Are you struggling with slow or unreliable wifi on your laptop or desktop computer? A USB wifi adapter could be the perfect solution to boost your wireless performance. Whether you need faster speeds, longer range, or a more stable connection, adding an external wifi adapter via USB is an easy and affordable upgrade.
But with so many models and features to choose from, finding the right USB wifi adapter for your needs can be overwhelming. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to choose the best USB wifi adapter for your laptop, desktop, or other devices. We‘ll also share our top picks for different uses and budgets.
What Is a USB WiFi Adapter and Why Use One?
A USB wifi adapter is a compact device that plugs into your computer‘s USB port to provide wireless connectivity. It contains an external antenna and wifi radio that can send and receive wifi signals. Most laptops and many desktops have built-in wifi these days, so why would you need a separate USB adapter? There are a few key reasons:
- To add wifi capability to a computer that doesn‘t have it built-in
- To upgrade an older, slower wifi radio to the latest standards
- To boost speed and range with a more powerful antenna
- As a backup in case your built-in wifi fails
A quality USB wifi adapter can significantly improve your wireless experience, especially if you‘re far from your router or in an area with lots of interference. Next we‘ll look at the most important features to consider when choosing an adapter.
How to Choose the Best USB WiFi Adapter
Not all USB wifi adapters are created equal. When shopping for an adapter, you‘ll come across a slew of specs and features. Here are the most critical factors that impact real-world performance:
Wireless Standards
One of the first things to check is which wifi standards an adapter supports. The current fastest standard is 802.11ac (or WiFi 5), which offers theoretical speeds up to 3 Gbps. The latest WiFi 6 (802.11ax) routers are starting to roll out, but no USB adapters support it yet. For maximum performance with an AC router, look for an 802.11ac compatible adapter. If you have an older router, you may be fine with the previous 802.11n standard.
Bandwidth and Speed
Within the 802.11ac standard, adapters have different bandwidth capabilities. AC1200 adapters can handle combined speeds up to 1200 Mbps, while AC1900 models max out at 1900 Mbps. Keep in mind that these are theoretical maximums – your actual speed will depend on your router, environment, and other factors. Spending more for a higher bandwidth adapter will give you more headroom as wifi technology improves.
Range and Antennas
The strength and quality of an adapter‘s antennas play a huge role in how far it can transmit and how well it can pick up a signal. More antennas typically correlate with better range and speed. Look for adapters with high-gain dual or triple antennas to maximize coverage, especially in larger homes and offices.
USB Type
To take full advantage of an adapter‘s speed, it needs a fast enough USB connection to your computer. USB 3.0 or later will ensure the USB link isn‘t a bottleneck. Adapters with USB 2.0 are limited to around 480 Mbps. Also consider whether you need a USB-A or USB-C connector to fit your devices.
Beamforming
This is a newer technology that allows the router and adapter to shape the wifi signal toward each other for a stronger, faster connection. If you have a beamforming-capable router, getting an adapter that supports it can boost performance, especially at longer ranges.
MU-MIMO
Multi-user multiple input multiple output (MU-MIMO) technology enables a wifi radio to communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This is especially helpful in crowded wifi environments with lots of devices. It requires a MU-MIMO compatible router and all connecting devices to have MU-MIMO adapters.
Size and Design
USB wifi adapters come in all shapes and sizes. Larger adapters with external antennas tend to have better range but may block adjacent ports or be hard to fit in tight spaces. Smaller adapters are more portable but may get lost and usually have weaker antennas. Consider where you‘ll use the adapter and how much space you have.
Now that you know what to look for, let‘s highlight our top recommendations for the best USB wifi adapters you can buy.
Best USB WiFi Adapter Overall: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
If you need the absolute fastest, longest range USB wifi adapter, the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is the clear winner. This premium adapter packs a dual-band 802.11ac radio with 3×4 MU-MIMO technology and four high-gain antennas that fold out from the sides.
On the 5 GHz band, the Nighthawk AC1900 boasts up to 1300 Mbps speeds, with another 600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. A USB 3.0 interface ensures more than enough bandwidth between the adapter and your computer. Beamforming+ technology helps extend range and maintain a strong signal even in challenging environments.
The downside to all this power is size. With the antennas extended, the Nighthawk is quite large. But an included magnetic cradle and extension cable let you position it for the best reception. Setup is simple on Windows and Mac with Netgear‘s software.
While overkill for basic web browsing, the Nighthawk AC1900 is ideal for gaming, streaming, transferring large files, or connecting far from your router. If you demand the highest performance and have the budget, this is the adapter to get.
Pros:
- Extremely fast 802.11ac speeds up to 1900 Mbps
- Long range coverage with quad antennas and beamforming
- Magnetic cradle for optimal positioning
Cons:
- Bulky size
- Expensive
Best USB WiFi Adapter for Desktops: Trendnet TEW-809UB AC1900
Another high-end option, the Trendnet TEW-809UB matches the Nighthawk with AC1900 speeds and adds some unique features tailored for desktop use. Its tall external housing contains four detachable high-gain antennas and a built-in signal amplifier.
