11 Best USB Wifi Adapter For PC Or Laptop In 2024

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated March 7, 2024

Here we review the Top USB Wifi Adapter with a detailed comparison to find the Best USB WiFi Adapter for your PC or Laptop:

It’s fair to say that Internet requirements all over the world are booming. In the US, access to portable Internet has seen a surge over the past few years. Devices like USB Wi-Fi Adapters have become an important component to have for anyone.

This is such a device that gives you relief from installing a LAN network that only connects to a specific hotspot. Instead, this device allows you to connect with a mobile hotspot with a simple plug-and-play mechanism.

Having the best USB WiFi Adapter in 2024 is the most deal thing to have. Either you are working in your home or office, a WiFi adaptive USB device could help you connect to any access point. There are so many devices to choose from.

Best USB WiFi Adapter

USB WiFi Adapter

Fact Check: As per Seekingalpha, the requirements for having wireless access to your devices are increasing every year. Technologies are evolving, and almost every device comes up with router hardware today. For the ones that do not have a routing device, a USB Wi-Fi Adapter could be helpful.

Coming over to the market share, Netgear and Linksys Group have become one of the industry leaders with a 51% share and a 26% share, respectively. Some other big names in the Wi-Fi market industry also include ASS, TP-Link, and D-Link.

With more work from home methods applied to the commercial sectors, the sales reports for USB Wi-Fi Adapter’s purchase are expected to grow much higher than the previous year combined.

Wifi router market share

Also Read =>> WiFi Keeps Disconnecting: Fixed

Pro-Tip: While you are just on the verge of picking out the best USB Wi-Fi Adapter, you need to keep in mind a few things before concluding. Have you considered the hardware interface and also the operating system? Do you know if they are having the right standard of data link protocol suitable for the host device and the access point?

Matching them up will be a key thing to consider. Having a high data transfer rate will solve your problems for wireless gaming or even streaming movies. With more speed from your USB WiFi Adapter, you’ll be able to use it for both commercial and personal purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q #1) How long do USB Wi-Fi adapters lasts?

Answer: As per the best USB Wifi adapter Reddit users, the devices have a lifespan that includes a stipulated number of connecting and disconnecting cycles. Most people think that up to 1500 cycles should be enough for a good adapter. In simple terms, it should do well for two years.

Q #2) How do I fix my USB WiFi adapter?

Answer: If your device is not working properly, the first thing that you need to do is to roll back the drivers to the original version. If you cannot connect, try turning off the firewall for a while, and then you can run the network troubleshooter to figure out the problems.

Q #3) How do I enable a USB Wi-Fi adapter?

Answer: To enable it, the first thing that you need to do is to insert the adapter on the PC. Right-click on your PC to go to Device Manager. Click on the ‘Network Adaptors’, and you will find the USB adapter showing up. You can give a right-click on this option to enable it.

Network adaptors

[image source]

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List Of Top USB WiFi Adapter

Here is a list of the best USB Wifi adapter that is available in the market:

  1. TP-Link USB N150 WiFi Adapter for PC
  2. Techkey 1200Mbps USB WiFi Adapter
  3. UGREEN Ethernet Adapter USB 2.0
  4. TP-Link AC600 WiFi Adapter
  5. Amazon Basis USB Ethernet Port LAN Adapter
  6. Uni USB C to Ethernet Adapter
  7. EDUP USB WiFi Adapter Wireless Network Adapters
  8. NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter
  9. Linksys AE6000 Wireless Mini USB Adapter
  10. Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter
  11. TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB adapter

