The best WiFi adapter for gaming is a valuable networking tool for PCs and laptops.
This innovative device boasts the ability to connect seamlessly to your home’s WiFi or multiple other networks.
If you’re looking for a removable wireless adapter, here are five fantastic models to consider.
Comparison Chart
USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps Techkey USB 3.0 WiFi 802.11 ac Wireless Network Adapter with Dual Band 2.42GHz/300Mbps 5.8GHz/866Mbps 5dBi High Gain Antenna for Desktop Windows XP/Vista / 7-10 Mac
Wireless USB WiFi Adapter for PC – 802.11AC 1200Mbps Dual 5Dbi Antennas 5G/2.4G WiFi USB for PC Desktop Laptop MAC Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP/Mac10.6/10.13, WiFi USB Computer Network Adapters
BrosTrend 1200Mbps Long Range USB WiFi Adapter for PC, Desktop, Laptop of Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, MAC, 2.4G/ 5GHz, w/ 2 X 5dBi Antennas, USB 3.0 Cradle
TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter, TEW-809UB, Increase Extend WiFi Wireless Coverage, High Gain Antennas, Stream 4K HD Video, USB 3.0 to USB Type A, Windows/Mac OS Compatible
Best WiFi Adapter for Gaming Reviews
1. Techkey USB WiFi Adapter
This Techkey WiFi adapter is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a specific device with improved connectivity.
There are plenty of modernized features to help reduce lag and latency for streaming and easier online access.
Product Highlights
The Techkey USB WiFi Adapter is handy for users looking to access internet speeds up to 300 Mbps on 2.42GHz bands.
If you connect to a 5.8GHz band, you’ll have speeds up to 866 Mbps, proving to be a hefty connectivity solution.
You should begin to notice significant signs of reduced lag for streaming videos and gaming with proper installation.
This unit is designed with a high-gain antenna with 5dBi to improve your WiFi card’s signal.
Also, it features a 360-degree rotatable antenna that offers a more robust wireless transmission.
The freedom of this wireless adapter will significantly improve your gaming, as you can quickly switch between dual bands.
The integrated USB 3.0 dongle is perfect for accessing impressive speeds via your Ethernet port on your router.
Compared to USB 2.0, 3.0 is up to 10 times faster with added stability and generally better performance.
This device is versatile across multiple systems, including Windows XP through 10 and Mac OSX 10.4 to 10.15.
What to Like About It
If you need a user-friendly USB adapter, this is a great option; you might not even need to download the drivers.
After its installation, you’ll notice significant improvements to your connection, and it also boosts your range of connectivity.
What Not to Like About It
The most troublesome concern with this adapter is that it has poor longevity. The problem is, the chip could burn out inadvertently.
Also, it’s rather bulky and awkwardly sized, especially for laptops.
Pros:
- Significantly improves connections
- Very easy to install and use
- Could be plug-and-play
- Impressive range
Cons:
- Bulky and awkward
- Poor longevity
2. Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter
The Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter is a well-rounded option with an impressive level of connectivity.
If you’ve been dealing with weak signals in your home or office, this product has specific features to keep you connected.
Product Highlights
At first glance, you can tell the difference between this adapter and others with its dual high-gain antenna.
You’ll find that each antenna helps achieve far better connectivity in all areas of your home.
Each antenna is 5dBi for superior stability and extended indoor and outdoor coverage.
It’s a high-speed solution to adapt to modern needs, as the WiFi adapter achieves up to 1200 Mbps on 802.11ac.
For your 5GHz bands, you’ll have top speeds of 867 Mbps and 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz WiFi.
Regardless of the band you choose, you should have more than enough internet for MMOs, RPGs, and FPS games.
The Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter features a USB 3.0 dongle, which is superior to USB 2.0.
You’ll have connectivity speeds up to 10 times faster on your desktop or laptop.
This device is also essential for creating hot spots if you’re accessing your desktop’s Ethernet connection.
Another unique feature is the MU-MIMO technology, which allows for dual simultaneous data streams.
What to Like About It
In general, you’re bound to find a significant improvement to your WiFi speeds when you install this device.
It’s ideal for working around any bottlenecks in your home, and its effortless setup makes it easier to use.
What Not to Like About It
As this device is wireless, it’s not going to be as reliable as Ethernet, which is often preferred for gaming.
Your actual WiFi speeds could vary significantly depending on how far you are from your router or modem.
Pros:
- Significantly improves connectivity
- Boosts generic WiFi speeds
- Works around network bottlenecks
- Effortless setup
Cons:
- Not as useful as wired connections
- WiFi speeds could vary
3. BrosTrend Long Range USB WiFi Adapter
The BrosTrend Long Range USB WiFi Adapter is specifically designed for higher-quality media streaming and gaming.
There’s plenty to appreciate with this WiFi adapter, starting with its unique and convenient design.
Product Highlights
When connected, gamers will experience substantial improvements to their connection speeds.
