Maximum Bandwidth: Even though the bandwidth of a USB WiFi adapter is divided between its frequency bands, checking the total maximum bandwidth is highly important. This is due to the reason that a 1200 Mbps USB WiFi adapter will offer better performance than a 150 Mbps USB WiFi adapter. Frequency Band: Another important factor that determines the performance of your USB WiFi adapter is the frequency band used by it. Not only does the frequency band affect the coverage area of your WiFi, but it even affects it’s bandwidth speed. While the 2.4 GHz frequency band offers better coverage area, the 5.0 GHz frequency band offers higher bandwidth speed. Fortunately, almost all high-performance USB WiFi adapters support both of these frequency bands. USB Version: While you can use any USB version for any given WiFi adapter, checking the USB version of your USB WiFi adapter becomes important when it comes to high-end usage. This is due to the reason that USB 2.0 only offers a maximum bandwidth of up to 480 Mbps. Thus, all high-end USB WiFi adapters will rely on USB 3.0 for the best performance output possible.
10 Best USB WiFi Adapters Table
Best USB WiFi Adapters Reviews
1. TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter
TP-Link is one of the major brands when you are considering networking and wireless networking options like its USB WiFi adapter that we have mentioned here for easily connecting to a WiFi network. The TP-Link TL-WN725N USB WiFi adapter comes at the 1st position of this list since this is one of the most affordable options available out there for buyers on a budget. As it is an entry-level USB WiFi adapter, it is rated for maximum bandwidth of up to 150 Mbps. And similar to other entry-level options out there, this is also a 2.4 GHz USB WiFi adapter. Because you are not going to use this USB WiFi adapter for high-end networking speeds, it only offers a USB 2.0 connection. One benefit of going with TP-Link instead of other budget-friendly networking brands is that you get a 2-year warranty with it for peace of mind. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 150 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz frequency band Connects via a USB 2.0 port Backed by a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Highly small and compact USB WiFi adapter Decently powerful considering the given price Quite reliable and ideal for long term usage for a budget USB WiFi adapter
Cons:
Not the best USB WiFi adapter for high-end usage
2. Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter
While Nineplus might not be as popular as other options out there, its networking products are still perfect for all those who are looking for something powerful and ideal for heavy-duty usage. Nineplus’ USB WiFi adapter comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as it can be perfect if you want something for high-performance usage. For starters, this USB WiFi adapter is able to offer a maximum bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps. It is able to offer such high networking speeds thanks to its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. To ensure high network stability at all times, this USB WiFi adapter not only relies on its external antennas but also uses a USB 3.0 connection. And despite being a smaller brand, you still get a 2-year warranty with it which is always great to have. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 3.0 port Backed by a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Amazing networking performance with a pretty high bandwidth Highly stable network thanks to external antennas Quite a long warranty period despite being a smaller brand
Cons:
A bit on the bulky side due to external antennas
3. TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter
TP-Link also offers larger and more powerful USB WiFi adapters for those who not only want decent networking speeds, but also amazing network coverage at all times. This TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi adapter comes at the 3rd position of this article because it is known for one of the most stable network connections at all times. Talking about its performance numbers first, it offers a decently fast maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps. Even with the given speeds, this USB WiFi adapter uses both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands for better internet stability. However, this USB WiFi adapter uses the older USB 2.0 port which can potentially affect its performance. That being said, it is still a great option for many thanks to its external antenna. Just like the previous TP-Link USB WiFi adapter, this one also comes backed by a 2 year long warranty for better longevity. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 2.0 port Backed by a 2 year long warranty
Pros:
Highly stable and reliable wireless network at all times Decently fast and high speed USB WiFi adapter Great build quality and a long included warranty
Cons:
Relies on the older USB 2.0 connectivity method
4. USBNOVEL USB WiFi Adapter
USBNovel offers all kinds of USB products that offer pretty good functionality to the user while being compact and small in size which is also true for its USB WiFI adapter given here. The USBNovel AC USB WiFi adapter can be a great pick for those who want a small-sized adapter without giving up on performance. To be exact, this USB WiFi adapter has a rated maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps which is certainly quite good. More importantly, it offers both the 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz frequency bands for optimum performance. That being said, this USB WiFi adapter is also a USB 2.0 one which becomes an even bigger issue considering that it does not have any external antennas. Fortunately, USBNovel still offers a 1-year warranty with this USB WiFi adapter despite being a smaller brand. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 600 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 2.0 port Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
One of the smallest and most compact USB WiFi adapters Fairly fast and high-speed bandwidth rating Works great without needing any drivers
Cons:
Does not use the fast USB 3.0 connector
5. EDUP USB WiFi Adapter
Despite being a new and a fairly small brand of USB accessories and networking products, EDUP and its offerings are the perfect pick for all those who wish to get something affordable. EDUP’s USB WiFi adapter is the cheapest option listed here which makes it the perfect pick for buyers on a tight budget. Because it is the most affordable adapter given here, its given maximum bandwidth rating of up to 150 Mbps is to be expected. Similarly, this USB WiFi adapter uses only the 2.4 GHz frequency band to keep its price low. While it may only use a USB 2.0 connector, you do get an external antenna with this adapter resulting in fairly high network stability. In fact, EDUP even includes a 1 year long warranty with this USB WiFi adapter which is not common with budget-friendly options like this one. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 150 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz frequency band Connects via a USB 2.0 port Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Excellent USB WiFi adapter if on a tight budget Decent performance numbers and features for the given price Uses an external antenna for improved network stability
