turn on the car stereo.
• Connect your Android phone Connect your phone to the same wireless network as the wireless adapter.
• Launch the Android Auto app After that, launch the Android Auto app on your smartphone, tap the three-line menu at the top-left corner of the resulting page, and select Settings.
• Select your car stereo Tap on Connected cars and select the name of your car stereo from the list.
• Finish Android Auto set up Follow other on-screen prompts to finish the setup.

After all this, you will be able to access Android Auto on your car’s head unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simply put, a wireless Android Auto Adapter enables you to use your existing wired Android Auto System wirelessly. This gadget is designed for those who want to use their Android phone wirelessly in a vehicle that doesn’t have the Android Auto system. With the help of this wireless Android Auto Adapter, you can avoid having limited access to your phone due to the wire, the inconvenience of needing to plug it into your car’s Android Auto system, and congested wiring in your vehicle.

You can set up a wireless adapter for Android Auto by plugging in the wireless adapter into your car head unit’s USB port, starting your car and turning on the stereo, pairing your phone with the wireless network of the Android Auto wireless adapter, launching the Android Auto app on your phone and navigating into the menu, selecting your car stereo from the list of available devices, then following the on-screen prompts to complete set up.

Yes, starting with Android 10, Android Auto is built right into your Android phone to enable you to connect to your car’s head unit in an effortless manner. As a result, you do not need to manually install the application on your phone.

Best Android Auto Wireless Dongles – Final Words

With an Android Auto wireless adapter, you can replace the wired Android Auto adapter in your car and wirelessly stream content from your Android phone to the infotainment system. There are several wireless Android Adapters available, and in this post, we’ve reviewed the best ones along with what you should and shouldn’t expect from them.

The 7 Best USB Wi-Fi Adapters of 2023

Jesse Hollington is a tech writer with 10 years’ experience. He has written for iLounge, Forbes, Yahoo, The Independent, and iDropNews, among others.

Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire.

The best USB Wi-Fi adapters are a convenient way to get a desktop PC or older laptop online with the performance you need for smooth streaming and uninterrupted video calling. Not only will they let you easily add wireless capabilities to a desktop PC, but they can also breathe new life into a laptop that isn’t up to the latest Wi-Fi standards.

Best Overall

Netgear Nighthawk A7000 USB Wi-Fi Adapter

Netgear’s Nighthawk A7000 performs today’s demanding internet activities like 4K streaming and online gaming. While it’s not the most compact adapter on our list, it’s worth the tradeoff if you don’t want to compromise speed or range.

During our testing, we found the A7000 was more than up to handling the latest online games, but it did so at an impressive distance of three floors away from the main router. It also clocked in at speeds that were more than enough to handle even the highest-definition video streaming services, from Netflix to Disney.

A simple installation CD makes the setup process straightforward: Plug it in, key in your Wi-Fi password, and be ready in just a few minutes. There’s also a WPS button for connection to the main router if you prefer that method—and your router supports it. The adapter also folds up nicely, so you can slip it into your laptop bag for traveling, but it’s worth noting that the bulky size can make it a bit tricky to use with thinner laptops. Thankfully, there’s a magnetic cradle included that lets you set it up beside your computer, which not only keeps it out of the way but can also help you get a better signal.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC1900 | Bands: Dual-Band

If you’re an avid gamer who likes to slay hordes of undead zombies online, or if you simply want to catch up on Fortnite, this is the adapter for you. — Rebecca Isaacs, Product Tester

Best Value

Net-Dyn AC1200 USB Wi-Fi Adapter

The NET-DYN AC1200 proves that you don’t need an expensive Wi-Fi card in your PC to get a fast and reliable connection. You can plug this adapter into a free USB port, like a USB flash drive, to bring a wireless connection to your desktop PC or upgrade the Wi-Fi on an older laptop.

While our testing showed that you couldn’t rely on this one for streaming video at extended ranges, it still lets you maintain a basic connection throughout your home. As long you say stay reasonably close to your router. However, it provides enough speed to handle anything you’ll want to do on your laptop, from streaming 4K video from Netflix to keeping in touch with colleagues on Zoom.

