Out of the several upgrades you can make to your PC, switching to an external USB WiFi adapter is definitely worth it. With an intuitive plug-and-play function, USB WiFi adapters help you steer clear from the hassle of rigorously researching for the compatible internal wireless card and then configuring the OS driver for it.
There’s no common reason to switch to a USB WiFi adapter; you may want to use one for work-related HD online video conferences that require high-speed internet connectivity. You may have plans to upgrade your gaming rig for reliable internet speeds needed during long hours of competitive gaming sessions. Or you may simply want to bring your old PC back to life in terms of wireless connectivity performance.
Minimum requirements for buying the best USB WiFi adapters
By factoring in such varied requirements, we’ve done extensive research and compiled this list of 10 best USB WiFi adapters. Before browsing through our selection, we recommend checking out these factors that can help you narrow down your options:
- Form factor – USB WiFi adapters are available in various sizes. Mini USB WiFi adapters aren’t visually obvious as they have a small form factor. Larger-sized USB WiFi adapters include one or more antennas and they offer better speed and reliability.
- WiFi protocol – 802.11ac is the latest and standard WiFi technology version used. Look for a USB WiFi adapter that has this 5th generation WiFi technology to access internet connection speeds that can reach up to 3.46Gbps.
- MIMO – MIMO technology in WiFi adapters maintains faster upload and download speeds. WiFi adapters supporting this technology typically have extra antennas.
- 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz – 2.4 GHz wireless spectrum is well-suited for office work, casual browsing, and streaming online content. 5 GHz wireless network frequency (supported in newer WiFi adapters) is the best for competitive gaming and online video conferences.
- USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 – Most modern WiFi adapters come with USB 3.0. Although USB 2.0 is used in many low-priced adapters, it can be a bottleneck for the connectivity performance.
Review of best usb wifi adapter
EDUP USB WiFi Adapter – one of the best budget options
Upgrading to an external USB WiFi adapter doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go for the top-tier options. If you have simple requirements such as boosting your current PC’s wireless internet capabilities, you can go for budget options such as the EDUP USB WiFi Adapter.
This USB WiFi adapter doesn’t have the highest performance, but it does not let you down in helping you meet your wireless internet boosting requirements. In other words, it’s one of the best USB WiFi adapters that you can get at a budget for basic connectivity boosting requirements.
Take your PC’s wireless performance a notch higher
If you have a long-range WiFi connectivity requirement, EDUP USB WiFi Adapter is the perfect match for you. Its 2.4 GHz band support lets you take advantage of long-range coverage as well as a max throughput of up to 150 Mbps. The dedicated high-gain 6dBi antenna of the WiFi adapter lets you access uninterrupted WiFi connectivity from as far as 150 meters.
The WiFi adapter, with its versatile compatibility, comes as an upgrade-worthy accessory for Windows, macOS, and Linux users. Installation is made highly simple; you can install the adapter’s driver from the included CD disk or download it online from EDUP official website.
EDUP USB WiFi Adapter also offers a highly secure wireless connectivity as it includes support for the latest WiFi security protocols, including 64/128/152 bit WEP, WPA, and TKIP.
Pros:
- High-gain 6dBi antenna offers coverage for up to 150 meters
- The antenna includes adjustment functions
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Includes AP mode
- 64/128 WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption included
- LED indicator included
Cons:
- Doesn’t include support for the 5 GHz band
- The antenna doesn’t support 180° tilt
- Mid-range build quality
TP-Link AC600 – budget dual band connectivity option
Modern USB WiFi adapters now make it possible to access high-speed internet connectivity and that too over long ranges. TP-Link AC600 is one such USB WiFi adapter that helps you avoid making trade-offs between internet speed and range coverage.
With this USB WiFi adapter, you can meet your various wireless internet connectivity requirements under the $20 mark.
Ultra-fast speeds and reliability in a budget
TP-Link AC600 offers uncompromised flexibility in balancing speed with range coverage with its dual-band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) support. If your current PC doesn’t include 5th generation WiFi, an upgrade to this adapter’s 802.11ac support is totally worth it.
This model is one of the best wireless adapters for desktops in terms of connectivity reliability as well. Its high-gain 5dBi antenna offers the reliability needed for work-related tasks such as online video conferences, document uploading, and spreadsheet maintenance.
Setting up this WiFi adapter is hassle-free; you just need to install the latest driver for your Windows or macOS from TP-Link website (or from the included CD) and you’re ready to go. The WiFi adapter’s 180° swivel and 90° tilt functions open up more room for adjustments.
