Many of our favorite gadgets already have Wi-Fi built in, so all we need is a router close by, a password, and we’re good to go. Unfortunately, you’ll need to bring your own Wi-Fi for many computers (and SOME other devices). You may turn your favorite USB-enabled devices into web browsing devices by using USB Wi-Fi adapters.
USB Wi-Fi adapters are fantastic, affordable tools to get online, whether you’re creating a gaming PC or complementing a motherboard without built-in connectivity. You can start using them after you plug them in and perhaps download and install a driver. There is something on our list for everyone, with support for a wide variety of speeds and USB 3.0 compatibility (which we strongly advise using for the best results). For our list of the top USB Wi-Fi adapters, continue reading.
List of The Best USB Wi-Fi Adapters in 2023 on Amazon.com
#1 Netgear Nighthawk AC1900.
The entire package is provided by the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. You will have plenty of speed with a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 connection, which supports both 2.4GHz (up to 600Mbps) and 5GHz (up to 1,300Mbps). This is especially true if you use it in a USB 3.0 port.
To ensure your connection remains strong, it also contains an optional dock, beamforming, and a configurable antenna array with four antennae within.
#2 TP-Link Archer T3U Plus
This TP-Link Archer T3U Plus adapter is for you if all you require is basic Wi-Fi capabilities and you want to save money. This is a very affordable and portable solution that is as little as a thumb drive (with an adjustable antenna).
It supports dual-band AC wireless and offers speeds of up to 400 Mbps at 2.4 GHz and up to 867 Mbps at 5 GHz in terms of reception and speed.
#3 A USB WiFi adapter by TP-Link (TL-WN725N)
This option is for you if you have to choose the cheapest, smallest thing available. This little USB nub will get you started even though it can only support 2.4GHz 802.11n connections up to 150Mbps. Because it doesn’t protrude very far from your USB port, you can leave it inserted at all times.
In comparison to some of the other adapters on this list, this speed may appear little, but it is still adequate for most uses. This one will get you there whether you’re streaming HD or 4K HDR content (or Netflix’s modest 25Mbps minimum).
#4 Asus USB-AC68
Dual-band Wi-Fi capability, excellent throughput, and significant versatility are all features of the Asus USB-AC68. Use a USB 3.0 port and the adapter’s 5GHz setting for the quickest connection, which can reach 1,300 Mbps. Connect with the two chic built-in antenna, or position the adapter somewhere with a stronger signal by using the cradle and an extension cord.
Although Wi-Fi isn’t advised for all kinds of gaming (combat games may be the exception), it’s still a very viable alternative for many various kinds of games, whether you’re playing them or just downloading them. The adaptor you need if you want to use Wi-Fi is this one.
#5 D-Link DWA-192
The absence of a built-in Wi-Fi card on your PC need not prevent you from using it to connect to high bandwidth networking. Regardless of whether you choose to connect using the 2.4GHz band on the D-Link DWA-192 or move up to the 5GHz band, it can deliver some breathtaking speeds. It’s true: this Wi-Fi adaptor has two bands.
You connect the D-Link DWA-192, which resembles a miniature Death Star, to your PC. You may position it for the optimum signal reception because the USB cord is long and comes with it. The 2.4GHz network can reach a top speed of 600Mbps, which is more than sufficient for the majority of what we do on our PCs, including 4K streaming and most games. Even more quickly, the 5GHz network can reach 1,300Mbps. Because our ISPs don’t offer enough speed for it, the majority of us won’t even be able to connect to it.
#6 TP-Link Archer T4U Plus
Our adapter is a great compromise for people looking to balance performance and cost, even though it may not achieve the dizzying speeds that some of the other adapters on this list can. Place the 3 ft. cord from the base station where you’ll receive the most reception and plug it into your computer’s USB 3.0 port.
This dual-band adapter gives you access to both an 867Mbps 5GHz connection and a 400Mbps 2.4GHz connection, giving you the speed you require for the majority of activities, including streaming, gaming, and other pursuits.
#7 Netgear A6150 AC1200 WiFi USB Adapter
An adapter is not always weak because it is little. At just 5 grams, Netgear’s A6150 AC1200 Wi-Fi USB adapter is about as lightweight as they get. You can connect to either 2.4GHz (300Mbps) or 5GHz (867Mbps) Wi-Fi networks with its dual-band connectivity, and it even supports beamforming and MU-MIMO connections.
Because of its small size and incredible portability, you may leave this adapter in your USB port at all times. However, because it lacks an antenna, it performs poorly when you are far from your router.
#8 D-Link DWA-X1850
The D-Link DWA-X1850 is the only USB adapter you need if you want to enable Wi-Fi 6. All the advantages of the most recent Wi-Fi generation, including OFDMA, MU-MIMO, and 1024-QAM, are provided by this small gadget. Even when several devices are connected to the same network, these technologies guarantee that you will always get quick and reliable speeds. Just make sure your router is compatible with Wi-Fi 6 so you can fully benefit from the improved bandwidth distribution and fast data transfer rates. Because of its backward compatibility, this USB adapter will also function properly with your earlier routers.
The D-Link DWA-X1850 employs a USB 3.0 connection for a simple plug-and-play method of enabling Wi-Fi on your computer. You can also connect using 2.4GHz or 5GHz, which offer respectable speeds of 574Mbps and 1,200Mbps, respectively. Beamforming is offered by these configurable dual bands to avoid bottlenecking and guarantee a steady connection. This USB Wi-Fi adapter will have no trouble handling data-intensive operations like downloading large files, streaming 4K content, and playing games.
