10 Best Wi-Fi Adapters

Updated: 02/27/2021 19:55:08

Expert: Bogdan Shevchuk

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Wireless communications have become such a part of our lives that even washing machines download software updates via Wi-Fi. Accordingly, the electronics market is literally flooded with a variety of network equipment for working via Wi-Fi. It can sometimes be difficult to understand, and the Expertology editors decided to help you with this. We present to you a rating of the best Wi-Fi adapters available for sale today, which have received high marks from our industry experts. But first, just in case, we will remind you what main points you need to pay attention to when choosing a device.

Which company's Wi-Fi adapter is better to choose?

When choosing a Wi-Fi adapter, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, who must provide a guarantee for their product. Users' priority is Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, TP-Link, Asus and others, widely known in Russian markets. The 2022 rating provides brief characteristics for each brand:

Asus is a Chinese manufacturer founded in 1989 that produces computer electronics. The company is one of the five largest PC manufacturers and is an innovative leader in the motherboard market.
Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company that was registered in 2010. It produces mainly smartphones, annually expands its networks and ranks one of the first places in Russia in sales in online stores.
TP-Link is a brand from China created in 1996, and is the largest supplier of network equipment. The manufacturer is constantly improving, introducing modern innovations into its products.
Alfa Network is another large Chinese corporation founded in 2002, which produces only Wi-Fi adapters. The company produces unique, flagship equipment that is in demand on world markets.
Zyxel is another Chinese brand registered in 1989, which produces network equipment for industrial and household use. The company sells its products in more than 150 countries and implements the most daring innovative solutions in its products.
Lumax is a Russian brand that produces telecommunications and network equipment, which was registered in 2005. It produces a large assortment, which is updated annually.
Gembird is a manufacturer from Holland that produces PC components, computer peripherals and accessories. Production facilities are located in China, where the equipment is assembled.
Tenda is another manufacturer from China that has been constantly developing and growing since 1998. The brand is represented in Europe, Asia, the USA and Russia, is in great demand and also produces network equipment.
Edimax is a brand registered in Taiwan in 1986, producing network equipment only for the home. The corporation produces network cards, switches, routers and IP telephony gateways and much more.
Mercusys is a relatively young Chinese manufacturer, founded in 2013, that produces basic networking equipment. The company is competitive and over several years has confidently risen in the ranking of network line manufacturers to a leading position.

TP-LINK Archer T2UH

TP-LINK Archer T2UH A small adapter from the Archer series supports 802.11ac networks and is capable of delivering speeds of up to 200 Mbit/s with a stated 433 Mbit/s. Standard encryption methods are supported, as well as 802.1x. Using networks in the 5GHz band allows you to avoid channel conflict and achieve greater stability.

The adapter transmitter power is 20dBM. It is helped by a removable 3dBi antenna, which can be quickly replaced with a more powerful one. Due to the design of the device, it may create inconvenience for neighboring devices - the antenna connector is located on the side. The kit includes a small extension cord to avoid this problem.

Windows support is good, but alternative operating systems are reluctant to work with the device. From the source code, the driver is built only under version 3 of the Linux kernel; the device does not work in version 4.x.

Price – 1000 rubles.

PROS:

Price
Working with 802.11ac
Removable antennas

MINUSES:

Weak Linux support

Rating of Wi-Fi adapters

Experts took part in compiling the rating and carefully studied each nominated nominee. Testing was carried out to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the equipment, which is separately indicated in the reviews. User reviews were also taken into account and helped in compiling the TOP. The selection was carried out according to the following criteria:

Connection type;
Form factor;
Maximum speed;
Bandwidth;
Supported communication standards;
Number and type of antennas;
Operating system compatibility;
Functional;
Appearance.

The price of the device was also one of the main factors, as was its quality. A complete and detailed study of all parameters made it possible to compile a rating of the best Wi-Fi adapters presented in 2022.

Best laptop processors

TP-LINK Archer T6E

TP-LINK Archer T6E The second plug-in adapter on this list is again TP-Link. This time the device connects to the PCI-E x1 port, which is found on any modern motherboard. Networks up to 802.11ac are supported, as well as all popular encryption protocols, including 802.1x.

