Best Wi-Fi Adapters

Long internet wires and local area networks are slowly becoming a thing of the past, giving way to the most modern, wireless devices. Computers, laptops and TVs often have built-in Wi-Fi modules, but some models still do not provide such components. Today, the 2024 ranking considers the best Wi-Fi adapters for technology and electronics and presents brief reviews on the most popular devices. The technical characteristics, functionality, pros and cons of each model have been studied.

Which Wi-Fi adapter is better to choose

When choosing a Wi-fi adapter, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer, who must provide guarantees for their goods. Users are prioritized by Chinese brands such as Xiaomi, TP-Link, Asus and others widely known in the Russian markets. The 2024 ranking provides brief characteristics for each brand:

• Asus Is a Chinese manufacturer founded in 1989 and producing 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, which was registered in 2010. It produces mainly smartphones, annually expands its networks and occupies one of the first places in Russia in terms of sales in online stores.
• TP-Link Is a brand from China established 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 Chinese large corporation founded in 2002, and produces only Wi-Fi adapters. The company manufactures unique, flagship equipment that is in demand on world markets.
• Zyxel Is another Chinese brand registered in 1989, and producing network equipment for industrial and domestic purposes. The company sells its products in more than 150 countries and implements the most daring innovative solutions in its products.
• Lumax Is a Russian trade mark that produces telecommunications and network equipment, which was registered in 2005. It produces a large assortment, which is updated annually.
• Gembird - a manufacturer from Holland that produces PC components, computer peripherals and accessories. Manufacturing facilities are located in China, where the equipment is assembled.
• Tenda - another manufacturer from China, which 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 - a brand registered in Taiwan in 1986, produces networking equipment only for the home. The corporation produces network cards, switches, routers and gateways for IP telephony and much more.
• Mercusys Is a relatively young Chinese manufacturer, founded in 2013, and producing basic networking equipment. The company is competitive and for several years has been steadily rising in the ranking of manufacturers of network lines to leading positions.

Wi-Fi adapters rating

The rating was compiled by experts who carefully studied each nominee presented. 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 also had one of the main values, as well as its compliance with quality. A complete and detailed study of all parameters allowed us to make a rating of the best Wi-Fi adapters presented in 2024.

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Best Wi-Fi Adapters for PC

Old-type stationary PCs often do not have a Wi-Fi adapter, so users buy such a unit on their own. As a rule, there are no problems with configuration and installation, the adapter is connected via the USB and PCI Express interface and is external and internal, respectively. In this category, we reviewed four USB Wi-Fi adapters for PCs, which became the best and were chosen among a dozen others.

Asus PCE-AC88

This is a top-end router capable of providing speeds up to 2167 Mbps and a stable connection. The radiator of the device is made of red anodized aluminum, which heats up perfectly and efficiently removes heat. At the end there are four RP-SMA connectors to which antennas or an extension module are connected. It is noteworthy that the antenna stand has small magnets, so it is very easy to attach it to metal objects. And the soft pad is also located at the bottom of the stand, so you do not scratch the surface.

Advantages

• Protection against electromagnetic interference;
• Does not allow loss of speed;
• Easy installation;
• Large communication range;
• Good build quality.

disadvantages

• High price;
• The SoC is completely hidden under the heatsink.

The delivery set from the manufacturer includes a network and external remote modules, antennas, a bracket for low-profile enclosures, and a software disk. The documentation and warranty card are also provided by the manufacturer, and the device is warranted for 36 months.

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Powerline pack

The Xiaomi Powerline Wi-Fi network adapter comes with a main unit and a receiver equipped with two small antennas. The receiver is equipped with a LAN port to which an Ethernet cable is connected; it is also possible to connect via wi-fi, with a range of up to 200 meters. The data transfer speed reaches 300 Mbps, which allows you to download full-length movies and TV series in a matter of minutes. Installation of the device is quite simple, when pairing via a cable, you just need to connect it to the transmitter and router, and then install the original Xiaomi app. With this application, you can change the password, network name and encryption type.

Advantages

• Work indication LED;
• Built-in signal amplifier;
• The transmitter can work simultaneously with up to five receivers;
• Nice design;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• A small number of settings;
• Application interface in Chinese.

