If you are a serious hardcore online gamer, having the best WiFi adapter becomes a vital priority, as this is essential for you to get the most out of your network. Having the best possible speed is all too important, allowing for seamless HD video streaming and lag-free online gaming. In the following list, we have reviewed both PCIe wireless cards and USB adapters, as both are worthy contenders.
We explore what you get in regards to the antenna on each adapter, how easy they are to deploy, and what kind of range they offer. Having the best possible security is always important when shopping for WiFi networks, and therefore we also look at what type of security these WiFi adapters have on offer. Finally, we consider the adapters most compatible with various operating systems and how easy they are to use. We are certain that this list will help you find a wireless internet adapter that both meets your requirements and fits your budget.
When looking for the ideal wireless internet adapter for you, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as the specs of your wireless router, the hardware of your computer, as well as the level of flexibility and portability you require. We cover all of these bases to help you make more of an informed decision and ensure you end up with the best possible connection speeds for your needs and budget.
- The 13 Best WiFi Adapter for Gaming
- NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi USB Adapter
- ASUS PCE-AC88 PCIe Adapter
- OURLINK Dual Band Dongle Adapter
- Trendnet TEW-809UB Wireless USB Receiver
- ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900 Wi-Fi Adapter
- TP-Link T6E WiFi PCI-Express Wireless Network Card
- Linksys WUSB6300 Dual-Band Wireless USB 3.0 Dongle
- D-Link Systems DWA-192 Wi-Fi Network Adapter
- BrosTrend AC3 Long Range Internet Receiver
- TP-LINK T4U V3 Wireless Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adaptor
- TP-LINK Archer T4UH V2 Wireless Dual Band USB Dongle
- Alfa Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adaptor
- TP-Link Archer T9E PCI-E Wireless Network Card
- Buyers Guide Questions
- WiFi adapter for Gaming Desktop
- What is the best WiFi Adapter for Gaming?
- What is a good WiFi Dongle for Gaming?
- Are USB WiFi Adapters good for Gaming?
- Conclusion
The 13 Best WiFi Adapter for Gaming
| Design | Gaming | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price |
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi USB Adapter
Simple to use and excellent speeds along with a superb bandwidth capacity are the hallmarks of the NETGEAR A7000-10000S Nighthawk AC1900, and any hardcore gamer or somebody who likes streaming movies will appreciate its features and capabilities. Capable of speeds of up to AC1900 with 600 Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps on 5GHz, these dual-band networks are both faster and allow more network connections than your standard product.
The 3×4 MIMO design allows you to download or upload data from the wireless network seamlessly with its high bandwidth capacity. The Nighthawk AC1900 will work with any router and will offer faster 802.11ac speeds, providing great range and performance. It is compatible with both Windows 10 32/64 bit as well as Windows 8/7 and Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later.
You can get even faster access using the USB 3.0 with explicit Beamforming+ to boost not only speed but also range and reliability. The magnetic cradle allows you to flexibly place the receiver. The set-up is effortless with the NETGEAR genie App, allowing you to control and monitor your network simply by using your smartphone or tablet, or if you prefer there is also an installation CD.
802.11ac speeds of AC1900 with dual-band and the ability to download or upload large amounts of data quickly using the 3×4 MIMO design the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi USB Adapter is one of the best on the market and the magnetic cradle allows for flexible placement to get the best signal.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1900 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 1.8 x 0.9 Inches |
Pros
- 802.11ac
- 3×4 MIMO design
- Speeds of up to AC1900
- USB 3.0 with explicit Beamforming+
- Magnetic cradle
Cons
ASUS PCE-AC88 PCIe Adapter
Get up to 60% faster speeds with the ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 with its high-throughput dual-band 5GHz at 2100Mbps and 2.4GHz at 1000Mbps and NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology. The custom heatsink feature will ensure non-stop operation and will dissipate heat effectively to allow for both stability and reliability to enable lag-free gaming and streaming.