You’ll have up to 867 Mbps on 5GHz bands and 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz bands to watch 4K content, listen to music, and more.
Another improvement to this device is that it boosts your connection range with dual-band high-gain antennas.
Each antenna is 5dBi, which offers extended range and better stability than generic WiFi adapters.
You can quickly connect this device via a USB 3.0 port on your laptop or desktop to access optimal internet speeds.
This product is unique because it comes with a separate USB 3.0 cradle that houses the antenna.
Instead of connecting the adapter directly to your laptop, you can avoid the bulkiness of the device.
Alternatively, you can choose to connect the dongle to your computer, which is excellent for travel.
The gold-plated port boosts its longevity, and it offers speeds up to 10 times faster than standard USB 3.0 ports.
What to Like About It
The BrosTrend Long Range USB Adapter is more convenient to use with the dock and five-foot cable extension.
You’ll notice a significant improvement to streaming, especially if you typically watch content in high-definition.
It’s also common to notice a significant improvement in range with fewer internet drops throughout the day.
What Not to Like About It
Unfortunately, there’s a bright flashing LED light that makes the device frustrating to use at night.
Also, its Windows 10 functionality is questionable; you will likely have to find updated drivers to make it work.
Pros:
- Five-foot cable extension
- Stronger range than expected
- Ideal for 4K streaming
- Reduces internet drops
Cons:
- Unreliable Windows 10 connectivity
- Bright blue LED light
4. TRENDnet High Power Wireless Adapter
If you’ve tried poor-quality WiFi adapters in the past, the TRENDnet adapter is a more suitable option to accommodate your needs.
Although it is slightly bulkier than other models, its four-antenna design can be preferable in larger homes.
Product Highlights
If the range is your primary concern, the TRENDnet High Power Wireless Adapter is a fantastic solution.
Instead of two, it has four antennas that easily connect to your internet, each of which featuring 5dBi connectivity.
The antennas can also be connected or disconnected at your leisure, depending on if you find them necessary.
Once you’ve installed the device, you’ll notice far faster internet connectivity, up to 1300 Mbps on WiFi AC.
You can also access up to 600 Mbps on 5GHz networks, which is ideal for most online games.
You must use the installation guide to ensure your computer is adequately configured for the new device.
One of the most impressive features of this device is its beamforming technology.
You’ll have access to significantly improved real-time performance by boosting your connection to wireless signals.
Whether you’re using your device inside or outside, you’ll always be connected to your internet.
Like most wireless adapters, this unit is configured to work with Windows and Mac operating systems.
It also has intuitive LED indicators that tell you the status of the device when it’s connected.
What to Like About It
When gaming online, you’re going to notice a significantly better ping with this device than ever before.
Even the farthest rooms in your home, such as the basement, will get a pristine connection.
The device is easily positioned compared to standard WiFi adapters and boosts your download speeds.
What Not to Like About It
There is some concern that this device can cut out intermittently, especially when downloading large files.
Also, it will create a buzzing sound when it’s in use.
Pros:
- Perfect for basement use
- Easily positioned
- Boosts download speeds
- Improved MMORPG connections
Cons:
- Cuts out intermittently
- Buzzes when used
5. Alfa Long-Range WiFi Adapter
If you’re looking for a WiFi adapter compatible with Linux, the Alfa Long-Range WiFi Adapter is a great pick.
It has dual-band connectivity as well as an assortment of wireless security standards for your protection.
Product Highlights
The Alfa Long-Range WiFi Adapter was initially designed to perform well above your built-in wireless card.
With that said, it showcases impressive speeds, especially with the help of the 802.11 AC1200 chipsets.
You’ll love the fewer connection drops from your laptop and desktop, as well as other wireless devices.
Users will have access to two 5dBi dual-band antennas that help to throw you above benchmark speed tests.
You can also opt to remove the antennas depending on your preference, with the ability to upgrade for more extensive ranges.
One of our favorite features is the highly secure protocols integrated into the device.
This device supports WEP 128 and 64-bit, as well as WPA-PSK and WPA2-PSK standards.
With the latest protocols, you can guarantee your connection is up to date to keep your WiFi signal protected.
If you dislike WiFi adapters’ designs, you’ll be glad to know this device is significantly smaller than others.
It’s only 50 grams, which makes it the perfect travel companion. Also, it’s only 86.6mm x 26mm x 22.3mm, so it’s easy to store out of sight.
The semi plug-and-play design is another travel-friendly feature for quick and easy internet access.
All you’ll have to do is plug the device into your USB 3.0 port, install the driver, and follow the quick setup guide.
What to Like About It
The Alfa Long-Range WiFi Adapter is very easy to install and is perfectly designed to work with Kali Linux.
When installed, you’ll have up to 100% connectivity through multiple walls in your home for impressive performance.
What Not to Like About It
Although it’s small, this device draws a lot of power, so you can expect your laptop battery to die quickly.
