10 Best Wi-Fi Adapters for Gaming | Buying Guide | FAQ
Having the right receiver in place is the most optimum solution to boost your Wi-Fi speed. If you own the right tools for the purpose, you can stream, download, and game faster than ever. The only problem here is to know where to look for the best product. You will need an adapter that can offer a consistent wireless connection and Wi-Fi stability to avoid worrying about the connection drop in the middle of your online activities. Today, in this guide, we are going to help you look for the best-selling and high-rated Wi-Fi adapters that you can use to improve your computer’s pre-existing Wi-Fi capabilities. We have sorted out these options in terms of their quality, price, specifications, and features.
Comparison Chart
1. Techkey USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps
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If you want to purchase a Wi-Fi adapter for gaming purposes, then we cannot suggest anything better than the Techkey USB Wi-Fi Adapter. Its USB 3.0 can support the transfer rate of around 5.8Gbps, which means that it is ten times faster than the models with USB 2.0. This feature ensures a maximum throughput performance of the Wi-Fi adapter and a more stable internet connection. Other than 3.0, this adapter is backward compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 devices as well.
You don’t need drivers if you have Windows 10 since it is compatible with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS 10.5-10.13. Once you have installed the disk and run the software, you can simply connect the adapter to upgrade your PC or laptop and work with the most advanced AC Wi-Fi router to get an extended range and fastest speed possible.
The package includes one Inamax USB 3.0 Wi-Fi adapter, one CD driver, and a user manual. There is a long-range, high gain 5dbi dual-band antenna card to help you stay online even when the connection signals are weak. You can enjoy 1200Mbps of speed on 2.42GHz and 5.8GHz band performance to experience less lags and freezing during online streaming and gaming. You can get amazing security with this product as well. You can make use of its WPA, WPA2, and WEP safety technology to make sure nobody is able to access your router or computer with this Wi-Fi adapter.
Pros
- Compatible with different frequency systems
- Offers ultra-fast connection capacity
- Easy installation
- Excellent antenna strength
- Good compatibility with other devices
Cons
- Online drivers are hard to download
2. TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC N150 Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop
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This miniature Wi-Fi adapter is designed and manufactured to be as effective, convenient, and useful as possible once connected to a laptop’s USB port. It is for people who work from their home or are always on the go. This adapter also features easy installation and wireless encryption to give strong Wi-Fi coverage no matter where you are.
It has a minuscule and sleek design so the users can easily connect the nano adapter to any USB port available and simply keep it there to use whenever required. They don’t have to worry about blocking other USB interfaces or falling out of the adapter when transporting a laptop from one place to another.
The TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter complies very well with 802.11 b/g/n standards and provides a transmission rate of 150 Mbps to enable fast and steady wireless connection for a gap-free video streaming and gaming experience.
As far as the wireless security is concerned, this Wi-Fi adapter can provide WPA and WPA2 encryptions made by the Wi-Fi alliance to encourage security and interoperability for your WLAN for effective and efficient protection of your wireless networking system.
It comes with a bundled CD with 14 different language utilities to help you complete the wireless network settings, software installation, and security configurations easily and quickly, whether you are a novice user or a professional expert.
Buyers have a very positive opinion for the TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter. Almost all of them agree that this adapter is very easy to install and works great without lagging or stuttering.
Pros
- Offers lag-free internet calls and video streaming
- Strong Wi-Fi coverage
- Miniature design
- Good wireless security
- Excellent compatibility with windows and Linux Kernel
Cons
- Not the best design on the market
3. TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC AC600 Mbps
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The TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC AC600 Mbps has the ability to upgrade your laptop or PC to about 802.11 AC. It is one of the latest and the most powerful Wi-Fi adapter from TP-Link, which is three times faster than other wireless N-speed products.
