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The Best USB WiFi Adapter

Last updated on December 15, 2022

We looked at the top 10 USB WiFi Adapters and dug through the reviews from 10 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best USB WiFi Adapters.

Best USB WiFi Adapter

Our Review Process

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Our Picks For The Top USB WiFi Adapters

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Product Overview
Key Takeaway
  Top Pick

CXFTEOXK High-Speed Interference-Free USB WiFi Adapter

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

CXFTEOXK

High-Speed Interference-Free USB WiFi Adapter

Since this USB WiFi adapter is outfitted with two antennas, you'll enjoy a 1,300 megabits per second high-speed connection. The added antenna also increases the WiFi range, allowing you to connect your favorite device from anywhere in the home.

Overall Take

Dual AntennasWith this top-notch USB WiFi adapter, you won't have to worry about any interference when gaming.

  Runner Up

QGOO Stable Rotatable USB WiFi Adapter

QGOO

Stable Rotatable USB WiFi Adapter

The antenna on this USB WiFi adapter is fully rotatable, which results in a wider range and a more stable connection. Speed isn't an issue with this device, as it operates at 1,200 megabits per second. You'll find the adapter is compatible with Mac OS 10.9 to 10.15 and Windows 11 and below.

Overall Take

Ability to Create HotspotsThis USB WiFi adapter has a soft AP function that allows you to create hotspots as needed.

  We Also Like

TP-Link Lag-Free Smooth USB WiFi Adapter

Lag-Free Smooth USB WiFi Adapter

This USB WiFi adapter offers compatibility with all the devices in your home, including Macs, Windows PCs and Linux machines. It uses a 5dBi high-gain antenna to improve both the reception and signal strength of any connected device. Although it should install automatically, you may have to download a driver specific to your device type from the TP...

Overall Take

Compatible With Windows, Mac or LinuxYou can use this USB WiFi adapter with Mac, Windows or Linux machines to make it work with any of your current or future devices.

  Strong Contender

Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter Antenna

Nineplus

Wireless USB WiFi Adapter Antenna

If your Internet signal is a bit weak, you'll want to grab this USB WiFi adapter for a reliable boost. The dual 5dBi high-gain antenna is also able to increase the range of your WiFi for a more stable connection throughout the home. The best part about the adapter is that it's wireless and can be plugged directly into your desktop.

Overall Take

2.4G and 5G AntennasData is transferred 10 times faster with this USB WiFi adapter.

  Also Great

EDUP Long Distance Omni-Directional USB WiFi Adapter

EDUP

Long Distance Omni-Directional USB WiFi Adapter

If a data transfer speed of 1,300 megabits per second sounds good to you, then this USB WiFi adapter is an excellent choice. The adapter's antenna is rotatable and able to transmit a signal through the walls in your home. It's a cinch to install and is compatible with Windows 7/8/10, Vista, XP and Mac 10.6-10.15.

Overall Take

No Dropped CallsWiFi dead zones will become a thing of the past when you opt for this powerful USB WiFi adapter.

Buying Guide

Every laptop and desktop computer is built with wireless functionality, which is how you connect up to the WiFi in your home, office or other location. Sometimes that connection can be spotty, though, especially if you’re taking your laptop on the road with you. For that unreliability, a WiFi adapter can come in handy.

A WiFi adapter overrides that built-in function, giving your computer a direct connection from your device’s USB port to the surrounding WiFi signal. In order to use one of these connectors, you’ll need a USB port on the device you plan to use with it, and not all adapters are compatible with all operating systems. If you use Mac or Linux, specifically, you’ll need to double-check to ensure that your chosen adapter isn’t compatible only with Windows machines.

If you’re buying a WiFi adapter, make sure you’re getting the latest technology. Today’s standard of IEEE 802.11ac is three times faster than Wireless N speeds. However, the next standard, IEEE 802.11ax, is already being built into devices so you may find your technology is bested by devices widely available next year. Still, you’ll find 802.11ac is plenty fast to give your connection a big boost.

One thing to consider as you’re picking out a WiFi adapter is the design of the device itself. They come in a variety of form factors, some more intrusive than others. You can find adapters so small that you’ll barely even notice them as they’re plugged in. However, if you’re buying an adapter for a desktop computer, it will likely be out of sight, out of mind, which frees you up to choose the adapter that perfectly fits your needs — regardless of the build.

Keep in mind that a USB adapter will take up one of your ports. If you only have one or two, as some modern laptops do, you may find you’re seriously missing the extra port. You can buy a USB port expander that will give you those extra ports you need. However, this also will take up space around your laptop, potentially getting in the way of the work you’re trying to do.

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17

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the usb wifi adapters available to purchase.
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Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

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User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

The Best Bang For Your Buck

EDUP Long Distance Omni-Directional USB WiFi Adapter

Our Total Score

9.0

Key Takeawy

If a data transfer speed of 1,300 megabits per second sounds good to you, then this USB WiFi adapter is an excellent choice. The adapter's antenna is rotatable and able to transmit a signal through the walls in your home. It's a cinch to install and is compatible with Windows 7/8/10, Vista, XP and Mac 10.6-10.15.

What to Look For

  • If you have a Mac machine, keep in mind USB ports have been replaced with lightning ports. That means you’ll need to buy an adapter to connect your USB adapter to, which won’t make it quite as compact and space-saving as advertised.
  • In most cases, your WiFi adapter should be “plug and play,” but in some instances, you could have to download drivers. Even if your computer immediately recognizes it, it can’t hurt to check for updates from the manufacturer’s website, especially if you experience problems or disappointing performance.
  • One of the biggest benefits of a USB adapter is that it lets you upgrade your WiFi performance without buying a new computer or router.
  • For intense activities like gaming and streaming, make sure you choose an adapter with a data transfer rate of at least 500 Mbps.
  • Routers operate on different protocols. For best results, look for an adapter that is on the same protocol as your router. This will be either WEP, WPA or WPA2.
  • For best results, look for a dual-band adapter, which works on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band. That will give you a better connection while also keeping interference at a minimum.
  • If your adapter has antennas that can be adjusted, look for one with a wide range of motion. This will help you find the perfect direction.
  • Some WiFi adapters serve a dual purpose. They can help strengthen a WiFi signal on a device, but they can also turn a computer into a hotspot. That means you can set up one desktop or laptop to send a signal to multiple approved devices in your area.
  • The USB connector itself can slow things down. Look for the newer USB 3.0, which will keep things much speedier than USB 2.0.

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