Are you on a quest to find the best usb wifi adapters at costco, target, walmart or amazon?
Then you’re in the right place. Because I have done the hard work for you and have reviewed dozens of models to bring you the best USB wifi adapters.
In addition, I will introduce the following related topics.
- Product Details (Including advantages and disadvantages)
- 4 Benefits of A USB Wi-Fi Adapter
- USB wifi adapter Buyer’s Guide
- Single-band vs Dual-band
- 11ac vs 802.11n
- Main 802.11 protocols
- …
I will also answer some common questions.
- What Does a USB Wi-Fi Adapter Do? (Video)
- How To Boost Your Home Wi-Fi Signal?
- …
Without further ado, let’s begin!
Best USB Wifi Adapters Comparison Table
Have you been having problems with your internet connection and have tried everything from moving your computer closer to the router to restarting the router but with no luck whatsoever?
Well, if you are in such a predicament, you are definitely in luck as there is simple solution to your internet connection problem; small and portable wireless adapters that plug directly into your desktop or laptop computer. There are plenty of adapters out there that are relatively unobtrusive and easy to use. These tiny devices can be used to fix most internet connection problems that are common in rural areas or with people that live in large homes.
All the adapters mentioned in our table are super affordable, fast and can fix most of your internet connection problems such as slow internet and poor connectivity regardless of your respective internet bandwidth. After installation, you will notice your internet connection is faster, smoother and easy to find in every room.
The Best USB Wifi Adapters
- NET-DYN Top Dual Band USB Wireless WiFi Adapter, AC1200, 5GHz and 2.4GHZ
- ANEWKODI 600Mbps Dual Band (2.4G/150Mbps+5G/433Mbps) Wireless USB Wifi Adapter
- Edimax EW-7811Un 150Mbps 11n Wi-Fi USB Adapter
- ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900 USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter with Included Cradle
- Wsky Wireless USB Wifi Adapter – AC 600M Dual Band
- D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter (DWA-192)
- Trendnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter, TEW-809UB
- Edimax EW-7833UAC AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter
- BrosTrend 1200Mbps Long Range USB WiFi Adapter
- Panda Wireless PAU09 N600 Dual Band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wireless N USB Adapter
1. NET-DYN Top Dual Band USB Wireless WiFi Adapter, AC1200, 5GHz and 2.4GHZ – Editor’s Choice: Best USB Wifi Adapter
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The Net-Dyn AC1200 USB Wireless Wifi Adapter is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and is an excellent choice for establishing a wifi connection to any computer. Having both 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies, the Net-Dyn can reach and cover an area of approximately 100 yards while maintaining a strong and fast connection throughout. The connection can reach speeds of up to 300 Mbps. The gadget is also 802.11n compliant so you do not have to worry about upgrading hardware in future.
Installation is quite easy. You only need to plug the device into your computer, install drivers (for Windows PCs) and connect to the web. You can choose various connectivity options from WPA/WPA2/WEP which means you can use most internet service providers in the U.S.. On top of this, the Net-Dyn wifi adapter also comes with a lifetime warranty as well as regular tech support in form of driver and software updates.
- Affordable
- Highly compatible with routers
- Dual-band connectivity
- Not compatible with Linux computers
2. ANEWKODI 600Mbps Dual Band (2.4G/150Mbps+5G/433Mbps) Wireless USB Wifi Adapter, 802.11N/G/B – Best Seller
- External Powerful Antenna:High Gain Long-Range 2dBi Antenna can help you connect even when signals are weak
- High Speed: Up to 600Mbps Wi-Fi speeds on 5GHz (433Mbps) or 2.4GHz (150Mbps) bands: Performance to reduce freezing and lags when streaming and gaming.Ultra-fast AC600 wireless adapter speed with 802.11ac
- Plug-and-Play: Windows 10 is plug and play. Setup CD included; Once you've run the software, you can simply insert the adapter to get connected
- Works with Any WiFi Routers: By using AC600 AC wireless adapter, you can upgrade your PC,laptop or Mac to work with the latest AC WiFi router for faster speed and extended range
- ANEWKODI Great Customer Service: If you have any problems when using, just contact us. We must GIVE YOU A REPLACEMENT or REFUND UNCONDITIONALLY !
