Buying guide for best wireless adapters
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
Wi-Fi is everywhere nowadays, but you might have a desktop that isn’t equipped with a Wi-Fi card. That means it’s not capable of receiving a wireless signal. Wired internet connections are always the safer bet if it works for you, but they can be inconvenient for most users who have their modem or router set up far from their computer.
That’s where a wireless adapter comes in. It’ll allow your desktop to receive a wireless signal from your router. They’re relatively cheap, and most have advanced features and functions that let you establish wireless connections that are nearly as reliable as wired connections.
The best wireless adapters allow for fast data transfer speeds, whether you’re browsing the web, sending emails, streaming movies or online gaming. The best adapter for you depends on your setup and what you do most on your computer. Our favorite is the Asus AX1800 PCIe Wi-Fi Adapter.
Editors’ picks
Asus AX1800 PCIe Wi-Fi Adapter
Editors’ Favorite
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax | Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz | Max Speed: 1,800 Mbps | Bluetooth Version: 5.2
The Asus AX1800 PCIe Wi-Fi Adapter offers reliable performance thanks to its advanced Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax technology that can support data transfer speeds as fast as 1,800 Mbps.
It’s a sleek card that allows for fast streaming and lag-free gaming even on crowded networks thanks to OFDMA and MU-MIMO enhancements.
It boasts Bluetooth 5.2, which allows twice the data speed and up to four times the range as older models, making it the best option for hardcore gamers and digital creators. WPA3 security provides excellent protection against hackers, and installation is simple thanks to its plug-and-play design.
Gigabyte Wi-Fi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card
Great Value
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6E 802.11ac | Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | Max Speed: 2,400 Mbps | Bluetooth Version: 5.2
The Gigabyte Wi-Fi 6E GC-WBAX210 Expansion Card is a terrific choice for casual internet users who want something affordable to receive wireless signals on older computers. It supports tri-band frequencies, providing reliable internet connections to a range of devices, from new to older models.
Wi-Fi 6E technology allows for transfer speeds as fast as 2,400 Mbps, making this adapter an excellent option for streaming HD content, web surfing and lag-free gaming.
It integrates Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for smooth wireless connections, and it enhances signal quality using an AORUS-designed 2Tx2R external antenna system. Setup is simple, requiring you to plug into a PCIe x1 slot. Plus, it features WPA3 security protocols for superior network protection.
MSI BE6500 Wi-Fi 7 USB Adapter
For the Fastest Speeds
Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 7 802.11be | Frequency Bands: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz | Max Speed: 2,880 Mbps | USB Version: Bluetooth 5.3
If you’re a hardcore gamer or frequently stream 4K content, you need an adapter like the MSI BE6500 to support your applications. Tri-band frequencies provide more stability for various devices, and multi-link operation allows devices to transmit data over multiple bands, allowing for a smoother, stable connection.
Wi-Fi 7 802.11be technology enables data transfer speeds of up to 2,880 Mbps, and WPA3 security protocols keep your data private and safe. It features beamforming antennas that allow you to place your Wi-Fi adapter further away from the access point than most models, ensuring a reliable connection. Overall, it’s the best choice for power users who need dependable performance around the clock.
Key considerations
Size
Depending on the type of computer you have, you can either install a wireless adapter inside your computer or simply plug one into the USB port. In the latter case, it’s very important to consider the size, shape, and antenna design of your adapter. Some adapters are about the same size as a USB flash drive, and some are even smaller. Others have large dual antennas, which can be less convenient if your workspace is cramped, or if you move your machine regularly. That said, units with antennas generally provide faster connection speeds and a wider range.
Speed
Connecting to the internet via Wi-Fi is incredibly convenient, but not all wireless adapters are created equal. To get the speed you need, choose the adapter that’s best for your purposes. Basic options provide speeds of about 1,800 Mbps, and while that’s on the lower end for adapters, it’s plenty capable for basic online use such as web surfing, music streaming, watching YouTube, editing documents on the cloud, and casual gaming.
When you get to 2,000 Mbps, you can enjoy all of the above, faster. Web pages load more quickly, videos buffer less, and services like 4K video streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming are much more stable. In addition, you can download large files, such as HD movies, in no time.
If you’re after the best speeds available, look for adapters with speeds in the 2,400 to 5,000 Mbps range. This all but guarantees lag-free gaming and nearly instant file downloads, along with extremely responsive web browsing. Remember, if your internet plan or router only supports speeds of 100 Mbps, buying an adapter with a higher rating probably isn’t the best use of your money.
