If you want to upgrade your PC to receive wireless Internet, it is best to use a WLAN stick. You can find an overview of the different models and their advantages and disadvantages here.

Not every PC is factory-equipped with a WLAN receiver. Do-it-yourself computers in particular often do not have a corresponding module installed on the mainboard. In this case, there are various options for retrofitting: either a suitable WLAN PCIe card or a USB stick with receiver. We present five such WLAN USB adapters for the PC.

1. Netgear AC1200

The Netgear AC1200 scores with an attached antenna. Image: © Netgear 2020

The AC1200 from Netgear is a cute little stick with an attached antenna. It is connected to the computer via USB 3.0 and supports WLAN-ac as well as dual-band reception in the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. In addition, the stick is downward compatible with older WLAN standards.

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2. FRITZ! WLAN Stick AC 860

The FRITZ! WLAN Stick gets along well with a FRITZ! Box. Image: © AVM 2020

When it comes to WLAN, AVM is usually not far. So it's no wonder that the manufacturer of the FRITZ! Box also offers a WLAN stick. The AC 860 supports transmission rates of up to 866 Mbit / s and transmits in dual band on 2.4 and 5 GHz. The stick is compatible with all routers. But in combination with a FRITZ! Box it has a number of advantages: For example, there is no need to set it up. Because before it can be used on a PC, the stick only needs to be plugged into a USB port on the FRITZ! Box once – and it automatically receives the correct WLAN settings.

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3. D-Link DWA-131

The D-Link DWA-131 is smaller than most USB sticks. Image: © D-Link 2020

The DWA-131 from D-Link is therefore very small and inexpensive. However, if you opt for the mini adapter, you have to live with some restrictions. The miniature stick, for example, only supports the older WLAN standard n and only a maximum data rate of 300 Mbit / s. In addition, the DWA-131 only transmits in the 2.4 GHz band and not in the more stable 5 GHz range.

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4. Asus USB-AC56 AC1200

The Asus WLAN stick can be operated with an external antenna. Image: © Asus 2020

The Asus WLAN stick with the somewhat awkward name USB-AC56 AC1200 offers everything your heart desires. It supports WLAN-ac and transmits data at up to 867 Mbit / s. Thanks to dual-band support, it transmits in the almost interference-free 5 GHz frequency band with compatible devices. The stick has a built-in antenna for good reception. The supplied external antenna offers even better reception if required. This makes the Asus USB-AC56 AC1200 a WLAN stick for power users.

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5. TP Link Archer T600U

The TP Link T600U offers affordable dual-band reception. Image: © TP Link 2020

The Archer T600U is a good mid-range WLAN stick from TP Link. The adapter has a detachable antenna and supports dual-band reception. Maximum transmission speeds of up to 433 Mbit / s in the 5 GHz band are supported.

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