This is a universal USB wifi adapter that offers superfast speeds with 802.11ac. This is definitely one of the best wireless wifi adapters on the market because of its dual band capabilities that allow up to 600 Mbps speeds on 5GHz and 150 Mbps on 2.4GHz. Because of this, it has lightning fast performance and is excellent for watching HD videos and playing online games.
Another awesome thing to note about the Anewkodi is its amazing compatibility. The device supports numerous wifi routers. Currently, the adapter is compatible with all versions of Windows OS (XP/7/Vista/8/8.1/10 in both 32-bit and 62-bit variants) as well as all versions of Mac Os (10.4-10.12.1). However, there is no support for linux distros at the moment.
All in all, the Anewkodi is easy to use and the installation is quite simple. Coupled with the device is a Long Range High Gain 2dBi antenna for an improved connection even when signals are a bit weak.
- Compatible with both Mac and Windows
- Dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz
- Based on 802.11ac protocol
- Budget Dongle
- Not so good with laptops
- Not compatible with Linux computers
- Weak built
- Not fast enough
3. Edimax EW-7811Un 150Mbps 11n Wi-Fi USB Adapter – Best Budget USB Wifi Adapter
- Supports 150 Mbps 802.11n Wireless data rate - the latest wireless standard. Permits users to have the farthest range with the widest coverage. (Up to 6 times the speed and 3 times the coverage of 802.11b.).
- Power Saving designed to support smart transmit power control and auto-idle state adjustment
- Supports WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) Standard so that you can let different types of data have higher priority. It would allows better streaming of real-time data such as Video, Music, Skype etc
- Includes multi-language EZmax setup wizard
- Spec Standards IEEE 802.11n; backward compatible with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified. Security 64/128 bit WEP Encryption and WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK security; WPS compatible IEEE 802.1X
This is a miniature USB wifi adapter that has been in the market for quite some time but is also very affordable. It offers speeds of up to 150 Mbps on 802.11n and is also backward compatible with devices with 802.11b/g. However, this is not its biggest offering. If you are one of those people who cannot let go of their old machines and need a strong and reliable wifi connection, this is the gadget for you. It’s not only compatible with old machines but it is also affordable and works like any other plug-and-play device. Most newer wifi adapters do not work like this.
- Portable size
- Excellent tech support
- Really affordable
- Only has a single 2.0 USB port
- Range is not the best
- May disconnect when computer is on sleep and may require reboot
- May become hot after extended use
4. ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900 USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter with Included Cradle – Best USB Wifi Adapter for Gaming
- Instantly upgrades desktops/laptops to Dual-Band AC1900 Wi-Fi for extended coverage and higher throughput
- Powerful 3x4 MIMO design with Dual 3-position external antennas, Dual internal antennas and ASUS AiRadar beamforming
- Included USB 3. 0 cradle provides additional placement options to optimize coverage for desktops. Transmit/receive: 2. 4 GHz 3 x 4, 3 x 4 5 GHz
- Foldable external antennas provide enhanced reception for laptops when open, and portability when closed
- Increase Wi-Fi speeds by up to 300% vs. Previous Gen N900 adapters. Os support- Mac OS X 10. 10, Windows 8, Mac OS X 10. 9, Windows 8. 1, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10. 8, Mac OS X 10. 11, Windows 10, Mac OS X 10. 7
There is a common misconception that USB wifi adapters are slow. That is absolutely not the case! Modern adapters offer superfast data transmission speeds and the ASUS USB-AC68 can definitely prove this to be fact.
The ASUS USB-AC68 comes with an 1 dual internal antenna and 3 position external antenna. Combined, these antennas create a strong and reliable dual-band AC1900 wifi that guarantees fine coverage and higher throughput for both desktops and laptops.
Furthermore, the external antennas are foldable meaning the adapter is perfect for laptops that favor portability. When open, the antennas are able to provide a powerful reception that you can use without any disruptions. This adapter comes with a dedicated USB 3.0 jack that provides additional flexibility in placement of the device for optimal signal coverage.
Some of the tech features you can expect from this one include the ASUS Airadar Beamforming and enhanced 3×4 MIMO design. These features provide better wifi speeds of up to 300% compared to older N900 adapters. The ASUS Airradar features promotes stability making the connection more powerful and reliable. The Beamforming and ASUS RF fine tuning technology ensures high power amplification for the best internet experience.