The transmitter with a power of 20dBM is complemented by two 2dBi antennas, which can be replaced with more powerful options . The declared speed is 867Mbit/sec, in practice it reaches 300-350Mbit/sec.

OS support at the start was weak, but in the latest driver versions the problems have been resolved. Alternative systems must use the driver from Broadcom . There is a limitation on supported channels, which can be avoided by correcting the parameter in the registry (there are similar instructions on the Internet) that is responsible for the region.

Price – 2100 rubles.

PROS:

Execution
Working with 802.11ac
Removable antennas

MINUSES:

Weak Linux support

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Wi-Fi (WiFi) adapters for PC or Laptop: USB, PCI, PCI-e | TOP 12 Best - Rating 2019

The best Wi-Fi adapters for laptops

Using such adapters, you can ensure a stable connection of your personal device to a Wi-Fi network. External Wi-Fi adapters for laptops are capable of receiving wireless signals from any access point, repeater or router, guaranteeing an Internet connection. This category presents two models that were selected by users.

Edimax EW-7611UCB

This nominee stands out because it has the latest built-in Bluetooth 4.0 interface, with which you can pair with other devices. Presented in a modest small case, operates at frequencies of 2.4 and 5 GHz and is equipped with two built-in antennas. Reliable encryption according to WEP, WPA2 and WPA2-PSK standards ensures data safety, the maximum wireless connection speed is 583 Mb/s, and the transmitter power is 17 dBm. Edimax also has 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless network standards.

Advantages

Compatible with all OS;
Driver disk included;
Multi-stream data transmission;
Stable and reliable speed;
Easy master setup.

Flaws

High price;
Connection via USB 2.0 only

It is noteworthy that this model supports low power consumption, so the laptop will not experience a heavy load and will be able to work offline for a long time.

Mercusys MW150US

A simple adapter that is compatible with any operating systems and is very small in size. The data transfer speed is 150 Mb/s, and the wireless standard is 802.11n, operating at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Thanks to support for Mimo technology, the throughput of communication channels has been increased, and the internal built-in antenna increases the coverage area of Wi-Fi networks. Information is protected via several channels (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA, WEP), which provide high resistance to hacking.

Advantages

Drivers included;
Large range of action;
Compatible with all OS;
Stable signal;
Low price.

Flaws

May interrupt the signal due to obstacles;
Sometimes it gets warm.

Buyers define Mercury's as a good, simple and straightforward model that is suitable for simple tasks. Its connection interface is USB 2.0 - this is also worth considering when purchasing.

Mercusys MU6H

4.5/5

137 reviews

Buy Yandex Market

average price

839 rub.

Characteristics

frequency range of Wi-Fi devices: 2.4 / 5 GHz
Wi-Fi standard 802.11: b(Wi-Fi 1), a(Wi-Fi 2), g(Wi-Fi 3), n(Wi-Fi 4), ac(Wi-Fi 5)
Max. wireless connection speed 433 Mbps
adapter connection interface: USB
antennas: 1 external

Fourth place goes to Mercusys MU6H. This Wi-Fi adapter will be incredibly useful for those who have an old laptop that does not support the new Wi-Fi network frequencies. Or your system card in your PC is broken, but you don’t want to spend money on a new one, and the device in question has a much higher signal reception level. The adapter is a glossy plastic antenna with a leg and a USB connector . The leg can be turned in different directions, so it definitely won’t interfere.

Supports two signal types - 5 gigahertz and 2.4 gigahertz . What is the difference between them? 5 gigahertz will work faster and with fewer connection interruptions, and most routers now support this particular signal. With the Internet speed, everything is excellent here - when using 5 gigahertz, the Internet connection can reach 200 megabits per second, and at 2.4 gigahertz - 433 megabits per second , very decent figures when compared with the same LUMAX DV0002HD. These indicators are enough to watch a movie or TV series in 4K quality or to download gigabytes of data.

The manufacturer does not disclose at what distance the device operates, but, as users say, even in an office environment there are no problems through walls. The first time you connect, you need to configure the device, but everything is very simple. It comes pre-installed with drivers that you need to download to your PC, and when the installation is complete, you can connect to the wireless network. Just don’t forget to remove all drivers for previous wi-fi adapters before doing this, otherwise problems will arise in your work. In large stores the price of the device does not exceed 900 rubles, in the same Citylink it costs 790 rubles.

