12 Best WiFi Adapters

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Almost all modern laptops have a built-in WiFi module – in the modern world of total penetration of wireless Internet, such a detail is required. But stationary PCs are still far from always implying the presence of such a part by default. And then, even in a laptop, simultaneous access to two different networks may be required, and this can only be achieved by installing an additional WiFi adapter.

The editors of Simplerule magazine offer you an overview of the most successful WiFi adapter models in terms of a number of important criteria as of the 4th quarter of 2019.

How to choose a WiFi adapter

To begin with, let’s briefly go over two parameters that can determine the fundamental suitability of the adapter for the conditions of each individual user. More subtle points, such as ease of use, flexibility of settings, and so on, are a topic for a separate discussion. Our experts took into account the most important of them when compiling the selections, and we will dwell on them separately.

Internal (fixed) or external (portable)

The form factor of the WiFi adapter primarily implies a connection method, which in turn determines on which computers it can be used – only stationary or also portable. On this basis, internal and external devices are distinguished. The former are only suitable for desktop PCs – the device is directly inserted into the appropriate interface directly on the motherboard. The second ones are suitable for any computer – desktop or laptop, which has a USB port.

Data transfer speed

The second most important parameter is the data transfer rate. Here everything is already less obvious, since the actual speed may be affected by factors that are not dependent on the adapter itself, or the actual performance may fall short of those declared by the manufacturer. But there are objective technical characteristics that illustrate what this or that model is capable of in principle.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the generation of WiFi technology that the device supports. As of 2019, the “freshest” generation is 802.11ac (or WiFi 5 in the alternative, but also official classification of the Wi-Fi Alliance). Adapters with such hardware support can provide gigabit internet speeds. With previous generations of WiFi, the device will in any case be fully backward compatible.

True, there is an even newer standard – 802.11ax or WiFi 5, but it appeared literally this year, and you need to wait a while until the telecommunications equipment market catches up with this event.

Rating of the best WiFi adapters

Best External WiFi Adapters

The most popular form factor of WiFi adapters are devices with external connection via USB interface. This solution allows you to quickly return the functionality of the laptop back in case of failure or insufficient power of the standard WiFi module, or to provide the computer with wireless access to different networks at the same time. We will consider successful examples of such devices in the first selection of our review.

ASUS USB-AC68

Rating: 4.9

The selection opens with the most remarkable, efficient, productive model manufactured by ASUS. This device, in addition to its direct duties, will also be able to complement the high-tech interior.

USB-AC68 is a dual-band adapter that can provide a total transfer rate of up to 1900Mbps.

When folded, the adapter is in many ways similar to a typical “whistle” – a form factor typical of external modems, flash drives, etc., only with a more penetrating design. Case dimensions – 115x18x30mm, weight without docking station – 44g. If you open both antennas (non-removable), the device is impressively transformed. Futuristic design with whimsical lines, contrast of deep black and bright red, noticeable high quality materials and workmanship – all this is done at the highest level.

The “stuffing” of the adapter does not lag behind the expressive and spectacular appearance. Connecting and exchanging data with a computer here goes through a high-speed USB 3.0 interface. The device does not always reach the upper limits of the possible speed, but for wireless communication devices this is not a critical flaw, and the objective speed indicators for this model are noticeably better than for similar devices from other manufacturers.

Alfa Network AWUS036ACH

Rating: 4.8

Now we bring to your attention a WiFi adapter, which was awarded the highest ratings from Simplerule experts primarily for its impressive coverage area with a stable signal. But other important characteristics of the model are also on top. The manufacturer is a Taiwanese company of the same name.

Like the previous model, this device supports the latest of the widely used Wi-Fi standards – 802.11ac, operates in two bands of 2.4 and 5GHz. The maximum throughput for data transfer is 867Mbps. A stable stream is provided by a pair of removable antennas, and if necessary, remote outdoor antennas can be connected to the device through a pair of special RP-SMA connectors.

Not the last role in the stable speed and overall high performance of the adapter is played by the rather powerful and efficient Realtek RTL8812AU chipset. The adapter connects to the computer via a USB 3.0 interface.