With the 2.4GHz band you get speeds of up to 600 Mbps while on the 5GHz band you can go up to 1300 Mbps. You can get a combined data transmission rate of up to 1900 Mbps. So, if you are in search of an adapter that can handle huge bandwidth tasks, the ASUS USB-AC68 is definitely what you need. This is the best wireless wifi adapter for gaming desktops and laptops.
- Airadar Beamforming technology
- Fast dual-band network connections
- Easy setup
- USB 3.0 cradle
- Short antenna extension cable
5. Wsky Wireless USB Wifi Adapter – AC 600M Dual Band – Best USB Wifi Adapter for Macbook Pro
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The Wsky AC 600M is a dual band wireless adapter that is recommended for Windows PCs. It also works well with Mac computers for normal day-to-day computer use. It rarely disappoints.
The Wsky AC 600M is easy to set up and can be used to boost the performance of both Mac and Windows laptops and desktops. The gadget is compatible with most routers and works like any other plug-and-play gadget which is pretty nice. You therefore do not require any drivers or additional software to use this adapter.
With its 2.5GHz band, you can expect to reach speeds of up to 150 Mbps. With the 5GHz band, you can expect speeds of up to 600 Mbps. You can get a fast and reliable internet connection for both home and office use. You can do most tasks from watching movies to playing games and even some heavy browsing all without any hassles.
- Powerful dual-band system
- Plug and play capability
- Powerful external antenna
- Compatible with most computers
- Does not work as a host adapter
6. D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter (DWA-192) – Best USB Wifi Adapter for Desktop
- Dual Band Wireless : 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for flexible connectivity
- Advanced AC Smart Beam : Improves coverage and performance by directing bandwidth between your Smart Beam router and the DWA 192 adapter
- Easy Setup : 1 button setup for a fast and secure connection
- USB 3. 0 Interface : Fast connection to your PC
- Backwards Compatible : Connects to legacy 802.11N/g/a networks
This is an excellent pick if you have a big home and you need to you need to use your laptop in different parts of the house with no interruptions. D-link is a pioneer in the wireless adapter industry and you can therefore expect that their wireless products are of superior quality.
This particular D-link adapter is among the first USB wifi adapters to be unveiled to the global market. The adapter has a total of 3 antennas which are all internal which makes the gadget both portable and less likely to be knocked off your desk. The adapter supports Advanced AC SmartBeam and beamforming (the latter being a proprietary variant that is unique to D-link routes).
The performance of this D-link router is quite impressive on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The unique 3×3 antenna setup proved it can perform during near and far tests. This makes the D-link DWA-a92 ideal for setting up challenging wireless connections especially where signal strength is weak. The adapter also proved its impressiveness in the speeds achieved by its 5GHz band that can go up to 210.8 Mbps beating our Trendnet pick from the same distance from the router.
- High speed internet and long range
- Fast installation
- Unique spherical design
- Triple antennas setup with Beamforming technology
- Dual band (2.4 GHz and 5GHz) and USB 3.0 connection
- Strong built
- Poor customer service
- Not good with laptops
- Big in size
7. Trendnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter, TEW-809UB – Best Secured Wireless Adapter
- UPGRADE YOUR WIFI PERFORMANCE: Upgrade your computer up to 1300 Mbps WiFi AC or 600 Mbps WiFi N to surf, game, and stream 4K HD video.
- NDAA + TAA COMPLIANT: With our NDAA and TAA compliant Wireless AC, you can plan and install networking solutions that Government customers demand today (U.S. and Canada Only)
- MANUFACTURER PROTECTION: We stand by the quality of our products.The TEW-809UB AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter is backed and supported with 3 years of TRENDnet Manufacturer Protection.
- RELIABLE TECH SUPPORT: Our team of advisors, support and tech experts are English speaking, and available for all your needs during normal business hours. We take pride in being there for our customers.
- PRIOR TO INSTALLATION: Please ensure Windows is up to date, then follow the Quick Installation Guide to install the latest driver.
The TRENDnet TEW-809UB has an outstanding 4-antenna design that may seem like a little bit excessive for some people but do not let its appearance fool you. The 4 antennas are not your typical antennas that you find on ordinary routers. They come with numerous impressive features like the powerful beamforming technology that allows connection of multiple users without any interference to signal strength or connection speed. You can adjust each antenna independently to improve the range coverage in your home or office.
