The Best USB Wi-Fi Adapters in 2024

Whether your desktop PC lacks a Wi-Fi card or you’re looking to upgrade the Wi-Fi on your laptop, one of the easiest ways to get connected is using a USB Wi-Fi adapter. These nifty little gadgets slot right into the USB port of your device, bringing an improvement to your internet connection with minimal fuss.

TL;DR – These Are the Best USB Wi-Fi Adapters:

• Netgear Nighthawk A8000 – Best Overall
• TP-Link Archer T3U Plus – Best Budget Option
• TP-Link N150 TL-WN725N – Best Ultra-Cheap Option
• Asus USB-AX56 – Best for Gaming
• MSI AXE5400 – Fastest

Nothing is more frustrating than a poor Wi-Fi signal, especially when downloading games, on a video call, or streaming. While the problem can be linked to your router or ISP, sometimes an outdated or lower-range Wi-Fi card is to blame. USB Wi-Fi adapters are a simple and inexpensive solution to the problem, often bringing better speeds and stability, especially when you opt for a Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 adapter.

While there are an overwhelming amount of similar seeming USB adapters to choose from, our experts have narrowed your search to five top-notch options. From the fast speeds of the MSI AXE5400 to the compact and cheap TP-Link N150, one of the USB Wi-Fi adapters below are ready to give your internet connection a little boost for far better browsing, streaming, and more. If you think your router could be the culprit to your slow speeds and poor signal, be sure to check out our guides to the best mesh routers, wireless routers, and Wi-Fi range extenders.

1. Netgear Nighthawk A8000

Best USB Wi-Fi Adapter

Want to enjoy the benefits of Wi-Fi 6E like faster speeds, lower latency, and a more secure connection without needing to install a Wi-Fi card in your PC or laptop? The Nighthawk A8000 gives you Wi-Fi 6E support straight out of the box. This Wi-Fi adapter is incredibly easy to set up, as it’s just a compact little stick with a USB 3.0 Type A connector that plugs directly into your computer. But If you’d rather keep it on a desk or get it a hair closer to your router, it comes with a longer cable and cradle for extra versatility. There’s even a flip-up antenna for a stronger signal.

Given this is a Wi-Fi 6E adapter, the Nighthawk A8000 offers three different bands: a 2.4GHz, a 5GHz, and a 6GHz. That means you can use a band with less network congestion. The 6GHz band will likely be your best bet, as only devices that support Wi-Fi 6E can access it. But both the 5GHz and 6GHz bands can achieve speeds up to 1,200Mbps, which is plenty for gaming and streaming. In fact, those speeds are on the level of a wired ethernet connection.

To make the most of the Nighthawk A8000’s quick and stable connection, you’ll need a Wi-Fi 6E router, an ISP with the speeds to keep up, and Windows 11. Wi-Fi 6 routers and Windows 10 will also work, you just won’t hit those speeds and may lose out on a few features. It’s important to note that this adapter is only compatible with Windows devices, so look elsewhere if you want to add Wi-Fi 6E to a Mac.

2. TP-Link Archer T3U Plus

Best Budget USB Wi-Fi Adapter

If base Wi-Fi functionality is all you need, and you want to save cash, this TP-Link Archer T3U Plus adapter is for you. As small as a thumb drive (with an adjustable antenna), this is an extremely portable, inexpensive option.

As far as reception and speed go, it supports dual-band AC wireless, and you’ll have up to 400Mbps with 2.4GHz connections, and up to 867Mbps with 5GHz connections.

3. TP-Link N150 USB WiFi Adapter (TL-WN725N)

Best Ultra Cheap USB Wi-Fi Adapter

If you must get the absolute cheapest, tiniest option, this one is for you. While it only supports 2.4GHz 802.11n connections up to 150Mbps, this tiny USB nub will get you going, and since it doesn’t protrude far, you can leave it in your USB port all the time.

While this speed might seem slight, compared to some of the other adapters on this list, it is still plenty for general use. Whether streaming HD or 4K HDR video (or Netflix’s small 25Mbps requirement), this one will get you where you need to go.

4. Asus USB-AX56

Best USB Wi-Fi Adapter for Gaming

When gaming using Wi-Fi, whether you’re actually playing online or just downloading games, it’s essential to have a solid, speedy connection. The Asus USB-AX56 ​​is a simple plug-and-play solution ready to deliver WiFi 6 support if your device is lacking in that area. The adapter uses a USB 3.2 Gen1 interface and two stylish built-in antennae for a better connection, or use the extension cable and cradle to place the adapter in an ideal position for the strongest signal.

