Related Articles
It’s rare to find a laptop or desktop computer that doesn’t already have a Wi-Fi card built into the machine. But there are budget computers out there that don’t have them, and there are lots of people now who want to build their own PC and just don’t include one. Or hey, maybe the wi-fi chip on your computer just broke–it happens. The simplest solution to this is a Wi-Fi adapter, which plugs into your USB port and allows your device to connect to the internet via a Wi-Fi connection. Very simple and easy to use.
When trying to figure out which wi-fi adapter will best fit your needs, there are a number of factors to consider. It’s good to know beforehand whether you’ll need portability (are you getting this for a desktop that is never going to move or a work laptop that you’re regularly taking with you on business trips, for example), it also helps to figure out how far your computer is going to regularly be from a modem and what you plan on using your computer for. With that in mind, we’ve detailed five options for you. Between them, you should be able to find what you need.
Editor’s Note: Article updated on June 24, 2022
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
Those planning to use a Wi-Fi adapter for a laptop or desktop computer for the purposes of online gaming should go with the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. It’s a bit bulky so it’s going to likely clog up two of your USB ports–the one it’s using and the one right next to it. But you’re going to have a pretty strong connection. Not ethernet strong, of course–but if you’re hoping for that, you’re not going to find it when it comes to playing online via Wi-Fi. But the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is your best choice for wireless play.
TP-Link N150
Ah, so you want a Wi-Fi adapter but you don’t want to pay much money for it. Say no more; you want the TP-Link N150. This is the cheapest Wi-Fi adapter on the list, traditionally costing no more than $10. But if you just need an internet connection to watch videos on YouTube or read an ebook, then the TP-Link N150 gets the job done. It can’t help you handle tasks much beyond that, but maybe that’s all you need.
Edimax EW-7833UAC
The Edimax EW-7833UAC packs a punch–you’re getting solid internet speed, and you’re paying the price for it. That said, you’re not paying as much as you could, so there are a few drawbacks to the adapter. The most notable is its range–the signal strength for the Edimax EW-7833UAC tapers off pretty quickly. If you’re looking for both speed and range, you’ll have to pay a little bit more.
Netgear A6150 AC1200
The Netgear A6150 AC1200 is really small and that’s its selling point. If you’re looking for a Wi-Fi adapter that won’t take up that much space but will offer a stronger signal than the TP-Link N150, then this is what you want. This can be especially helpful if you have a smaller laptop where all the ports are rather close together–the Netgear A6150 AC1200 shouldn’t block off any of your laptop’s ports beyond the USB port it’s using.
Trendnet TEW-809UB
On the entire opposite side of adapter size spectrum is the Trendnet TEW-809UB. This Wi-Fi adapter is big–all the other adapters on this list use two or three small antennas, opting for subtlety in their design. The Trendnet TEW-809UB thinks they’re all cowards, featuring four large antennas on top of its already large frame. That does mean that the Trendnet TEW-809UB has incredible range and delivers solid internet speeds, though.
GameSpot Best Lists and Recommendations
The Best Nintendo Switch Games The Best Xbox Series X Games To Play Right Now The Best PS5 Games So Far + Show More GameSpot Best Lists and Recommendations Links (1) The Best PC Games To Play Right Now