This wireless dongle by ASUS offers an external magnetic antenna base which allows for flexible antenna placement to help you to get the best coverage, and the R-SMA antenna connectors are compatible with most aftermarket antennas, not to mention that individual antennas can also be directly attached to the PCIe card to allow for compact installation.
Get a lot more out of your Wi-Fi network than when using 3×3 adapters with the 4×4, four-transmitter, four-receiver design of the antenna. This design will allow for greatly improved signal stability as well as a clear, strong, and fast connection, ensuring you get the very best out of your 4×4 router.
Hard-core gamers that need the most stable and reliable Wi-Fi network they can get will love the ASUS 4×4 802.11AC Wireless-AC3100 PCIe Adapters. Attach your antenna directly to the PCIe card for compact installation and get the most out of your connection with the dual-band, 4×4 design adapter. One of the best on the market for 2017.
| Interface | PCI Express |
| Max Wireless Speed | 2100 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4GHz – 5GHz |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 2.2 x 10.9 Inches |
Pros
- External magnetic antenna base
- Custom heatsink
- NitroQAM (1024-QAM) technology
- Dual Band 5GHz and 2.4GHz
- 4×4 design
Cons
OURLINK Dual Band Dongle Adapter
Reduce interference and get the best connection possible with Beamforming+ to boost not only your speed and range but also the reliability of your Wi-Fi network, providing you with lag-free online gaming and seamless video streaming. This adapter offers some impressive speeds of up to 600Mbps provided by the dual-bands, 5GHz at 433Mbps and 2.4 GHz at 150Mbps.
Get improved connections to more network devices in your home, as the 802.11AC technology and the 5dBi omnidirectional dual-band antenna will not only increase the coverage you get but also will ensure the stability of your network.
The OURLINK 600Mbps mini Dual Band Dongle offers the ability to create a hotspot with the SoftAp feature which is one of the best ways to share your Wi-Fi network. Setup is a breeze – just install the driver from the included CD and then use the built-in utility offered by your operating system to connect to the network and you are ready to start enjoying seamless online gaming.
With easy set-up, you will be playing your favorite online games and streaming your HD video in no time with the OURLINK 600Mbps mini Dual Band Dongle Adapter. With the 5dBi omnidirectional dual-band antenna and 802.11AC technology, Beamforming+ and SoftAp features you get the best adapters and great value for money.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4GHz – 5GHz |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 4.4 x 0.8 Inches |
Pros
- 802.11ac technology
- Beamforming+
- SoftAp feature
- Easy setup
- 5dBi omnidirectional dual-band antenna
Cons
Trendnet TEW-809UB Wireless USB Receiver
If you are looking to upgrade your desktop computer or laptop to AC speeds on dual-band with 5GHz at 1300 Mbps for lag-free online gameplay and HD video streaming and 600 Mbps at 2.4GHz on WiFi for web surfing or social media browsing, then you need look no further than the Trendnet AC1900 High Dual Band Wireless USB Receiver.
The Trendnet will support 802.11a/b/g/n and ac networking standards and features Beamforming technology which will increase your signal strength by directing your signal straight towards the device enabling a stable and fast connection.
This great high-power radio has detachable antennas that will greatly increase your network coverage and allow you to quickly connect to any high-performance wireless AC network easily. Installation is simple, just plug it into your system using the included USB cable and install the necessary drivers.
After plugging the device into your system with the included USB cable, simply install the drivers and it should be ready to go on both Windows and Mac PCs. An LED indicator will notify you when the device is on and functioning.
Supporting 802.11a/b/g/n and ac networking standards using Beamforming technology this adapter will offer you 1300Mbps at 5GHz and 600Mbps at 2.4GHz to allow you to surf the net, play lag-free online games or stream HD video seamlessly. Compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. LED indicator lets you know when your adapter is on and functioning.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1300 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4GHz – 5GHz |
| Dimensions | 7 x 3 x 9 Inches |
Pros
- 802.11a/b/g/n and ac networking standards
- Beamforming technology
- USB cable
- 5GHz at 1300 Mbps
- 600 Mbps at 2.4GHz
Cons
ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900 Wi-Fi Adapter
Power, speed and reliability are what every hardcore gamer looks for in an adapter, and these are exactly what you will get with the ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900. The 3×4 MIMO design with dual 3-position external antennas as well as dual internal antennas and the ASUS AiRador Beamforming provide the best coverage for both desktops and laptops.
