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Review 10 Best USB Wifi Adapter For PC & Desktop in 2024

Best USB Wifi Adapter For PC

Almost every laptop available on the market today has an in-built wifi card. But this is not the same with computers. Despite the rising importance of the internet, many PCs don’t include a wifi card. Even the computers that offer the best motherboards are missing this feature.

The ones that do carry a wifi card often have a cheaper version. This is where the need for a USB Wifi adapter for pc comes in. It is a plug-and-play device that allows you to establish a wireless connection on your desktop. This is by far the easiest way to connect your PC to a wireless network.

Apart from computers, you can also use them with laptops, and gaming consoles. With the right wifi adapter, you can even upgrade the performance.

USB wifi adapters are available in different designs. It can range from portable dongles to devices that sit on your desk. But they all have the same goal and that is to give you better wireless connectivity.

If you are looking forward to buying the best USB Wifi adapter for a PC, you are in the right place. We have some of the best options in store for you.

Best USB WiFi adapter For PC Review

Here is the list of the best USB wifi adapters that you can get for your computer. Go through the details and pick the one that is most appropriate for you.

#1. Nine plus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC: Our Top Pick

Sale
Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC - 1300Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G/2.4G WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC Laptop Windows11/10/8/7/Vista/XP, Wireless Adapter for Desktop Computer Network Adapters
  • Fast 1300Mbps USB WiFi Adapter - Nineplus wifi adapter provides long-range and lag-free and stable...
  • Dual-band 5GHz and 2GHz Bands - 5G wifi speed up to 867Mbps,2GHz 400Mbps,With these upgraded speeds,...
  • Two 5dBi High Gain Antenna – The high gain antenna of the wifi adapter greatly enhances the...

With Nineplus wireless USB wifi adapter you don’t have to put up with slow internet speeds. It gives you a stable wireless connection both inside and outside your home.

Why is it Unique?

This is a dual-band adapter with 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz bandwidth. Provides long-range lag-free and stable wifi connections to give you the best speeds. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and  Linux.

This adapter helps you build your secure wireless network. It is supported by all WLAN routers and remains undisturbed by other interfering devices like cordless phones and Bluetooth.

Buyer’s Experience

This is one of the best USB Wifi adapters for PCs in the market. It looks like a portable dongle and has all the features you would want.

It comes with a USB 3.0 interface and advanced 2*2 technology support. Dual-band 5GHz and 2GHz Bands – 5G wifi speed up to 867Mbps, 2GHz 400Mbps. With the help of this adapter, users can enjoy reliable and strong connections.

It also has an internal antenna for improved performance, especially during gaming.

Pros

  • It has an easy setup.
  • It is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
  • It is small and portable.
  • It is provided with a lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • It has a constantly blinking light.

Best Fit For

This adapter is built to give you super-fast internet speeds. It is ideal for 4K streaming and multiplayer gaming sessions online. With this adapter, you can enjoy a more stable connection.

Sale
ASUS PCE-AC68 Dual-Band 3x3 AC1900 WiFi PCIe adapter with Heat Sink and External magnetic antenna base allows flexible antenna placement to maximize coverage
  • Provides an extensible design that enables service prioritization for data
  • Design that delivers high availability, scalability, and for maximum flexibility and...
  • The country of origin is China; Os support: Windows 8.1 (32bit/64bit), Windows 8 (32bit/64bit),...

If you are looking for a quality wireless wifi adapter, then ASUS PCE-AC68 could be a good choice for you. It is an 802.11ac wifi PCI Express adapter using which you can enjoy great internet speeds on your PC. Plus, it features a unique design.

Why is it Unique?

This adapter features a stylish magnetized antenna that can be adjusted to enjoy the best signal quality possible.

It comes with Broadcom TurboQAM hardware integrated into the adapter that allows you to enjoy next-generation 802.11ac wifi to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers have highly rated this adapter because of its extensible design that allows for service prioritization for data. It features a design that delivers high scalability, availability, and flexibility.

With this adapter, you can get 150% more coverage. It also has a custom heatsink that dissipates heat for a more reliable and stable operation. It is also equipped with a 5th generation 802.11ac chipset to give you speeds up to 1.30Gbps.

Pros

  • It supports a dual-band.
  • It is affordable.
  • It gives you super-fast speeds.
  • It features an attractive design.

Cons

  • The use of shorter cables can result in weak signals.

Best Fit For

This USB WiFi adapter can easily eliminate dead spots at any location. It is ideal for HD streaming and smooth online gaming.

