Wifi adapter rating 2021

However, if the signal is stable, data transfer speeds can reach quite acceptable 300 Mbps. Unfortunately, the adapter can only connect to networks operating in the 2.4 GHz band, so you should make sure it is compatible with your router or access point before you buy it.

The Best Wi-Fi USB Adapter for 2021

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, it is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. It is necessary to consult with a specialist prior to purchase.

Wireless communication is so tightly integrated into our lives that even washing machines download software updates via Wi-Fi. Consequently, the electronics market is literally flooded with all sorts of Wi-Fi networking equipment. It can sometimes be difficult to figure out, and the Expertology editorial staff decided to help you with that. We present you the rating of the best Wi-Fi adapters available on the market today, which have been highly evaluated by our industry experts. But first, just in case we'd like to remind you of the main things you should pay attention to when choosing a device.

How to choose a wifi adapter

The first thing to decide is the connection interface, and therefore whether it will be an internal or external adapter. If you intend to connect only to a laptop or other portable device, then there is no choice – only an external adapter. If you plan to connect a desktop PC, then both options are possible. Here you need to decide for yourself, and we will describe the features of one and the other type of devices.

USB adapters

This is the most popular and popular type of adapters due to their versatility and portability. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and features – they can look like an ordinary flash drive and have minimal features, or they can be quite weighty desktop devices with a lot of extra features.

If you need a WiFi adapter for your laptop, it does not automatically mean that the device must be small and as portable as possible. It is necessary to be guided by the nature of exploitation of the laptop. If you often carry it with you and do not always provide him the proper conditions of transportation, then really, the adapter is smaller, the better. But also within reason – there can be a model with a little more size, but with a more powerful antenna, which is hinged right out of the case, and in our rating such models will be presented.

Choosing a WiFi adapter for your home desktop, have a look at the signal strength and the antenna capabilities – the higher these parameters are, the better. At least the signal strength should be at least 20 dBi. In order for wi-fi to properly "pierce" the walls, it is desirable that the antennas were powerful enough. Well, and if all of the most important parameters you have taken into account, and there is still a choice, you can look at the design. The variety of visual solutions wi-fi adapters is so great that it is not difficult to pick the perfect model for any interior or workplace.

Internal adapters

Here everything is more or less clear – we mean adapters which are connected directly to the PCI Express slot. In this case, the antennas go outside. With internal adapters the antennas are almost always removable.

Tenda U9

WIFI adapter for computers in the "whistle" shape. Connects directly to the USB port and works out of the box. No additional configuration is required. By the way, there is no manual configuration at all, which for many will be a minus.

It catches in two bands, and the connection speed is enough to watch video in 4K (633 Mbit). The MU-MiMO option is implemented, allowing simultaneous data exchange with multiple devices.

It can work with any version of Windows and theoretically Linux. The transmitter is powerful, is 20 dBm.

ZYXEL NWD6605.

Inexpensive wireless adapter with increased coverage. Often it is bought for office work: it can catch the connection over huge areas.

Of notable advantages – multi-threaded data exchange and work in 2 bands. Modern encryption systems are provided. Setup is carried out with just one button.

There is a non-removable antenna on the body, so the coverage is extended. The wireless adapter works with third-generation USB, so data transfer is even faster!

Gaming over Wi-Fi or Ethernet

Before we recap, let's talk about About WI-Fi gaming..

Let's just get rid of it first: if you can use an Ethernet cable, use it. Ethernet cables are not susceptible to interference and connectivity issues, unlike Wi-Fi signals, allowing gamers to minimize latency and maximize speed.

However, if Ethernet cables aren't suitable for your situation, such as if you're on the road, that's where Wi-Fi comes in. The weaknesses of Wi-Fi still remain, but if you choose the right wireless solution, you'll get a chance to mitigate some of them.

If you're looking for a reliable solution that supports a wide range, any of the options listed are great. Obviously, laptop users will have to forgo the first two options.