Cons:
Build quality is a bit on the average side
6. TP-Link AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter
TP-Link can also be a great option if you do not have any budget restrictions and want a highly powerful USB WiFi adapter without getting a large and bulky one in terms of its size. This TP-Link AC1300 USB WiFi adapter is the best performing option given in this list when you are considering compact options. Starting with its maximum bandwidth rating, this TP-Link USB WiFi adapter can reach speeds of up to 1300 Mbps which is much higher than others. As you would expect from such a high-performance option, this USB WiFi adapter uses both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Despite its lack of external antennas for keeping a compact design, it offers high network stability thanks to its USB 3.0 connector. You also get a 2-year warranty with this USB WiFi adapter which is always ideal to have if you want a long term solution. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 1300 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 3.0 port Backed by a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Very small and compact factor despite high-end performance Amazing networking speeds and stability Offers both primary frequency bands for versatility
Cons:
Might not offer the best range due to lack of external antennas
7. ASUS AC1200 Nano USB Wifi Adapter
Asus offers all kinds of computer and networking products where most of them are high-performance ones including its USB WiFi adapter listed in this article. The Asus USB-AC53 USB WiFi adapter is hands down the smallest option given here making it perfect for laptop users. Unlike what you would expect from such a compact USB WiFi adapter, it still offers a maximum bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps. In order to make such high speeds possible, Asus uses the 2.4 GHz as well as the 5 GHz frequency bands with it. Even though this is a USB 3.0 WiFi adapter for the best possible stability and connectivity, you do not get any external antennas with it due to its compact size. As for its reliability, the included 1-year warranty is to be expected at such a premium price tag. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 3.0 port Backed by a 1-year warranty
Pros:
Super compact and small form factor USB WiFi adapter Amazing speeds and network performance for given size Decent warranty period for your peace of mind
Cons:
Highly expensive and premium USB WiFi adapter
8. CXFTEOXK Wireless USB WiFi Adapter
In comparison to most other options, CXFTEOXK is a fairly small brand of networking products despite which its USB WiFi adapters are perfect for high-performance usage. CXFTEOXK’s USB WiFi adapter is the best performing option given here, which can be a great pick for you if you do not have issues with its larger form factor. Taking a look at its network speeds first, you get a maximum bandwidth rating of up to 1300 Mbps with it. More importantly, it uses the 2.4 GHz as well as the 5 GHz frequency bands, which are always great to have. Coming to network stability and coverage, this USB WiFi adapter uses a USB 3.0 port along with two external antennas making it highly powerful. And the best part is that you still get a 2-year warranty with it despite its entry-level price tag. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 1300 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 3.0 port Backed by a 2-year warranty
Pros:
Excellent performance numbers for all kinds of applications Superb network stability thanks to its dual antenna design Highly reliable and durable with a long included warranty
Cons:
Can be a bit too large for laptop users
9. QGOO USB Wifi Adapter
Qgoo and its networking products are not only highly powerful but offer the same at a much lower price tag which also includes its USB WiFi adapter given here. This Qgoo USB WiFi adapter is the perfect value for money option for many because it offers high-performance numbers with a fairly low price tag. Beginning with its networking speeds, you get a maximum bandwidth rating of up to 1200 Mbps with this USB WiFi adapter which is quite high. In order to make such speeds possible, it relies on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. And while it only has a single antenna, it offers quite a good network stability thanks to its USB 3.0 port. Another great thing about this USB Wifi adapter is that you get a 1.5-year warranty making it quite reliable for the given price tag. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands Connects via a USB 3.0 port Backed by a 1.5-year warranty
Pros:
Excellent value for money USB WiFi adapter Pretty great performance numbers for the given price High network stability with external antenna and USB 3.0 connectivity
Cons:
Single antenna does not work as good as dual antennas
10. L-Link USB WiFi Adapter
L-Link is another smaller brand of networking products which might be new but still offers great options for those who are looking for high-performance options. The L-Link USB WiFi adapter is a great high-performance option if you want the same without paying a premium for it. In order to ensure that you get high performance at all times, this USB WiFi adapter has a maximum bandwidth rating of up to 1200 Mbps. And for making this possible, it uses the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Another great thing about this USB WiFi adapter is that you not only get dual external antennas with it, but it also offers USB 3.0 connectivity. Although, despite having a solid build quality, you do not get any warranty with this USB WiFi adapter. Best Features:
Rated maximum bandwidth of up to 1200 Mbps Uses 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency band Connects via a USB 3.0 port
Pros:
Pretty high-performance numbers for most users Quite reliable and stable wireless networking with external antennas Solid build quality for long term usage
Cons:
Lacks an included warranty from the manufacturer
Buying Guide for the Best USB WiFi Adapters
In case you have a desktop which does not offer WiFi connectivity with its motherboard or you have a laptop with a damaged network card, then you might be looking for a way to add wireless connectivity to it. For the same, you can try using one of the best USB WiFi adapters stated above. To ensure that you are also making the right decision in terms of picking these up, these best USB WiFi adapters also have their significant specifications and features explained with them. And if you feel like in knowing even more about USB WiFi adapters, considering checking out this detailed buying guide for the best USB WiFi adapters:
1. Maximum Bandwidth
When you are talking about networking including wireless ones, making sure that you are able to use a high-performance network is quite necessary. Due to this, checking the maximum bandwidth rating of your USB WiFi adapter is a great idea. Starting with entry-level options, they will mostly have a bandwidth rating of 150 Mbps or 300 Mbps. But if you want something more powerful and faster, then you can also find other USB WiFi adapters with up to 600 Mbps or even up to 1300 Mbps maximum bandwidth rating. Even though this is a total bandwidth rating including both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands as you will see down below, a 1300 Mbps USB WiFi adapter will perform similar to a wired connection and much better than a 150 Mbps one.