The package includes the wireless USB adapter, a warranty document, a CD with software and drivers, an installation guide, and a printed tutorial to demonstrate to you how to connect the Wi-Fi networks in windows. The most unique thing about the design of the TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC AC600 Mbps is that you are free to adjust the antennas in any position you like. You can rotate the antenna to 180 degrees in relation to the USB adapter and 90 degrees horizontally. The USB port of the adapter is small, but the antenna is quite long. Another great thing about the antenna is that it can give you outstanding wireless coverage of 5dbi even if you are far away from your router.
It uses a USB 2.0 port and can be connected to Wi-Fi networks that work well on 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. 2.4GHz band is perfect for routine use like web browsing with legacy devices, whereas the 5GHz band is optimum for lag-free online gaming and HD video streaming.
This Wi-Fi adapter receives signals from two different bands. The 256QAM support can improve the 2.4GHz data rate from 150 Mbps to 200Mbps to deliver a fast and quality performance. Some other features of the TP-Link USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC AC600 Mbps include a user-friendly interface for easy installation, WPA/WPA2 encryption standards (to ensure a safe wireless connection) and a highly compatible operating system.
Pros
- Low and affordable price
- Long-range and lag-free connection
- Dual-band functioning for flexible connectivity
- Fast speed
- 5dbi high-gain antenna
Cons
- Driver installation is required
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4. Nineplus Wireless USB Wi-Fi Adapter
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This wireless adapter is a perfect choice for people who want super-fast speed for their bandwidth-intensive applications such as multiplayer gaming and high-definition video streaming.
The Nineplus Wireless USB Wi-Fi Adapter receives signals on two different bands. You can avail the highest 867 Mbps wireless speed by using 5 GHz Wi-Fi band or do simple tasks like web surfing and emailing on 300 Mbps with 2.4 GHz band. The 5 GHz mode works great with short-range, but 2.4 GHz bands are for stable and better signal connectivity.
This wireless USB adapter is designed from 2 pieces of long-range Wi-Fi antennas with 5dbi capacity. With this feature, you can improve your performance and experience in multiple working settings by adjusting and rotating the antenna in different directions (for instance, to get better speed). By using a USB 3.0 port, you can experience superior transfer speeds and allocate data ten times faster than USB 2.0. This adapter is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 can also upgrade PCs and laptops to a steady and fast AC1200 Wi-Fi speed for pause-free and smooth downloads and video streaming. You can work this adapter with a number of operating systems like PC Desktop Laptop MAC Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP and benefit from its remunerations during online gaming.
If you want, you can create a Hot Spot with its Soft AP feature when using your desktop PC or laptop under a wired internet connection. You can also boost the Wi-Fi signals to your smartphone from your computer to enjoy an extended range Wi-Fi connection for daily usage.
Pros
- Soft AP setting as an access point
- Dual 5dbi antenna to enlarge far connect
- MU-MIMO technology for two simultaneous data streaming
- Strong signal transmission
- Smooth surfing experience
Cons
- High latency makes extra bandwidth inoperable
5. Cudy WU600 AC 600Mbps USB Wi-Fi Adapter
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This compact and convenient wireless adapter is designed for high performance and efficiency. It is a mini-sized Wi-Fi adapter that is light in weight, sleek, portable, and user-friendly.
The Cudy WU600 AC 600Mbps USB Wi-Fi Adapter is designed with 802.11 AC wireless technology, so it can surely increase your Wi-Fi speed up to three times as compared to other 11n adapters in the market. There are two types of bands for you to choose from. The 2.4GHz delivers tremendously long-range performance, while 5GHz can reach up to 433Mbps speed for lag-free and perfect gaming and video streaming.
You can handle simple tasks like web browsing through 2.4GHz band and carry out demanding tasks like HD video streaming and online gaming via the 5GHz band. The package includes one wireless adapter and a quick installation guide to help you through the setup process in order to make it easy and convenient to use.
With Cudy WU600 AC 600Mbps USB Wi-Fi Adapter, you can also turn your wireless internet connection on a laptop or computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot if you want to use the connection far away from the device. It is compatible with different operating systems like Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10 but doesn’t support Mac OS or Linux.