The USB 3.0 cradle offers you extra options for antenna placement, offering optimal coverage for desktops and the foldable external antennas make it portable and provides great reception for laptops.
Get up to 300% better speeds compared to previous adapters as it boots your network with the dual-band adapters by 600Mbps on a 2.4GHz band and 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band to get a combined rate of up to 1900Mbps which will enable you to cope with high band-with networking tasks effortlessly and lag-free.
The AiRador Beamforming feature will provide high power amplification and ASUS RF fine-tuning which will strengthen your connectivity, giving you great stability, extended coverage, and dynamic data speed. Setup is no problem, just plug in your USB 3.0, allow for updates and you are good to go.
Portable, fast, powerful and reliable the ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900 USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter offers 3×4 MIMO design, AiRador Beamforming and dual-band 2.4 and 5GHz along with ASUS RF fine-tuning to ensure you get the best wireless coverage along with great lag-free gaming and seamless HD video streaming.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1300 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4GHz – 5GHz |
| Dimensions | 1.2 x 0.7 x 4.5 Inches |
Pros
- AiRador Beamforming feature
- Foldable external antennas
- Dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- 3-position external antennas
- USB 3.0 cradle
Cons
TP-Link T6E WiFi PCI-Express Wireless Network Card
Just plug the TP-Link AC1300 into an available PCI-E slot for up to 1300Mbps speed on dual 5GHz at 867Mbps or 2.4GHz 400Mbps bands for the ultimate connection that is stable, reliable and fast, and perfect for both online gameplay and video streaming. The TP-Link offers you exceptional range with its 2x external antennas that not only offer improved range but also great stability on your network.
The 802.11ac dual-band is three times faster than the 802.11n standard so high-intensity network usage is no problem at all. In addition, it is backward compatible with 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.22g, and 802.11n standards. The TP-Link will support Windows 8.1, Windows 8 and 7 as well as XP 32/64bit.
Offering a two-year warranty as well as 24/7 support, this high-speed adapter is the perfect way to upgrade your wireless network setup and enjoy seamless video streaming, lag-free online gameplay, and smooth web surfing at all times.
Easy to install PCI-E Wireless Network Card that offers you exceptional speeds, 802.11 dual bands for high-intensity networking and two external antennas for great range. It is easy to install and is perfect for the online gamer who needs strong, reliable and fast connections at all times.
| Interface | PCI Express |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1300 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 4.76 x 4.74 x 0.85 Inches |
Pros
- 5GHz at 867Mbps
- 2.4GHz 400Mbps
- 802.11ac dual-band
- 2x external antennas
- Easy to install
Cons
Linksys WUSB6300 Dual-Band Wireless USB 3.0 Dongle
Fast, secure, and easy to use, the Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 USB 3.0 has everything you need and more, making it one of the best wireless adapters around. Take your WiFi with you on your travels and enjoy gaming no matter where you find yourself. The Linksys is compatible with all wireless AC 802.11ac routers as well as access points, and WiFi extenders such as those from Belkin.
This adapter offers dual-band speeds of up to 867Mbps on a wireless-AC 5GHz band for seamless HD video streaming or online gaming, or for everyday use such as surfing the web you can get a wireless-N 2.4 GHz band at 300Mbps.
The strongest security is always important when using wireless networks and the Linksys supports up to 128-bit encryption such as WEP, WPA, and WPA2, as well as WPS or WiFi Protected Setup button to effortlessly connect with a router or access point. The set-up is a breeze with the CD setup wizard and the Linksys is compatible with Windows 8 and 7 as well as Vista SP1/SP2 and XP SP3.