Comparison Table For USB WiFi Adapter Best Buy

Tool NameBest ForInterfaceOperating SystemData Transfer RatePriceRating
TP-Link USB N150Internet callsUSB 2.0Windows, Mac OS, Linux150 Mbps$7.995.0/5 (45,573 ratings)
Techkey WiFi AdapterHigh SpeedUSB 3.0Windows, Mac OS1200 Mbps$16.994.9/5 (17,336 ratings)
UGREEN Ethernet AdapterNintendo SwitchUSB 2.0Windows, Mac OS, Surface, Linux100 Mbps$13.994.8/5 (16,089 ratings)
TP-Link AC600Desktop UseUSB 2.0Windows, Mac OS200 Mbps$16.994.7/5 (13,759 ratings)
Amazon Basis USB EthernetRJ-45 NetworkUSB 2.0Windows 10480 Mbps$11.994.7/5 (13,326 ratings)
Uni USB C to EthernetMacBook ProType-CChrome OS100 Mbps$22.994.6/5 (11,513 ratings)
EDUP USB WiFi AdapterPlug and PlayUSB 2.0Windows, Mac OS600 Mbps$13.504.6/5 (7,972 ratings)
NetGear AC1200 Wi-FiHigh gain antennasUSB 3.0Windows1200 Mbps$34.434.5/5 (1,864 ratings)
Linksys AE6000 WirelessAdvanced SecurityUSB 2.0Windows150 Mbps$32.924.4/5 (1,848 ratings)
Edimax AC1200 Wi-FiMU-MIMO RouterUSB 2.0Windows, MAC OS, Linux1200 Mbps$20.134.2/5 (687 ratings)
TRENDnet AC19004K HD VideoUSB 3.0Windows, MAC OS1300 Mbps$79.994.0/5 (493 ratings)

Let us review the adapters below.

#1) TP-Link USB N150 WiFi Adapter for PC 

Best for Internet calls.

TP-Link USB N150 - USB Wifi Adapter

The TP-Link USB N150 has a simple plug-and-play mechanism. Once you install the drivers, it automatically recognizes the host connections. This helps you to set up and start using the device in a minimal time. Coming over to speed, it features a 150 Mbps design, which is decent enough to use for Internet calling.

TP-Link USB N150 comes with standard encryption that includes the WPA2 version, which is highly secure as well. Moreover, the miniature design allows you to carry the device from one place to another easily.

Features:

  • It comes with a fast Internet transfer rate of 1500 Mbps.
  • This device has strong WiFi coverage with a 24 GHz channel.
  • You can get Windows, Mac, and Linux compatibility.
  • It features a mini design for an easy plug and plays mechanism.
  • The device is extremely light in weight.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows, Mac OS, Linux
Dimensions0.73 x 0.58 x 0.27 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11b, USB, IEEE 802.11n
Data Transfer Rate150 Megabits Per Second
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $7.99 on Amazon.

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#2) USB WiFi Adapter

Best for high speed.

Techkey 1200Mbps - USB Wifi Adapter

The Techkey 1200Mbps USB WiFi Adapter comes from a range of professional devices. It is definitely a product that you require as a lag-free best USB Wi-Fi adapter for gaming. With a 1Gbps transfer speed, you can expect to get the constant low ping and very low latency.

Coming over to the hardware, the Techkey comes with amazing dual-band connectivity. You can quickly switch the bands according to the required speed and range. Moreover, the Techkey antenna is completely rotatable in nature.

Features:

  • It comes with a combined speed of 1200 Mbps Internet.
  • You can get a dual-band strong antenna, which is worth 5 dBi.
  • This device has a USB 3.0 port, which acts much faster than USB 2.0.
  • Because of the Wi-Fi antenna, the device has a stronger range of connectivity.
  • The device easily allows you to switch between multiple bands.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0
Operating SystemWindows, Mac OS
Dimensions7.68 x 4.92 x 0.59 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11 a/n/ac
Data Transfer Rate1200 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $16.99 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#3) UGREEN Ethernet Adapter USB 2.0

Best for Nintendo Switch.

UGREEN Ethernet Adapter - USB Wifi Adapter

The UGREEN Ethernet Adapter is an amazing device to have if you wish to play more games. It comes with an RJ45 compatible adapter, which makes your device much better to use. Moreover, this device comes with complete support to Windows, Mac as well as Linux.

While using this device, we found that it took only a few seconds to set up. Moreover, there is no driver installation required at all, and it will surely save some time for you. The reason why most of us liked the UGREEN Ethernet Adapter is mainly that it is compact and easy to carry.

Suggested Reads => List of Best Thunderbolt Docks for your Laptops

Features:

  • It comes with a fast speed Internet to use.
  • You can get an easy ethernet configuration.
  • This device provides full 10/100 Mbps fast performance.
  • It comes with LED indicators for Link and Activity.
  • You can get ARM-based Windows.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows, Mac OS, Surface, Linux
Dimensions2.4 x 0.71 x 1.02 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.3, 802.3u
Data Transfer Rate100 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $13.99 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#4) TP-Link AC600 WiFi Adapter

Best for desktop use.

