Wireless adapters are an essential component of any gamer’s arsenal, but many gamers are unaware that a current mobile adapter could be critical to their gaming success.

A wireless adapter, in its most basic form, is a device connected to a wireless network, that any built-in wireless gear that your gaming computer has.

This is a complex issue, as many professionals do not suggest connecting to the Internet wirelessly while gaming. They recommend a wired connection instead.

Having said that, many people enjoy playing games on the go, which necessitates the use of a wireless gaming adapter.

This article will guide you on the best wireless network adapter for gaming today.

What Exactly Is A Wireless Gaming Adapter?

In the event that your PC’s built-in Wi-Fi or Local area network ports fail, a wireless adapter is an ideal backup. The adapter is normally linked via a USB cable or PCI slot to make sure that you are always online for seamless gaming.

How Does A Cordless Gaming Adapter Work?

Prior to actually trying to connect to your Wi-Fi network, you must first install a wireless adapter on your PC or laptop. This enhances the scope and utilizes your experience, resulting in a better gaming experience without the annoying delays known as lag.

How does a cordless gaming adapter work?

Our Advice on Purchasing A Wireless Adapter

But how should you go about selecting the top wireless adapter for you?  The first step is to understand why you require one. In fact, almost every new computer nowadays comes with a wireless card that is installed before you purchase it.

This is one of the reasons why many people do not even consider purchasing a wireless adapter. It’s an important step because the wireless card included with most computers is frequently a generation or two behind recent trends.

As a result, while convenient, the wireless card included with your desktop isn’t the most recent version, making it the worst Wifi adapter for playing games. A number of factors should be considered when selecting a wireless adapter before making a purchase. Don’t be fooled by an adapter’s appearance.

Examine the specifications on the adapter’s box or website. Pay close attention to the wireless protocols supported by the adapter, the USB port generation it supports, and the bands it can use.

This information should be compared to the specifications of your desktop to make sure that the wireless adapter you want is compatible with it. This is an important step in determining which WiFi adapter is best for gaming.

10 Best Wireless Network Adapter For Gaming Today

When looking for the gaming adapter in the market, consider the specifications of your wireless connection, the hardware of your computer, and the degree of flexibility and usability you require. 

We wrap all of these bases to assist you in making a more informed decision and obtaining the best internet speed connections for your specific needs.

1. Nighthawk AC1900 from Netgear

Nighthawk AC1900 from Netgear

The Nighthawk AC1900 from Netgear is a USB Wi-Fi adapter that does it all. In an ideal world, you’d be able to upgrade your laptop’s Wi-Fi adapter or attach Pci slots mobile wireless card to your computer, but that won’t just be an option.

In those cases, the USB-based Nighthawk AC1900 can move in, and you won’t notice much of a difference. The Nighthawk AC1900 supports Wireless Network 5 with a dual-band connection, allowing you to connect across both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

This means that you can get some awesome signal speeds, with the 2.4GHz connection reaching up to 600Mbps and the five GHz connection reaching up to 1,300Mbps.

It has an optional dock, frequency hopping, and an extendable antenna array with four antennae inside to help ensure a strong signal. Just make sure you connect this beast to your computers via USB 3.0 or performance will suffer.

2. TEW-809UB Trendnet

TEW-809UB Trendnet

At one end of the spectrum, there are nano adapters, and at the other, there is the Trendnet TEW-809UB. This networking adapter foregoes portability in exchange for faster 1900AC (N600, AC1300) speeds and serious antennas—four in total, each with a 5 dBi strength.

There is no software included, only a USB. Instead, Windows is in charge of networking tasks. Although the adapter does not support MU-MIMO, it does support Beamforming. 

When in use, the Trendnet TEW-809UB is stable and fast. It makes effective use of its antennas, outperforming every other adapter in our wireless fringe location testing—on both the 2.4 GHz and five GHz bands. This is an excellent solution if you’re using Wi-Fi in a difficult situation with a weak signal.

3. PCIe Adapter ASUS PCE-AC88

PCIe Adapter ASUS PCE-AC88

The ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 can deliver up to sixty percent faster speeds thanks to its high-throughput dual-band five GHz at 2100Mbps and 2.4GHz at 1000Mbps. The custom heatsink feature ensures continuous operation and effectively dissipates heat, allowing for stability and reliability while gaming and streaming.

With the four-transmitter, four-receiver antenna design, you can get many more out of your Wi-Fi network than you could with 3×3 adapters. This design improves signal stability while also providing a clear, strong, and fast connection, making your 4×4 router more useful.

The ASUS 4×4 802.11AC Wireless-AC3100 PCIe Adapters are designed for serious gamers who need the most stable and reliable Wi-Fi network possible.

You can connect your antenna directly to the PCIe card with the dual-band, 4×4 design adapter for a more compact installation and get the most out of your connection. This is one of the best on the market in 2017.

4. Dual Band Dongle Adapter OUR LINK

Dual Band Dongle Adapter OUR LINK

With Beamforming+, you can reduce interference and get the best possible connection by increasing not only the power and agility of your Wi-Fi network but also its reliability, allowing you to enjoy lag-free online gaming and uninterrupted video streaming.

