Wi-Fi USB adapters are a quick and easy way to add Wi-Fi connectivity to any of your devices. They don't require knowledge of installing hardware, they don't need cables, and they're highly portable.
But which are the best Wi-Fi USB adapters on the market today? Let's take a look.
The Trendnet TEW-809UB is a best-in-class Wi-Fi USB adaptor. It doesn't look great due to the four large antenna, though that doesn't matter when it delivers exceptional speed, range, and reliability. The aerials are removable if you are happy to sacrifice range.
The device's four external aerials provide 100 yards of coverage before a drop-off in performance. Each antenna is 5dBi. The adapter uses the AC1900 standard with speeds of 1,300Mbps on 802.11ac and 600Mbps on 802.11n. It supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 and has beamforming (to direct stronger signals to devices), but not MU-MIMO.
All that power means the Trendnet TEW-809UB can comfortably handle 4K video streaming, gaming, multi-person video conferencing, and more.
- 1300Mbps Wi-Fi AC
- 600Mbps Wi-Fi N
- Beamforming
- Brand: TRENDnet
- Platform Compatibility: Windows, Mac
- Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Speed: 1300Mbps
- Handles 4K streaming
- Incredible range
- Stable performance
- Large aerials reduce portability
- Unattractive design
The Netgear Nighthawk A7000 Wi-Fi USB is a well-priced mid-size USB Wi-Fi adaptor; it's ideal for people who want an extra boost in their home or office, as well as for people who spend a lot of time on the road.
You'll also find the adaptor looks great. Aided by a magnetic cradle that will hold the adaptor in a signal-friendly upright position when being used at a desk, the adaptor will look comfortably at home in any professional environment.
It has 1,300Mbps on 5Ghz and 600Mbps on 2.4GHz, beamforming, a WPS button for easy connections, and a 3x4 MIMO design for extra bandwidth capacity.
- 1300Mbps on 5GHz
- 600Mbps on 2.4GHz
- Beamforming+
- Brand: Netgear
- Platform Compatibility: Windows, Mac
- Bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
- Speed: 1300Mbps
- Supports USB 3.0
- Can stream HD video
- Portable
- Smaller range than models with aerials
- Only available in black
If you want a Wi-Fi USB adaptor that will look great in offices and when you are on-the-go, you should consider the Linksys WUSB6300.
It offers speeds of 300Mbps on 2.4GHz networks and 867Mbps on 5GHz networks. And while that is still less than some of its rivals, it is more than enough speed to perform all regular office tasks.
You will also get beamforming technology to improve the signal around your connected devices and a driver compatible with every major brand of router.
- 867Mbps on 5GHz
- 300Mbps on 2.4GHz
- 128-bit encryption (WEP, WPA, and WPA2)
- Brand: Linksys
- Platform Compatibility: Windows
- Bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
- Speed: 867Mbps
- Beautiful design
- Perfect for HD streaming
- Highly portable
- Windows only
- 2.4GHz speed could be better
The TP-Link Archer T2U Nano is an ideal Wi-Fi USB adaptor for anyone who travels a lot and needs something highly lightweight and barely noticeable.
It lets you connect to 802.11 a/c 2.4GHz networks at 200Mbps, and 433Mbps on 5GHz. And with 64/128 WEP, WPA/WPA2, and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security, the adaptor is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay safe on public networks.
You can use the TP-Link Archer T2U with a Mac, but the company warns that you will need to update the adaptor's drivers after each major macOS upgrade.
- 433Mbps on 5GHz
- 150Mbps on 2.4GHz
- Supports 256QAM technology
- Brand: TP-Link
- Platform Compatibility: Windows, Mac
- Bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz
- Speed: 433Mbps
- Tiny size, highly portable
- Perfect for regular travelers
- Supports WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK encryption standards
- No travel case, easy to lose
- Slower speeds than larger models
- Smaller coverage radius than larger models
Reliable Wi-Fi USB adaptors that work on Linux are not too easy to find, so the Edimax EW-7833UAC should be near the top of a lot of Linux-lovers shopping lists.
The speed on 2.4Ghz is only 450Mbps, that's less than some of its competitors at a similar price point. However, it also runs at 1300Mbps on 5GHz, and that's more than faster enough for HD video and video conferencing.
Given the low price, you do have to make some compromises. One of those is the build quality. It is sturdy enough, but the plastic casing looks cheap and doesn't give off a premium vibe.
- 3T3R MIMO technology
- Beamforming
- 1300Mbps on 5GHz
- 450Mbps on 2.4GHz
- Brand: Edimax
- Platform Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
- Speed: 1300Mpbs
- Affordable
- Portable
- Works with Linux
- Poor build quality
- Slower speeds on 2.4GHz than competitors
The Edimax EW-7811Un is an ideal Wi-Fi USB adaptor for people on a budget. Indeed, it is one of the cheapest adaptors that is still reliable enough to be used on a day-to-day basis.
Linux users will also appreciate the adaptor. Like its bigger cousin, the Edimax EW-7833UAC, it supports the open-source platform. There's also 64/128-bit WEP encryption and support for WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, and WPS.
The adapter uses USB 2.0 connections; unfortunately, USB 3.0 connections are not supported. Lastly, the Edimax EW-7811UN is one of the most energy-efficient Wi-Fi adapters, thanks to the company's smart power technology.
- Supports Linux
- 150Mbps on 2.4GHz networks
- Smart power and auto-idle technology
- Brand: Edimax
- Platform Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
- Bands: 2.4GHz
- Speed: 150Mbps
- Great price
- Highly portable
- Works with other Internet of Things devices
- Only 150Mbps
- USB 2.0
- Only 2.4GHz, no 5GHz
The NET-DYN AC1200 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter is a mid-range adaptor that's definitely worth considering.
Sure, the blue color is a bit gaudy, but the device is reasonably priced, and with speeds of up to 867Mbps, it can comfortably handle most internet tasks, including HD video streaming. You can get speeds of up to 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz network.
If you spend a lot of time using a Wi-Fi USB adaptor, you might want something with a better design and a bit of extra speed. However, for most home users, the NET-DYN AC1200 will meet their needs.
- 100-yard range
- WPA/WPA2/WEP encryption
- 865Mbps on 5GHz
- Brand: NET-DYN
- Platform Compatibility: Windows, Mac
- Bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
- Speed: 867Mbps
- Portable
- USB 3.0 support
- Does not work with macOS Sierra and above
- Only available in blue
FAQ
Q: Do Wi-Fi Adaptors Work with Any Router?
Yes, Wi-Fi USB adaptors are almost always hardware-agnostic. Just make sure that you buy one that supports your network of choice (5GHz or 2.4GHz).
Q: 5GHz vs. 2.4GHz: What's the Difference?
5GHz networks allow for greater speed. However, they are also more prone to interference and thus might struggle with reliability. If you live in an apartment block or work in an office, 2.4GHz might prove to be more fruitful for your needs.
Q: Do You Need to Pay a Monthly Fee for a Wi-Fi Adaptor?
No. The adaptors broadcast Wi-Fi signals, they do not introduce new networks. As such, you do not need to pay an ISP or other service provider.