The adapter comes with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports as well as a dedicated WPS button for one-touch network connection. The TRENDnet TEW-809UB is pre-encrypted for you which means that you can easily and conveniently create an isolated guest network when needed.
The TRENDnet TEW-809UB definitely offers superfast that can go up to 1300 Mbps on the 802.11ac protocol. On the 802.11n protocol, speeds can go up to 600 Mbps. The inclusion of the later protocol means that this device is future-proof. While it is easy to mistake this adapter for a fully-fledged router because of domineering appearance, its amazing features such as huge range rival that of some routers. You can expect to get a range of more than 100 yards before the signal starts to become weak.
Furthermore, the TRENDnet TEW-809UB is capable of creating 2 concurrent networks – a 600 Mbps wireless n network and an a 1.3 Gigabit wireless AC network which allows you to connect to many wireless devices. Added features include optional parental control and targeted Beamforming.
- AC1900 speeds
- Fastest speeds on 5 out of 6 throughput tests
- 4-positional antennas
- Strong performance even at far away distances
- Pre-encrypted
- Beamforming technology
- parental control
- Too bulky and therefore not portable
- No direct plugging into a USB port
- No support for MU-MIMO
- Not so good with Mac OS
8. Edimax EW-7833UAC AC1750 Dual-Band Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter – Best Wireless Adapter For Linux OS
- 11ac Super Fast Wi-Fi Speed: Speedy Wi-Fi 5 AC1750 Wi-Fi for HD streaming and gaming with transfer speeds up to 450Mbps (2.4GHz) or 1300Mbps (5GHz).
- USB 3.0 Interface: Unleash the full potential of 802.11ac wireless standards with faster throughput of USB 3.0 interface.
- Faster Wi-Fi with Beamforming Technology: With beamforming directional signals support, Wi-Fi performance is dramatically improved with better reliability, range and coverage and less wasted signal power.
- High Performance with 3T3R MIMO Technology: Equipped with 3x transmitting antennas and 3x receiving antennas with MIMO Technology for fast and consistent throughput.
- Flexible Foldaway Antenna: Embedded 180 degree adjustable foldaway antenna for optimum Wi-Fi performance while still works when folded for a compact design, ideal for traveling or inconspicuous usage.
Edimax has no shortage of quality wifi adapters and the EW-7833UAC AC1750 is definitely at the top of their offerings. We are a big fan of this adapter mainly because it is compatible with not only the popular operating systems namely Windows and Mac but also Linux OS.
It comes with a powerful Beamforming technology that offers strong coverage and reliable connections so you do not have to worry about poor signal reception. The EW-7833UAC AC1750 has 11 ac fast wifi courtesy of the next generation AC1750 tech for gaming and HD streaming. You get flexible speeds ranging from 450 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band to 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band.
Another key feature of this adapter is its impressive 3T3R MIMO technology that provides high-grade performance. The adapter comes with 3 antennas that make it quite efficient. Additional features include a fast USB 3.0 port and various levels of signal encryption (64/128-bit WEP, WPA and WPA2) for optimal security.
- Supports Linux OS
- Beamforming technology
- Dual-band connectivity
- Various encryption options for added security
- Not so good on Mac OS
9. BrosTrend 1200Mbps Long Range USB WiFi Adapter – Best Range Wireless Adapter
- ULTIMATE WI-FI SPEED: You Can Get 867Mbps Wireless Speed on 5GHz WiFi Band or 300Mbps Speed on 2.4GHz WiFi Band, Excellent for Online 4K Video, Gaming, High Quality Music and Facebook by Using this Dual Band USB WiFi Adapter
- BOOST YOUR RANGE: Comes with 2 pieces of 5dBi High Gain Wifi Antennas, this Long Range WiFi Adapter Ensures Range Extended WiFi and Superior Stability on Your Desktop, Laptop, PC
- FLEXIBLE DEPLOYMENT: Equipped with a USB 3.0 Cradle with Extension Cable of 5 Feet, Connect it to Any USB Ports of Your Desktop, Laptop or PC and Put this USB WiFi Network Adapter in Spot with Optimal WiFi Signal Reception; Or You Can Also Plug this USB WiFi Dongle Directly to Any USB Port of Your Desktops or Laptops
- USB 3.0 PORT WITH GOLD PLATED: Comes with USB 3.0 Port which Works 10 Times Faster than USB 2.0; USB Port with Gold Plated Ensures More Stable and Solid Internet Connection; And it is Backward Compatible with USB 2.0 Port; Your Best WiFi Adapter for PC of Desktop and Laptop
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: This Wireless Adapter Works with Any WiFi Routers; Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7; Linux is NOT supported; To Get OPTIMUM WIFI SPEED, Please Download Latest Driver on BrosTrend Official Web; Offers 7X24 Technical Support
This particular adapter has gained a lot of popularity from the time it was released. The adapter offers reliable speeds from the 300 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band to the faster 867 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means you can use this adapter to visit your favorite social media sites, stream high quality music, game and even watch HD and 4K videos online with no hiccups.
