19 USB Dongle Manufacturers in 2024
This section provides an overview for usb dongles as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 19 usb dongle manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked usb dongle companies as of November, 2024: 1.Kestrel Instruments, 2.Nordic Semiconductor, 3.Control Devices Inc..
Table of Contents
What Is a USB Dongle?
A USB dongle is a small device that is inserted into a USB port.
USB dongles are often used as license activation keys to prevent unauthorized copying of software; by connecting the USB dongle to a computer via a USB port, licensed software can be used. They are small, portable, and extremely easy to operate.
In the past, parallel and serial ports on PCs were used. However, USB dongles have become the mainstream due to their convenience. In recent years, network authentication has become the mainstream.
Uses of USB Dongles
USB dongles are mainly used for software sold for a fee to maintain security and prevent unauthorized copying.
USB dongles are used to limit the number of licenses and prevent unauthorized use of software.
In recent years, USB dongles have also become popular for digital media players such as Chromecast and Fire TV Stick, and external Wi-Fi ports for USB dongles are also available and can be connected to a PC.
Principle of USB Dongles
USB dongles are devices that have a license authentication function by rewriting part of the program inside.
A portion of the program is compiled and stored in the USB dongles so that it can be executed within the USB dongles.
The program itself rewrites the program to call the program stored in the USB dongles.
This is the principle of preventing unauthorized use of the USB dongles. This ensures that only the owner of the USB dongles can use the software.
Previously, if a program was completely copied, it could be duplicated in large quantities. However, with the advent of USB dongles, these duplications can now be prevented.
In addition, data is stored by applying a voltage to the elements inside the USB dongles. It must be handled with care, and data may be damaged if it is mishandled.
Types of USB Dongles
USB dongles are sold in a wide variety of products, depending on their intended use.
1. Interface Change Dongle
USB dongles are dongles that convert another interface to USB, such as USB dongles that enable a SIM card to be installed in a PC or a dongle that enables Wi-Fi to be used.
Some dongles convert USB dongles to DVI or HDMI format. Some products are used for in-vehicle applications and add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functions to car navigation systems. Some dongles can transfer the screen from a smartphone to a car navigation system.
2. Protected Dongle
A protected dongle is a dongle that is attached to a PC to ensure security and has the function of checking for license violations. Due to its lack of convenience and the sophistication of other license authentication methods, the use of this type of dongle has been decreasing in recent years.
Other Information on USB Dongles
Two-Factor Authentication With USB Dongles
As security measures have become more sophisticated in recent years, USB dongles are increasingly being used as a component of two-factor authentication. In addition to password authentication, USB dongles are used to control access only from the PC to which the dongle is connected.
Generally, two-factor authentication uses a physical device such as a smartphone, but USB dongles are sometimes used as an inexpensive way to implement two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication using USB dongles is effective in preventing information leaks because it allows strict restrictions on who can use the device and for what purpose. It is also an effective means of authorizing the use of shared PCs or dedicated PCs for specific purposes.
List of 19 USB Dongle Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- United States of America
- Belgium
- China
- Denmark
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
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Unibrain, Inc.
USB 3.0 Products
Manufacturer Overview
Unibrain is a manufacturer and supplier of FireWire/IEEE 1394 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 & 2 cables, which are used for high-speed data transfer and connectivity between devices such as cameras, computers, and audio equipment. The company's products are used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and robotics, as well as in research and development. One of Unibrain's products is the FireWire 800 camera. It's a digital camera that delivers high-resolution images with low noise and fast frame rates, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. In 2020, Unibrain received the Best of Show award at the Vision China Shanghai Exhibition.
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Nordic Semiconductor
USB Dongle
Manufacturer Overview
Nordic Semiconductor, established in 1983, is a manufacturer of integrated electronics design services and products such as wireless devices for cellular IoT, Bluetooth mesh, Bluetooth low energy, ZigBee, and thread. The Norwegian company offers power management ICs and cloud services for Nordic wireless devices for procol agnostic transport protocols. The company is a member of the ANT+ Alliance, Bluetooth SIG, Thread Group, Connectivity Standards Alliance, Wi-Fi Alliance, and GSMA. The products are used in applications such as wireless PC peripherals, mobile phone accessories, sports and fitness, healthcare and automation.
