UGREEN CM448 (20204) USB WiFi Adapter Review: Performance, Speed & Compatibility Tested
Introduction
The UGREEN CM448 (Model Number: 20204) USB WiFi Adapter promises high-speed dual-band connectivity, boasting speeds up to 433Mbps on the 5GHz band and 200Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. I put this little dongle to the test, evaluating its performance in various real-world scenarios. My review will cover installation, speed benchmarks, compatibility across different operating systems, and ultimately, whether it lives up to the hype.
Features and Specifications
| Colour Name | Black |
|---|---|
| What’s In The Box | UGREEN USB WiFi Adapter for Desktop |
| Band Technology | Dual Band |
| Wireless Standard | 5G |
| Max Data Transfer Rate | 433 Mbps |
| Model Number | 20204 |
| Model Name | CM448 |
| Item Quantity | 1 |
Beyond the specifications, the adapter’s compact size is a definite plus. Its small form factor makes it ideal for laptops and desktops, where space can be at a premium. The plug-and-play functionality for Windows 10 is a significant convenience. However, the requirement for driver installation on other operating systems needs to be considered.
Performance and Speed Tests
I tested the UGREEN CM448 on both Windows 10 and macOS 10.14 (Mojave). On Windows 10, installation was seamless; it was truly plug-and-play as advertised. I achieved speeds very close to the advertised maximum on the 5GHz band, with minimal latency during video streaming and online gaming. The 2.4GHz band provided reliable connectivity, even at a greater distance from the router. On macOS, driver installation was straightforward, following the instructions on the UGREEN website. While speeds were slightly lower than on Windows, they still provided a noticeable improvement over the built-in Wi-Fi of my MacBook, making it a worthwhile upgrade. I conducted several speed tests using Ookla’s Speedtest, consistently achieving speeds well above my baseline internet connection without the adapter, proving the quality of the signal. I also tested it with various bandwidth-intensive applications, including 4K video streaming and large file downloads, with successful results.
One minor drawback I experienced was a slight drop in signal strength when the adapter was positioned behind other USB devices. This wasn’t a significant issue, easily resolved by repositioning. While the adapter is stated as compatible with Windows 7 and above, I did experience some minor driver hiccups with Windows 7, though the issue was ultimately resolved after some troubleshooting. The Linux experience requires a degree of technical aptitude, as driver installation involves more manual steps.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent speeds on 5GHz band
- Compact and portable design
- Plug-and-play functionality for Windows 10
- Good compatibility with various operating systems (with driver installation for some)
- Reliable connection
Cons:
- Minor signal strength reduction when obstructed by other USB devices
- Driver installation required for some operating systems, including Windows 7 and Linux
- MacOS 11 and above compatibility issues as noted in the product description.
Final Verdict
The UGREEN CM448 (20204) USB WiFi Adapter is a solid performer, offering excellent speeds and reliable connectivity. While the driver installation process may pose a slight challenge for users less familiar with such tasks, the improvement in Wi-Fi performance is significant. Its compact size and ease of use (in Windows 10, especially) are clear advantages. Considering its performance and affordability, I would recommend the UGREEN CM448 to anyone looking for a reliable and effective upgrade to their wireless connectivity.
