Best USB WiFi Adapters in 2022

Features to Look for in USB WiFi Adapters

Before choosing the best USB WiFi adapter for your device, make sure you check out these key features so that you can purchase an adapter suitable for your situation.

Speed - The whole reason you are purchasing a USB WiFi adapter is to increase your internet speed. So, speed should be the first thing you look for in a WiFi adapter, right?

Devices with dual-band technology are the best option to ensure consistent internet speeds, as they will help to reduce interference, and it also doesn’t matter what frequency your existing router operates on. By offering transmission for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, you are guaranteed a stable connection at all times.

Even so, some devices are not as powerful as others. If you want to stream HD movies and games, high speeds are crucial, but if you simply want a more streamlined browsing experience, you should get by okay with slightly lower speeds of around 450 Mbps, as an example.

Encryption - Cybersecurity is always something you need to remember when purchasing a device. As your adapter will require access to your network, it must come with reliable encryption to prevent the risk of a breach.

Any decent adapter will offer such protection through WPA technology. WPA will block any malicious threats and ensure you can browse and stream in safety. However, if your adapter doesn’t feature WPA, you will need to install drivers onto your computer that provide additional protection. Don’t risk having your information compromised.

Ease of Installation - If you’re the first to admit that you don’t consider yourself the best with technology, the ease of installation is an important thing to consider. The good news is that many adapters come with simple Plug and Play technology that kicks into action as soon as you plug them in, meaning all you need to do is sit back and relax.

This process should be relatively simple, but you will need to know your WiFi router password and maybe administrative information to ensure it can connect easily.

If your device doesn’t have Plug and Play capability not, you will need to use an installation disc, just like the good old days, but this is relatively straightforward.

Compatibility - Broad compatibility is another essential feature to consider, and it is vital for providing flexibility across a range of platforms and operating systems. Ideally, you want an adapter that works with both Windows and Mac systems, but this is only for using a laptop or desktop.

If you want to find the best USB WiFi adapter for gaming, you’ll need one compatible with Xbox and PlayStation, whether the current-gen or next-gen consoles. Finding the right adapter means you don’t need to worry about the poor connection (or no connection at all), allowing you to stream games and connect to online lobbies with ease.

Range - Excellent transmitter range is ideal for large households that use many devices at any one time, and if you find yourself on the other side of the house from the WiFi router, it can reduce the risk of lags, freezing, and buffering.

A typical range is about 200 meters, allowing you to connect easily with no sudden and frustrating drops in the signal’s quality. The range enables you to enjoy consistent connectivity regardless of if you’re streaming the latest release or getting into your online gaming experience.

Warranty - A good warranty is always something to look out for when purchasing any product. With a USB adapter, it can be of utmost importance to guarantee consistent performance for various internet needs.

There is, however, a range of warranties, so this is something to consider. Unlike larger devices and appliances, it is unlikely you will receive longterm warranties. Instead, you may only receive 30 to 60 days to test your new WiFi adapter. So, try the adapter as soon as possible so you can arrange for a refund or replacement.

USB WiFi Adapter FAQ

Q: What is a USB WiFi adapter?

A: A USB WiFi adapter is a device used to boost your WiFi connection and improve performance. For devices without a built-in WiFi card, this is an essential purchase that will enable you to connect to the WiFi and enjoy endless streaming and gaming without the risk of lag. However, it is also useful for devices that come complete with a wireless internet card.

The adapter will override the existing component and will increase your WiFi speeds. This is especially useful for households with multiple devices, including laptops, computers, game consoles, tablets, and even smart home devices.

With this device, you get a stable connection, and as many boast dual-band features, working on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz transmission, you can eliminate the risk of interference. They are easy to install with a Plug and Play setup and compatible with a range of devices and operating systems.

Q: Is a USB WiFi adapter better than an internal?

A: Deciding if a USB WiFi adapter is better than an internal component depends on which type of device you choose. As many adapters are compact, they do not boast the external antenna, which means you don’t always get a stronger connection, or at least not as strong as you hoped, especially compared to internal transmitters, which usually come with three.

Despite this, some adapters will come with dual antennas, which may provide a more consistent and reliable connection, although they will take up more space.

And space is another thing you’ll need to consider. For laptops, you may prefer a compact USB device that slots easily into the USB port, especially if you need to move around often, as this will prevent the adapter from catching on tables or chairs, which could damage the device.

However, if you use it for a desktop or a games console, a larger adapter with an antenna will be ideal if it will stay connected to your computer or console.

Q: How long do USB WiFi adapters last?

A: A USB WiFi adapter would not be much use if it failed after a few months or even a few weeks. Thankfully, they are durable enough to survive for a long time. Typically, the plug/unplug cycle of these devices is somewhere around 1,500. So, if you plug and unplug three to four times a day, you are likely looking at around two years maximum before you see a clear drop in quality.

Of course, quality is also impacted by how well you take care of it. While suddenly unplugging it from the USB port won’t cause any significant damage (despite the many warnings you might receive), it’s still a good idea to eject safely. You should also make sure you do not bend or knock the device when transporting your laptop, as this will loosen the components and affect your connection’s reliability.

Q: How do I set up a USB WiFi adapter?

A: USB WiFi Adapters are one of the easiest devices to set up. For most models, all you need to do is plug it into the USB port. The internal setup driver will automatically launch the installation process (although it may prompt permission to allow it to proceed), and the software will install all by itself. Considering the size of the device, this should only take a few minutes at most. From there, you can connect to your WiFi and enjoy a more stable connection and increased speeds.

However, not all adapters use Plug and Play technology. With these, you may need to use an installation disc. As most laptops no longer come with a disc drive, this could pose a problem. Never fear, though; you will likely receive an installation code to input on the brand website if this is the case.

For other devices, such as a desktop or console, you should use the installation disk with no issues if it does not automatically use Plug and Play to initiate the installation.

Sources

1. How To Install An External WiFi Adapter On A Windows 10 Laptop - How To Geek