This USB Wi-Fi adapter supports auto-installation without needing to download any online drivers or CD. You can simply plug in the device and start using it right away. Moreover, it is compatible with most of the routers, so it is very, very easy to use.
Pros
- Soft AP mode to create a personalized hotspot
- Good compatibly
- Auto-installation
- High-speed Wi-Fi connection
- Convenient and compact
Cons
- Does not support Mac OS or Linux
6. Techkey Wireless USB Wi-Fi Adapter
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The Techkey Wireless USB Wi-Fi Adapter holds the title for the best USB Wi-Fi adapter in the world. Though it may look compact and small, it still has a lot of power to run several devices in your office or home. Be it your tablet, computer, laptop, smartphone, or any other internet-enabled device; this adapter is sure to give you an efficient and effective performance.
This USB wireless adapter can deliver an ultimate wireless range and is available with 2 pieces of extended range Wi-Fi antennas with 5dbi capacity each. This feature facilitates the adapter to make sure you get a prolonged internet connection, stability, and superior quality over your laptop and desktop PC.
This adapter is particularly an optimum choice for those users who love playing online games because this device offers amazing Wi-Fi connection and speed at all times. With the Techkey Wireless USB Wi-Fi Adapter, you can enjoy up to 1200Mbps of Wi-Fi speed. It offers two bands i.e., 5GHz and 2.4 GHz. This dual-band feature aids in improving the performance by decreasing lag time and freezing during video streaming and while you are playing games.
It has an extremely fast AC1200 wireless adapter that offers great speed through 802.11 AC USB standard. The best part about this product is its splendid compatibility with multiple devices. There is no need to install any drivers, and except for Linux, this USB adapter is compatible with all operating systems that you can think of. It has a USB 3.0 socket, which is quite superior as compared to other competitor products and can create a good hotspot for linking the internet connection with other devices.
Pros
- Maximum speed
- Installs in a USB port
- No sluggish connectivity
- Plug and play option
- Powerful external antenna
Cons
- It is not compatible with Linux
7. AE WISH ANEWISH USB Wi-Fi Adapter for PC 1200 Mbps
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If you are always worried about the ping value every time you play online games or cannot work with plain music simultaneously, you should consider buying AE WISH ANEWISH USB Wi-Fi Adapter. With this device, you can do multitasking, such as listen to music and play video games altogether without experiencing any internet delay.
The AE WISH ANEWISH USB Wi-Fi Adapter supports 802.11 AC USB standard with 1200Mbps of speed to provide you with the maximum speed and lag-free internet connection for your laptop and desktop PCs whenever you want. This adapter is a great choice for people who are into 4K video streaming, online gaming, high-quality music, and HD movies.
The dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) delivers free, flexible band connectivity. It gives multiple access to your internet-enabled devices to the latest dual-band Wi-Fi dongle for an extended range and fast working speed.
Its 5dbi high-gain antenna ensures that you get stable signals and connectivity in the long-range by significantly enhancing the transmission signal strength and reception. With the help of this antenna, you can browse the internet at home and even enjoy streaming videos outside with more than 100 yards of coverage. The USB 3.0 is crafted to transfer smooth and fast signals. It supports transfer rate up to 5Gbps, which is ten times faster than USB 2.0 ports.
The adapter is so easy and convenient to install. You can install the drivers from the provided CD, but if somehow you are unable to do it, the manufacturers have provided an internet link as well to do it online.
Pros
- Delivers high speed
- High-gain antenna
- Facilitates high-security wireless encryption
- Plug and play installation
- Runs smoothly
Cons
- The longevity of the product is not up to the mark
8. Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter (A7000-10000S)
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If you are tired of struggling with useless and disappointing wireless networking connections and want to become a heavy bandwidth user, you should definitely go for a high-end router like Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter.