Users note that the entire interface in the application is made exclusively in Chinese, so there are still difficulties in the settings. However, the manufacturer is already solving this problem and promises a new version of the software, with Russian-language firmware.

TP-Link TL-WPA4220KIT V4

TP-Link is presented as an adapter kit with a wireless signal booster option. It works at a radius of up to 300 meters, provides stable data transmission and connects to any device. Each module is equipped with an Ethernet port, plus the system provides a Wi-Fi Clone function that completely copies your home wireless network settings anywhere. It can also be connected to a set-top box, PC or laptop via wired and wireless connections. At the same time, the speed over a wireless network can reach 300 Mbps and 600 Mbps over a wired connection.

Advantages

• Compact size of devices;
• Web interface;
• Simple setup;
• Broad information protection;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• Heats up a little;
• Sometimes there are software problems.

This wi-fi adapter has received positive reviews despite problems with updating the device and heating the case.TP-Link guarantees a stable and high-quality signal, in any environment where there is access to the network.

Alfa Network AWUS036NHV

Sufficiently powerful USB-adapter operating at 2.4 GHz, and developing a maximum speed of 150 Mb / s. This device is presented in a small, modest body, has a removable antenna and is compatible with all operating systems. It is quite easy to use Alfa Network, through an adapter the device is combined with a PC or laptop, and using a third-party antenna you can amplify the signal. Also, this adapter is capable of detecting a network within a radius of 500 meters and transmitting it at a distance of up to 15 km over water and up to 5 km over land (subject to line of sight).

Advantages

• Monitoring technology support;
• CD with drivers included;
• European encryption method Cisco CCX;
• Compact size;
• Long USB adapter included.

disadvantages

• Not the most powerful OEM antenna;
• The body of the device is made of weak plastic.

Users also consider the price of the device to be an advantage, since it is comparatively lower than analogs. At the same time, Alfa Network is presented as a high-quality and sufficiently powerful device that guarantees a stable signal at any point.

Best Wi-Fi Adapters for TV

Wi-Fi adapter for receivers and TVs is able to turn conventional equipment into Smart TV and provide a stable Internet connection. On sale are universal and serial devices, which are definitely produced under one or another brand of TV. This category also includes four adapters that combine high quality and affordable price.

Zyxel NWD6605

A simple and convenient adapter that connects not only to a TV, but also to a laptop with any operating system, providing a stable connection to the network. The device is presented in a small case, similar to a modem and has a foldable non-removable antenna. Zyxel is connected via USB 3.0, the connection speed is 867 Mbps, and the transmitter power is 17 dBM. The kit includes a small extension cord that allows you to increase the signal strength. The device works in two bands - 2.4 or 5 GHz.

Advantages

• Bright, informative indicator;
• No heating at full load;
• Support for the new standard 802.11 ac;
• Low price;
• Quick installation on any device.

disadvantages

• Sometimes the speed decreases at a frequency of 5 GHz;
• Difficult to find update for drivers.

Customers note that Zyxel does not often release updates for its devices, so new drivers for the NWD6605 are difficult to find. At the same time, the adapter itself finds the driver when installed in a Windows 10 system and does not require any settings.

Lumax DV0002HD

The smallest USB Wi-Fi adapter with antenna for TV. This compact device fits easily into your pocket and is compatible with tablets, smartphones and TV-boxes with a USB 2.0 connection interface. Lumax speed reaches 150 Mbit / s, data transmission frequency 2.4 GHz, and protection is based on standard encryption. Also, this model works on the most common standards (802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n) and does not require installation of drivers. With a built-in chip and antenna, the adapter maintains a stable connection and Wi-Fi Direct.

Advantages

• Good network bandwidth;
• Simple setup;
• Large radius of action;
• Automatic calibration;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• The case heats up a little during operation;
• Suitable only for Lumax attachments.

This model is capable of simultaneously receiving and transmitting information, and is used for wireless Internet connection. Software updates for this model are not required, but if there are problems with the compatibility of the device, the manufacturer recommends updating it via FTP.