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FTDI Chip
FTDI USB-KEY
Manufacturer Overview
FTDI Chip, founded in, Glasgow, in 1992 is a manufacturer of silicon and software solutions for the Universal Serial Bus (USB). The company's product portfolio includes USB cables, including Type-A, Type-B, Micro USB, USB-C, Multi-port USB hubs that enable users to connect multiple devices to a single USB port, USB Flash Drives, USB Adapters and USB Chargers. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Education, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and IT. The company provides services such as Product Selection Guidance, Engineering Support, and Custom Manufacturing.
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EURESYS S.A.
eVision/Open eVision USB Dongle (empty)
Manufacturer Overview
EURESYS S.A., founded in Seraing, Liege, in 1989 is a manufacturer of image and video acquisition components, and frame grabbers. The company's product portfolio includes Sensor IP cores, Camera Links, Video capture cards, IP video encoders, and Video Converters. The company serves markets including Automotive and Electric Vehicles, Renewable Energy and Energy Storage and Electronics and IT Infrastructure. They also offer services including color analysis, barcode reading and verification and 3D inspection.
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NXP Semiconductors
K32W USB Dongle
Manufacturer Overview
NXP was established in 2006 as a spinoff from Phillips and is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The company is a co-founder of NFC communication and designs and manufactures semiconductors that serve the automotive, industrial, mobile, and smart home industries. The company’s automotive products include driver assistance transceivers, sensors, and security systems. For industrial markets, the company produces RFID readers, processors, and microcontrollers. For communication infrastructure, the company produces RF mixers, diodes, and low-noise amplifiers for wireless LAN networks. The company also produces peripherals, power management chips, communications chips, and interface devices.
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Fujitsu Components America, Inc.
USB dongle series
Manufacturer Overview
Fujitsu Components America, Inc. is a global leader in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), providing integrated services and solutions for OEMs and ODMs operating in the automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial and medical sectors. Fujitsu Components America’s Products include relays, touch panels, and wireless modules, and input and pointing devices. Fujitsu Component America serves customers across volume spectrums in variable-mix, variable-volume production.
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Softing Industrial Automation GmbH
Industrial USB and Bluetooth Modems
Manufacturer Overview
Softing Industrial Automation, headquartered in Haar, Germany, is a manufacturer of industrial communication products and technologies for manufacturing and process automation. They offer products such as gateways for multi-protocol process control, network access parallel to the controller and access for controller data, UA software platform, integration platform, and Docker container, providing secure data exchange between different systems and devices. These products are used in various industries such as automotive, industrial, and IT networks.
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Manufacturer Overview
C2G, Inc., founded as Cables To Go in 1984, has a nearly four-decade history of manufacturing cabling and connectivity solutions. After becoming part of Legrand in 2014, the company expanded its product range to include AV, USB, Networking, and Power offerings. C2G specializes in end-to-end solutions, catering to diverse sectors such as Education, Healthcare, Government, and Commercial Offices, with simplified connectivity. Flexible shipping, custom design options, and 24/7 technical resources ensure seamless service. By consistently bridging the gap between industry standards and evolving business needs, C2G ensures a future-ready approach to connectivity solutions.
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ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
ASUS OS200 USB-C DONGLE
Manufacturer Overview
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS) is a Taiwanese multinational developer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products that was established in 1989 and is based in Beitou, Taipei. The company produces various computing devices including desktop, laptop, and netbook models. They also function as an OEM of motherboards, computer assembly components, displays, networking and IoT devices, and smartphone parts. ASUS has several notable subsidiaries operating worldwide, including ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG), ASMedia, and AAEON.
