Fortunately, it’s easy enough to use the included CD, or even just fetch the necessary software from the manufacturer’s website.

As we found in our review, though, your mileage may vary on this one. The NET-DYN AC1200 does promise a plug-and-play installation on Windows without the need to install any software. As long you say stay reasonably close to your router, however, it provides more than enough speed to handle pretty much anything you’ll want to do on your laptop, from streaming 4K video from Netflix to keeping in touch with colleagues on Zoom. While our testing showed that you won’t be able to rely on this one for streaming video at extended ranges, it does still let you maintain a basic connection throughout your home. You can simply plug this adapter into a free USB port, just like a USB flash drive, to bring a wireless connection to your desktop PC, or even upgrade the Wi-Fi on an older laptop. 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. NET-DYN USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter Review Wireless Spec: Wi-Fi 5 (801.11ac) | Speed: AC1900 | Bands: Dual-band Thankfully, there’s a magnetic cradle included that lets you set it up beside your laptop, which not only keeps it out of the way, but can also help you get a better signal. The adapter also folds up nicely, so you can slip it into your laptop bag for travelling, but it’s worth noting that the bulky size can make it a bit tricky to use with thinner laptops. There’s also a WPS button for connection to the main router if you prefer that method-and your router supports it. It also clocked in at speeds that were more than enough to handle even the highest-definition video streaming services, from Netflix to Disney+.Ī simple installation CD makes the setup process really straightforward, so you can simply plug it in, key in your Wi-Fi password, and you’ll be good to go in just a couple of minutes. While it’s not the most compact adapter on our list, it’s worth the tradeoff if you don’t want to make any compromises on speed or range.ĭuring our testing, we found the A7000 was not only more than up to the task of handling the latest online games, but it actually did so at an impressive distance of three floors away from the main router. Netgear's Nighthawk A7000 delivers the kind of performance needed for today's demanding internet activities like 4K streaming and online gaming. Netgear Nighthawk A7000 Wi-Fi USB Adapter Review

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