2. Frequency Band
Another factor to consider to ensure that you are going with a high-performance USB WiFi adapter is to check the frequency band used by it. Taking a look at budget-friendly USB WiFi adapters, they will use the 2.4 GHz frequency band in most cases. But if you are going with a high end and high-performance USB WiFi adapter, then it will rely on the 5 GHz frequency band. In comparison to each other, while the 2.4 GHz frequency band is slower than 5 GHz, it does offer better range. Because of this, almost all high-end USB WiFi adapters are dual-band ones. This means that they support both 2.4 GHz as well as the 5 GHz frequency band. These USB WiFi adapters simply switch between them and use one according to the desired application.
3. USB Version
If you are familiar with USB, then you must know that despite being highly universal and cross-compatible, there are many versions of USB connections out there. These different versions of USB connectors offer different speeds. As a result, if you are going with a high-speed USB WiFi adapter, making sure that it uses a high-speed USB connection is very important. Since budget USB WiFi adapters are generally rated for 150 Mbps or 300 Mbps, a USB 2.0 connection will be enough for them since it can handle up to 480 Mbps speeds. But if you are going with a faster dual-band USB WiFi adapter, then going with a USB 3.0 adapter is recommended. This is due to the reason that USB 3.0 connections can handle up to 5 Gbps speeds which is more than enough for the 1200 Mbps or similar bandwidth ratings included with high-end USB WiFi adapters.
4. WiFi Coverage
While having a high speed and easy to use WiFi connection is quite important, making sure that the connection is reliable and works over a long distance is also quite important. Since you are using WiFi to use the internet while being away from your WiFi router, checking the WiFi coverage rating of your USB WiFi adapter makes a lot of sense. Even though not all USB WiFi adapters may mention this rating, the ones that do include WiFi coverage of up to 50 square feet, up to 100 square feet, up to 150 square feet, and others where a higher rating is always better.
5. Warranty
Similar to any other USB accessory that you may use with your computer, you would also want your USB WiFi adapter to last for as long as possible. In other words, if you are looking for a durable and reliable USB WiFi adapter, then make sure to check its included warranty. While buying USB WiFi adapters, you will usually find either a 1 year long or a 2-year warranty. And as you would expect, any USB WiFi adapter with a longer warranty is going to be the better pick for long term usage.
Conclusion:
WiFi is one of the best and easiest ways to connect to the internet or any given network without needing any wires. And even if your computer does not offer inbuilt WiFi connectivity, you can still get the same using adapters. To be more exact, you can try going with any of the best USB WiFi adapters stated earlier in this list.
If you’re restricted by your budget and want something affordable, then the EDUP USB WiFi Adapter can be a great pick. Since it’s the cheapest option given above, it relies on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. With the same, it offers a maximum bandwidth of up to 150 Mbps over its USB 2.0 ports. Despite it’s entry-level price tag, you still get a 1-year warranty with it. But if budget is not an issue, you can go with the TP-Link AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter since it is the most powerful compact option. Because it uses the 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequency bands, you get maximum bandwidth of up to 1300 Mbps. It also uses a USB 3.0 connection for optimum performance at all times. Since TP-Link is a reputable brand, you also get a 2-year warranty with it. You can also consider the CXFTEOXK Wireless USB WiFi Adapter as another viable option for many. Being a high-performance option, it is rated for up to 1300 Mbps speeds thanks to its 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. Apart from offering a USB 3.0 connection, you also get 2 external antennas with it for the best possible performance.
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