This device is about 7 x 5 x 2.6 inches, which is two times more than the thickness and width of a normal USB drive. With this adapter, you get to use a flip-up antenna and enjoy a high-quality directional connection, thanks to its features like 802.11 ac wave 1 and MU MIMO technology. However, if you want to take full advantage of its 1.9GHz theoretical throughput, you should own a serious and fast working internet connection.
It comes with an extended-range USB extension dock and a magnetic bottom that you can use to place the adapter wherever you have some metal to stick it with. The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter is one of those few directional products in the market where the user can change the direction of the antenna by flipping the plastic piece only. If you want more flexibility, you can also use the given dock and adjust the signals 30% or more by simple rotation of the adapter.
On this device, you will get the maximum throughput of 1.9Gbit/s where 600 Mbps is given through 2.4 GHz band, and 1300 Mbps is provided through a 5 GHz band. The major speed benefit with this adapter is 3X4 MIMO that gives you 4 separate downloading streams and 3 separate uploading streams.
Since it is a standard USB device, you can use this router with almost any computer that you want.
Pros
- Ultimate speed and performance
- Works with any Wi-Fi router
- Includes magnetic cradle
- Super speed USB 3.0
- Four internal antennas
Cons
- Fairly limited in terms of portability
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9. BrosTrend 1200Mbps Linux USB Wi-Fi Adapter
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Are you looking for a good-quality, efficient, and budget-friendly Wi-Fi USB adapter with a long connection range? Look no further than BrosTrend 1200 Mbps Linux USB Wi-Fi Adapter to achieve the best results.
This adapter delivers amazing connectivity speeds i.e., 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 867 Mbps on 5 GHz. There are two long antennas to make sure that you are always connected online, no matter where you are in the house. Like other adapters detailed in this article, the BrosTrend 1200Mbps Linux USB Wi-Fi Adapter features excellent Linux compatibility but also supports other distributions as well like Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and Raspbian, etc.
As expected, the router works very well out of the box and delivers a maintained/stable network connectivity on both types of wireless bands. Since it is a USB 3.0 device, you might lose the speed if you try to run it on a USB 2.0 port.
It features 802.11 AC Wi-Fi technology and works four times faster than a standard wireless-N adapter. The USB port is gold-plated to make sure you receive a more solid connection on your laptop and computer. The Wi-Fi antennas are 360 degrees horizontally and vertically rotatable to ensure you get an ideal wireless signal connection at your spot.
The RP-SMA Wi-Fi antenna connectors are crafted with pure copper to provide maximum wireless signal sensitivity and a stable internet connection. The best thing about this Wi-Fi adapter is its universal compatibility. You can work it with the latest AC Wi-Fi routers as well as former wireless-N routers.
Pros
- Works well with Windows and Mac OS X
- Ultimate Wi-Fi speed
- Boosted wireless range
- Rotatable antennas
- Extended Wi-Fi connection
Cons
- You need a LAN cable connection to install drivers on Linux
10. ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Wireless Express Adapter
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With ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Wireless Express Adapter, you can upgrade your computer and laptop from Ethernet cables to an 802.11 AC wireless connectivity with a maximum data speed of 867 Mbps. The Broadcom TurboQAM technology can boost 2.GHz performance with the 300 Mbps-400 Mbps speed with several compatible devices. Also, the magnetized antenna bottom provides you more flexibility through “adjustment antenna placing” in order to get the best signal reception quality.
Its ASUS AiRadar can intelligently reinforce the wireless connectivity by using high-power amplification, 802.11 AC beam-forming technology, and ASUS RF fine-tuning. With the signal boosting high-gain build, the ASUS PCE-AC56 PCI Wireless Express Adapter can improve the signal transmission rate and aid to extend Wi-Fi range and coverage by 150% as compared to standard client adapters.
The extended coverage eliminates the possibility of dead spots at your location and offers uninterrupted and fast HD video streaming and multiplayer gaming at your home or office. It also features PCI express interface, so you are free to plug it into any motherboard of your choice while giving an instant Wi-Fi upgrade to your computer. Since you can directly connect the router to the motherboard, there is no need to use messy cables to litter your computing settings.
