If you are searching for the Best Wifi Adapters of 2024 then you are at the Right Place. Good Wifi is important nowadays, especially for homes where many people work or learn. But even if your adapter is good for the space you have, sometimes the Wifi signal doesn't reach certain spots. The best way to make your Wifi better is to use a mesh network system, but those can be expensive. WiFi extenders are another choice, even though they might cause interference.
 | Netgear Nighthawk A7000 | |
 | TP-Link Archer T9UH | |
 | Ourlink U631 | |
 | TP-Link Archer T3U Plus | |
 | BrosTrend 1200Mbps | |
 | Linksys WUSB6300 |
We can solve any connectivity issues you may be having. View our carefully chosen selection of the top WiFi adapters available on the market for 2024. We have high-speed USB adapters and affordable options in our collection to suit a wide range of customers, including professionals, students, and casual users.
1. Netgear Nighthawk A7000
The Best Wifi Adapter Overall
The Netgear Nighthawk A7000 stands out as a reliable performer for today's demanding internet activities, excelling in tasks like 4K streaming and online gaming.
Despite not being the most compact adapter available, its impressive capabilities make it a worthwhile choice, especially if you prioritize speed and extended range.
In our rigorous testing, the A7000 demonstrated its prowess by handling the latest online games with ease, even when positioned three floors away from the main router.
Its remarkable speed was evident, providing more than enough bandwidth to support high-definition video streaming from popular services like Netflix and Disney+.
The setup process is user-friendly, and facilitated by a simple installation CD. Plugging it in, entering your Wifi password, and being ready in just a few minutes ensures a hassle-free experience.
Additionally, the presence of a WPS button offers an alternative connection method for those who prefer it, provided their adapter supports it.
While the adapter may not be the most portable due to its size, a thoughtful inclusion is a magnetic cradle that allows users to position it conveniently beside their computer. This not only keeps it out of the way but can also enhance signal reception.
Despite potential challenges with thinner laptops, the Netgear Nighthawk A7000 proves to be a robust and adaptable choice, delivering a seamless and high-performance Wifi experience.
Pros
- High speeds
- Great range
- Versatile for both desktops and laptops
Cons
- Bulky
- Relatively expensive
2. TP-Link Archer T9UH
Second best choice of wifi adapters
The TP-Link Archer T9UH, an AC1900 dongle, distinguishes itself as a top performer, showcasing outstanding speed performance in my testing and effortlessly penetrating through the walls of my home office.
Its slim design, measuring 0.5 inches in thickness and 3.5 inches in length when closed, expands to about 6 inches when flipped open.
Offering versatility, you can either directly plug it into your laptop or use the included USB 3.0 cradle. The presence of a small blue LED indicates its operational status. The T9UH impressively delivers on its promise.
Operating over my 5GHz 802.11ac network, it exhibited an average signal improvement of 11dB across my four locations, demonstrating the lowest overall speed loss.
Notably, at one point, I experienced higher speeds in my office than close to the router, a testament to the T9UH's ability to navigate the challenges posed by other internet users in the household.
While it didn't perform well with my adapter's 2.4GHz network and had connectivity issues beyond a few feet, it's essential to note that the T9UH is specifically designed for boosting the 5GHz signal, and it excels remarkably in that domain.
As a result of its exceptional performance, the TP-Link Archer T9UH earns the distinction of being our Editors' Choice winner among the tested adapters.
Pros
- Lightning Fast Speed
- Ultimate Range
- Beamforming Technology
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Cons
- lower speeds with USB adapters
- less powerful
3. Ourlink U631
Perfect for Traveling
The Ourlink U631 WiFi Adapter from Glam Hobby is a handy companion, especially for those frequently on the move.
Its ultra-compact design allows effortless insertion into your laptop's USB port, creating a worry-free experience as it stays securely connected without obstructing other ports.
The low-profile nature of the adapter ensures it remains intact and minimizes the risk of breakage or damage. Despite its small size, there's a tradeoff in terms of range.
The U631 may not deliver optimal speeds for activities like gaming or streaming when placed at a distance from the adapter. However, within proximity, it proves to be a reliable performer.
Even at a distance, the U631 maintains a reasonably fast connection suitable for essential tasks such as checking emails and casual web browsing.
The included CD simplifies the setup process, making it compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
One notable advantage of the Ourlink U631 is its diminutive form, which seamlessly integrates with your laptop. It serves as a convenient supplement to or even a replacement for the built-in Wifi, making it a practical choice for those who value portability without sacrificing connectivity.