Pros:

Swivel leg.
High internet speed.
Receives signal well.
Easy setup.
Work in two ranges.

Minuses:

Does not work with all operating systems.

This is the device that will improve the quality of your wireless connection several times. It doesn't take up any extra space. The only negative is that it does not work on all operating systems, so you should not buy it for an old version of Windows or Linux.

Reviews on Yandex.Market

Which Wi-Fi adapter is better to buy?

When choosing a Wi-Fi adapter, experts recommend paying attention to several important parameters with which the device will ensure stable and uninterrupted operation of the network. It is important to consider OS compatibility, connection interface, capabilities and technical specifications, as well as support for Wi-Fi communication standards. Communication standards will indicate at what speeds it can operate, and the access area and range will determine the stability of the signal. Having sorted the presented models into categories, experts recommend considering the following nominees:

To ensure a stable high-speed signal on your PC, you can take a closer look at the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Powerline pack, which has a built-in signal amplifier and can connect to a wired network.
Also for a PC, Alfa Network AWUS036NHV with support for monitoring technology and compatibility with any OS would be a good option.
For a TV or set-top box, you can choose Lumax DV0002HD with easy setup, large antenna range and Wi-Fi Direct support.
Also, a good wi-fi adapter for a set-top box or TV would be the small Tenda U9, which is capable of providing a stable and reliable signal and has built-in Mu-Mimo technology.
And for a laptop, experts recommend taking a closer look at the Edimax EW-7611UCB with a built-in Bluetooth 4.0 interface. It has good power, is compatible with all OS and works on two bands.

The remaining models presented are also worthy of attention and have their own advantages for buyers. The 2022 rating invites users to determine them independently based on the intended criteria.

What is a Wi-Fi adapter and what is it for?

This is a device that allows you to receive a Wi-Fi signal and process it. Using the Wi-Fi module, the PC user will be able to connect to the wireless network distributed by the router.

Wi-Fi adapters are usually purchased to implement the following functions:

Installation on a desktop computer. Desktop PCs, unlike laptops, do not have a device for receiving a Wi-Fi signal. Such a device will have to be purchased separately.
Create a wireless connection on the computer itself. This will allow you to distribute the Internet to other gadgets without using a router. In this situation, the PC will act as a router.
Replacing a broken device. If the adapter in the laptop fails, it will need to be replaced by purchasing a new device.

Note! You can purchase a Wi-Fi module for a desktop computer or for a digital TV or set-top box at any PC component store. When choosing, first of all, the technical characteristics of the device are taken into account.

TP-LINK Archer T9UH

TP-LINK Archer T9UH Another Archer is designed to work with USB 3.0. Supports 802.11ac, stated speed up to 1300Mbps . Real tests show performance from 300 to 400Mbps and largely depend on the router used. Level security – WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x. The built-in transmitter provides 20dBM of power, and the antenna built into the body adds another 2dBi of gain.

The design of the device is interesting: it can be connected either directly to a PC port or through a special extension cord with a docking station at the end. The antenna is not removable, but can be folded, fitting tightly to the body and saving space near the port.

Price – 2380 rubles.

PROS:

Support
Working with 802.11ac
USB 3.0

MINUSES:

Antenna design

Alfa Network AWUS036NHA

Alfa Network AWUS036NHA The controversial Alfa adapter supports networks up to 802.11n with a stated speed of up to 150 Mbit/s. Encryption up to WPA2 is supported. At the same time, the cost of the device is higher than that of all previous models. The justification lies in the power of the device - the built-in amplifier has 27dBM, and the antenna included in the kit has a gain of 5dBi. The latter can be easily replaced if necessary.

The device has an external design and is located on the table as an independent device, connecting to a PC with a cable plugged into a USB connector.

Some users report problems with drivers. If you are using Windows 8 or higher, it is better to use those supplied by the system itself from Microsoft servers. The disk and version from the manufacturer's website should be left for Windows 7 and lower.

Price – 2400 rubles.

PROS:

Transmitter power

MINUSES:

No 802.11ac support