Also, there is some concern with disconnections, especially if you’re farther away from your network.
Pros:
- Easily connects through multiple walls
- 90% to 100% signal strength
- Smoothly works with Kali Linux
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Draws a lot of power
- Disconnects intermittently
Buyer’s Guide
When you’re buying a WiFi adapter, you’ll want to ensure you can effortlessly connect to your internet.
Along with a strong signal, the device should also boost your internet connection for all of your gaming needs.
Let’s review some of the most important features to look for before you start shopping.
1. Wireless Frequencies
The first features to consider are the wireless frequencies the device is designed to work with.
2.4GHz is the most common, but it’s also the least potent WiFi option, with 5GHz being preferable.
You’ll want to ensure the device features dual-band connectivity, allowing you to switch between both channels.
Otherwise, you’ll begin to notice a cluster of wireless signals trying to fight for the same connection.
This issue can lead to significant lag as well as slower download speeds, especially when streaming media.
With the ability to switch between frequencies, you can determine which is best for your home.
2. Data Transfer Speeds
Once you’ve found the best WiFi adapter for PCs that allows you to connect to specific frequencies, consider its speed.
The highest transfer speed you’ll find in a wireless adapter is through WiFi-6, which transfers data at up to 3.5 Gbps.
Wireless-AC is the second fastest at 866 Mbps, while 2.4GHz can offer up to 300 Mbps.
Fortunately, most wireless adapters are enabled to work with many types of connections so that you can customize your speeds.
It’s also important to note that obstacles, such as walls, can significantly reduce the advertised connection speeds.
3. Wireless Protocols
Wireless/transmission protocols can be challenging to understand at first.
The simplest explanation is that they determine how fast and far your connection can travel.
You’ll need to make sure the wireless adapter you choose matches the protocols of your router.
Older routers are likely to have 802.11b protocols, which have shorter signal ranges and slow connections.
Newer models are likely to have 802.11ac, promoting a different range with a faster connection.
802.11ac is best suited for gaming and other online tasks, such as watching movies and videos.
4. USB Ports
Another feature you’ll come across while shopping for a WiFi adapter is the recommended port type.
All modern laptops have USB ports, but some are 2.0 while others are USB 3.0.
USB 3.0 is known to exchange significantly larger data chunks, which is what you want for your WiFi adapter.
Otherwise, you’ll notice significantly slower connection speeds.
On average, USB 2.0 allows for transfers up to 60MB/s, while USB 3.0 can work as quickly as 640MB/s.
The more data the best USB WiFi adapter can transfer, the more reliable your connection will be.
5. Size
Although it might not seem as important at first, the size of your WiFi adapter is essential.
Bulkier models that plug directly into your laptop can be a hassle to work around and travel with.
The size of the device you choose will depend on where you intend to connect it.
For example, if you need an adapter for a desktop, you can generally choose a heftier unit than for a laptop.
Also, you’ll want to take the spacing between your USB ports into account.
The last thing you’d want is for your WiFi adapter to take up two ports, reducing the peripherals you can connect.
WiFi Adapter for Gaming FAQs
1. Are WiFi adapters good for gaming?
WiFi adapters can be useful for gaming as long as you find a model designed for fast speeds.
You’ll need a 5GHz-compatible device that has reliable connectivity proven to lessen lag and latency.
It’s also vital to ensure you can connect the unit to a USB 3.0 port on your computer.
2. Is USB WiFi good for gaming?
The best connection for gaming is undoubtedly Ethernet, as you’re connected directly to your modem.
However, USB WiFi can be beneficial for gaming compared to connecting to your router with a built-in card.
Often, many laptops are designed with lackluster wireless cards, which will significantly reduce your connection speeds.
3. Can you run a gaming PC on WiFi?
You can run any PC on WiFi, including gaming PCs, but it’s not recommended.
WiFi connections are far less reliable than wired connections, which is why pro gamers usually rely on Ethernet.
This point is significant if you’re streaming your gameplay, as WiFi isn’t as stable.
4. Does WiFi adapter affect Internet speed?
The best WiFi adapter for PCs can significantly improve your internet speed when installed correctly.
Users have noticed improvements up to 10 times faster than traditional WiFi.
It’s essential to make sure the device is updated with the most recent drivers for optimal performance.
5. Does it matter what WiFi adapter I get?
WiFi adapters have different technical specifications to consider before purchasing.
You’ll need to think about security protocols, available wireless frequencies, and transfer speeds.
It’s also important to find a high-quality device to reduce its likelihood of failing and dropping your connection.
Which WiFi Adapter Is Best for Gaming?
The best WiFi adapter for gaming is the Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter with its user-friendly design.
It’s easy to install and configure, even for first-time users. Once installed, it provides significantly improved internet speeds.
With its impressive range, you’ll find that it’s the best USB WiFi adapter for any room in your home.