The main advantages of this model are increased power and sensitivity. In combination with other characteristics, the device is able to easily transmit a signal through solid walls, to cover large areas (outdoors) with a stable signal.

Connecting via a USB cable allows you to place a miniature device in any convenient place in your space. The adapter itself has an attractive design and will look solid and futuristic in any interior.

The delivery set includes the device itself, two 5dbi antennas, a cable for connecting to a computer, and a docking station. A CD with software and branded drivers for Windows and Mac OS is included.

D-link DWA-137

Rating: 4.7

For those who do not like the above two options because of the price, and the maximum speed is not too important, you should take a closer look at the compact DWA-137 WiFi adapter from one of the world’s most famous manufacturers of D-link communication equipment.

The dimensions of the device in the whistle form factor do not differ much from many conventional flash drives. Even with the attached antenna, the dimensions are 251x11x23mm, and the weight is only 25g. The case is plastic with a glossy surface, the main color is black.

Here we see a serious difference between this model and both previous ones in terms of maximum data transfer rate. It is much lower – up to 300Mbps, and this is due to the fact that the adapter is designed to work in only one band – 2.4GHz according to the 802.11n WiFi standard. Connecting via USB 3.0 will not provide any benefits, since the device itself has a USB second generation output. A mechanical button for quick connection to a secure network is placed on the adapter case.

For all the apparent diminutiveness, the adapter is able to broadcast a fairly powerful signal with a significant radius of stable reception. This cumulative effect is achieved by efficient operation of the 18dBM transmitter, internal antenna and external antenna with 5dBi gain. Numerous tests and feedback from users speak of a confident stable connection through walls and in hard-to-reach places.

In general, this simple model is well suited as an inexpensive WiFi adapter for all occasions for tasks that are not too resource-intensive in terms of traffic. There are newer models of the same line, but this one is the best tested by time. The weak point of the DWA-137 is the “gentle” wiring, which is why you need to be extremely careful so that the USB connection does not experience strong physical exertion.

XIAOMI MI WIFI USB

Rating: 4.6

We conclude the selection of the best external WiFi adapters in 2019 according to Simplerule magazine as the smallest device, in format and size almost indistinguishable from a simple receiver for a wireless mouse. But on the other hand, this model is still two times cheaper than the already inexpensive previous one, and it shows itself very well in operation.

The size of the miniature working module is 27x10x17mm, the weight is only 4g. The connector contact is closed with a translucent plastic cap.

Like the previous adapter, this one operates in the 2.4GHz band according to the 802.11n standard and has all the accompanying speed limits. So, the maximum data transfer for this model is 150Mbps. The transmitter power is exactly the same as the DWA-137 – 18dBM. The connection is also similar – via USB2.0.

A notable feature of this adapter is that, with the expected extremely limited functionality due to the smallest possible dimensions, the device is able to work not only as a signal receiver, but also as an access point that distributes the Internet to 8 devices.

The only noticeable defect of the manufacturer is the not completely transparent installation of the device in the environment of Linux operating systems. For correct integration, you may need the help of a specialist.

Best Internal WiFi Adapters

The second part of the review of the best WiFi adapters at the end of 2019 contains examples of stationary models that have earned the highest expert ratings and the most positive feedback from ordinary users. These adapters are designed specifically to connect directly to the motherboard of a desktop computer and cannot be used with portable equipment.

TP-LINK Archer T6E

Rating: 4.9

Let’s start with the most affordable option from the TP-LINK brand, well known even to non-specialists. The model has gained wide popularity due to a very favorable combination of price and implementation of user expectations.

The adapter is made in the form factor of a printed circuit board with a metal bracket for fastening. Almost the entire surface area is covered by a passive chipset cooling radiator. Made from aluminum alloy with durable black paint. The board dimensions are 120.8×115.2×21.5mm. The range of working allowable temperature of the environment is from 0 to 40 degrees.

The adapter supports operation in two frequency ranges, which significantly expands its capabilities in terms of speed. So, in the conventional 5GHz band, the physical limit on the maximum speed is 867Mbps, and in the 2.4GHz band – 400Mbps. Actual speeds can vary even with the widest channel, as many other factors that do not depend on the adapter itself can affect this.

