Netgear A6210
A versatile AC1200 option.
Unlike lesser USB Wi-Fi dongles, the Netgear A6210 uses a large adjustable antenna, for better throughput and reception. The unit is an upgrade to the older (also excellent) AC6100 adapter, which used the same AC1200 spec. The new unit looks very similar, but is a tiny bit smaller at 9.3 x 3.1x 1.4cm and weighs slightly more, at 28 grams. The unit also with a USB extension cord and dock for the dongle, which allows it to be position in the best location to maximise reception.
The A6210 is a dual band 802.11ac, with the 2.4GHz side rated to 300Mbps, and the 5GHz good for 867Mbps. In real-world testing, speeds are slower of course, but the A6210 puts on a good show, and outperforms smaller USB adapters at long range. The dongle needs USB 3.0 for full speed, but is backwards compatible with USB 2.0, and even 1.1, god forbid.
While the older model is still available, the A6210 is significantly more affordable, and a solid purchase.