Sale

As you already know TP-Link is one of the leading brands in the market. Coming from a reputable brand, you can expect this adapter to give you a good and reliable performance. With the Archer AC1900 T9E adapter, it becomes easier to upgrade your desktop with the Best USB wifi adapter for desktops.

Why it is Unique?

This is a powerful adapter that is built for superior performance. If you want the best value for your money, this could be an ideal choice for you.

With this device, you can enjoy blazing 1900Mbps wireless speeds, while online gaming. The Heat Sink technology helps further improve the performance of the adapter.

The best feature of this adapter is probably the beamforming tech which allows it to receive directional signals and reduce signal loss.

Buyer’s Experience

Many buyers like this product because of its stylish and sleek design. It is a dual-band USB wifi adapter that gives you the best speeds without any inconsistencies.

It delivers more than 600 Mbps in the 5GHz band, while the 2.4GHz gives you up to 200 Mbps. It is also equipped with 3 antennas for improved performance.

Pros

  • It delivers great speed.
  • It has dual-band support.
  • It features a PCI-Express interface.
  • It is compatible with both Windows and Mac.

Cons

  • It has a low reception in the 5GHz band on Windows 10.

Best Fit For

You can use this Wi-Fi adapter for uninterrupted HD streaming as well as online gaming. To enjoy better performance, you can adjust the antennas as per your requirements.

#4. ASUS USB-AC68 AC1900 Dual-band USB 3.0 WiFi Adapter: Best For Windows

ASUS USB-AC68 AC1900 Dual-band USB 3.0 WiFi Adapter, Cradle included
  • Instantly upgrades desktops/laptops to Dual-Band AC1900 Wi-Fi for extended coverage and higher...
  • Powerful 3x4 MIMO design with Dual 3-position external antennas, Dual internal antennas and ASUS...
  • Included USB 3. 0 cradle provides additional placement options to optimize coverage for desktops....

Asus AC1900 AC68 is yet another quality Wireless adapter you can buy. This adapter is best suited for Windows desktops. It is a powerful dual-band adapter with 3 external and internal antennae for better performance.

Why is it Unique?

This adapter includes a USB 3.0 cradle to maximize desktop coverage. It has foldable antennas to give you the best speed.

With the help of this adapter, you can boost your PC with 600 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band, and 1300 Mbps on the 5GHz band. This means you can enjoy a combined data rate of up to 1900Mbps on your PC.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers prefer this adapter over other models because of its ease of use. It comes with a desktop cradle that makes it easier for them to place it in the best position. This way you can enjoy a good reception even in troublesome areas.

It has a USB 3.0 interface that allows you to pair it with computers and laptops. The iRadar beamforming technology delivers improved stability and reliability. This also ensures dynamic data speed and extended coverage.

Pros

  • It has compact dual antennas.
  • It ensures extended coverage.
  • It works with both Windows and Mac.
  • It comes with a dual-band configuration.

Cons

  • It lacks a PCI-Express interface.

Best Fit For

You can use this adapter with your desktop as well as a laptop. It gives you extended coverage and increased throughput. Also, it can be used both indoors and outdoors. The good thing is that it is compatible with both Mac and Windows OS.

#5. TRENDnet AC1900 Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter: Best For Strong Signal

TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter, TEW-809UB, Stream 4K HD Video, Windows-Mac OS Compatible, USB 3.0 to USB Type A, Black
  • UPGRADE YOUR WIFI PERFORMANCE: Upgrade your computer up to 1300 Mbps WiFi AC or 600 Mbps WiFi N to...
  • PRIOR TO INSTALLATION: Please ensure Windows is up to date, then follow the Quick Installation Guide...
  • INCREASE YOUR WIFI COVERAGE: A high power radio with detachable high gain antennas increase WiFi...

If you want a USB wifi adapter for a strong signal and better performance, you should consider opting for the Trendnet TEW 809UB. It is a four-legged device that looks similar to a robot spider.

Why is it Unique?

First of all, it is different from most modern-day adapters. Instead of a dongle design, it features a robot spider-like build. But this adapter is more than just looks.

It gives you the best performance when it comes to online gaming. It has four adjustable antennas that enable you to enjoy a signal strength of 5 dBi. It is also equipped with beamforming technology that helps improve the adapter’s performance.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers have claimed that it has a robust build. They invest in this product because of the quality of performance it delivers. It is designed to give serious competition to other adapters within this price range.