Pros:
- Dual band support
- WiFi 5 standard improves overall performance
- 5dBi antenna offers more coverage
- 5 Ghz band performance offers speeds up to 433 Mbps
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- USB 2.0 isn’t the fastest
- Doesn’t work with client devices
- Beamforming isn’t supported
EDUP AC1300 – fast and reliable enough for gaming
Gamers agree that internet connectivity can make or break their match strategies. For online competitive gamers, especially ones who play MOBA titles, having a high-speed and reliable internet connectivity is a must.
EDUP AC1300 helps you access the connectivity speed and reliability you need to ace your game matches. It balances the right set of features without asking for much in its price tag.
Game your way to victory
With up to 1300 Mbps of connectivity speed from the WiFi adapter’s dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) support, you can track every single step of your opponents and then counter attack them. Its 5th generation WiFi technology makes perfect use of the dual band configuration.
Apart from speed, this model comes as one of the best wifi adapters for PC gaming in terms of security as well. Its WPA2/WPA-WPA2/WPA 802.1x and 64/128 bit WEP encryption ensures that your wireless internet connected is secured at all times.
EDUP AC1300 is designed to be compatible with Windows and macOS. A simple initial driver installation makes setting up this WiFi adapter hassle-free.
Pros:
- Dual band connectivity is well-suited for online gamers
- 5 GHz band can offer connectivity speeds up to 867 Mbps
- 5 dBi high-gain antenna offers wide connectivity coverage
- AP mode available for Windows OS
- USB 3.0 boosts the overall connectivity speed
Cons:
- Is not compatible with Linux
- Some OS versions may require a restart for the adapter to work
- No support for beamforming
Cudy AC 650 – unbeatable performance for a mini wifi adapter
While many (especially desktop users) prefer performance over aesthetics, some are comfortable settling for a mid-range performance to prioritize looks. If you are of the second category, you cannot go wrong with Cudy AC 650.
This USB WiFi adapter has a highly compact footprint; plug it into your PC and you won’t even notice it’s there. What’s more appealing than its small form factor is its impressive connectivity performance.
Compact yet powerful
Cudy AC 650 is undoubtedly one of the best USB wireless adapters in the mini form factor department as it offers high-speed connectivity performance with its dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) support.
The USB adapter’s WiFi 5 technology further improves performance speed to help you enjoy fast and uninterrupted internet usage. Online streaming, file downloads and uploads, and online video conferencing; this model can meet most mid-range requirements.
Cudy AC 650 is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. A simple driver installation for initial setup helps you get this USB WiFi adapter up and running.
Pros:
- Compact footprint doesn’t interfere with adjacent USB ports
- Dual band support in a small form factor
- 5th generation WiFi technology used
- Soft AP mode supported
- Linux compatibility included
Cons:
- USB 2.0 is not the fastest
- Isn’t highly favorable for long range coverage
- Beamforming isn’t supported
EDUP 1300M – ultra-fast speed in a mini footprint
If the combination of a small form factor and ultra-fast performance in a USB WiFi adapter seems wishful thinking to you, it isn’t. EDUP 1300M defies the conventions of compact offerings with its feature-packed design.
This model lets you access the performance of full-sized antenna-equipped WiFi adapters without taking much space on your desktop or laptop’s ports bay.
Power-packed compact WiFi adapter
EDUP 1300M features WiFi 5 technology which makes it one of the best WiFi adapters in its class. It gives a tough competition to other mini USB WiFi adapters with its high-level dual band connectivity (2.4 GHz + 5.8 GHz).
The adapter’s 5 GHz band can offer speeds up to 433 Mbps which suffices for bandwidth-intensive requirements such as work and gaming. The soft AP mode of this WiFi adapter, which is generally reserved for only some of the best WiFi dongles, helps you create WiFi hotspots in a jiffy.
Setting up EDUP 1300M is highly convenient. Just like with other USB WiFi adapters, you simply need to install the driver for the initial setup. Once done, you can use the adapter as a plug-and-play device.
Pros:
- Dual band connectivity support in a compact size
- 5.8 GHz band can deliver speeds up to 867 Mbps
- WiFi 5 technology ensures speed and reliability
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux
- MU-MIMO technology supported
- Beamforming technology supported
Cons:
- USB 2.0 protocol comes as a bottleneck for WiFi 5 standard
- No LED indicator
Ravenest USB WiFi Adapter – dual antenna for double the performance
Using wireless internet connectivity doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to compromise on the range coverage. It goes without saying that WiFi adapters with one or multiple discrete antennas offer the highest range coverages.
Ravenest USB WiFi adapter helps you get the best of long-range coverage and uninterrupted high-speed internet connectivity. The best part is, you don’t have to spend much.
Higher range coverage for better performance
This USB WiFi adapter uses two discrete 5dBi high-gain antennas to help you access fast and uninterrupted connections regardless of your proximity from the WiFi router. This model is best-suited as a reliable WiFi antenna for PC desktops that are confined to an area that’s distantly located from the router.
