If you’re a committed online player, having the best WiFi adapter is important in getting the most out of your connection. It’s critical to have the fastest possible speed that allows for flawless HD streaming video and lag-free computer activities like gaming.
WiFi adapters are divided into two categories: USB and PCIe. The most user-friendly is USB, which offers a plug-and-play wireless option that is perfect for laptops. PCIe connects to a PC motherboard in the same way that a graphics card would. Hardcore multiplayer aficionados choose this option since it allows speedier connectivity from the WiFi equipment.
We’ve done the legwork for you and outlined a few unique wifi adapters to choose from in this article. You should be able to pick the correct one for your needs, whether you prefer PCIe or the more straightforward USB plug-and-play functionality.
6 Best Wifi Adapters for PC Gaming
For lag-free video streaming and gaming, check out the 6 best wifi adapters listed below.
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is considered one of the easiest-to-use USB adapters on the market.
This adapter is an excellent mid-cost alternative for PC gamers on the road or desktop gamers who don’t want to deal with PCIe. It covers a variety of bands and has a stylish appearance with a docked tool for an increased range. Its dual-band WiFi connection supports speeds of up to 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300 Mbps on 5GHz and is supported by four internal high gain antennas, ensuring no drop-outs while playing online.
The 3×4 MIMO design enables you to effortlessly download or upload files from the wireless network with its high bandwidth capacity. The Nighthawk AC1900 works with any router and provides higher 802.11ac speeds, excellent range, and great performance. It works with Windows 10 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows 8/7, and Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later.
You can gain even faster access by using USB 3.0 with explicit Beamforming+, which improves speed, range, and durability. The magnetic base allows you to move the receiver around. The NETGEAR genie App makes setup a breeze, allowing you to control and manage your network from your smartphone or tablet, or you may use the installation CD if you prefer.
The dynamic QoS of the Nighthawk AC1900 is one of its outstanding characteristics. Depending on the program and device, it prioritizes internet bandwidth.
As an example, your current Counter-Strike game will take precedence over your antivirus update check. This is done automatically in the background, and it can make a big impact at peak hours.
Pros
- USB adapter with high performance
- The range is quite extensive.
- For the majority of users, the speeds are excellent.
- MU-MIMO technology
- A magnetic cradle is included.
Cons
- The size is a little bulky.
- It’s quick, but there are speedier alternatives.
ASUS PCE-AC88 WiFi PCIe Adapter
With its high-throughput dual-band 5GHz at 2100Mbps and 2.4GHz at 1000Mbps and NitroQAM technology, the ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 can deliver up to 60% quicker speeds.
The proprietary cooling function ensures continuous operation and effectively dissipates heat, ensuring stability and reliability gaming and streaming without stuttering.
This ASUS wireless dongle has an external magnetic antenna base that allows for variable antenna placement to assist you in achieving the optimum range. The R-SMA antenna connectors are suitable with most antennas, not to add that individual antennas may be directly linked to the PCIe card for compact installation. Even better, it has a magnetic base that should easily hook into most desktop cases for convenience.
With the 4×4, four-transmitter, four-receiver antenna architecture, you’ll get a lot more out of your Wi-Fi connection than you would with 3×3 adapters. This design will provide significantly enhanced signal stability as well as a smooth, powerful, and fast connection, allowing you to get the most out of your 4×4 device.
The ASUS adapter is ideal for gaming because it has fast speeds and flexible antenna connectors that may be customized. Despite the fact that it is not inexpensive, the features it provides make it a worthwhile purchase.
Pros
- A quad antenna that can be moved for maximum signal range
- For maximum performance, a custom heatsink is required.
- WiFi speeds are excellent.
- For a long range, there are four antennas.
- Even at 2.4 GHz, there is a lot of speed.
Cons
- A little pricey
- Since the antenna fixture is magnetic, it is not suitable for non-metal surfaces.
TRENDnet AC1900 Wireless USB Adapter
TRENDnet’s USB Wi-Fi adapter is among the best on the market. It may be large in size but delivers exceptional results across the board.
This fantastic high-power radio comes with removable antennas that can greatly expand your network coverage and allow users to link to any high-performance wireless AC network with ease. The Trendnet wi-fi adaptor is compatible with both Windows 10 and Mac OS X. The setup procedure is simple to follow. To install the latest driver, first make sure your system software is up to date, then read and follow the Installation Guide that came with your adapter.
Install the drivers after attaching the device onto your system with the provided USB cable, and it should be ready to use on both Windows and Mac PCs. When the device is turned on and working, an LED indicator will light up.
This product supports 802.11n / a/b/g/ac networking standards to provide you with the finest internet experience available. It also includes sophisticated Beamforming technology, which ensures that your gadget receives plenty of wi-fi signals. As a result, you may comfortably spend hours gaming or watching high-quality videos without experiencing any connection slowness.
You may expect excellent performance from the Trendnet AC1900 WiFi adapter for gaming. This adapter is particularly useful because, due to its USB interface, it can be used on both a desktop and a laptop.
