Tenda has launched the Tenda U18 v3.0 in China, a third-generation revision of its compact AX1800 USB 3.0 wireless adapter that brings low-cost Wi-Fi 6 client connectivity and access point functionality to older desktops and laptops.
Priced at CNY 99 (approximately $15 USD), the Tenda U18 v3.0 updates the original U18 model that debuted in 2023 and is no longer listed on the manufacturer's website, according to Notebookcheck. Like its predecessor, the dual-band dongle is rated for maximum theoretical link rates of up to 1201 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. Tenda states the hardware incorporates dual 5 GHz low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) inside its internal antenna housing to improve signal reception without external high-gain paddles.
While Tenda has not disclosed the exact wireless controller inside the v3.0 hardware revision, Notebookcheck noted that the original 2023 U18 relied on the 2x2 Realtek RTL8832AU chipset. On the protocol side, the adapter supports standard 802.11ax features including OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and WPA3 encryption. Physical connectivity runs over a USB 3.0 Type-A interface that maintains backward compatibility with legacy USB 2.0 ports.
For operating system compatibility, Tenda ships the U18 v3.0 with onboard Windows 10 and Windows 11 drivers stored in onboard flash memory, allowing plug-and-play installation via an automated system prompt. The company also specifies Linux support spanning kernel versions 3.10 through 7.0, though Linux users must download and compile the driver package manually from Tenda's support portal. In addition to standard station mode, the accompanying utility software includes a hotspot sharing mode that converts an internet-connected PC into a local wireless access point for nearby client devices.
At roughly $15 USD in its domestic market, the Tenda U18 v3.0 undercuts competing AX1800 USB adapters from brands like TP-Link, though Tenda has not yet announced international pricing or availability outside China.