The USB WiFi adapter’s dual antenna configuration perfectly complements its dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) connection support. Also, its USB 3.0 offers a significant performance jump over USB 2.0.
Ravenest USB WiFi adapter is designed to be compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux. After the initial setup, which includes installing the recommended driver, this device offers easy usability with its plug-and-play function.
Pros:
- Dual band support on two discrete 5dBi antennas
- Support for WiFi 802.11n and 802.11ac
- Soft AP function supported
- WPA-PSK,WPA2-PSK,WPA,WPA2, and WEP encryption for security
- Antennas have 360° rotation and 90° tilt function
Cons:
- Dual antenna design can be aesthetically unfavorable for some
- Its relatively bulky design isn’t best suited for laptops
- No support for beamforming
XVZ AC1900 – dual antenna in a smaller footprint
Accessing the higher range coverage of dual antenna WiFi adapters doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to limit your options to large-sized bulky models. With WiFi adapters such as the XVZ AC1900, accessing the speed and range coverage of dual antennas in a small footprint becomes a possibility.
This model isn’t the most compact, but it sure does manage to pack all the features and performance of full-sized dual antenna WiFi adapters.
Dual antenna design in a small footprint
XVZ AC1900’s dual antenna architecture works great in making the most out of its dual band connectivity configuration. The dual antenna design perfectly complements the adapter’s 5th generation WiFi technology.
Gamers and working professionals can take full advantage of the adapter’s beamforming technology for highly-efficient and uninterrupted connectivity. Similar to other high-end WiFi adapters, this model includes an easy-to-configure AP Mode.
Windows 10 users don’t have to face any hassle of installing the driver as this adapter offers an intuitive plug-and-play function. For other OS users, driver installation is required for the initial setup.
Pros:
- Dual antenna design in a compact footprint
- Dual antenna design complements dual connectivity support
- AP mode supported
- Beamforming technology supported
- 5.8 GHz band can offer speeds up to 1900 Mbps
- USB 3.0 port eliminates performance latency
Cons:
- Direct plug-and-play function supported only on Windows 10
- Not compatible with Ubuntu
Wavlink AC1900 – functions as a dongle and a standalone adapter
WiFi adapters that combine ultra-fast connectivity speed with versatility are in a league of their own. Wavlink AC1900 is one such WiFi adapter that lets you access consistently fast connectivity speed at your convenience.
This model is designed to offer speeds of up to 1900 Mbps using the dual band connectivity support which makes it one of the fastest USB WiFi adapters. Along with speed, this adapter also offers the reliability you need for work and competitive gaming.
Versatility for convenience
Wavlink AC1900, with its innovative folding design, lets you use it as a compact WiFi dongle or as a standalone WiFi receiver for PC. Dongle mode is the best for travelling while standalone adapter mode is good for keeping your desktop or laptop’s ports bay uncluttered.
The USB 3.0 port of this WiFi adapter works great in elevating the performance that its 4 built-in antenna architecture offers. The upload and download speeds that this adapter offers is simply one of the best, thanks to its MU-MIMO technology support.
Driver installation is easy and hassle-free as this WiFi adapter comes included with one CD driver. The docking port, which also comes included, makes it easy for you to use this adapter as a standalone device.
Pros:
- Innovative folding design
- 5 GHz band can offer speeds up to 1300 Mbps
- 4 built-in antennas
- Docking station comes included
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
- Plug-and-play option supported on Windows 10
Cons:
- Beamforming technology not supported
- Backward compatibility is supported on USB 2.0 and not on USB 3.0
- Not compatible with Ubuntu and Linux
NET-DYN AC1900 – the best of WiFi 5 standard
Having a powerful WiFi adapter is important in getting the most out of the current generation WiFi technology, which is WiFi 5. NET-DYN AC1900 is one such USB WiFi adapter that helps you get the best of what WiFi 5 has to offer.
This USB WiFi adapter helps you steer clear from the hassle of spotty WiFi dead zones as its built-in antennas offer a range coverage of up to 91 meters.
One of the best 5 GHz WiFi adapters with USB 3.0
NET-DYN AC1900 offers one of the best dual band connectivity performances as its 5 GHz band is capable of offering a maximum transfer rate of 1300 Mbps. This number is especially attractive to gamers who play online competitive games.
The folding form factor that this USB WiFi adapter comes with is similar to that of Wavlink AC1900. The docking port that comes included helps you use this WiFi adapter as a standalone device.
Using NET-DYN AC1900 in Windows and macOS computers is highly easy; the device’s built-in driver eliminates the hassle of installing the recommended driver from the included ROM CD. 64/128 bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption ensures great wireless security on this WiFi adapter.
