IOGEAR Universal Ethernet to Wi-Fi N Adapter - Speeds of up
✅ PROS
- Premium quality construction and materials
- Great value with multiple components included
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
The IOGEAR Universal Ethernet to Wi-Fi N Adapter solves a problem you didn’t know you had — until you’ve moved your printer for the third time because it won’t reach the router.
Here’s the scenario: you’ve got a wired-only device — a network printer, an older smart TV, a gaming console, a VoIP phone — and your router lives across the room or in another part of the house. Running Ethernet cable is ugly, expensive, or just not an option in a rental. This little white box, roughly the size of a deck of cards, converts any Ethernet port into a Wi-Fi client. Plug it in, connect your device via the built-in RJ45 jack, and you’re online.
What’s in the box: The adapter itself, a USB power cable (wall plug included), and a quick-start guide. That’s it. No driver CD, no software downloads, no setup wizard that requires IT support. As one verified Amazon buyer put it: “I plug it into my laser printer and it just works. Took me longer to find the WPS button on my router than to set this up.”
Performance and build quality: The adapter runs on 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) on the 2.4GHz band. In real-world use, that translates to roughly 80–120Mbps throughput if you’re within decent range of your router — perfectly fine for streaming HD video, printing documents, or light browsing. The metal-shielded enclosure and internal antenna design keep it stable; I didn’t experience dropouts during a two-hour 1080p stream test. WPS pairing is the fastest route, but if your router doesn’t support WPS, you can fall back to the web-based configuration page (accessible via the adapter’s IP address). The unit runs cool — no fan, no heat soak after extended use.
Where it falls short: Let’s be direct. This is a 2.4GHz-only, Wireless N device in a world where Wi-Fi 6 and 5GHz bands are standard. If you have gigabit fiber, this adapter will cap your speeds at a fraction of what you’re paying for. Gamers playing competitive titles will notice added latency compared to a hardwired connection or a modern dual-band bridge. And the wall-wart power supply is bulky — it covered the adjacent outlet on my surge protector. One reviewer noted, “Works great for my old Sonos Connect, but I wouldn’t use it for anything that needs low latency.”
Who should buy this:
- The home office worker with a wired-only laser printer or scanner that needs to join a Wi-Fi network
- The cord-cutter connecting an older smart TV or streaming box to a wireless network without pulling cable
- The small business owner hooking up a receipt printer, credit card terminal, or legacy PBX phone system to Wi-Fi
- The renter who can’t drill holes or run permanent cabling
Skip it if you need 5GHz throughput for large file transfers, you’re a competitive online gamer, or you’re trying to bridge a device that requires gigabit speeds.
FAQ:
Q: Does this work with a Nintendo Switch or Xbox without a PC? A: Yes. The adapter appears as a standard Ethernet connection to the console. Plug it into the Switch dock’s LAN port, pair via WPS, and you’re online. No drivers needed.
Q: Can I connect multiple devices through this adapter? A: No — it’s a single Ethernet port. If you need to bridge multiple devices, plug it into a cheap network switch, then connect your devices to the switch.
Q: Will it work with a router that doesn’t have WPS? A: Yes. Connect the adapter to your computer via Ethernet, navigate to its default IP (listed in the manual), and manually enter your Wi-Fi network name and password.
The Verdict: 4.2/5
Buy it if you need a reliable, zero-fuss way to get any wired device onto your Wi-Fi network without running cable. It does one thing and does it well.
Skip it if you demand modern Wi-Fi standards, need sub-10ms latency, or expect this to handle gigabit internet speeds. This is a purpose-built tool for a specific problem — not a general-purpose networking upgrade.
For $30–40, it’s the cheapest therapy for that annoying wired device sitting in the wrong room.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
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