But the key feature here is flexibility. The TEW-809UB connects to your PC via a USB 3.0 cable up to 3 feet long. This lets you place the adapter away from your desktop to avoid interference and optimize reception. Plug the cable into an open USB port on the back and you can hide the bulky adapter out of sight.
With MU-MIMO and beamforming support, the TEW-809UB delivers excellent performance for demanding applications like gaming and 4K video. Reviewers praise its speed and range, even in multi-story homes with lots of obstacles. A simple WPS button makes it easy to connect securely.
On the downside, this is one of the most expensive USB wifi adapters available. And while you can technically plug it into a laptop, the separate cable and large adapter housing are less than ideal for portable use. But for maximizing your desktop‘s wifi capabilities, the TEW-809UB is tough to beat.
Pros:
- AC1900 speeds and quad antennas for top performance
- 3-foot USB 3.0 cable for flexible desktop placement
- MU-MIMO and beamforming for enhanced coverage
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Too bulky for convenient laptop use
Best Mini USB WiFi Adapter: TP-Link AC1300 Archer T3U Plus
On the opposite end of the size spectrum, the TP-Link Archer T3U Plus packs impressive performance into a tiny package. Measuring just 1.58 x 0.78 x 0.41 inches, this sleek adapter barely protrudes from your USB port. You can leave it plugged into your laptop full-time without worrying about it getting banged or caught on anything.
Despite the small size, the Archer T3U Plus doesn‘t skimp on specs. It sports a dual-band AC1300 radio with 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 867 Mbps at 5 GHz. MU-MIMO and beamforming technology help this little adapter punch well above its weight class.
The USB 3.0 interface keeps pace with the wifi speeds. An LED on the end of the adapter glows blue to let you know it‘s connected. TP-Link includes a handy cradle if you prefer to angle the adapter on your desk.
You do give up some range compared to larger adapters with external antennas. But for most small to midsize homes and offices, the Archer T3U Plus offers more than adequate coverage. And the price is very reasonable for an AC1300 adapter with so many features in such a portable size.
If you need maximum portability without sacrificing too much performance, the TP-Link Archer T3U is an excellent choice. It‘s the best mini USB wifi adapter we‘ve tested.
Pros:
- Compact size perfect for travel
- AC1300 speeds competitive with larger adapters
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Shorter range than adapters with external antennas
Other USB WiFi Adapters Worth Considering
While the Netgear Nighthawk, Trendnet TEW-809UB, and TP-Link Archer T3U are our top overall picks, there are several other quality USB wifi adapters for different needs and budgets:
TP-Link Archer T9UH AC1900: A close runner-up to the Nighthawk, this high-end TP-Link adapter matches it in speed and range for a bit less money. But it‘s just as large.
Linksys WUSB6300 AC1200 Dual-Band: One of the most popular AC1200 adapters, the WUSB6300 offers a nice balance of performance and value. Its fold-out design is still fairly compact.
Linksys WUSB6400M AC1200 Max-Stream: The step-up Max-Stream adds MU-MIMO support to boost performance in crowded wifi networks. Its adjustable antenna helps maximize range.
Asus USB-AC68: This premium adapter stands out with a unique design featuring double-folding antennas. It has AC1900 performance to rival our top picks for a little less, but its non-removable antennas make it less versatile than the Trendnet.
Edimax EW-7811Un N150: For a dirt cheap way to add basic wifi to any device, this tiny adapter is hard to beat. It maxes out at 150 Mbps 802.11n speeds, but that‘s plenty for light web browsing and email.
USB WiFi Adapter Quick Recommendations
Still not sure which adapter is right for you? Here are some suggestions for common priorities:
Best Budget USB WiFi Adapter: Edimax EW-7811Un N150
Best USB WiFi Adapter for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
Best USB WiFi Adapter for Streaming: TP-Link Archer T9UH AC1900
Best Compact USB WiFi Adapter: TP-Link Archer T3U Plus AC1300
Best USB WiFi Adapter for Macs: Linksys WUSB6400M AC1200
Tips to Get the Most From Your USB WiFi Adapter
Even the best USB wifi adapter can‘t work magic. For optimal wireless performance, try these tips:
- Position your adapter and router for the clearest line of sight.
- Avoid placing your adapter or router near metal objects, microwaves, and other wifi electronics.
- Elevate your router off the ground, ideally near the center of your space.
- Use a USB extension cable to find the best reception for desktop adapters.
- Make sure your adapter has the latest drivers from the manufacturer‘s website.
Boost Your WiFi With the Best USB Adapter
A quality USB wifi adapter is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve your computer‘s wireless performance. Whether you need faster speeds, longer range, or just a more reliable connection, there‘s an adapter out there for you.
For the ultimate in speed and range, it‘s hard to top the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. If you need maximum flexibility for a desktop, go with the Trendnet TEW-809UB and its handy extension cable. And for a compact, portable option that still delivers excellent performance, the TP-Link Archer T3U Plus is our favorite.
But any of the adapters we‘ve recommended will serve you well. By understanding the key features and your own needs, you‘re well equipped to choose the best USB wifi adapter to keep you connected at top speeds.