Lightning fast speeds, great security and easy to use and set-up this USB 3.0 Adapter has everything you need in an Adapter. Offering speeds of 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band as well as being compatible will all AC 802.11 routers
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 6.1 x 5.3 x 2.4 Inches |
Pros
- Compatible with all AC 802.11ac routers
- 128-bit encryption
- WPS
- Wireless-AC 5GHz band
- Wireless-N 2.4 GHz band
Cons
D-Link Systems DWA-192 Wi-Fi Network Adapter
Get the best speeds from a USB wireless adapter with up to 1900 Mbps on your desktop or laptop with a flexible dual-band comprising of 1300Mbps on your 5GHz band and 600Mbps on your 2.4GHz band. The Advanced AC Smart Beam will focus your wireless signal towards your router Smart Beam router and your DWA-192, which will give you a stronger connection and enhanced performance for seamless video streaming and lag-free online gameplay.
Use the WPS button to set-up a fast and secure connection in no time at all. Features backward compatibility with legacy 802.11n/g/ac networks. USB 3.0 is ten times faster than the standard USB 2.0 and offers three times the range of your standard dongle.
It will work with all brands of routers and range extenders with no problems, no matter their age. Then there is the unique design of the D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0, which is particularly cool and will catch the attention of your friends.
One of the best offering that gives you up to 1900Mbps on dual bands, advanced AC Smart Beam to focus your signal and unique design. Backwards compatible with legacy 802.11n/g/a networks and will work with any brand of router and range extenders, even the older ones. Offers three times the range of standard adapters.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1900 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 3.1 x 3 x 3.1 Inches |
Pros
- 1300Mbps on 5GHz band
- 600Mbps on 2.4GHz band
- Advanced AC Smart Beam
- backward compatibility with legacy 802.11n/g/a networks
- Unique design
Cons
BrosTrend AC3 Long Range Internet Receiver
Impressive speed, superior range, and great flexibility are what you get with the BrosTrend wireless adapter. The exceptional range of this adapter is offered through two pieces of 5dBi high gain antennas and a USB 3.0 cradle that has an extension cable of 5 feet, allowing you to find just the right spot for the best reception.
You can get up to 867Mbps on the 5GHz band and 300Mbps on the 2.4GHz band which provides ultimate speeds to stream 4K ultra HD video, game lag-free, listen to music, or simply browse social media. The gold-plated USB 3.0 is 10 times faster than your standard 2.0 port while being backward compatible with the 2.0 should you need it.
It will work with any routers up to, and including, the 802.11ac router and is compatible with Windows from 10 to 8 as well as XP. It will also work with Linux, Mint, Ubuntu, and Ubuntu Studio. It supports Raspbian and Raspberry Pi 3B. It works with a variety of operating systems, including Mac OS X.
Fast, flexible, reliable and compatible with all the best routers and most operating systems the BrosTrend Long Range USB WiFi Adapter is 10x faster than your standard 2.0 USB and gives you a very wide range. The 5 foot USB extension cable allows you to position your 5dBI high gain antennas where they will get the best signal.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 3.8 x 0.8 x 1.2 Inches |
Pros
- 2x 5dBi high gain antennas
- USB extension cable of 5 feet
- USB 3.0 port with Gold Plated
- Compatible with all routers
- Dual-Band 5GHZ and 2.4GHz
Cons
TP-LINK T4U V3 Wireless Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adaptor
If you’re in the market for the fastest and most reliable wireless connection for lag-free online gaming, the TP-LINK AC1300 will give you 1300 (867 + 400) Mbps speed with 802.11AC. The dual-band connections of the TP-LINK will not only ensure you can play your favorite games but also stream your favorite Netflix movies lag-free.
The USB 3.0 port offers speeds up to 10 times faster than older USB 2.0 ports. The WPS will allow you to connect to WiFi, setup and join a wireless network, and will also your Wi-Fi network. You can also switch between the dual 5GHx and 2.4GHx to allow for better connections and to reduce congestion.