The added heat sink is made from highly conductive aluminum to eliminate heat from the chipset. It ensures good reliability for consistent and uninterrupted operation. Low temperature means the device will work well in all climatic conditions, while great stability means that you will get better connectivity and product longevity.
Pros
- Extensible design
- Delivers high scalability and availability
- Dual-band operation
- Affordable
- Excellent compatibility
Cons
- The antenna cables are a little short
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Buying Guide
The requirements and preference for a particular model may differ from one person to another. Therefore, in this buying guide, we are going to look at some of the most important features and characteristics of a wireless adapter that are important to consider before purchasing.
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Wi-Fi Technology Used
Modern routers are divided into two sections i.e., 802.11 AC and 802.11N wireless technology. Both of these technologies are completely backward-compatible, so you don't have to worry about your router and adapter working in tandem. However, the only thing you should keep in mind is the maximum transfer speed supported by these two technologies. The maximum speed for 802.11 AC is 1300 Mbits, and for 802.11N, it is 450 Mbits.
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Single Or Dual Band
A single band and dual-band router will always be compatible with one another but know that the lower frequency 2.5GHz band delivers low transfer speed than a high-frequency 5GHz band.
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Your Internet Connection Speed
Before buying the best Wi-Fi adapter, it is important to consider your internet speed. It means that you have to check two things i.e., if your wireless adapter can handle the speed of your internet connection and if it can support faster transfer speed higher than what your connection has to offer.
Most of the people use a lower internet connection for routine tasks in their office or house. Due to this reason, most of the available Wi-Fi adapters can easily fit the criteria set by every user.
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PC Connectivity Options
As far as connecting to the PC is concerned, it can be through a USB port or a PCI-e slot. The manufacturers will always provide you with the relevant description when it comes to available connection options for your use.
If you want the best results, the recommended USB standard is 3.0. This is the main reason why more and more adapters with this technology are a much preference for a lot of users. The USB 3.0 holds as much speed as 5 Gbps, while the USB 2.0 only gives 480 Mbps.
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Setting Up The Adapter
Some products require you to install the drivers for them to work while others give a simple plug and play option. A lot of people today are going for the plug and play option for ease of use and convenient setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Is The Difference Between 2.GHz And 5GHz?
2.4GHz band is an older standard, which is what most of the routers are still using. This band is a little slow as compared to 5GHz but provides a better range and compatibility. 5GHz is the newest standard, which is a lot faster but has short-range and lower latency as compared to the 2.4GHz band.
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What is 802.11 AC?
It is the current Wi-Fi standard used and supported by almost every modern router and device possible. It offers high performance and connectivity than older standards, particularly 802.11n and 802.11b. The 802.11 AC is backward compatible with all the routers using older standards, but if you utilize this feature, you might be restricted to the speed of those previous standards.
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What is a MIMO?
MIMO stands for multiple input and multiple output. This technology is used by many routers as well as supported devices to work faster without combating each other over who sends and receives data first. Several MIMO wireless adapters come with extra antennas that are integrated and give a better advantage of this technology. If your device supports this technology, you are more likely to experience fast downloads and uploading speed without compromising the general latency.
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Are Preset Internal Antennas Any Good?
Internal antennas are always everyone’s favorite, as there is nothing that could go wrong with them. They have their self-pointing to enhance signal acquisition and reduce the required gain. It ensures that the signal drop out is less, and the signal quality is high.
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What Is The Significance Of Backward Compatibility?
A backward compatibility is an excellent option for improving the lifetime of older adapters.
Final Thoughts
We are hoping that with this article, you now have an idea about some of the best-quality wireless adapters available in the market. Next time when you are out to buy one, make sure to keep this buying guide into consideration and make sure you purchase the most ideal product after comparing the different models with one another. It is the best and the only thing that you can do before picking a product and making the final decision.
In case of any queries or suggestions, you can leave your comments in the comment section below, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.