The dual bands of this adapter, 5GHz at 433Mbps and 2.4GHz at 150Mbps, allow it to reach speeds of up to 600Mbps.

Better connections to more network devices in your home, thanks to 802.11AC technology and a 5dBi omnidirectional dual-band antenna that not only increases coverage but also ensures network stability.

Installing the driver from the included CD, connecting to the network using the built-in utility provided by your operating system, and you’re ready to enjoy seamless online gaming is simple.

You’ll be playing your favorite online games and streaming HD video in no time thanks to the OUR LINK 600Mbps mini Dual Band Dongle Adapter’s simple setup.

5. Wireless USB Receiver Trendnet TEW-809UB

Wireless USB Receiver Trendnet TEW-809UB

If you want to upgrade your desktop computer or laptop to AC speeds on dual-band with 5GHz at 1300 Mbps for lag-free online gaming and HD video streaming and 600 Mbps at 2.4GHz on WiFi for web browsing or social media browsing, the Trendnet AC1900 High Dual Band Wireless USB Receiver is the way to go.

The Trendnet will support 802.11a/b/g/n/ac networking standards, as well as Beamforming technology, which boosts signal strength by directing it directly to the device, resulting in a more stable and fast connection.

This incredible high-power radio has detachable antennas for better network coverage and connectivity to any high-performance wireless AC network. After connecting it to your computer with the included USB cable, install the necessary drivers.

Connect the device to your computer using the included USB cable, install the drivers, and the device should be ready to use on both Windows and Mac computers. An LED indicator will notify you when the device is turned on and operational.

This adapter uses Beamforming technology to deliver 1300Mbps at 5GHz and 600Mbps at 2.4GHz, allowing you to surf the web, play lag-free online games, and stream HD video without interruption.

The operating systems Windows and Mac are both supported. When your adapter is turned on and functioning properly, an LED indicator will illuminate.

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6. Wireless Network Card TP-Link T6E WiFi PCI-Express

The TP-Link provides an exceptional range with its two external antennas, which not only improve the range but also network stability. High-intensity network usage is not an issue with the 802.11ac dual-band standard because it is three times faster than the 802.11n standard.

 The TP-Link will be compatible with Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7, as well as Windows XP 32/64bit.

This high-speed adapter, which comes with a two-year warranty and 24/7 support, is an excellent way to improve your wireless network setup and enjoy uninterrupted video streaming, lag-free online gaming, and smooth web browsing.

Easy-to-install PCI-E Wireless Network Card with fast speeds, dual 802.11 bands for high-density networking, and two external antennas for long-range connectivity. It is simple to set up and is ideal for online gamers who require strong, dependable, and fast connections at all times.

7. USB-AC68 from ASUS

USB-AC68 from ASUS

The Asus USB-AC68 adapter has a unique folding design with dual deployable antennas. Through a 3×4 antenna design, it supports USB 3.0, the  AC1900 standard, Asus AiRadar Beamforming, and MU-MIMO.

The results are mixed, with this Asus adapter falling short in the 2.4 GHz tests. Even though the 5 GHz tests were much more reliable, it was still not the fastest at either close or far distances.

In terms of performance and range, the Trendnet TEW-809UB is our favorite Wi-Fi adapter, but it isn’t the most compact or portable option. For those who want to use their adapter for gaming on the go, the Asus USB-AC68 is a much better option.

It also benefits from the low street price of $75. The adapter comes with a cradle for use at home, but it can also be plugged directly into a USB port for convenience when traveling.

8. Wi-Fi Network Adapter D-Link Systems DWA-192

Wi-Fi Network Adapter D-Link Systems DWA-192

A USB wireless adapter on your desktop or laptop with a flexible dual-band that includes 1300Mbps on the 5GHz band and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band can deliver up to 1900 Mbps.

Your wireless signal will be directed to your router and DWA-192 by the Advanced AC Smart Beam, resulting in a stronger connection and improved performance for lag-free online gaming and seamless video streaming.

You can quickly and easily establish a fast and reliable connection by pressing the WPS button. Backward compatibility exists with legacy 802.11n/g/ac networks. USB three point zero is ten times faster than USB 2.0 and has a three-fold increase in range over a standard dongle.

Using the WPS button, you can quickly and easily establish a fast and reliable connection. Backward compatibility exists with legacy 802.11n/g/ac networks. It is backward compatible with all router and range extender brands, regardless of age.

Then there’s the D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0’s unique design, which is particularly cool and will catch your friends’ attention. With speeds up to 1900Mbps on dual bands, an advanced AC Smart Beam to focus your signal, and a unique design, this is one of the best options.

Compatibility with legacy 802.11n/g/a networks, as well as any router or range extender brand, including older models. The range of this adapter is three times that of standard adapters.

9. Archer T4U Plus from P-Link

Archer T4U Plus from P-Link

If you have limited space behind your computer or are concerned about getting a good signal, the TP-Link Archer T4U Plus provides the flexibility you require at a reasonable price. This USB Wi-Fi adapter connects to your PC via a USB 3.0 port, but the bulk of the unit is actually a special base station that you can position outside thanks to its three-foot cable.

