WLAN stick test 2023

Although WLAN sticks are no longer needed everywhere, they still have their right to exist. There is no easier way to provide a computer, notebook, television or other device without WLAN with wireless Internet quickly and easily.

But there are big differences between the individual WLAN sticks, which are not only noticeable in the price. We are happy to describe what the best models are and what you should pay attention to before buying.

WLAN stick test: The best WLAN sticks at a glance

WiFi is actually available everywhere - but sometimes not where you need it. A WLAN stick can help here if your own device does not have wireless Internet. Below we present some models.

WLAN Stick Guide: Everything you need to know

WLAN sticks are actually not that complicated, since they only rarely have to take on complicated tasks. They are usually simply connected to the computer, notebook or Tablet plugged in without WLAN and after a short time there is a wireless connection to the Internet. However, we are happy to answer questions about details as the test progresses.

What actually is a WiFi stick?

A WLAN stick or WiFi stick teaches older computers WLAN. This is particularly useful if a classic Ethernet cable cannot be laid to the computer - for example, if the end device is too far from the Router located away.

In this case, there is usually no alternative to retrofitting with a WLAN stick. Sticks for WLAN are not particularly expensive. They are available from around 10 euros and go up to around 50 euros. They differ mainly in the maximum available speed and of course in the design. Some sticks use an additional antenna to increase the range.

How does a WiFi stick work?

A WLAN stick has a tiny WLAN module. If this is plugged into a computer, notebook or other device via USB, then this device is given the opportunity to open a wireless connection to the Internet.

However, an "Internet source" is also required for this, i.e. a router connected within range, which then uses the network of Deutsche Telekom or Vodafone, for example. A WLAN stick usually doesn't offer much more - but it doesn't have to do that as long as the connection to the WLAN remains fast and stable.

Important technical terms for WLAN sticks explained:

There are various WLAN standards that are hidden behind the abbreviations 802.11 ac/n/g/b/a. In addition, there is the important frequency range, which today is 2,4 GHz or 5 GHz. Depending on the combination of WLAN standard and frequency range, there are different transmission rates.

What is there to consider when buying a WLAN stick?

Before purchasing a stick for wireless Internet, you should determine which computer, PC or tablet the stick is going to be used on. If only USB 2.0 is offered here as standard, then it doesn't have to be a WLAN stick with USB 3.0.

The advantage: Sticks with USB 2.0 are often older and therefore cheaper. If the focus is on speed, then the WiFi stick should have USB 3.0 and be able to transmit in the 5 GHz range.

If this is not the case, the stick will unintentionally become a bottleneck - although more speed is available, the WLAN USB stick cannot handle it. In addition to the price, you should also pay attention to whether the stick should have an additional antenna or not. Without an antenna, the stick is significantly smaller, with an antenna the range is sometimes significantly better. In many cases, the antenna can also be unscrewed to make transport a little safer.

WLAN stick test: our conclusion

Sticks for the wireless internet don't usually cost much, but they often only offer a single function. They are not multifunction tools, but bring old devices without integrated WLAN to the Internet without cables. So if no cable can be laid to the router, the small USB WLAN stick soft are the only alternative.

There are particularly cheap models that are not as fast, and somewhat more expensive devices that enable a faster connection to the Internet. In any case, there must be a router - whether privately in the house or in a café - with which the WLAN stick can connect. WLAN sticks do not offer mobile Internet, but access stationary Internet wirelessly.

The best WLAN sticks in the video review