The omnidirectional antennas will allow you to increase your range and allows you to place your adapters wherever you want in order to improve your connection using the included USB 3.0 extension cable. SoftAP will allow you to share your access with others by creating a hotspot.
The TP-LINK AC1300 works with Windows and Mac as well as Linux so you can use it for any PC or laptop in your home. The WPS feature will work on both Windows and Mac OS X.
Play your favorite FPS game lag-free with the TP-LINK AC1300 Wireless Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter. Its omnidirectional antennae and USB 3.0 extension cable allow you to place your adapter where you need it. Fast, reliable connection is what you get along with a host of great features such as WPS and SoftAP.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1900 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4GHz – 5GHz |
| Dimensions | 3.6 x 1.2 x 0.6 Inches |
Pros
- Dual band connections
- WPS feature
- SoftAP
- 10x more speed
- Omni-directional antennae
Cons
TP-LINK Archer T4UH V2 Wireless Dual Band USB Dongle
Ultra-fast, powerful, and one of the best adapters for HD video streaming and online gaming, the TP-LINK AC1300 Wireless Dual Band is also perfect for taking with you when you travel so you will never be without your network. Three times faster than wireless-n speeds, it is compatible with all 802.11ac connections.
This adapter offers dual bands 5GHz and 2.4GHz which are crystal clear and offer 867Mbps and 400Mbps speeds respectively, offering a combined 1300Mbps to allow for lag-free online gaming and seamless video streaming as well as any other high-intensity network tasks you need to perform.
The TP-LINK AC1300 is designed with high gain external antennas to ensure that you always have great transmission speeds and improved reception while the USB cable allows for quick and flexible deployment. The USB 3.0 will offer you up to 10 times more speed than the USB 2.0 did. The WPS button offers exceptional and easy wireless security encryption, keeping your network safe at all times.
Fast, powerful and best to travel with this is the ultimate USB 3.0 for the serious hard-core online gamer or anybody who loves to stream HD video lag-free. Exceptional security encryption and quick and easy deployment of the antenna is perfect for those that travel and want to take their WiFi with them.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1300 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 3.7 x 1.3 x 0.6 Inches |
Pros
- 802.11ac
- 2.4 GHz band at 400Mbps
- 5GHz band at 867Mbps
- High gain external antennas
- USB 3.0
Cons
Alfa Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adaptor
No matter if you game on your desktop, laptop, or netbook, the Alfa Dual-Band AC1200 could be perfect for you. Just slide it into your USB port to get a reliable, speedy, and strong connection perfect for streaming videos, online gaming, and surfing the net.
This wireless adaptor for PC has removable 5 dBi dual-band dipole rubber duck antennas that are powerful and the RP-SMA female antenna port will allow you to upgrade your antenna, giving you more signal and a wider range. Data transfer speed of N 300Mbps and AC 867Mbps and supports 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g as well as 802.11ac.
The Alfa includes a 2 dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Keep your wireless network secure with WEP 64-bit, WEP 128-bit, WPA-PSK, or WPA2-PSK. For frequent flyers and people who travel a lot and need to take their connectivity with them everywhere, the Alfa Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi is lightweight and offers an ultra-small form factor.
Small yet powerful this is the USB 3.0 adapter that is designed traveler who loves their online gameplay. Rubber duck antennas and RP-SMA female antenna port for upgrading antenna allow for a wide, strong network with incredible data transfer speeds and it also offers great security.
| Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 3.4 x 1 x 0.5 Inches |
Pros
- Removable 5 dBi dual-band dipole rubber duck antennas
- RP-SMA female antenna port
- Data transfer speed of N 300Mbps and AC 867Mbps
- Supports up to 82.11ac
- 2.4GHz and 5GHz dual-band
Cons
TP-Link Archer T9E PCI-E Wireless Network Card
As a gamer, you need the best wireless network to enable you to get the best performance out of your online gaming and 4K video streaming. This PCI card is one of the best and easiest to install, just plug it into an open PCIe slot and you are good to start your online battles with an AC1900 speed connection.