The NET-DYN AC1200 does promise a plug-and-play installation on Windows without installing any software. As we found in our review, your mileage may vary on this one. Fortunately, it’s easy to use the included CD or even fetch the necessary software from the manufacturer’s website. As a bonus, it also provides software for Mac and Linux systems. It’s also backed by a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects and dead units.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC1200 | Bands: Dual-Band

Up close to the router and on a new machine, YouTube played without any pixelation, Spotify was seamless, and online games didn’t rubber Band. It was a truly magical experience. — Rebecca Isaacs, Product Tester

Best for Travel

Ourlink U631 USB Wi-Fi Adapter

Glam Hobby’s Ourlink U631 is the perfect choice for road warriors, thanks to an ultra-compact design that lets you stick it into your laptop’s USB port and forget about it. The low profile means you can leave it plugged in all the time without worrying about it breaking off or getting damaged, and best of all, it won’t block the other ports on your laptop.

Unfortunately, that smaller size comes with a pretty big tradeoff in terms of range. Since it’s hard to pack big antennas in such a small package, speeds on the U631 fall off quickly as you move away from your router. Our testing found that it was a great performer as long as you stay close, but don’t expect it to deliver the speeds needed for gaming and streaming when you’re on the other end of the house.

That said, even at a distance, it will still give you a fast enough connection for checking email and casually surfing the web. It also features a simplified setup, thanks to the accompanying CD, and it’s compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The real win with this one is that it’s so tiny that it becomes part of your laptop, supplementing or replacing the built-in Wi-Fi.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi (801.11ac) | Speed: AC600 | Bands: Dual-Band

If you’re planning on gaming far from the router, find another adapter for your long-distance needs. — Rebecca Isaacs, Product Tester

Best Budget

Edimax EW-7811UAC AC600 Wi-Fi Dual-Band High-Gain USB Adapter

• Included cradle offers versatile placement for best signal
• Very affordable
• High-gain antennas

Edimax’s EW-7811UAC offers a very affordable way to get maximum range from a USB Wi-Fi adapter, thanks to its high-gain antenna and versatile placement options. The included four-foot cable and cradle allow you to position the USB Wi-Fi adapter and its accompanying antennas away from your computer or any other devices that might cause interference while also letting you align the high-gain antenna for optimal performance.

While the AC600 rating means it’s not the fastest adapter you’ll find, it’s still more than fast enough to stream Netflix in 4K to a single laptop or desktop PC—even over a slower Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) connection. The external antenna also powers fast transfer speeds to ensure sustained performance even farther away from your router.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC600 | Bands: Dual-Band

Best Performance

Linksys WUSB6300 Dual-Band AC1200 USB Wi-Fi Adapter

As one of the best-known names in wireless routers, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Linksys’ WUSB6300 was one of the first USB Wi-Fi 5 adapters to arrive on the market a few years ago, and it remains one of the best in terms of general performance, especially at longer ranges.

While the WUSB6300 doesn’t lead the pack in performance at closer ranges, it excels at providing more consistent speeds as you move further away from the router. This gives you enough speed for everything from web surfing to streaming and video calling, although its higher latency makes it a less-than-ideal choice for gamers.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC1200 | Bands: Dual-Band

Best Splurge

Trendnet TEW-809UB AC1900 High Power Dual Band USB Wi-Fi Adapter

• Fast performance
• Solid connection
• USB 3.0 and type A
• Mac and Windows compatible

We’ll come right out and admit that Trendnet’s TEW-809UB isn’t the best choice for laptop users on the go, thanks to its bulky size and spider-like protruding antennas. Instead, this one is best suited for somebody who wants to add Wi-Fi to a desktop PC or a laptop typically used at a desk.

The name of the game for this one is range since those four large antennas help ensure you can pick up a strong Wi-Fi signal even at a distance. Instead of hanging the TEW-809UB directly off a USB port in your laptop or desktop PC, you use the included three-foot USB cable to place it on a nearby surface. This also helps you to get a better signal, as it keeps it away from interference from the electrical components inside your computer.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC1900 | Bands: Dual-Band

Best With Antenna

EDUP EP-AC1635 USB Wi-Fi Adapter

The EDUP-1635 is a small but powerful USB Wi-Fi adapter that sprouts an external antenna to maximize range, giving you enough speed to game and stream throughout your home.

You can also rotate the antenna in just about any direction to help you FOCUS the signal, although in most cases, you probably won’t need to bother, as our testing showed that it didn’t make a huge difference. Mostly, it’s just handy for keeping it out of your way. Regardless of position, however, we found that the EDUP-1635 performed admirably at distances of up to 20 feet and easily juggled multiple 4K streams from YouTube and Netflix and gaming in Rocket League.

However, don’t be fooled by the external antenna, as this one won’t necessarily outperform the already built Wi-Fi into your laptop. It would be best if you thought of this device as a way to upgrade an older laptop with only a Wi-Fi 4 rather than extending the range of a more modern one. That said, considering that it costs about as much as a nice lunch, the EDUP-1635 offers impressive performance.

Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC600 | Bands: Dual-Band

During our stress test, the EDUP EP-AC1635 performed incredibly well. — Imad Khan, Product Tester

The Ultimate USB Wi-Fi Adapter Buying Guide

A USB Wi-Fi adapter is one of the easiest ways to add wireless network connectivity to a PC, laptop, or game console. Even if your device already includes built-in Wi-Fi, the correct adapter can give you an excellent performance upgrade.

Since USB is a universal standard, a USB Wi-Fi adapter can work with just about anything with a USB port. It is often as simple as just plugging it in, making them a much better option than installing a traditional network card.

While USB Wi-Fi adapters are available in various designs, from ultra-portable dongles that aren’t much bigger than your USB port to larger devices that sit on your desk, they all have the same goal: to give you better wireless connectivity.

Why Buy a USB Wi-Fi Adapter?

Since most laptops already have Wi-Fi built-in, you may wonder what the point is of a USB Wi-Fi adapter. The truth is, if your computer already provides reliable Wi-Fi, there’s almost certainly no need to add an external adapter. However, for laptops with poor Wi-Fi hardware or PCs that typically don’t include Wi-Fi support, a USB Wi-Fi adapter will help bridge that gap.

For example, you might have an older laptop that doesn’t offer dual-Band Wi-Fi or faster 802.11ac speeds. A USB Wi-Fi adapter may give your computer a new lease on life, especially if you hope to stream 4K videos or do any serious online gaming. Further, even computers with modern Wi-Fi specs can be hampered by poor internal antenna placement, so an external USB Wi-Fi adapter can improve your range and performance.

Range

Most USB Wi-Fi adapters work reasonably well when close to your router. Still, if you’re sitting beside your router anyway, you could probably just as easily plug in an Ethernet cable and get even better performance. A USB Wi-Fi adapter gives you the freedom to move around your home, so you will want one that offers the kind of range you need.

This is something of a double-edged sword. It’s also up to your router to provide the coverage you need, and a USB Wi-Fi adapter isn’t working magic if your router can’t get a signal out to it in the first place. It’s a cooperative effort, and if you have a larger home, you should start by ensuring you have an excellent long-range router.

Even if you have a powerful router or mesh Wi-Fi system that provides solid coverage for your home, the USB Wi-Fi adapter still has to do its part, and not all adapters are equal in this regard. Adapters that sit farther away from your computer’s USB port—either by protruding out, offering external antennas, or using an extension cable—will generally provide better range, all other things being equal since they have less interference from your computer to contend with.

Single-Band or Dual-Band Wi-Fi?

A single-Band Wi-Fi adapter operates on only one frequency—normally 2.4GHz—which offers basic compatibility with almost every Wi-Fi network on the planet but also means you’ll be stuck using the same frequencies that most other devices are using. By contrast, a dual-Band Wi-Fi adapter can connect on the higher-frequency 5GHz Band, providing your router supports it, giving you faster speeds and fewer devices competing for bandwidth.

Choosing a single-Band or dual-Band USB Wi-Fi adapter largely depends on what your home router supports. If you’re purchasing an adapter for a laptop, you’ll travel with it. However, you’ll want to use a dual-Band adapter for maximum compatibility.

Also, remember that most laptops today already offer at least single-Band Wi-Fi built right in. This means there’s not much point in considering a single-Band Wi-Fi adapter; these days, even the most affordable ones provide dual-Band Wi-Fi support.

What about tri-Band Wi-Fi? Well, that’s not something you’ll find in a USB Wi-Fi adapter, as it’s a feature exclusive to routers that must support many devices. Tri-Band routers offer an extra 5GHz frequency Band to divvy up devices for maximum performance. Since a single device can only connect to one frequency Band at a time, there’s no such thing as a tri-Band Wi-Fi adapter.

Speed and Wi-Fi Standards

Most modern dual-Band adapters should be more than adequate for most online activities. Even the most affordable USB Wi-Fi adapters support at least AC600 speeds, generally up to 433Mbps on the 5GHz Band and 150Mbps on the 2.4GHz side. By contrast, streaming a Netflix movie in 4K UHD only requires 25Mbps bandwidth.

However, one important thing to remember is that, as with all Wi-Fi devices, speeds will drop off as you move farther away from your router, and not all USB Wi-Fi adapters offer the same range. If you plan to work from your router, you’ll want to ensure your chosen adapter provides good performance at a distance.

If you’re a gamer, consider more than just speed. In this case, pick one with low latency for maximum lag-free performance. On the flip side, however, there’s no need to worry about buying a high-speed adapter if you’re only planning to connect to public hotspots at airports, hotels, and coffee shops, as these usually don’t offer particularly speedy internet performance in the first place.