The product includes the latest area coverage tech which allows it to scan a wide range of field in order to pick up all the signals, including signals that some other models would not pick up. In terms of speed, the BrosTrend can reach speeds of up to 1200 Mbps which means you can transmit huge amounts of data within a small amount of time. Regardless of where you have positioned your workstation in your home, this adapter will offer reliable and uninterrupted coverage. The adapter works best with routers compatible with AC1900 or AC1700.
The BrosTrend is relatively sturdier and larger so it is not the best option for laptop users. It is possible to insert the antenna directly into your computer or network card for the best reception. Furthermore, you get a custom desktop cradle that allows you to position your adapter at just the right spot. The product is easy to set up and is compatible with most operating systems. You can specific information on compatibility and drivers from the official manufacturers website.
- Compatible with Windows 7, 10, Mac OS X 10.6 to 10.10, Linux Mint and Ubuntu
- Long range connectivity provided by the 2x 5dBi antennas
- Comes with a USB 3.0 cradle
- 5-feet extension cable
- 2-year warranty
- Some concerns over frequents disconnnects
- There are reports of the adapter arriving with only 1 antenna working
10. Panda Wireless PAU09 N600 Dual Band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wireless N USB Adapter – Wireless Adapter With Great Compatibility
- Works with any 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n networks. Max. wireless connection speed: 300Mbps. Supports both infrastructure and ad-hoc modes. Security: WEP 64/128bit, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x and 802.11i, Cisco CCS V1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 compliant.
- Multi-OS support: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7/8/10/11, Chrome OS, Zroin, MX LInux, Manjaro, Linux Mint, Ubuntu, Lubuntu, OpenSUSE, RedHat, Fedora, CentOS, Kali Linux, Raspbian. NO Mac support for Panda Wireless PAU09.
- The Panda Wireless PAU09 adapter is designed to run on an Intel/AMD based PC or Raspberry Pi 0/1/2/3/4. It doesn't work with any Digital Media Players, Digial Video Recorders, Netwok-Attached Storage devices, Playstations, Security Cameras, etc. Please consult Panda Wireless if you want to use Panda Wireless PAU09 on any non Intel/AMD-based systems.
- If you want to use Panda Wireless PAU09 with a guest OS like Kali in a Virtual Machine, please contact Panda Wireless for more info. In general, we recommend our customers to use Panda Wireless PAU09 on a computer running a supported operating system in the list above.
- Technical Support and Warranty - Please email or call Panda Wireless Technical Support or your seller if you have any problems or warranty issues about your Panda Wireless PAU09 adapter, we will respond to your email/call within 24 hours.
If you are a Linux user, this is the wifi adapter for you. You do not need any additional drivers for this gadget to work on your Linux system. This is a major feature that many Linux users are happy about. However, Linux compatibility is not the only thing that this USB wifi adapter has to offer. The product supports dual-band connections on 2.4 and 5 GHZ bands with 802.11 ac/b/g/n networks.
This is arguably the most compatible wifi adapter on the market. Apart from supporting most Linux distros like Mint, Fedora and Ubuntu, the adapter works well with both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems. It is however not yet compatible with most smart TVs, Roku, Blu-Ray, Playstation 3 or Xbox 360.
This Panda adapter supports WEP 64/128 bit, WPA and WPA2 encryption as well as adhoc modes for optimal security. It also has a low power consumption so you never have to worry about battery life.