Pros
- The use of beamforming technologies
- High-speed operations
- Exceptional selection
Cons
- There isn’t any software included.
- It’s not very portable.
ASUS USB-AC68
The ASUS AC68 wifi adapter is a wonderful choice if you want the largest coverage and only the best WiFi signals on your PC or laptop. It gives speeds up to 300 percent faster than most adapters. This is due to its dual-band capability.
On the 2.4GHz band, it boosts network speed to 600 Mbps, and on the 5 GHz band, it boosts network speed to 1.3 Gbps. This allows you to experience lag-free high bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Due to MIMO technology and many antennas used, your wifi signal’s speed and range are increased even further. The ASUS USB-AC68 adapter has a unique folding design with dual antennas that may be deployed. External antennas with three positions and two internal antennas are included with the package. Strong WiFi signals can now be received more easily.
The reviews are mixed since this adapter lags in the 2.4GHz tests when tested from a distance. Even though the 5GHz testing was significantly more dependable, it was still not the quickest at either the close or distant distance tests. Overall, the antennas and beamforming function guarantees that your laptop or PC gets the best possible coverage.
Due to its desktop cradle, this product is also extremely simple to physically set up. The base makes it simple to place your device in the best possible position for receiving the greatest wi-fi signals.
The ASUS USB-AC68 is a much better option for individuals who want to utilize their adapter for gaming on the go. It has a 3×4 antenna layout and supports the following features:
- 3.0 USB port,
- AiRadar Beamforming by Asus,
- the AC1900 standard, and
- MU-MIMO.
It also has the advantage of a low retail cost of $75. The converter comes with a cradle for at-home use, but it can also be plugged into a USB port for on-the-go convenience.
Pros
- Antennas that can be folded externally
- Airador Beamforming technology is included.
- It can be directly plugged into a USB port or used with the provided cradle.
Cons
- There is room for improvement in terms of speed.
Linksys WUSB6300
The Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 USB 3.0 Wireless Adapter is fast, secure, and simple to use, making it one of the best bluetooth adapters on the market.
You can now bring your WiFi with you on your trips so you can play games no matter where you are. All wireless AC 802.11ac routers, access points, and WiFi extenders are compatible with Linksys.
The Linksys adapter is difficult to top when it comes to providing excellent connectivity, fast speeds, and a consistent stream at a low price!
This micro-sized USB port adapter, the size of a flash drive, provides AC1200 wireless features through an amazingly simple plug-and-play approach. This USB 3.0 adapter provides everything you need: lightning-fast speeds, excellent security, and ease of use and setup.
This tiny external wireless card in a thumb drive offers 860 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency and roughly 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. It also has MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology, making it highly powerful and capable of handling the high network demand associated with professional gaming without causing any bottlenecks or lag.
The only disadvantage to using this adapter is that the range isn’t great, and it needs a lot of the high-tech features included in the more complex choices we’ve looked at. It is, nevertheless, a truly hard-to-beat value at under $50!
Pros
- Despite the fact that it lacks an antenna, this adaptor has a ridiculously great range.
- The throughput ratings are excellent.
- At a price of around $50, this is an incredible deal!
Cons
- When compared to the other adapters on this list, it has a somewhat higher latency.
- Despite its long-range powers, it struggles in close quarters.
Edimax EW-7833UAC
The Edimax EW wireless adapter is one of the finest currently available USB wireless adapters for gaming. Its small size allows you to take it with you wherever you go. While many common adapters offer AC1200 speeds, this one goes a step beyond with AC1750.
On the 2.4 GHz band, speeds of up to 450 Mbps are possible, while on the 5GHz frequency, speeds of up to 1.3 Gbps are possible. This device enables for fast wi-fi networking on your PC or laptop, thanks to the 802.11 ac wireless network standards and USB 3.0 capabilities.
On four of the six tests, the EW-7833UAC surpassed the rivals, with great performance on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The installation was simple, and Windows 10 took care of the settings.
We were particularly delighted by the near 5GHz test of 298.9 Mbps, which was far faster than several other good adapters. The adapter’s sole significant shortcoming was in the range tests when it fell behind the competition. The best thing is that this converter is only $34 on the street, making these speeds accessible to everyone.
Pros
- The use of beamforming technologies
- Standard 802.11 ac networking
Cons
- The range is limited.
- Warming issues after prolonged use
Our Verdict
If we had to pick the best WiFi adapter for gaming, we’d go with the Netgear Nighthawk. It features everything a gamer might want when it comes to ensuring a stable wireless connection, as well as USB plug-and-play functionality.
Yes, it’s a little more costly, but knowing you’ll never have a connection drop is worth it.
Final Thoughts
And we’re done! We’ve scoured the market for the best USB WiFi adapters for gaming. So which one of these is right for you?
Finally, the answer to this question is largely dependent on your configuration and requirements. For example, the Netgear Nighthawk is the best Mid-Range Wi-Fi Adapter. TRENDnet AC1900 is the best USB Wi-Fi Adapter on the market. The ASUS PCE-AC88 adapter is our recommendation for the best internal wifi adapter.