Designed with the gamer in mind, TP-Link AC1900 offers heat sink technology that will distribute heat, taking it away from your core components to greatly improve both reliability and performance. The 3×3 dual-band antenna and Beamforming allow for strong and reliable connections. Compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, as well as XP 32/64 bit.
The 5GHz band offers 1900Mbps offers lag-free online gameplay as well as seamless HD video streaming and the 2.4GHz is perfect to surf the net. Three external antennas will give you maximum connection range and stability.
The TP-Link AC1900 is feature packed and offers exceptional speeds for online gamers everywhere. Heat sink technology ensures your hard-working components are kept cool and dual bands offers a combined C1900 speed that allows for lag-free online gaming and seamless 4K ultra HD video streaming.
| Interface | PCI Express |
| Max Wireless Speed | 1900 Mbps |
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz – 5 GHz |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.8 x 0.8 Inches |
Pros
- Heat sink technology
- Dual 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
- 3×3 dual band antenna
- Beamforming
- Easy installation adapters
Cons
Buyers Guide Questions
The best wireless adapters allow you to connect your computers to a good router quickly and painlessly and are particularly handy if you need a cable-free solution. The main concerns with this type of adapter as opposed to using an Ethernet cable are speed and service disruptions due to external interference, however this should not be a major issue for any good adapter.
Choosing the best wireless adapter for you can seem a little daunting. You not only have to consider data speed and overall design, but also the level of security your adapter can offer. Ideally, if you are going to be gaming online, especially multi-player gaming, you need something that can cope with heavy data transfer and intensive browsing. There are two main types of adapters, PCIe Wireless Adapters and USB WiFi Adapters, and each has its own advantages.
PCIe or Peripheral Component Interconnect Express adapters are installed on your gaming motherboard using an expansion slot and will improve your computer’s internet connection. They accomplish this through expansion cards and replace the AGP and PCI connections, which are outdated and slow. PCIe cards generally come preinstalled in most new laptops and computers (see our best budget gaming laptop review guide). These PCI-E cards allow for communication between your router and the motherboard as well as other hardware.
This means you get improved read and write speeds through a high-bandwidth interface to your drive, and you may even find some of the new models with a built-in SSD. There are four main sizes of PCI Express cards, and each will fit into any PCIe slot if the size of the slot is the same size as or the card or larger. The four different sizes are:
PCIe 1: 25mm (18 pins)
PCIe 4: 39mm (39 pins)
PCIe 8: 56mm (49 pins)
PCIe 16: 89mm (82 pins)
PCIe 1 cards will fit into larger or smaller size slots as long as the slots are open-ended without a stopper at the end.
This type of adapter allows your computer to connect to the internet, supporting data rates of up to 1300 on a 5GHz band. They plug into your computer’s USB port and use wireless technology as a protocol for signaling. USB adapter speeds will vary depending on their FireWire.
This is a very common adapter and also the most popular, due to its ease of use and portability. You do not have to open up your computer to install them, nor do you need head sinks to cool them. Then simply plug in and download the necessary installation drivers, if your computer doesn’t already have them installed. Once this is done, you are ready to connect to the internet to game, surf the net, or stream video.
WiFi adapter for Gaming Desktop
If you are a very heavy gamer who needs something that can cope with very large data usage during extended gaming sessions then you need to consider getting a PCIe wireless card with its own heat sink such as the ASUS 4×4 802.11AC Wireless-AC3100 PCIe Adapter. PCIe cards generally offer greater speeds than their USB counterparts.
Many people will go for the USB connector for convenience as they are plug-and-play, and the PCIe cards require you to install them into your PC attaching them to your motherboard. They are limited to the speeds that your motherboard can handle, but that is usually higher than what your USB can handle.
What is the best WiFi Adapter for Gaming?