- Highly compatible
- Dual-band connectivity
- Supports ad-hoc modes
- Low-power consumption
- Connection drops
What Does a USB Wi-Fi Adapter Do?
A USB Wi-Fi adapter gives you more reliable, faster, and secure connection than the computer’s built-in Wi-Fi feature. The adapter can be plugged into any USB port hence can be used with virtually any computer system. In addition to this, these adapters are plug-and-play, meaning you can insert in any machine, use, and even disconnect when you don’t need to connect to any network.
Benefits of A USB Wi-Fi Adapter
Some of the reasons many people invest in a USB adapter include:
1. It is plug and play: No specialized training is needed to use the adapter. All you need is plug it in the USB port, and that’s it.
2. It is affordable: USB Wi-Fi adapters are considerably much cheaper and more affordable as compared to other Wi-Fi upgrade options (e.g., PCI Wi-Fi cards). Investing in a newer system for better Wi-Fi access costs even more, which is why a USB Wi-Fi adapter is your best bet and recommended option
3. They are future-proof: A proper USB Wi-Fi adapter can help transform your otherwise old PC into a faster one (regarding connectivity). Some of these adapters are capable of the latest AC connection protocols that provide speedier internet connection speeds. Having one, therefore, enables you to access the internet and the rest of the home network with ease.
4. AC adapters support beamforming: Beamforming uses advanced technology and algorithm to concentrate Wi-Fi signals from a router to specific devices. This is unlike older adapters that would just broadcast the signal.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Wireless Adapter for You?
Requirements and taste differ widely based on the person’s preferences and need. Having an idea of exactly what you need can, however, help you identify the best adapter for your needs. Outlined below are some of the key factors and considerations to make when shopping for a wireless adapter.
Your Connection Speeds
This is basically the first thing you ought to consider when shopping for a wireless adapter. You, however, have to consider two things when choosing an adapter for internet connection speeds. These are:
1. Can the adapter handle your internet connection speeds
The latest technological advancements have seen fiber optic cables transmitting data at incredible speeds. You therefore should invest in a wireless adapter capable of matching your router’s connection speeds, or even higher. You don’t want to be paying for 100mbps while your Wi-Fi adapter can only handle 64mbps.
2. Compatibility
Many people, will in most instances invest in a more powerful Wi-Fi adapter while their internet connection speeds aren’t that great. While the adapter may be future proof, it wouldn’t be a wise idea to invest in a wireless card supporting gigabit transfer speeds while you only have 10Mbps.
Wi-Fi Technology And Wireless Router In Use
Most Wi-Fi enabled devices use the same frequencies to transmit or receive. Internet service providers will, therefore, provide you with modems that support these protocols. The wireless protocol in use is a crucial factor to consider when shopping for a Wi-Fi adapter.
Newer routers use two different wireless technologies to transmit data. These are the 802.11n and 802.11ac technologies. In addition to this, some routers may support both wireless technologies (dual band) while others only support one of these (single band). Such can affect the adapter’s compatibility and especially if using a single band router.
802.11n Versus, 802.11ac Wireless Technologies
These technologies are backward- compatible. Your adapter should be able to work with either. Nevertheless, transfer and connection speeds differ significantly between the two technologies. In theory, 802.11ac is capable of transmitting up to 1300Mbits while 802.11n only supports 450Mbits maximum. For this reason, you need to invest in the right adapter based on the preferred technology at home. With 11ac transmitting faster speeds, you will be safer with an adapter supporting this frequency.
Dual-band vs. Single-band
This factor again focuses more on transfer speeds. While single-band and dual-band routers are fully compatible, the 2.4GHz band connection speeds are much lower as compared to the higher 5GHz frequency band. If your adapter however supports both frequencies, but your router is only capable of single-band, it will then just connect with the available spectrum while the other remains idle. Investing in a double-band router would be a wise investment as well.
Computer Connection
Your computer uses two interfaces to connect to wireless adapters. It can either be internally through the PCIe slot or USB ports. USB Wi-Fi adapters plug directly into your computers USB port, hence much easier to install.
For obvious reasons, laptop owners can only use external USB Wi-Fi adapters. The adapter can be connected to either USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports. USB 2.0 ports however support speeds up to 480Mbps while USB 3.0 supports rates up to 5Gbs.