While many routers support the Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax standard, Wi-Fi 6 compatible USB Wi-Fi adapters aren’t yet widely available—but they’re coming soon.

Size and Design

Many USB Wi-Fi adapters are available, so it’s easy to find an option that suits your specific needs. However, you’ll want to ensure that you look beyond just the physical design since there are some essential tradeoffs here.

As a rule, the smaller the USB Wi-Fi adapter, the less range, and performance it’s likely to offer. Little dongles that barely protrude from your USB port may be great at close range, but it’s unrealistic to expect them to provide good Wi-Fi performance on the other side of your house (unless you have a mesh Wi-Fi system, of course).

Adapters that extend further out from your computer’s USB port or connect separately via a cable will avoid being affected by interference from the electronics in your computer. Your mileage will vary here depending on what type of PC or laptop you’re using, though, as some are better than others in this regard.

Antennas

Larger USB Wi-Fi adapters may be bulkier, but they also offer more room for internal antennas—or even external ones, in some cases—that ensure you get the best range and performance.

For maximum speeds at the edges of your Wi-Fi coverage, you’ll want an adapter with separate antennas that can be positioned and offer beamforming to maximize signal strength and FOCUS your signal back to the router. Of course, an adapter with external antennas will sacrifice some portability.

Compatibility

Most modern USB Wi-Fi adapters are plug-and-play for Windows users, but your options may be more limited if you’re using a Mac or a Linux system. You’ll want to check the specs before buying a USB Wi-Fi adapter to make sure it’s not only compatible with your operating system and the specific version of your operating system.

This is even more important if it’s from a lesser-known brand. You may need to install custom drivers even on Windows, and the manufacturer may not offer those drivers for other operating systems.

If you’re looking for a USB Wi-Fi adapter for a game console, your options will be even more limited. Don’t expect a standard USB Wi-Fi adapter to work with a PS3 or Xbox unless it specifically lists compatibility with those devices.

USB 3.0 Support

Your USB Wi-Fi adapter can only offer speeds as fast as your computer’s USB port. Since older USB 2.0 ports max out at 480Mbps, you will need a USB 3.0 port to benefit from the speeds offered by an AC1200 or better USB Wi-Fi adapter.

Of course, even if you don’t have USB 3.0 available on your computer, this doesn’t mean you can’t buy a faster USB Wi-Fi adapter, as they’re all backward compatible with older USB standards; you won’t get the advertised speeds. However 480Mbps is still perfectly respectable for streaming movies and even gaming—as long as the adapter offers low enough latency to keep your games moving fast.

As the name suggests, a USB Wi-Fi adapter plugs into any free USB port on a PC or laptop, allowing you to wirelessly connect to any nearby Wi-Fi router or access point, whether that’s in your home, your office, or using public hotspots out on the road. USB Wi-Fi adapters can even be used with laptops that already have built-in Wi-Fi to provide a faster and stronger wireless connection.

As long as you have a free USB port that’s fast enough—which should be true for just about any computer made in the past decade or so—then a USB Wi-Fi adapter can offers several advantages over an internal Wi-Fi card. Not only can you share it between multiple computers and take it with you on the go, but it also helps to get your Wi-Fi antennas away from any interference that may be generated by the electronics in your PC or laptop. You can even use a USB extension cable to place it in the best position for maximum range and performance.

Just about any inexpensive USB Wi-Fi adapter will get the job done if all you need to do is stay connected for less demanding activities like email, surfing, and social media. If you need to stream video, participate in Zoom calls, or plan to do serious online gaming, you’ll want to get an adapter that offers maximum performance and range. Since antenna size is important in this case, you’ll need to give up some portability, but you can still get some pretty able USB Wi-Fi adapters that offer top speeds—you’ll just need to be prepared to spend a little bit more.

Wireless Android Auto adapters FAQ – Motorola MA1, AAWireless, Carsifi

Wireless Android Auto is incredibly convenient, but it’s still relatively rare to find this feature built into your vehicle. However, a simple wireless Android Auto adapter makes it incredibly easy to add the functionality — here are some of the biggest questions about the products.

What is a wireless Android Auto adapter?

Android Auto is typically used in a wired form, with a cable connecting your car to your phone. That connection slowly charges your phone while transmitting data over to the car to project Android Auto on the infotainment display. Wired Android Auto has become commonplace in virtually every new vehicle, but its wireless counterpart very much has not.