For broadcasting the signal and providing a reliable coverage area in this model, two 2-band omnidirectional antennas are responsible, which are screwed to the back of the device. The adapter itself is inserted into the PCI-E slot of the computer motherboard.

All in all, this inexpensive and effective solution can provide a decent alternative to wired broadband, but there is one thing to keep in mind. On some 64-bit operating systems, unstable operation in the 5GHz band with standard drivers may be observed. In this case, you need to install an updated driver – the manufacturer provides detailed instructions on the official website.

MikroTik R5SHPn

Rating: 4.8

The well-known Latvian company MikroTik offers a specific WiFi adapter model with an internal connection to the motherboard. Simplerule specialists have rated this model due to its special form factor, power and high technological level in general. “By default” it is suitable primarily for those users who are limited to the only connection option – through the miniPCI slot.

This is a powerful 800mW radio card operating in the 5GHz band. Despite the power, the upper limit of the data transfer rate here is 125Mbps within the 802.11n standard, since the emphasis in the development of the device was placed precisely on the stability of communication over long distances and in the presence of obstacles. An external antenna can be connected to the MMCX connector.

The radio card board contains as many as nine built-in LEDs that serve as indicators of the status and operating modes of the device. This makes it easier to configure the adapter after installation. It is worth emphasizing here that this is a device with quite flexible settings that require a certain level of understanding. This, however, applies to almost the entire range of MikroTik telecommunications equipment. Therefore, for the correct setting, you may need the help of a specialist.

The adapter runs on the Atheros AR9220 chipset with passive cooling in the form of a massive heatsink. The dimensions of the printed circuit board itself are 60x60x19mm. The permissible operating temperature range is from -5 to +40 degrees. Connects to the miniPCI slot of the PC motherboard.

ASUS PCE-AC56

Rating: 4.7

And again, in the review of the best WiFi adapters in 2019 according to Simplerule, ASUS appears, namely, the internal adapter for desktop computers of the PCE-AC56 series. This option is significantly more expensive than both previous ones, but has important advantages.

This model is dual-band, and is capable of reaching a maximum data transfer rate of up to 1267Mbps: 867Mbps falls on the 5GHz band, and 400Mbps on the 2.4GHz band. Real speed indicators, according to user observations and test results, are also quite up to par. This is despite the well-known problem of overestimated upper speed limits declared by manufacturers of this class of equipment.

Module dimensions – 121x22x99mm, weight – 105g. A significant area is occupied by the chipset heatsink, painted in the corporate red color of ASUS, so the device is not without visual appeal, and in an open case it will look quite impressive. Connection slot – PCI-E. The printed circuit board is equipped with two detachable antennas.

One of the important advantages of this model is the use of an advanced chipset with support for Broadcom TurboQAM technology, which allows you to maximize all the possibilities of the fifth generation wireless communication standard 802.11ac.

A significant contribution is also made by the built-in support for ASUS AiRadar technology. This is one of the most successful ASUS developments of recent times. The technology allows for intelligent signal distribution based on the location data of adjacent devices. The adapter literally concentrates the directional beam towards the paired device, providing a stable connection where many other models fail.

ASUS PCE-AC88

Rating: 4.6

And this part of the review is completed by the ASUS internal WiFi adapter, which looks very similar to the previous one, but is head and shoulders above in its essence and capabilities. This is evidenced by its decent price.

This, as expected, is also a dual-band adapter, only the upper speed threshold here is still much higher than even that of the “little brother” described above – 2167Mbps. True, it is this maximum speed that is achieved only when an additional number of conditions are met – fine-tuning, sufficient efficiency and performance of the PC, features of the transmitter (router), etc. But even intermediate results of half a gigabit and more are impressive.

Externally, the radio card is very similar to the previous junior model AC56 in the review, including the design style, only it comes with not two, but four external antennas. There is also a socket for connecting an outdoor MIMO antenna. Device dimensions – 103x21x69mm, weight – 125g.