Best WiFi Adapters Rating

Nomination	place	product name	price
The best WiFi adapters by value for money	1	ASUS USB-AC68	4 710 ₽
2	TP-LINK TL-WPA7510 KIT	4 800 ₽
3	ASUS PCE-AC56	3 200 ₽
4	Alfa Network AWUS036ACH	3 750 ₽
Best inexpensive WiFi adapters	1	TP-LINK Archer T6E	1 795 ₽
2	ZYXEL NWD6605	1 700 ₽
3	Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Powerline	1 999 ₽
4	ASUS USB-N14	1 690 ₽
5	D-link DWA-137	800 ₽
6	TP-LINK TL-WN822N	720 ₽

First of all we are going to look at a group of models that belong to a higher price category but have some features that are either not available for budget models at all or are not fully implemented. Our experts have selected four models, fundamentally differing in form factor for the most complete and informative presentation. All listed devices are capable of working in two bands (2.4/5 GHz), support all IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless standard generations and protect information using three standard protocols – WEP, WPA, WPA2.

ASUS USB-AC68

First of all, let's look at the brightest in all senses adapter in the first selection of the rating. Besides the impressive technical characteristics and possibilities, the developers endowed it with such an expressive design that it will be an adornment of your workplace by itself. But first about the features.

This model is a dual-band USB adapter capable of up to 1900 Mbps (1300 plus 600 Mbps on the 5 and 2.4 GHz bands, respectively). The antenna configuration is 3×4 MIMO, which means simultaneous reception and return. In addition to the basic configuration comes with ASUS' own AiRadar technology – directional pattern shaping.

TP LINK TL WN822N

This is an excellent Wi-Fi adapter for desktop computers. His size can not be called compact – 90/68 mm. But it has two antennas for more effective reception.

Without the minus did not do – it works only in one band. But it connects without drivers, and adjusts only one button. In addition, it does not break down and has a 3-year warranty!

TP LINK Archer T4U

A massive wi-fi adapter for the computer of the "whistle" type. It is better not to buy it for a laptop – the size of the device is not small: 92×15×29 mm. But it supports all operating systems, including MacOS and Linux.

It is connected to the third generation USB, so the data transfer is much faster. The device is shielded and noise-resistant, besides, Wi-Fi Direct technology is implemented.

Major encryption protocols are provided. According to the statements of users, the device has a good signal reception even through two reinforced walls.

The Best Wi-Fi Adapters for Laptops

With these adapters you can ensure a stable connection of your personal device to the Wi-Fi network. External Wi-Fi adapters for laptops are able to receive wireless signals from any access point, repeater or router, guaranteeing a connection to the Internet. There are two models in this category that have been chosen by users.

Edimax EW-7611UCB

This nominee stands out because it has the latest built-in Bluetooth 4.0 interface that can be used to pair with other devices. Presented in a modest small package, it operates at 2.4 and 5 GHz and is equipped with two built-in antennas. Strong WEP, WPA2 and WPA2-PSK encryption ensures data security, with a maximum wireless connection speed of 583 Mbps and transmitting power of 17 dBm. Edimax also has 802.11a/b/g/n/ac wireless networking standards.

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

Mercusys MW150US.

A simple adapter that is compatible with all operating systems and has a very small size. Data transfer speed is 150 Mbps, and the wireless standard is 802.11n, operating at 2.4 GHz. Due 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. Multiple channels of information security (WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPA2, WPA, WEP), which provide high resistance to hacking.

Buyers define Mercury's as good and simple and simple model, which is suitable for simple tasks. The connection interface in it is USB 2.0 – this is also worth considering when buying.

What to look for when choosing a WiFi adapter

The key parameters that you need to pay attention to when choosing a wireless router:

1. Supported WiFi standards. For everyday use, 802.11n (WiFi4) is sufficient. For fast downloads and low pings, WiFi5 (802.11ac). And WiFi6 (802.11ax) is the most modern and not yet widespread standard. Its advantages: low ping at the same time serving more than 5 – 10 devices. But it should be understood that the maximum standard is used only if it is supported by a smartphone, laptop, PC.
2. Download speed. In the characteristics, its value is indicated in the simultaneous downloading of the Internet from several devices at once. For normal use, 1 Gbit/s is enough. If you plan to connect more than 10 devices, it is recommended to consider models with an access speed of 2.5 Gbit/s.
3. Coverage Area. Depends on the antenna gain and transmitter power, not their number. Fixed router provides a stable coverage of the area of 150 – 300 m2.
4. Manufacturer. The most reliable: Asus, MikroTik, TP-Link.