TP-Link AC600 WiFi Adapter - USB Wifi Adapter

TP-Link AC600 comes from a reliable brand. Almost everyone knows how great this device is. With a 5dBi high chain, you can expect the antenna to cover a lot of space. Since it offers dual-band channels with the device, the TP-Link AC600 WiFi Adapter can support the 2.4 GHz channel and the 5 GHz channel.

With such options, it becomes much easier for the device to present HD streaming. On top of this, the TP-Link AC600 WiFi Adapter has a maximum speed of around 150 to 200 Mbps, which is quite decent to use if you wish to play games.

Features:

  • It comes with a complete lag-free connection for use.
  • The long-range coverage is amazing to use for your needs.
  • It features Dual-band 2. 4 GHz, and 5 GHz channels.
  • You can get a high sensitivity range with a 5dBi antenna.
  • The antenna can be moved in different directions without any difficulties.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows, Mac OS
Dimensions2.28 x 0.71 x 6.83 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE Standard 802.11
Data Transfer Rate200 Mbps
Warranty2 Year

Price: It is available for $13.99 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#5) Amazon Basis USB Ethernet Port LAN Adapter

Best for RJ-45 network.

Amazon Basis USB Ethernet - USB Wifi Adapter

The Amazon Basis USB Ethernet Port LAN Adapter is a dedicated device that comes to deliver high-speed Internet service. It can be compatible with the 10/100 Mbps linkup. Compatible with USB 2.0, this device can serve you well for your regular uses.

You can take the help of a maximum speed of 48 Mbps from this device that allows you to get an amazing result. With additional features, it becomes much helpful to link-up and uses this device as a magic packet.

Features:

  • Supports both full-duplex for better performance.
  • It can easily connect to a USB 2.0 driver.
  • You can get to use it with an RJ-45 network for a better linkup.
  • This device has the standard IEEE 802.3 data link.
  • It comes with a high-speed network switch.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows
Dimensions6.54 x 0.83 x 0.53 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.3
Data Transfer Rate480 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $11.99 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#6) Uni USB C to Ethernet Adapter

Best for MacBook Pro.

Uni USB C to Ethernet

The Uni USB C to Ethernet Adapter is a great match who would love to use this device for dedicated people device. The adapter fully supports Chrome OS, and it is extremely light in weight to carry. The product features around 1.444 Ounces in weight and a miniature design that slips inside your pocket while traveling.

Comparing to other devices, the adapter can attain a maximum speed of 1 Gbps. While testing out this device with the CT6 ethernet cable, the speed always seemed to be consistent without any lag options.

Features:

  • You can get stable connection speeds, which is nearly 1 Gbps.
  • It is always Compact and lightweight in nature to use.
  • This device comes along with a High-quality USB-C connector.
  • The Network Adapter supports decent RJ45 connectivity options.
  • The body of this device is made up of a non-slip design.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB-C
Operating SystemChrome OS
Dimensions5.92 x 2.36 x 0.67 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.3
Data Transfer Rate100 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $22.99 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#7) EDUP USB WiFi Adapter Wireless Network Adapters

Best for plug and play.

EDUP USB WiFi Adapter

The EDUP USB WiFi Adapter is a highly impressive device to play your favorite games. Featuring a plug-and-play mechanism, it allows you to get fast Internet access to multiple devices. The dongle comes with an upgraded wifi card that has a combined speed of 600 Mbps.

Comparing to most other devices, having such stable high-speed Internet is a great advantage. Moreover, the EDUP USB WiFi Adapter Wireless Network Adapters comes with an AP function, which allows you to create a hotspot to offer multiple connections easily.

Features:

  • This device features dual-band channels for easy transfer.
  • It is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS systems.
  • You can get AP function for fast WiFi connectivity options.
  • The 5 GHz channel offers around 433Mbps speed for the best results.
  • It comes with standard security and encryption protocols.

Further Reading => Explore the BEST USB Security Software for Mac

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows, Mac OS
Dimensions3.4 x 2.7 x 0.5 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11
Data Transfer Rate600 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $13.50 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#8) NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter

Best for high gain antennas.

NetGear AC1200 Wi-Fi

The NetGear AC1200 is an amazing device to have if you want a quick setup and easy recognition mode. The adapter comes with a Netgear genie setup, which helps you to complete the configuration.