The base station comes with two large antennas that you can adjust to get the best reception possible. The Archer T4U Plus, like its smaller sibling, has dual-band AC wireless.

This will support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connectivity options, allowing you to choose between range and speed. The Archer T4U Plus provides up to 867Mbps on a 5GHz network, which should be enough for even 4K video streaming.

10. AC3 Long Range Internet Receiver by BrosTrend

AC3 Long Range Internet Receiver by BrosTrend

The BrosTrend wireless adapter has a fast response time, a long range, and a lot of flexibility. Two 5dBi high gain antennas and a USB 3.0 cradle with a five-foot extension cable provide this adapter’s exceptional range, allowing you to find the best location for the best reception.

The 5GHz band can deliver up to 867Mbps and the 2.4GHz band can deliver 300Mbps, providing the fastest speeds for streaming 4K ultra HD video, gaming without lag, listening to music, or simply browsing social media.

The gold-plated USB 3.0 port is ten times faster than the standard 2.0 port and, if necessary, is backward compatible with the 2.0.

It is compatible with all routers, including 802.11ac routers, and runs on Windows 10 through 8, as well as XP. Linux, Mint, Ubuntu, and Ubuntu Studio are all supported. It runs on Raspbian and works with the Raspberry Pi 3B.

It is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Mac OS X. The BrosTrend Long Range USB WiFi Adapter is 10 times faster and has 10 times the range of a standard 2.0 USB.

It’s fast, adaptable, and dependable, and it works with all of the most popular routers and operating systems. With the 5-foot USB extension cable, you can position your 5dBI high gain antennas for optimal signal reception.

Wireless Network Adapter Ultimate Buying Guide For You

It may now be easier to choose from a limited number of options on the list, but it is also important to understand how to choose by looking at the various factors from this buying guide. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. MU-MIMO

Another important specification to consider is MU-MIMO. A wireless router can communicate with many devices at the same time using MU-MIMO technology, which stands for “multi-user, multi-input, multi-output.”

This is significant because most standard wireless devices can only connect to one device at a time. These are referred to as SU-MIMO devices, with the letter “SU” standing for “single user.”

You can connect all of your devices at the same time with an MU-MIMO wireless router or adapter, eliminating the need to wait in line.

2. Range

Many routers these days lack the range required to cover your entire home. With the help of these adapters, you may never lose your connection and enjoy continuous service. The antennas also have a significant impact on signal strength.

All of the adapters mentioned above adhere to a similar protocol and maintain the maximum signal strength possible.

3. Beamforming

When discussing the latest trends in wireless technology, the term “beamforming” is frequently used, but what exactly does it mean?

Beamforming capabilities on wireless routers are frequently advertised as a way to improve wireless reception and reduce interference, thereby strengthening your connection and improving wireless service.

Simply put, beamforming directs your wireless connection in a specific direction. Routers typically take data and send it in every direction imaginable. Beamforming detects the location of your wireless-enabled devices and directs the wireless signal to them.

This prevents your valuable bandwidth from being sent in directions where wireless devices are not present. Beamforming basically targets your reception so that you can make better use of it. In addition to using a wireless adapter, beamforming is another way to amplify and augment your wireless reception.

4. 2.4GHz, 5GHz

When it comes to selecting the right frequency, both have advantages and disadvantages. You can choose either of them depending on your needs, or there are wireless network adapters that support dual-band.

The primary distinction between these frequencies is based on speed and range. The 2.4GHz band has an excellent range and allows you to easily connect devices throughout your home, but it may not be the fastest.

Similarly, the 5GHz band provides exceptional speed while being constrained to a smaller area. So, if you get an adapter that has both frequencies, you can switch between them depending on what you’re doing.

5. Antenna

There are two types of antennas to consider when purchasing a wireless adapter. However, you must first determine if an antenna is required. You probably don’t need an antenna if your wireless router is in the same room as your computer and wireless adapter.

Yes, having the two components in the same room will assist you in getting faster when using the best WiFi adapter for PC gaming, but simply having them in the same room will assist you in getting faster.

7. Compatibility

Beamforming is another way to amplify and augment your wireless reception. It supports almost all versions, and you can also check your laptop or PC’s version before purchasing the adapter.

If you have a Mac, make sure it supports the adapter you purchased because installation requires drivers and software that may or may not be compatible. More Best Network Adapter for Gaming options can be found here.

8. USB 2.0 or USB 3.0

Another minor comparison that many people may consider. To select the best, it is self-evident that you should go with the USB 3.0 adapter.

The reason for this is that it is roughly ten times faster than the former. However, it is limited to the internet speed you have paid for and will not go beyond that.

However, it is necessary in order to transfer data files from one device to another, making it worthwhile.

CONCLUSION On Wireless Network Adapter

The right wireless adapter can make a big difference in your gaming experience. It’s not always easy to choose the best wireless adapter for you, which is why we’ve compiled a list of 13 of the best wireless adapters available to assist you.

We cover both USB and PCIe cards, as well as provide our own buyer’s guide to help you decide which is right for you.

FAQs About Wireless Network Adapter