Pros:
- One of the best dual band connectivity performances
- 5 GHz band offers speeds up to 1300 Mbps
- USB 3.0 further improves overall performance by eliminating latency
- Docking port comes included
- True plug-and-play functionality
Cons:
- No support for MIMO technology
- Beamforming technology not supported
- Not compatible with Linux and Ubuntu
EDUP LOVE AC1300M – one of the best performances in a dongle form factor
To achieve internet connectivity speeds of up to 1300 Mbps without discreet high-gain antennas may seem an impossible feat, but it’s not. Some of the best WiFi dongles with powerful built-in antennas, such as the EDUP LOVE AC1300M, makes it all possible.
As one of the best USB WiFi adapters, this model helps you access high-speed internet connectivity without having to clutter your tabletop with discrete signal receiving antennas.
Work and play with fast and uninterrupted connectivity
EDUP LOVE AC1300M helps you access high-speed, lag-free connectivity with its dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) connectivity support. With a data transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps, this model undoubtedly comes as one of the best and most-reliable USB 3.0 WiFi adapters.
This model also features backward compatibility using the USB 2.0 protocol. The brand has included one high-speed extension port which you can use to clear the clutter on your desktop or laptop’s port bay and use the adapter as a standalone device.
Windows and macOS users can set up this WiFi adapter the hassle-free way by installing the driver included in the U flash disk (comes included in the package). The dedicated LED indicator lets you know when the device is in operation.
Pros:
- Dual band connectivity in a fairly compact form factor
- WiFi 5 technology ensures consistent connectivity speed
- Soft AP function supported
- Dedicated LED indicator
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Not the highest dual band connectivity speed
- Beamforming technology is not supported
- No support for MIMO technology
Aigital 600M – plug-and-play on Windows and macOS
If you want to use a USB WiFi adapter as your go-to device for accessing high-speed wireless internet connectivity on different computers, you cannot go wrong with Aigital 600M as it has true plug-and-play functionality.
Whether working in your office, at client location, or at your home office, you just need to plug in this WiFi adapter in your computer to get it up and running.
Access high-speed wireless internet wherever you go
Aigital 600M is perfect for use during travelling/long journeys as well; its compact footprint doesn’t make it visually obvious which is perfect when pairing it with your travel laptop. Whether you are at your workspace or on the move, this WiFi adapter helps you access high-speed connectivity with his dual band (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz) connectivity support
The 5th generation WiFi technology of this USB WiFi adapter ensures great reliability for consistency in speed and overall performance. Windows and macOS users get to take full advantage of the seamless compatibility of this device.
Unlike other USB WiFi adapters, this model does not require you to install the driver from the included ROM CD as part of the initial set up. This hassle-free plug-and-play functionality makes it one of the best USB WiFi adapters in terms of ease of use
Pros:
- Dual band connectivity in a fairly compact form factor
- True plug-and-play function
- Dedicated LED indicator
- WiFi 802.11 b/g/n devices supported
- AP function supported
Cons:
- Highest speed is capped at 600 Mbps
- Beamforming technology is not supported
- No support for MIMO technology
FAQs:
1) What is the best USB WiFi adapter
The best USB WiFi adapter for you is the one that’s perfectly compatible with your computer and your WiFi router’s specifications, such as WiFi standard, band frequency, and network encryption.
2) Which WiFi adapter is best for PCs?
EDUP USB WiFi Adapter, TP-Link AC600, EDUP AC1300, and Cudy AC 650 are the best budget options. For higher performance, you cannot go wrong with EDUP 1300M, XVZ AC1900, and Wavlink AC1900.
3) How fast are USB WiFi adapters?
High-performance USB WiFi adapters that use dual band connectivity can offer speed up to 1900 Mbps.
4) Does a WiFi adapter give you WiFi?
In the context of AP function, yes. Many USB WiFi adapters come included with the AP function which you can use to create WiFi hotspots from your desktop or laptop.
5) What is the best USB WiFi adapter for Windows 10?
Wavlink AC1900 and Aigital 600M are great for Windows 10 as they offer an intuitive plug-and-play function for the OS version.
6) Which is better PCIE or USB WiFi adapter?
PCIE WiFi is definitely better than USB WiFi adapter. This is because the PCIE interface standard is faster than the USB standard in terms of data transfer speed.
Conclusion
The performance of the USB WiFi adapter you choose is often only as good as the performance of the entire network setup. In many cases, it’s the low connectivity speed from the internet/broadband service provider’s end or from the WiFi router that lowers your PC/gaming rig’s wireless internet connectivity performance.
Make sure to check the connectivity speed and consistency on the network service’s provider’s end and upgrade your internet plan if you need to. Similarly, check your current WiFi router and upgrade it if it doesn’t support the latest WiFi standard, which is WiFi 5.