

Three test runs are done on each wireless adapter at each of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, at three distances: close, far, and fringe, with the highest throughput of each parameter reported. A desktop with a Gigabit Ethernet port sends the data via a wired connection to the router.

Throughput testing was done using NetPerf software. The best USB Wi-Fi adapters will deliver online gaming performance that's practically indistinguishable from the speeds you can get from a built-in adapter.īut cheaper, smaller versions might well add some extra latency into the process which will make them less suitable for competitive online gaming, particularly FPS games. It's all about which adapter you choose, and how much you're willing to spend. But they are more practical if you need to be able to move around with your adapter. The smaller, nano adapters won't perform as well, and will likely need direct line of sight to your router to get the best speeds. But those are generally the larger versions, with many antennae and a high price tag.
#Usb wifi adapter for pc Pc#
The best USB Wi-Fi adapters can deliver an experience that's almost indistinguishable from a built-in wireless module on your PC or laptop. Best USB Wi-Fi adapters FAQ Do USB Wi-Fi adapters work well? The list price of $40 makes the Linksys WUSB6300 an excellent choice for an adapter to toss in a bag with your notebook or to carry as a backup. The longer distance tests for this adapter are even more impressive when you compare it against the competition that falls short in the wireless fringe testing. While the spec does limit the 2.4GHz scores, the speeds on 5GHz, even on the more extended distance tests, bring home the win for throughput on three of the six criteria for this increasingly competitive category of the adapter. The WUSB6300 balances its small size against decent range and throughput. Even with the tiny size, it supports the latest technology for wireless adapters, including MU-MIMO and Beamforming.

It offers AC1200 speeds, which translates to about 860Mbps via 5GHz, and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz. The Linksys WUSB6300 gets termed "micro" by the Linksys folks. Perhaps the best part is that the street price of this adapter is $34 making these kinds of speeds affordable for all.īest Wi-Fi range extenders (opens in new tab) | Best gaming routers (opens in new tab) | Best gaming headset (opens in new tab) | Best controller for PC gaming (opens in new tab) | Best gaming monitor (opens in new tab) | Best mechanical keyboard (opens in new tab) The only real weakness was on the far tests where this adapter gave up a little ground to the competition. We came away particularly impressed on the close 5GHz test of 298.9 Mbps, much faster than some other respectable adapters could muster. The EW-7833UAC smoked the competition, with class-leading throughput on four of the six tests, which included both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. While it is similar in size to other mainstream adapters, it cleverly features a small deployable piece that contains three antennas to increase range and throughput, along with support for both MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology.
#Usb wifi adapter for pc windows 10#
Installation was straightforward, with Windows 10 managing the settings. While many mainstream adapters suffice with AC1200 specs, this one takes it a notch up with AC1750 speeds (N450, AC1300).

#Usb wifi adapter for pc update#
The Edimax EW-7833UAC (opens in new tab) is the update to our previous budget adapter pick, the EW-7822UAC.