With this adapter, you can reach speeds of up to 569Mbps in the 5 GHz band. On the other hand, you get 178Mpbs speed in the 2.4GHz band, which is pretty decent for an adapter of this capacity.

Pros

  • It has an innovative design.
  • It has four adjustable antennas.
  • It is equipped with beamforming tech.
  • It is great for gaming.

Cons

  • It lacks support for the MU-MIMO format.

Best Fit For

This adapter is mostly preferred by gamers as it gives them an amazing performance. It enables you to enjoy a consistent and stable connection, so you don’t suffer while gaming. To get the most out of this adapter, you should use it with the right devices.

D-Link USB WiFi Adapter AC1900 USB 3.0 Dual Band Long Range Wireless Network for Desktop PC Laptop Gaming (DWA-192)
  • 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...
  • Easy Setup : 1 button setup for a fast and secure connection

At first glance, you will assume it to be a high-tech Pokeball, but it is a wifi adapter. If you want a unique-looking adapter for your laptop, then D-Link DWA-192 could be the best choice for you.

Why is it Unique? 

Besides the unique design, this is a very capable adapter. It is best suited for network gamers as it allows them to enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions online.

It comes with three internal antennas that enable the device to catch better signal strength. Unlike other adapters, you cannot carry it around. It has a bigger size and also includes a meter-long USB 3.0 cable.

Buyer’s Experience 

There’s no doubt, that buyers dig this product because of its fancy design. But at the same time, they also appreciate its innovative design.

With this adapter, you can enjoy a speed of 504Mbps on the 5 GHz band, while the 2.4 GHz gives you speeds up to 160Mbps. In short, it gives you decent speed and performance.

Pros

  • It looks like a Pokeball.
  • It has triple internal antennas.
  • It features a sturdy build.
  • It is equipped with beamforming technology.

Cons

  • It is not as portable as other adapters.

Best Fit For

This adapter is certainly a prized possession for online gamers. With beamforming tech and triple internal antennas, it gives you uninterrupted speed. Plus, it has dual-band functionality as well.

OURLINK 600Mbps AC600 Dual Band USB WiFi Dongle & Wireless Network Adapter for Laptop/Desktop Computer - Backward Compatible with 802.11 a/b/g/n Products (2.4 GHz 150Mbps, 5GHz 433Mbps)
  • Supports 802.11 ac standard - the next generation of Wi-Fi; Runs 3x faster than Wireless N adapters
  • Dual band connections for lag-free Skype calls, HD video streaming and gaming (5GHz 433Mbps, 2.4GHz...
  • SoftAP Mode to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for mobile devices whenever there is only wired Internet...

Not everyone has the budget to buy an expensive adapter. If you are looking for a budget Wi-Fi adapter, then OURLink AC600 could be one of the options for you. It is one of the most affordable and compact adapters on the market.

Why is it Unique?

This compact adapter is ideal for in-home usage, especially if you are into gaming. It features a plug-n-play setup which makes it highly convenient to use. It takes just a few seconds to install it.

It comes with an Omnidirectional antenna that helps cover every corner of your house. But the antennas are quite big, so you might bump into them while walking past them.

Buyer’s Experience

This is a dual-band adapter with 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz. With this adapter, you can achieve a combined data speed of 600Mbps.

Buyers have also claimed that it covers all corners of their houses. To get better signal strength, you can adjust the position of the antennas.

Pros

  • It is an affordable USB Wi-Fi adapter.
  • It has a compact design.
  • It works with both Mac and Windows OS.
  • It comes with beamforming technology.

Cons

  • It has a big antenna.

Best Fit For

This USB WiFi adapter for PC is best suited for HD streaming and gaming. With this device, you can enjoy lag-free video calls as well. If you are a fan of multiplayer games, you will find this adapter to be very helpful. Plus, you can use it with both Windows and Mac desktops.

#8. ANEWKODI 600Mbps USB WiFi Adapter: Best Portable

ANEWKODI 600Mbps USB WiFi Adapter USB Wireless Adapter Dual Band 2.4G/5G 600Mbps 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n Wireless Adapter for Desktop/Laptop/PC, Support Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000/Mac Os
  • ★ Awesome speed: Maximum speed up to 5GHz 433Mbps or 2.4GHz 150Mbps. Ideal for gaming online and...
  • ★ Awesome 2dBi external antenna design: High Gain Long-Range 2dBi Antenna can help you connect...
  • ★ Awesome compatibility: No drivers required for Windows 10! Just plug and play! Compatible with...