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Sandberg A/S
Bluetooth Audio USB Dongle
Company Overview
Sandberg A/S, established in 1985 and based in Bikerod, Denmark, is a manufacturer and supplier of computer accessories and equipments. Its product portfolio includes computer accessories, webcams, USB adaptors, earphones, headsets audio, sports equipments, mobile accessories, cable solutions, and systems. They are used in multiple applications such as automation, computers, mobiles, electronic gadgets, and other web solutions. The company also offers IT solutions, technical support, 5-year warranty with double-tested solutions.
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EPOS
USB - DECT Dongle
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OLEAP
USB Dongle
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Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Offline Licensing USB Dongle
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Terasic Inc.
USB WiFi Dongle
Distributor Overview
Terasic Technologies Inc., founded in 2003 and headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, is a supplier and developer of FPGA-based hardware and complex system solutions. The company specializes in rapid-processing boards and tailor-made robust system configurations serving industries like advanced computing, military, aerospace, and data centers. The company ensures that the minerals used in its products are conflict-free. It has sold over a hundred thousand FPGA kits globally. It has provided advanced designs and solutions to OEMs and ODMs and earned the prestigious Altera 2006 Supplier Excellence Award.
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B&H Foto and Electronics Corp.
Softron OnTheAir Video USB Dongle
Distributor Overview
B&H Foto & Electronics Corporation, founded in 1973 and based in Manhattan, New York City, is a retailer of photo, video, and other technological equipment. B&H is an authorized seller of Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Fuji, and more. The company serves photographers, musicians, and professionals with products related to film, music, photography, audio, art, and technology. The company's main products include photography gear, computers, televisions, drones, surveillance systems, and more. B&H store has nearly 500,000 items in stock for customers who need them.
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USB Dongle Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kestrel Instruments |
22.0%
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| 2 | Nordic Semiconductor |
12.0%
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| 3 | Control Devices Inc. |
8.0%
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| 4 | RMA Electronics, Inc |
6.7%
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| 5 | FTDI Chip |
6.0%
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| 6 | ASUSTeK Computer Inc. |
6.0%
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| 7 | B&H Foto and Electronics Corp. |
5.3%
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| 8 | C2G |
5.3%
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| 9 | Fujitsu Components America, Inc. |
4.7%
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| 10 | EPOS |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the usb dongle page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
- OLEAP: 2019 (5 years ago)
- FTDI Chip: 1992 (32 years ago)
- EURESYS S.A.: 1989 (35 years ago)
Company with a History
- NXP Semiconductors: 1891 (133 years ago)
- Kestrel Instruments: 1978 (46 years ago)
- Control Devices Inc.: 1982 (42 years ago)
USB Dongle Manufacturers in United States
*Including some distributors, etc.
Global Distribution of USB Dongle Manufacturers by Country
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
United States of America
|
4 | 33.3% |
Norway
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1 | 8.3% |
United Kingdom
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1 | 8.3% |
Belgium
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1 | 8.3% |
Netherlands
|
1 | 8.3% |
Japan
|
1 | 8.3% |
Denmark
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1 | 8.3% |
China
|
1 | 8.3% |
Taiwan
|
1 | 8.3% |
List of USB Dongle Products
6 products are listed.
Hiten Japan Co., Ltd.
USB dongle "ROCKEY" that prevents software unauthorized copies and illegal use of licenses
70+ people viewing
■ Overview The USB dongle "ROCKEY" is a protector that operates as a physical "key" when launching the application, preventing software fraudulent ...
Fuji Soft Co., Ltd.
Ideal USB type data communication terminal +FS040U for the use of M2M/IoT
40+ people viewing
■ Overview It is a USB -type data communication terminal that allows you to communicate online at home or at home just by inserting it. It can be u...
Fuji Soft Co., Ltd.
USB2.0/3.0 Capchabox/Dongle series
40+ people viewing
YUAN USB2.0/3.0 Capchabox/Dongle series. Video capture USB3.0 series with H.264 software compression compatible with 4K/60fps compatible, H.264 sof...