The outstanding performance of the radio card is provided by top-end electronics and a powerful 24dBM transmitter. Built-in standard encryption system protocols WEP, WPA, WPA2. The device is connected to the motherboard via a PCI-E slot.

The best WiFi adapters with Bluetooth

In the third and final part of the review of the best WiFi adapters in 2019 according to Simplerule magazine, we will get acquainted with hybrid devices that combine the functions of a WiFi adapter and an external Bluetooth module. This configuration is widely used for retrofitting desktop PCs that did not originally contain wireless modules. But the portable form factor of some models allows them to be used with wearable devices.

TRENDnet TBW-108UB

Rating: 4.9

The most compact, versatile, easy-to-use, and inexpensive combo WiFi adapter with Bluetooth module in this collection is a product of the not-too-famous TRENDnet brand. This is a super portable model, similar in size and shape to a simple wireless mouse receiver – 15x19x7mm and weighs only 2g.

The device operates in the same band – 2.4GHz with support for the generation of wireless communication 802.11n. This implies the maximum possible data transfer rate of 150Mbps over WiFi with WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption. The 17.5dBM transmitter provides signal coverage over 10 meters in radius with confident passage of walls and other obstacles.

The Bluetooth module contains a first power class transmitter. Bluetooth version 4.0 is supported. The signal is transmitted through a miniature internal 1dBi antenna. The adapter is connected via USB interface version 2.0 and higher.

Of the combo adapters available on the market, this model so far demonstrates the best performance in terms of power, signal stability and overcoming obstacles. At the same time, the device is quite simple and does not require special knowledge for installation and configuration.

Edimax EW-7611UCB

Rating: 4.8

With all the advantages of the previous model, it has significant limitations – the use of one, “lower” range does not allow using the full potential of high-speed connections of hundreds of megabits per second. For these increased requirements, Simplerule chose a hybrid adapter from Edimax, a major Taiwanese technology company.

The form factor of the product is exactly the same as that of the previous model, only a slightly different shape and larger dimensions – 24x51x12mm. Weight – 9g. Connection – via USB 2.0 port and higher.

The adapter works in dual bands with full support for all generations of wireless WiFi – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The maximum data exchange rate is 433Mbps with end-to-end encryption WEP, WPA, WPA2. This model, compared to the previous one, is also reinforced with a second built-in antenna. The Bluetooth module here is version 4.0.

Intel 7260HMW.AC

Rating: 4.7

Another dual-band combo adapter, only this time already internal, for completing stationary PCs or laptops. The famous brand did not affect the cost of the device too much – the model is only slightly more expensive than the previous two with significantly higher characteristics

The radio board with dimensions of 27x2x30mm and weight of 4g is connected to the mini PCI-E motherboard interface. It works in two bands and exceeds the previous model twice in maximum speed – 867Mbps. All generations of WiFi are supported – 802.11a/b/g/n/ac. The Bluetooth module is also version 4.0, like Edimax. End-to-end encryption of the WiFi channel – using WEP, WPA, WPA2, 802.1x protocols.

On the board itself, on the opposite side of the contacts, there are two connectors for connecting external antennas. It is not recommended to turn on an “empty” radio board with no antennas connected, as there are cases of failure. Precedents are not frequent, but noticeable.

This model is provided with drivers not only for systems of the Windows family, but also for Linux with a fairly simple installation and configuration.

ASUS PCE-AC55BT B1

Rating: 4.7

Completes the review of the best WiFi adapters in 2019 according to Simplrule with a special device with an original approach to the design of antennas. This is also an internal radio board, like the previous one, but of a more common interface standard – PCI-E.

The adapter is dual-band, the maximum speed is 867Mbps. The Bluetooth version is 4.2. The signal is broadcast through a pair of external detachable antennas. The antennas themselves are united by a round base. The whole structure weighs 50g.

When buying, especially when ordering in an online store, be sure to pay attention to the B1 index on the box, as in the model name in the review. There are modifications of the adapter without this index – they are almost identical to this model in almost everything, but the Bluetooth module supports the younger version of the technology.

With all the advantages of the adapter, some real buyers consider its price too high.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.