The best wireless adapter for hardcore gaming on a single desktop will always be the PCIe card. However, they do have some limiting factors, such as when it comes to using them on multiple devices. They are also limited to the speed of the motherboard, regardless of how much speed they may claim to be able to produce. If you are looking for something more flexible so you can carry your wireless adapter around with you and game on different computers, then a USB adapter may be just what you need.
USB adapters will be limited to the speed of your USB ports, however with the advent of USB 3.0 as well as the multi-directional antenna and Beamforming, you can get quite a decent WiFi signal using these adapters.
Ultimately, the choice of which adapter is best would depend on your own specific requirements. Read reviews on the internet, in particular user reviews of different types of adapters. Our review of the best wireless adapter for gaming covers both USB adapters and PCIe cards to give you a little more insight as to what each offers to help you to make your own decision.
What is a good WiFi Dongle for Gaming?
A good wireless adapter for gaming is the USB Wireless Adapter. It may not be the best, but they are convenient, and you can use them on multiple devices and take them with you on your travels. They may suffer from being a little slower than PCI-E wireless cards, but with most modern devices fitted with USB 3.0, which is a lot faster than the USB 2.0, along with an 802.11ac wireless connection you should have no problem gaming on this type of adapter.
Also if you are gaming on an older PC then your motherboard would likely not be able to handle the best speeds that a PCIe card can offer. Just remember that if you have more than one USB plugged in, that may affect the speed of your adapter.
Are USB WiFi Adapters good for Gaming?
A lot of hardcore gamers will tell you that even the best USB adapter may not be the best adapter for gaming, however that is not necessarily true. There are certain factors you need to consider when looking for the receiver that you are going to be using for gaming and not simply for surfing the net or browsing social media. We look at what you should consider when looking for the best USB wireless adapter for you.
WiFi Standards – For gaming purposes, you need a product that supports the 802.11ac standard. You should also look for the best dual-band speeds. For example, an AC1200 USB wireless adapter will offer 300Mbps at 2.4GHz for general use and 867GHz speed at 5GHz, which would primarily be for gaming.
MU-MIMO – This stands for Multiple User, Multiple Input, and Multiple Output. 802.11n MIMO was originally limited to only one user, but the advent of 802.11ac now allows multiple user access at the same time.
Beamforming – This is no longer limited to the router and adapter being from the same manufacturer and will allow the router to focus data streams to the adapter. This will increase your signal strength and limit interference.
USB 2.0 vs 3.0 – USB 3.0 will give you up to 10x faster delivery than USB 2.0 at roughly 640Mbps or 5GB per second and will maximize your networking speeds.
Antenna types – Every adapter will have an antenna and these are essential for your USB adapter to work.. Some have an internal antenna, however a larger external antenna will definitely increase your signal strength. Multi and omnidirectional antennas are best as they can direct signal in all directions, and the ability to place your antenna in the optimum location will also have an impact on your signal strength.
Software – Most adapters will only include the driver for your operating system to be installed when you first set them up. Some products do come with a full software suite, but be aware these may become more of a problem than a blessing as they could interfere with your system’s integrated settings.
Adaptor types – USB wireless adapters come in various different shapes sizes, which is particularly helpful to accommodate specific needs. Small or nano wireless adapters, while slower than other variants, are great for traveling or for use with a small notebook as they do not protrude very far. Larger wireless adapters can be used on a desktop and usually have high gain antennas and therefore offer faster connections.
Then you have the standard size, which is the most common and the one you will most often see, which is the size of a traditional USB flash drive. These balance throughput speed and signal strength, and although not as small as the nano wireless adapter they still maintain their portability. Other potentially useful accessories include things like a USB extension cable and a docking cradle. These are nice to have and can make your product more user-friendly depending on your hardware.
Conclusion
The right wireless adapter can really make up your gaming experience. Choosing the right one for you is not always easy, and so we have reviewed 13 of the best wireless adapters on the market to help you in your search. We cover both USB and PCIe cards and present our own buyers guide to help you decide which one would be best to meet your personal requirements.