The Anewkodi USB wifi adapter is a dongle-shaped device that can be carried to any place you go. Due to its portable design, you can carry it in your bag and go places. This allows you to use it both inside the house and outside.

Why it is Unique?

This is a decent wifi adapter, which is best suited for desktop users. It looks like a dongle and is highly portable. Not only that, but it is also quite affordable, so you don’t have to wreck your pocket to buy it.

You can consider opting for this adapter if you want to shift from your in-built PC adapter to an external USB one. It may not give you the fastest speed, but it makes a good choice within this price range.

Buyer’s Experience

With the help of this device, you can enjoy speeds up to 420 Mbps and 140Mbps on the 5GHz and 2.4GHz respectively.

If you are tight on budget, this could be an ideal choice for you. Besides that, it is compact and portable, which means you can carry it wherever you go.

Due to its plastic body, the adapter is lightweight. But the problem is that it makes it weak. Some users have complained about the durability of the product. But one good point is the long-range antenna that helps boost the wifi signals.

Pros

  • It comes with a long-range antenna.
  • It is very affordable.
  • It is lightweight and portable.
  • It is based on the 802.11ac protocol.

Cons

  • It has a weak plastic body.

Best Fit For

This adapter is great for home use. It is a low-budget device that works well with both Mac and Windows OS. You can use it for seamless streaming and gaming.

#9. Panda Wireless PAU06 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter: Best Wireless

Panda Wireless PAU06 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter - w/High Gain Antenna - Win XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, Mint, Ubuntu, MX Linux, Manjaro, Fedora, Centos, Kali Linux and Raspbian
  • Works with any 2.4Ghz wireless g/n routers. Max. wireless connection speed: 300Mbps. Supports both...
  • Multi-OS support: 32-bit and 64-bit Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, MX LInux, Manjaro, Linux Mint, Ubuntu,...
  • The Panda Wireless PAU06 adapter is designed to run on an Intel/AMD based PC or Raspberry Pi...

Panda Wireless PAU06 is yet another great choice when it comes to gaming. It provides an impressive speed that enables you to enjoy buffer-free video streaming.

Why is it Unique?

This is a wireless adapter, which means you don’t have to deal with any annoying cable. With this amazing device, you can switch from your PC’s inbuilt wifi adapter to a more advanced option.

It is a great choice for Windows 10 users. It features a plug-and-play design that allows for an easy set-up. It hardly takes a minute to get started with it.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers have praised this product for its strong signal strength. You can use it with older Windows PCs and upgrade them to enjoy increased speeds.

It gives you a decent speed of 245Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. It comes with an L-shaped design that is good enough for 2.4 GHz routers. It also includes a strong antenna for a stable connection. This enables you to enjoy strong signals even indoors.

However, users have complained about weak signals when they move away from their laptops from the router. The signal starts to fluctuate and becomes bleak.

Pros

  • It provides wireless connectivity.
  • It is great for Windows OS.
  • It is backward compatible with the 802.11g standard.
  • It is compatible with Linux, Fedora, Mac, & Windows.

Cons

  • Some users have complained about the sudden signal drop.

Best Fit For

This wifi adapter is great for indoor use. You can connect it to your laptop and even old computers. It is ideal for gaming and video streaming. The best thing is that you can use it with multiple OS including Mac, Windows, Fedora, and Linux.

#10. Linksys USB Wireless Network Adapter: Best For Gaming

Sale
Linksys USB Wireless Network Adapter, Dual-Band wireless 3.0 Adapter for PC, 1.2Gbps (AC1200) Speed - WUSB6300
  • Supports Microsoft Windows 10, 7, 8, XP, Vista
  • Lightning fast HD Video and Gaming
  • Up to 867 Mbps speed on Wireless AC 5 GHz band or Up to 300 Mbps speed on Wireless N 2.4 GHz band

For an amazing online gaming experience, you can rely on the Linksys AC1200 WUSB6300 Wifi Adapter. Even though it was launched in 2013, it is still in demand because of its performance.

Why is it Unique?

Unlike other adapters, it is easy to install. You can get started with it in just a few seconds. It features a flash drive design that is highly portable. Due to the lightweight design, you can carry it wherever you go.

It is an affordable option that maintains a consistent ping even when you are busy gaming. With the help of this adapter, you can achieve a speed of 400Mbps in the 5 GHz band, while the 2.4 GHz band delivers 151Mbps speed.

Buyer’s Experience 

Like the other models in the list, this adapter is not very popular among users. This could be because it was released way back in 2013.