Once you’ve got the Asus USB-AX56 setup, you’ll enjoy dual-band Wi-Fi with a 2.4GHz band offering 574 Mbps, while you hit the fastest speeds of 1201 Mbps on the reliable, ideal-for-gaming 5GHz band. Beamforming and MU-MIMO technology are also included for a more efficient connection. And all of this is packed into a compact, easy-to-use device. Just be sure you’ve got one of the best gaming routers, so you can make the most this USB Wi-Fi adapter.

5. MSI AXE5400

Fastest USB Adapter

MU-MIMO, beamforming, and high-gain tri-band antennas make the MSI AXE5400 one of the most powerful Wi-Fi 6E USB adapters on the market. With speeds of up to 2,402Mbps, this is suitable for streaming, gaming, and really anything you throw at it.

This USB Wi-Fi adapter comes with a handy cradle to set up and store the adapter in. When plugged in, it’s small, compact, and delivers exceptional speeds. And while it might be designed for Windows systems only, if you have a Windows-based laptop or PC, you won’t regret invest in the MSI AXE5400.

Upcoming USB Wi-Fi Adapters

With Wi-Fi 7 being the latest Wi-Fi standard, based on 802.11be technology, we can expect newer USB Wi-Fi adapters to be released in order to cater to the latest standard. Wi-Fi 7 covers the 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands, designed to offer higher throughput, lower latency, and greater reliability.

How to Pick the Best USB Wi-Fi Adapter

Choosing the best USB Wi-Fi adapter can make a significant difference in your wireless internet experience. Whether you’re looking to upgrade an older computer’s connectivity or seeking better performance for gaming or streaming, a USB Wi-Fi adapter can be an affordable way to get connected.

Before you start looking at what’s available, first identify why you need a USB Wi-Fi adapter. Is it for casual browsing, online gaming, streaming, or perhaps for connecting to a long-range network? Once you’ve nailed this aspect down, you’ll need to check what Wi-Fi bands your router offers, and your ISP’s maximum speed. There’s no point in getting a USB- Wi-Fi adapter with Wi-Fi 6e support if you can’t make the most out of it. But, if there’s little difference in price, it’s worth getting something that’s future-proof.

Some USB Wi-Fi adapters come with external antennas, while others have internal ones. External antennas generally offer better range and signal strength compared to internal ones. If you need a stronger and more stable connection, consider an adapter with external antennas. On this note, however, if you’re using a laptop or frequently on the move, you might want to consider a compact and portable USB Wi-Fi adapter. However, keep in mind that smaller adapters might not have as powerful antennas as larger ones.

Some adapters come with extra features like USB extenders, beamforming technology, or MU-MIMO support. While these features can enhance performance, they might also increase the price. Decide if these additional features are essential for your usage or if you can do without them.

FAQs

What does a USB Wi-Fi Adapter do?

A USB Wi-Fi adapter is a wireless network card that offers more portability since it connects to your computer or laptop via a USB port. If you don’t have an internal wireless network card or want a more affordable option, a USB Wi-Fi adapter is a great alternative.

Can you connect to Wi-Fi without a Wi-Fi adapter?

If you don’t have a Wi-Fi adapter, you can connect your laptop or computer to a Wi-Fi network using your smartphone’s built-in tethering feature. However, this may not be as reliable as a dedicated Wi-Fi adapter.

How fast are USB Wi-Fi adapters?

Some USB Wi-Fi adapters like the MSI AXE5400 can reach speeds of up to 2,402Mbps. However, in real-world testing this is often less due to environmental factors, like how far you are from the router, device, etc.

USB Wi-Fi Adapters vs PCIe Wi-Fi Adapters

USB WiFi adapters and PCIe WiFi adapters are different to one another, and can serve different purposes.

A USB WiFi adapter can be plugged into your PC or laptop and contain a small Wi-Fi network chip, often with antennas. They are easy to use, don’t require any drivers, and are for the most part, portable.

PCIe WiFi adapters, on the other hand, plug into the PCIe slot on your motherboard, much like a GPU would. They are far bigger than USB WiFi adapters, however, but do tend to offer better performance. Often featuring larger antennas, PCIe WiFi adapters are more reliable, holding Wi-Fi signal and providing faster speeds. This is especially useful for PC gaming, as you don’t want your connection to dropout when you’re in an online match.