Desktop PC users, on the other hand, can choose between internal and external adapters. For instance, a desktop owner can opt for the more stable and faster PCIe Wi-Fi adapters to connect in the PC’s PCI slots. Some of these PCIe cards take up lots of space, one of the reasons some users are forced to stick to the USB option. You however won’t be sacrificing on speeds is your computer system has USB 3.0 connection ports.
Signal Strength
A good and powerful wireless adapter should be able to maintain a stable connection without dropping. For this reason, you need to identify mechanisms in which the adapter uses top ensure a stable yet consistent signal. The first factor to consider here is the antenna. Most USB adapters use an internal antenna, while some use both internal and external antenna.
Adapters with internal antennas have a sleek look and more comfortable to carry. External adapters, on the other hand, are attached to the device’s main body, hence can be adjusted for a stronger signal reception. The antenna however varies from one manufacturer to the other.
Adapters with either the internal or external antenna have their advantages and disadvantages. You should however choose an adapter based on how well it can maintain a connection without dropping. Factors such as obstructions and distance should also be considered when shopping for one. While most solid items will affect the signal quality, walls cause a noticeable decrease in signal strength hence should be considered.
If you will be using the antenna or computer in a separate room with several walls or larger areas, adapters with an antenna will provide a more stable connection. If the signal however has to cover more distance, you then might have to look for an antenna with multiple external antennae.
The Main 802.11 Protocols
| Protocol | Year | Transfer Speed | Frequency |
| 802.11b | 1999 | 11 Mbit/s | 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11g | 2003 | 54 Mbit/s | 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11n | 2009 | 150/300 Mbit/s | 2.4 GHz |
| 802.11ac | 2013 | 866.7 Mbit/s | 5 GHz |
How To Boost Your Home Wi-Fi Signal?
1. Use Wi-Fi devices with the latest technologies
2. Ensure the router is placed in a central spot
3. Use the right wireless channel
4. Eliminate interference from other appliances
5. Password protect your Wi-Fi
6. Turn the wireless adapter off when, not in use
7. Use updated network drivers
8. Allow automatic updates for your operating system
9. Schedule times when the router should reboot
10. Use XpressConnect when connecting to Eduroam
Conclusion
With the many options for internal or external Wi-Fi adapters, it is advisable to look for the best and most appropriate device fitting your needs. In addition to choosing the right wireless adapter, consider using the right channel (less commonly used), place the router appropriately, and secure your Wi-Fi.
If you are using the adapter or computer in the same room as the router is, your best bet will be with the sleeker adapter with an internal antenna. Adapters with external adapters are however recommended if there are obstructions and distance between you and the signal source. Consider shopping around for various varieties and brands before settling for one.
Reading online reviews and testimonials about multiple brands and wireless adapters should also give you some insight on the same.
Editor’s Choice
No products found.
Professional’s Choice
- Instantly upgrades desktops/laptops to Dual-Band AC1900 Wi-Fi for extended coverage and higher throughput
- Powerful 3x4 MIMO design with Dual 3-position external antennas, Dual internal antennas and ASUS AiRadar beamforming
- Included USB 3. 0 cradle provides additional placement options to optimize coverage for desktops. Transmit/receive: 2. 4 GHz 3 x 4, 3 x 4 5 GHz
- Foldable external antennas provide enhanced reception for laptops when open, and portability when closed
- Increase Wi-Fi speeds by up to 300% vs. Previous Gen N900 adapters. Os support- Mac OS X 10. 10, Windows 8, Mac OS X 10. 9, Windows 8. 1, Windows 7, Mac OS X 10. 8, Mac OS X 10. 11, Windows 10, Mac OS X 10. 7
Low-budget Choice
- Supports 150 Mbps 802.11n Wireless data rate - the latest wireless standard. Permits users to have the farthest range with the widest coverage. (Up to 6 times the speed and 3 times the coverage of 802.11b.).
- Power Saving designed to support smart transmit power control and auto-idle state adjustment
- Supports WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) Standard so that you can let different types of data have higher priority. It would allows better streaming of real-time data such as Video, Music, Skype etc
- Includes multi-language EZmax setup wizard
- Spec Standards IEEE 802.11n; backward compatible with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi Certified. Security 64/128 bit WEP Encryption and WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK security; WPS compatible IEEE 802.1X
Last update on 2024-11-23 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API