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Gembird WNP-UA-006

Simple and reliable device, shaped like a small flashlight. This adapter supports a maximum speed of 150Mbps, operates on 802.11b / g / n at 2.4Hz, and has a small foldable antenna.The advantages of Gembird 006 include small size, stable stable signal and omnidirectional 2 dBi antenna. The adapter interacts with the operating systems Mac OS X, Windows 7, 8, 10, Vista and XP. Thanks to the support of modern encryption, network security is at the highest level.

Advantages

• Powerful antenna;
• Bright LED indicator;
• Compatible with many digital set-top boxes;
• Simple installation and configuration;
• The case does not heat up.

disadvantages

• Small coverage radius;
• Sometimes the network connection is lost.

Experts noted that the chipset in Gembird UA-006 is compatible with almost any set-top boxes, satellite receivers, computers, laptops and provides easy access to the Internet. Drivers for the device are on the official website.

Tenda u9

Another miniature adapter that fits easily in your pocket and is able to provide a stable and reliable signal. Tenda is equipped with a dual band antenna (2.4 and 5 GHz), so users can broadcast the signal to multiple devices at the same time. With built-in modern Mu-Mimo technology, the adapter can be used for demanding tasks and high-speed downloads. Installation and configuration of the device is quite simple, everything is done automatically when the U9 is connected to a computer, laptop or TV box. Tenda also supports automatic driver installation.

Advantages

• PIFA antenna;
• Maximum speed 633 Mb / s;
• Support for modern communication standards 802.11a / b / g / n / ac;
• Smooth and stable signal;
• Low price.

disadvantages

• Connection interface only USB 2.0;
• Works with Windows OS only.

Users note that the adapter does not interfere with other ports, so it is convenient for direct connection to a laptop or computer. Also, the advantages of this model include a three-year manufacturer's warranty.

Best Wi-Fi Adapters for Laptop

With the help of such adapters, you can provide a stable connection of a personal device to a Wi-Fi network. External Wi-Fi adapters for a laptop are able to receive wireless signals from any access point, repeater or router, guaranteeing an Internet connection. In this category, there are two models that were selected by users.

Edimax EW-7611UCB

This nominee stands out for having the latest built-in Bluetooth 4.0 interface, which can be used to pair with other devices. It is presented in a modest small package, operates at 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies and has two built-in antennas. Strong 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 networking standards.

Advantages

• Compatible with all OS;
• CD with drivers included;
• Multi-stream data transmission;
• Stable and reliable speed;
• Easy master setup.

disadvantages

• High price;
• USB 2.0 connection 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 in an autonomous mode for a long time.

Mercusys MW150US

A simple adapter that is compatible with any operating system and has a very small size. The data transfer rate is 150 Mb / s, and the wireless standard is 802.11n, operating at 2.4 GHz. Thanks to the support of Mimo technology, the bandwidth of communication channels is increased, and the internal built-in antenna increases the coverage area of ​​Wi-Fi networks. Information protection is carried out through several channels (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA, WEP), which provide high resistance to cracking.

Advantages

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

disadvantages

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

Buyers define Mercury’s as a good and simple and simple model that is suitable for simple tasks.The connection interface in it is USB 2.0 - this is also worth considering when buying.

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 network operation. It is important to consider OS compatibility, connection interface, capabilities and specifications, as well as support for Wi-Fi communication standards. Communication standards will indicate at what speeds it can operate, and the coverage and range will determine the stability of the signal. Having disassembled the presented models by category, experts recommend considering the following nominees:

• To ensure a stable high-speed signal on your PC, you can look at the Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Powerline pack, which has a built-in signal amplifier and can be connected to a wired network.
• Also for a PC, the Alfa Network AWUS036NHV with support for monitoring technology and compatibility with any OS will be a good option.
• For a TV or set-top box, you can choose the Lumax DV0002HD with easy setup, long antenna range and Wi-Fi Direct support.
• Also a good wi-fi adapter for a set-top box or TV will be the small Tenda U9, which is able to provide a stable and reliable signal and has built-in Mu-Mimo technology.
• And for a laptop, experts recommend looking 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 dual bands.

The rest of the presented models are also worthy of attention and have their own advantages in front of buyers. The 2024 rating invites users to determine them independently based on the outlined criteria.