A simple push-button technology enables you to get instant pairing. Coming over to the technology, this device has Beamforming+, which enables it to get the advantage of having dual-band channels. It comes with a combined speed of 1200 Mbps, making the device easy to use for multiple devices.

Features:

  • It comes with range and performance.
  • You can get a great antenna for improved performance.
  • This device comes with a Beam forming+ technology.
  • It features a desktop dock for flexible placement.
  • Setup takes very less time because of the NETGEAR genie.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0
Operating SystemWindows
Dimensions6.38 x 5.31 x 1.61 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11
Data Transfer Rate1200 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $34.43 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#9) Linksys AE6000 Wireless Mini USB Adapter

Best for advanced security.

Linksys AE6000 Wireless

Almost everyone knows about how much improved the Linksys AE6000 Wireless Mini USB Adapter is. It comes with dual-band Wi-Fi, which you can easily configure between a 5 GHz channel and a 2.4 GHz channel.

Although you may not be able to use a combined beamforming technology, we found it to be very helpful for our use while checking the device. With a max speed of 150 Mbps, it also comes with an advanced security option. Moreover, this device seems to be extremely light in weight, making it decent to carry the product.

Features:

  • It comes with an easy setup mechanism to configure.
  • This device comes with advanced encryption for better security.
  • You can get dual-band mode for better results.
  • The device is extremely small and easy to carry out.
  • Linksys offers a maximum speed of 150 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz channel.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows
Dimensions2.4 x 8.43 x 5.31 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11n
Data Transfer Rate150 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $32.92 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#10) Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter

Best for MU-MIMO Router.

Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi

The Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter is a decent choice to make if you want a dedicated signals transmission device. Since this device offers a beamforming technology, it becomes much evident to use it for all laptops and systems.

The best part of having the Edimax AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Adapter is that you can get a combined speed of 1200 Mbps. It offers a nano-size that can be easily carried in your pocket. Moreover, the product features 2 internal antennas for better range coverage.

Features:

  • This device comes along with the standard 802.11ac wifi module.
  • You can get a dual-band experience with this product.
  • It features both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz channels for maximized performance.
  • It comes along with a combined speed of 1200 Mbps.
  • It can easily support both Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 2.0
Operating SystemWindows, MAC OS, Linux
Dimensions0.8 x 0.6 x 0.25 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11n
Data Transfer Rate1200 Mbps
Warranty1 Year

Price: It is available for $20.13 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


#11) TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB adapter

Best for 4K HD video.

TRENDnet AC1900

You can understand that the TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB adapter will be the best-in-class product by the price itself. Rather than a simple antenna, the product features 4 different antennas, which will help you cover a large space.

But what we liked the most about this adapter is the ability to provide a constant 1300 Mbps speed. We found that the TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB adapter comes with a constant speed without any latency while testing the product.

Features:

  • This device increases real-time performance.
  • You can get a high-power radio for detachable antennas.
  • It comes along with a 600 Mbps WiFi N to get Internet access.
  • The LED indicator conveys device status for an immediate result.
  • The product has a decent real-time performance.

Technical Specifications:

Product Information
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0
Operating SystemWindows, MAC OS
Dimensions7 x 3 x 9 inches
Data Link ProtocolIEEE 802.11n
Data Transfer Rate1300 Mbps
Warranty3 Years

Price: It is available for $79.99 on Amazon.

=> Click here to buy


Conclusion

Picking out the best USB WiFi Adapter is always a daunting task in hand. Not because there are so many models to pick from. The main challenge is to pick out a device that matches all your expectations and is technologically driven. While looking for this, you’ll have to be specific on multiple factors like connection speeds, range, USB configuration, compatibility, and price.

If you feel this is getting a bit difficult, you don’t have to worry at all. We’ve got you covered with the list of the top 11 USB WiFi Adapters available.

Further Read => Best Bluetooth Adapters for PCs 

We found out TP-Link N150 WiFi Adapter is the best USB wifi adapter for gaming. It features a data speed rate of 150 Mbps and has dynamic coverage. You can alternatively pick out Techkey 1200mbps wifi adapter or UGREEN Ethernet Adapter for USB Wi-Fi adapter best buy.

Research Process:

  • Time is taken to research this article: 37 Hours.
  • Total tools researched: 25
  • Top tools shortlisted: 11
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