Buying guide for Best wireless adapters
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In 2019, we often forget just how easy we have it, technology-wise. Before consumers were able to access the internet in 1991, we communicated, worked, consumed media, and interacted in a completely different way than we do now. WiFi came along six years later, and it took the convenience factor of the internet to an entirely new level. But even today, not all devices feature wireless connectivity, thus the need for a good wireless adapter.
Wireless internet permits us to work, chat, and watch from anywhere in our homes without having to physically connect to a modem. Today, WiFi is available in nearly every public space that has electricity. This includes restaurants, shopping centers, movie theaters, libraries, and even public transportation.
With a wireless adapter, you can add WiFi and cellular capabilities to laptops and desktops that wouldn’t otherwise have them. In our guide to the best wireless adapters, we’ll break down how they work, what features to look for, and which ones you should invest in.
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 WiFi 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 100 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 300 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 like HD movies in no time.
If you’re after the best speeds available, look for adapters with speeds approaching 1000Mbps. 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.
Some wireless adapters are designed to fit into unique slots other than your typical USB. We assess how well these work for their specific use.
The size of a wireless adapter can affect how easy it is to use in tandem with your laptop or desktop. We check to see if the size is compact yet still provides enough function.
Some wireless adapters allow speeds ranging from 100MBPS up to 1000MBPS. We weigh the pros and cons of how fast an adapter works compared to the quality of the design.
Gaming-specific wireless adapters may need to provide unique designs to ensure lag-free gaming. We vet the claims of each adapter for its ability to provide good functionality.
Some wireless adapters won’t work with certain operating systems. We check each product we recommend for its ability to perform with its recommended software.
The range of a wireless adapter is essential to how well it will function in various circumstances, which is something we consider during our research.
Dual-antenna designs often provide more range and speed at the cost of being compact. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of this style of wireless adapter.
Antenna design can make a world of difference when it comes to longer-ranged wireless adapters. We investigate these options to see if the antennas enable proper functions when in use.
Wireless adapters can be purchased for anywhere from $10-$30. We compare how well a product functions to its price point.
Certain wireless adapters may provide dual-band operation, which allows for the product to not affect other wireless objects in your house. We look out for these additional functions when making recommendations.
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.
Dual band operation
Just like a WiFi router, wireless adapters often feature two bands with two different frequencies — 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Having two 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 1- or 2-year warranties, or refunds in case of failure.
Did you know?
“Plug and play” adapters require a bit more work than the name suggests. These wireless units still usually require the installation of drivers to work properly. The drivers are typically delivered on CDs or flash drives.
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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 less than $10. These models typically include a single 2.4GHz band with speeds of around 100 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 $15. At this price point, you can get a 2.4GHz and 5GHz band, along with much better speeds of approximately 600 Mbps. Multiple antennas noticeably extend range as well, which can be handy if you have a large home or workspace.
Expensive: For $20 or more, you’ll find dual-band adapters with speeds approaching 1,000 Mbps. These are the speeds you’ll need for lag-free gaming and ultra quick media downloads. These units also provide a wider effective range.
Expert Tip
Select adapters grant Bluetooth connections to older machines, which you can use to tether your cell phone’s data service to your computer if there isn’t a WiFi signal. You may pay extra for this on your cell phone bill, but if you need a connection in a pinch, it’s an option.
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Tips
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A WiFi 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.
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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.
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“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 2.4GHz connection and a 5GHz connection?
A: A 2.4GHz connection provides slower speeds than a 5GHz 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, 5GHz has less range, but is a much faster way to transfer data overall.
Q: Can I use a WiFi adapter to add Bluetooth to my computer?
A: A pure WiFi adapter does not add Bluetooth capabilities to your computer. Although Bluetooth and certain internet bands operate on a 2.4GHz frequency, they effectively speak different languages. There are, however, 2-in-1 adapters that can add WiFi and Bluetooth to your computer at the same time.
