The word “dongle” covers a surprisingly wide range of products. Here is a clear breakdown of every major category, what each one does, and who needs it.

WiFi Dongles

A WiFi dongle is a USB adapter that adds wireless networking to any device with a USB port. They are most commonly used to add WiFi to desktop PCs that only have a wired ethernet connection, and to older laptops where the built-in WiFi has failed or is too slow for modern networks.

Modern WiFi dongles support WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or WiFi 6 (802.11ax). If you are buying in 2026, go for WiFi 6 – it is faster, handles congested networks better, and will remain current for longer. Full WiFi dongle guide.

4G and 5G Dongles

A 4G or 5G dongle is a USB modem that connects to a mobile network. Plug it in and you have internet access wherever there is mobile coverage – no fixed broadband required. They are used by remote workers, travellers, people in areas with poor fixed broadband, and as a backup connection when primary internet fails.

5G dongles are now widely available in the UK and offer substantially faster speeds than 4G in areas with 5G coverage. Full 5G and 4G dongle guide.

USB-C Hubs and Adapters

Modern MacBooks, Windows ultrabooks, and iPads often ship with only USB-C ports. A USB-C hub plugs into one of those ports and gives you back USB-A, HDMI, SD card, ethernet, and other connections. Commonly called a dongle by Mac users, though they are technically multiport adapters. Full USB-C hub guide.

Bluetooth Dongles

A Bluetooth dongle is a USB adapter that adds Bluetooth to a PC or other device. Uses include connecting wireless headphones, keyboards, mice, game controllers, and speakers to computers that lack Bluetooth. They are also used to upgrade older Bluetooth 4.0 systems to Bluetooth 5.0 for better range and speed. Full Bluetooth dongle guide.

HDMI and Streaming Dongles

HDMI dongles plug directly into a television HDMI port and stream content from the internet or mirror a phone or laptop screen. The Amazon Fire Stick, Google Chromecast, and Roku Streaming Stick are the best-known examples. They turn any HDMI TV into a smart TV. Full HDMI dongle guide.

Security Keys and Dongles

Security dongles provide hardware-based authentication and encryption. YubiKey-style devices plug into a USB port and generate one-time codes for two-factor authentication. Encrypted storage dongles contain hardware-encrypted flash storage. Software protection dongles (HASP keys) are required to run certain professional applications. Full security dongle guide.

IoT and M2M Dongles

Industrial USB LTE modules are used in connected devices, digital signage, vending machines, fleet management systems, and other IoT deployments. Unlike consumer mobile broadband dongles, IoT modules are designed for always-on operation, remote management, and integration with industrial software stacks. Full IoT dongle guide.

Legacy Adapters

A broad category covering adapters that connect old interfaces to new equipment – VGA to HDMI, serial to USB, PS/2 keyboard ports to USB, and similar conversions. Essential for connecting older peripherals and equipment to modern computers. Full legacy adapter guide.

Software Licence Dongles

Originally the primary meaning of the word “dongle”, software licence keys are hardware devices that must be plugged in for licensed software to run. Common in professional CAD software, broadcast systems, and specialist engineering applications. They are not generally available for retail purchase – they come with the software.