As such, a trend has emerged to offer adapters that can take over a car’s USB port and connect to your phone wirelessly. This was originally done through unofficial means, but Google has actually officially licensed at least one product to support the functionality.

Motorola MA1, AAWireless, Carsifi — What’s the difference?

There are currently three adapters that can add wireless Android Auto to your car. The first one that was released was AAWireless, which is developed by a small team and was brought to the market on the back of crowdfunding. The simple adapter has a detachable cable that connects to your car and projects wireless Android Auto to your car. It has a companion app that can deliver firmware updates, assist with pairing, and make more advanced tweaks to the experience if you opt to do so. AAWireless is the jack-of-all-trades in this comparison, offering a simple setup with more under the hood.

AAWireless costs 85 and is still shipping through Indiegogo, usually with a one-month wait, depending on the region.

The Motorola MA1, meanwhile, is the only product officially licensed to deliver wireless Android Auto to vehicles. It has a built-in USB-A connection and works without any apps. Just pair over Bluetooth and the rest is handled as if you were wired to the car. The FOCUS of the product is simplicity, a goal it certainly reaches.

MA1 has been incredibly popular among customers, and that’s led to the 90 wireless Android Auto dongle being completely out of stock at Amazon and Target for weeks. You can try your luck with alerts, but this is a hard device to get your hands on.

There’s also another wireless Android Auto adapter that was born out of crowdfunding, Carsifi. This dongle is similar to AAWireless in that it has a companion app for advanced functions and updates, but has one stand-out feature in a quick switch button that allows you to easily switch the phone that the dongle connects to.

We’ve been using Carsifi for a little bit at this point, with a review forthcoming, but the 90 dongle seems like a solid option so far. It can be purchased through Indiegogo, typically shipping within a month according to the pledge page. Do keep in mind, of course, that as with any crowdfunding campaign shipping delays can and do happen.

Wireless Android Auto adapter FAQs

Will these adapters add Android Auto to my car?

One of the biggest questions we often see about wireless Android Auto adapters is if they will add Android Auto to a vehicle that didn’t already have it.

Sadly, the answer to that is no. Your car must have the wired version of Android Auto, whether officially through the built-in infotainment system or through a head unit, to enable the connection wirelessly. These adapters only ditch the cable requirement.

Will my phone work with a wireless Android Auto adapter?

Generally speaking, the vast majority of phones released in the past three to four years will work with a wireless Android Auto adapter. The exact requirements are as follows:

• Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy device with Android 10 or higher
• Select Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 9.0 or higher (Galaxy S8, Note 8)
• Any Android smartphone running Android 11 or higher
• All devices need 5GHz (Direct) Wi-Fi support

What if my connection drops?

One of the most common issues with any form of wireless Android Auto is a loss of connection, but thankfully these are easy to fix. As we outlined in our post about how to use wireless Android Auto, some troubleshooting steps may include:

• Rebooting your phone
• Turning off Bluetooth and turn it back on
• Toggling Airplane mode for a few seconds
• Forgetting your car’s Bluetooth pairing and re-pairing your phone

In the case of a wireless Android Auto adapter, another surefire troubleshooting step is to simply unplug and plug back in the adapter. That restarts the pairing process.

Some owners of wireless Android Auto adapters have also noted that connections will tend to drop in certain areas. These devices do use 5GHz Wi-Fi Direct to transfer data between your phone and the adapter, so interference is certainly possible in some areas, though we wouldn’t say it’s particularly likely or common for most uses.

Is it normal for my phone to get hot while using Android Auto?

As mentioned, Android Auto adapters use Wi-Fi to transfer data from the adapter to the phone without any wires. Just like a mobile hotspot, this can result in your phone getting particularly warm while using an adapter. This is completely normal and, generally speaking, safe. However, if you live in a warm climate or have an especially hot day, it would be Smart to ensure your phone is in reach of the AC or keep it shielded from direct sunlight.

Can I use an Android Auto adapter with multiple phones?

Yes! Most wireless Android Auto adapters are more than up to the task of connecting to multiple smartphones. Motorola MA1 and AAWireless can both remember multiple devices but will connect to whatever they’ve most recently paired with. If you have two paired devices in the car at the same time, you’ll want to turn off Bluetooth on the one you don’t want to connect to.

Carsifi, meanwhile, is designed with a button that can toggle between previously paired phones.

Are there any adapters for both Android Auto and CarPlay?

At this time, unfortunately, there are no solutions that support both wireless Android Auto and wireless CarPlay on the same device. That’s certainly unfortunate, as it’d be a wonderful tool for families that have a mix of Android phones and iPhones.

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