Selenga MT7601

• Connection interface: USB 2.0
• Frequency range: 2.4 GHz
• Supported Wi-Fi standards: 802.11b/g/n
• Maximum data transfer speed: 150 Mbit/s
• Number of antennas: 1, external

Finally, it's time to pay attention to the cheapest model in today's selection. This is the Selenga MT7601, an adapter designed to connect to networks operating in the 2.4 GHz band. Despite the limited budget, the manufacturer was able to equip it with one external antenna, which had a positive impact on signal reception quality.

However, the lack of support for MU-MIMO technology led to a significant limitation of maximum speed. The user can only count on 150 Mbps, which, however, should be enough for most everyday tasks.

The main feature of the adapter is its compatibility not only with computers and laptops, but also with various multimedia set-top boxes. Therefore, it is often bought to expand their capabilities by connecting to a wireless network.

D-link DWA-171

• Connection Interface: USB 2.0
• Frequency range: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
• Supported Wi-Fi standards: Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n at 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n/ac at 5 GHz
• Maximum data transfer rate: 433 Mbps
• Number of antennas: 1, internal
• Dimensions: 20x15x7 mm

On the last place is another ultra-compact model D-link DWA-171. It can be accidentally confused with a wireless keyboard or mouse receiver, but it doesn't mean that the capabilities of such an adapter will be poor.

On the contrary, the device from D-link was able to connect to networks operating both in the 2.4 GHz band and in the 5 GHz band. Thanks to this, the maximum data transfer speed is 433 Mbit/s.

The small size allows you to plug the adapter into any USB port, and it will certainly not interfere with the insertion of cables from other devices into adjacent slots, as is often the case with models with an external antenna. There are also no difficulties with the installation of drivers – the adapter is compatible with modern versions of Windows, Linux and MacOS.

Gembird WNP-UA-006

• Standard: Wi-Fi 4
• Frequency Range: 2.4 GHz
• Max speed: 150 Mbps
• Connection interface: USB (2.0)
• Encryption: WEP, WPA, WPA2
• Antenna: 1, external, removable
• Transmit power: 20 dBm
• Dimensions: 13.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm, 9 g

We have found the most affordable Wi-Fi gadget from Gembird. The same compact device as the previous D-link, but with a removable antenna. It is compatible with any operating system, the driver is quickly found and installed. Sometimes native system drivers are enough and everything works without rebooting, immediately after you connect to a PC or TV box for example. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi 5 is no longer supported and about fast online games, where reaction is important, of course, we are not talking about, but excellent communication, tiny size and free price attract more. A good thing if used as intended, i.e. just for browsing, communication, video in standard quality. Average speed of 80-100 Mbit is quite realistic at a distance of up to 5-10 m from the router. A small concrete wall will not be a hindrance. To improve the signal, you can twist the antenna back and forth to find the optimal angle. Too bad it only rotates in one plane. A ball joint would probably be more useful.

ASUS PCE-AX58BT

• Connection interface: PCI-E
• Frequency range: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
• Supported Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Maximum Data Rate: 2402Mbps
• Number of antennas: 2, external removable
• Dimensions (LxWxT): –

The ASUS PCE-AX58BT adapter belongs to a higher class, because it already supports Wi-Fi 6. The maximum data transfer speed is 2402 Mbps. It comes with a platform with a remote antenna for better coverage. Bluetooth version 5.0 is also supported. This model is clearly not one of the budget ones, but if fast Internet speed is important to you, then it makes sense to look at it.

TP-LINK Archer TX3000E

• Connection interface: PCI-E
• Frequency range: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
• Supported Wi-Fi Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax
• Maximum Data Rate: 2402Mbps
• Number of antennas: 2, external removable
• Dimensions (LxWxT): 120.8×95.2×21.5 mm

TP-LINK Archer TX3000E is one of the best Wi-Fi adapters on the market for adequate money; it's overpaid for a small speed increase. Like the previous model, it supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 standards, the maximum speed at 5 GHz is 2402 Mbps.

The 2 antennas of the adapter are mounted on a magnetic base with a 1-meter RF cable connected to it. This model is characterized by excellent communication quality, suitable for large apartments, offices and private homes with a long distance from the router to the computer.

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