Range
You can have the fastest internet connection in the world, but if your wireless antenna has poor range, you aren’t getting your money’s worth. Depending on the size of your workspace, your computer’s proximity to your internet router, and how often you move your machine, more range is almost always better. Certain adapters list their range ratings with dBi, which measures the gain of the antenna itself. Adapters with dual antennas generally boast the best marks in this regard.
Operating system compatibility
Wireless adapters have to integrate with your computer’s hardware and software, so compatibility is obviously vital. Select models only offer Windows connectivity, so if you use a Mac or run a Linux operating system, confirm that your adapter will work with your computer before buying.
Wireless adapter features
USB connection
USB adapters are the most common way to add wireless internet to your laptop or desktop, but they’re not the only option. PCIe network cards, which require installation inside the computer and feature external antennas, are a notable alternative. Speed and range are high points with this type of unit, but we prefer USB adapters for their convenience, portability, and price.
Tri-band operation
Just like a Wi-Fi router, wireless adapters often feature three bands with three different frequencies — 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz. Having three bands to choose from is extremely beneficial if you’re sharing your internet connection, and certain types of interference affect different frequencies more than others. Some devices that can cause interference are garage door openers, cordless phones, and even microwaves, so having more choice is beneficial.
Warranty
If a wireless adapter is your only link to the internet, failure can lead to missed work, missed connections, or at the very least a mild annoyance. That makes warranties and technical support all the more important. Certain adapters offer lifetime warranties, consistent driver updates, and full technical support. That’s the best-case scenario. Other options include one- or two-year warranties, or refunds in case of failure.
Wireless adapter prices
Wireless adapters might sound like expensive pieces of technology, but considering the luxury they offer, they’re actually quite reasonable.
Inexpensive: Wireless adapters can be purchased for $20 to $30. These models typically include a single 2.4-GHz band with speeds of around 1,000 Mbps, which is more than acceptable for basic internet usage.
Mid-range: If you’d like to stream video in higher quality, get into gaming, or download large media files, you’ll need to spend about $40 to $60. At this price point, you can get dual-band or tri-band adapters, along with much better speeds of approximately 1,800 Mbps. Multiple antennas noticeably extend range as well, which can be handy if you have a large home or workspace.
Expensive: For $70 or more, you’ll find dual-band or tri-band adapters with speeds in the 2,400-5,000 Mbps range. These are the speeds you’ll need for lag-free gaming and ultra-quick media downloads. These units also provide a wider effective range.
Tips
-
A Wi-Fi adapter will add wireless internet to your computer, but it won’t guarantee a stable connection. Placing your computer near the router goes a long way with this, but if you can’t, the fewer walls and electronics the signal has to pass through, the better.
-
Administering a speed test is the simplest way to measure the internet speed your computer is actually using. This way, if your connection feels slow, you can pinpoint if it’s a problem with your router, adapter, or computer itself.
-
“Have you tried turning it off and turning it on again?” This is a common joke in the IT world, but it’s there for a reason. If your computer and adapter aren’t the culprit of low internet speeds, resetting your router can solve connection problems.
FAQ
Q. What does Mbps measure?
A. Mbps means megabits per second, and is the unit by which data transfer speeds like internet connections get measured. This is not to be confused with MBps, which stands for megabytes per second. There are 8 megabits in one megabyte, so a 100 Mbps connection is capable of downloading 12.5 megabytes per second. To put that in perspective, an average mp3 music file is about 4 megabytes.
Q. What’s the difference between a 2.4-GHz connection and a 5-GHz connection?
A. A 2.4-GHz connection provides slower speeds than a 5-GHz equivalent, but it has better range. This is because lower frequency signals can penetrate solid objects like walls and floors more efficiently than higher frequency signals. Thus, 5-GHz has less range, but is a much faster way to transfer data overall.
Q. Can I use a Wi-Fi adapter to add Bluetooth to my computer?
A. A pure Wi-Fi adapter does not add Bluetooth capabilities to your computer. Although Bluetooth and certain internet bands operate on a 2.4-GHz frequency, they effectively speak different languages. There are, however, 2-in-1 adapters that can add Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to your computer at the same time.
How we analyzed
Our research process involved looking for models that are easy to install and offer fast data transfer speeds. We also considered Wi-Fi technologies, the latest of which offer more stable connectivity and faster connections. Customer reviews were also helpful in our research, as we picked the ones with the most favorable consensus ratings.