Pros
- Affordable
- Ultra-compact
- Compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS
Cons
- Occasional delays for heavy gamers
- Poor range
- Linux setup can be tricky
4. TP-Link Archer T3U Plus
Best Performance Wifi Adapters
The TP-Link Archer T3U Plus stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking essential Wifi capabilities without breaking the bank. Its compact design, resembling a thumb drive and featuring an adjustable antenna, makes it an exceptionally portable and cost-effective solution.
When it comes to performance, this adapter supports dual-band AC wireless technology. With 2.4GHz connections, users can experience speeds of up to 400Mbps, while the 5GHz connections offer even faster speeds, reaching up to 867Mbps.
This versatility ensures that whether you're engaged in casual web browsing or more data-intensive tasks, the Archer T3U Plus can accommodate your connectivity needs.
Its small form factor makes it convenient for users who are always on the go, and the adjustable antenna helps enhance reception in various environments.
With easy plug-and-play functionality, the Archer T3U Plus is a hassle-free solution for upgrading your Wifi capabilities.
Whether you're working from a coffee shop or connecting in a hotel room, this adapter provides a reliable and budget-friendly option for staying connected.
Pros
- Quick to install
- High Speed
- Ideal for 4K/HD streaming and lag-free online gaming
Cons
- No external antenna included
- Slower speeds
- Weaker performance with USB connectivity
5. BrosTrend 1200Mbps
Best Affordable Wifi Adapters
The BrosTrend 1200Mbps adapter, despite being a non-brand option, offers basic Wifi functionality. It operates as an AC1200 adapter and is equipped with two adjustable antennas for signal reception.
This adapter provides the flexibility to either plug directly into your PC or use the included dock. However, there's a downside as the USB dongle doesn't fit securely into its dock, leaving a part of the connector exposed.
Additionally, the cable, designed to route out of a notch in the dock, tends to pop out, causing instability. Performance-wise, the BrosTrend adapter falls short of expectations compared to models with similar features.
On average, it manages a 5.75dB better signal at 5GHz than the laptop alone. While this surpasses the Archer T3U, it lags behind other TP-Link and Netgear adapters.
It also experiences more significant connection speed loss than its counterparts. Despite these drawbacks, if you're looking for a budget-friendly option and haven't experienced higher-performing alternatives, the BrosTrend 1200Mbps adapter might suffice for basic connectivity needs.
Pros
- Good overall performance
- Ethernet cable included
Cons
- Weak 5GHz range
- No mains passthrough
- No dedicated mobile app
6. Linksys WUSB6300
Another Best Performance Wifi Adapters
The Linksys WUSB6300 has maintained its reputation as a reliable USB Wifi adapter in the market. As a prominent name in wireless adapter, Linksys delivered one of the initial adopters a few years ago, and it still stands as one of the best, particularly for general performance, especially over longer distances.
Although it may not dominate in performance when near the adapter, the WUSB6300 shines by consistently delivering reliable speeds as you move farther away. This characteristic ensures you have sufficient speed for a range of activities, such as web surfing, streaming, and video calling.
However, it's important to note that the adapter's higher latency makes it less ideal for gaming purposes.
The enduring quality and performance of the Linksys WUSB6300 make it a suitable choice for users seeking a dependable USB Wifi adapter, particularly for tasks that demand consistent and reliable connectivity.
Pros
- Solid performance at longer ranges
- Easy to install
- Beamforming technology
Cons
- Bulky
- Middling speeds at closer ranges
FAQs
Q: Which WiFi adapter is the best?
A: The “best” WiFi adapter for you will rely on your needs and budget. The ASUS PCE-AC88 provides a decent mix of features that are easy to use, affordability, and support for WiFi 6 for better speeds for the majority of customers.
However, a mesh adapter system can be a better choice if you need top-notch performance or have a large home.
Q: Why should I get a new WiFi Adapter?
A: If your WiFi isn't working well in your house—you might want to upgrade your adapter. Slow speeds and frequent dropouts are common issues.
More recent adapters can support many devices connecting at once, have improved security, and faster connections—perfect for streaming.
Q: How do we check WiFi Adapter?
A: We test WiFi adapters by examining their range of coverage and speed within a house. We also examine the stability of the connection, that is, the frequency of its drops. Lastly, we take into account features like parental controls, security settings, and setup convenience.
Q: How to buy a WiFi Adapter?
A: When shopping for a WiFi adapter, consider your internet speed, home size, and how many devices connect at once. Look for adapters with WiFi 5 or 6 for faster speeds, and mesh systems for larger homes. Easy setup and security features are also important!