However, the people who have used it claimed that it comes with an easy installation process. Also, it delivers a decent speed. But you might experience a sudden signal drop when you move your device away from the router.

Pros

  • It is highly portable.
  • It has a lightweight design.
  • It is a dual-band adapter.
  • It is quite affordable.

Cons

  • It doesn’t have an external antenna.

Best Fit For

This adapter is ideal for online gaming. It may not deliver the best speed, but it is doable.

Key Considerations Guide Before Purchasing the Best USB Wifi Adapter for a PC

When it comes to buying a USB wifi adapter, there are certain important things you must keep in mind. To make your buying process easier, we have explained the important factors in the buyer’s guide below.

1. Speed

This is perhaps the most important aspect of a USB wifi adapter for a laptop. The speed is measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). Choosing an adapter with a high Mbps speed allows you to enjoy better connectivity.

Most modern-day adapters permit a frequency of 2.4GHz or 5GHz, while the expensive ones permit signals on both frequencies. To get the best results, we recommend you opt for a dual-band adapter. It will cost you more, but it will be beneficial in the long run.

Related | Mbps vs MBps: Know the Difference & Function

2. Antennas

The next important thing is the antenna. Most adapters are without external antennas, especially the latest ones. Despite that, they will get connected to the web.

If you want better connection speeds, then opting for an adapter with an antenna will be a good decision for you. It will also allow you to connect virtually anywhere even in places with limited coverage. Some external antennas are adjustable, so you can position them to obtain better speeds.

3. USB Port

You must also consider the USB port. Usually, adapters come with 2.0 or 3.0 USB ports. As you might have guessed, the ones with 3.0 USB ports are a bit on the expensive side. But they give you better speeds.

Related | Micro USB vs Mini USB: Know the Difference, Function & Use

If you have a fast internet connection and wish to upgrade the speed, then you should opt for a 3.0 USB port. Most modern adapters are equipped with 3.0 USB ports, so you have plenty of models to choose from.

4. Sizing

Even the size matters when buying an adapter. In this case, you must take into consideration the number of times you may have to move it.

If you want to carry your adapter to places, then you need a portable design. Fortunately, you will find many pocket-sized adapters on the market. Compact and lightweight adapters are best for portability.

5. Extensions

The extension will link to the antenna to give you the best possible coverage.

You can buy range extenders separately. Having an extender is a great way to connect to wifi connections that are a little further.

Fortunately, there are plenty of brands offering USB wifi adapters. But the point is to choose the best company, so you can get the best product. Buying a high-quality wifi adapter will give you the best outcome. In this case, you should rely on the following brands:

  • TP-Link

This is a widely popular brand in the market. They hold a reputation for offering high-performance products. If you want a durable and quality adapter, then you should consider the ones offered by this brand.

  • Net-DYN

This is a small family-owned business that has gained a lot of popularity among users. They make durable products that will last you for years. If you want an affordable wifi adapter, then Net-DYN could be a good brand for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a USD wifi adapter used for?

Ans: A USB wifi adapter overrides a PC’s inbuilt wireless functionality to give you a faster and more reliable connection through a USB port.

Q2. When should you use a wireless USB adapter?

Ans: If you have a desktop that does not support wifi, you can use a USB wifi adapter to connect to a wifi network. wifi adapters allow for a longer range of connectivity, so you can connect to wifi in places where it was previously not available.

Q3. Is a wifi adapter good for gaming?

Ans: If you own a gaming device without wifi, a wireless adapter will allow you to connect to the internet. With the help of a wifi adapter, you can enjoy improved gaming speeds, especially when you are playing multiplayer games. So yes, a wifi adapter is a good investment for gamers.

Q4. Are wifi adapters safe?

Ans: Technically, USB wifi adapters do not provide any inherent security. The security comes from the network you are connected to and also from the firewall or antivirus program that you have on your PC. So using a wifi adapter won’t affect the security of your device.

Q5. Does the wifi adapter affect your internet speed?

Ans: Simply using a USB adapter for a PC will not affect the speed of your internet connection. It is the router you are using that affects the speed.

Final Verdict

Having the USB wifi adapter for pc can solve your problem of wifi connectivity on your computer. The advantage of using USB adapters is that they can be easily used with any device. With the help of the USB wifi adapter, you can connect your PC, laptop, or console to a wireless network. If you are planning to get a new adapter, you can make your pick from the products mentioned in this post. These are affordable and quality adapters that are preferred by other users.

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