After using and reviewing a bunch of different USB WiFi dongles, we've compiled a list of best USB WiFi adapter available in the market.
With every product specifications such as performance or transmission speed, coverage limit etc are given in separate tables so that before buying you can see the authentic information about different products at a glance.
Contents
How to choose the right USB WiFi dongle
You should look for some essential features and qualities on the adapter to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Like the OS driver support, supported WiFi standards, range, durability and price range.
OS driver support
If your WiFi adapter doesn't support the operating system you're using, it's basically useless.
Generally most high end WiFi dongles have god driver support accross all major operating systems, Windows, mac OS, and Linux.
However some very recent adapter may face a driver related issue specially on Linux systems. As most manufacturer doesn't provide direct driver support for drivers, in that case, the open source community is your best hope.
Wireless range
The second most important thing you should look for is wireless network range. Generally speaking, the tiny WiFi dongles have lesser range compared to dongles with external antenna.
So for a better range, choose the adapter with an external antenna. But also keep the size of the adapter in mind.
Wireless network speed
You shouldn't expect a very high speed connection over WiFi, no matter what, it's almost always slower than a wired connection via any Ethernet LAN cable in the same price range.
Different Wireless protocols offer different speed. As an example the 5 GHz WiFi band offers better speed compared to the 2.4 GHz band.
There's also standards, like 802.11 b/g/n or 802.11 ac or the recent 802.11ax. Each standard offeres different speed and range. Like the 802.11ac standard offers better speed than 802.11n even when used in same RF spectrum band, i.e. either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz ISM bands.
So, you should be looking for the best USB WiFi adapter which has the support or 802.11ac standard, otherwise known as WiFi 5.
Adapter size and weight
Surely you don't want to carry around a oversized WiFi adapter just to connect to the wireless network.
Choosing a nano dongle makes sense while you're willing to use it with your thin and light laptop. But also keep it in mind that smaller size means lower range and higher probability of over-heating.
Best USB WiFi Adapter 2020
With a USB network card you can get connected to the internet anytime it is in the range of WiFi hotspot or wireless networks. You also don't have to worry about clutter of cables.
Now you may use or rather want to use usb wifi dongle for different purposes like surfing net, gaming etc. We have made this list based on such different strong purposes they are perfect for, facilities they provide, and after selecting the affordable yet the most efficient one.
You may also want a reliable, durable and efficient one for all common purposes. After seeing the list you will surely find the best usb WiFi adapter you need.
Netgear NightHawk A7000
The first wonder of this list is from the well know brand Netgear. With ultimate speed, better range, robust look, excellent performance Netgear NightHawk A7000 adapter is one of the best wifi adapter available in 2020.
This USB 3.0 WiFi adapter wirelessly connects your laptop or desktop computer to the next-gen 802.11AC technology with Wi-Fi speeds up to 1.9Gbps.
Powerful antennas with beamforming+ technology boosts speed, range, and reliability of Wi-Fi connections.
AC1900 WIFI speed enables up to 600Mbps on 2.4GHz and 1300Mbps on 5GHz. It is compatible with Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10 (32/64 bit); Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later.
| Product name | Netgear NightHawk A7000 |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Realtek rtl8814au |
| External antenna | Yes |
| Maximum speed | 1900 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
It performs best with USB 3.0, however also compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Netgear Nighthawk is one of the best USB WiFi adapter for enjoying fast, efficient data transfer, online lag-free gaming, and HD streaming
TP-Link Archer T9UH AC1900
Second product of this list is from TP-Link.
The Archer T9UH runs on AC1900 selectable dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi so you can share, stream and enjoy music, photos, and videos at rapid rates up to 1300Mbps on 5GHz and 600Mbps on 2.4GHz.
The Wi-Fi USB adapter is also equipped with four high-gain antennas to focus and strengthen your device’s wireless connection.
High gain antennas ensure superior range and stability. Beamforming technology delivers a more targeted and highly efficient wireless connections. USB 3.0 works up to 10x faster than USB 2.0.
| Product name | TP-Link Archer T9UH AC1900 |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Realtek RTL8814AU |
| External antenna | Yes |
| Maximum speed | 1900 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Comapny provides 2-year warranty and unlimited 24/7 technical support.
Netgear A6210-100PAS AC1200
The NETGEAR AC1200 USB 3.0 WiFi adapter with high-gain antennas provides 3x faster wireless network compared to single band adapters, delivers up to 300/867 Mbps wireless network speed.
High gain antennas for improved performance.Beamforming+ technology boosts speed, range and reliability.It supports system Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10, XP, Vista: (32/64-bit). Intel Pentium class PC.
| Product name | Netgear A6210-100PAS AC1200 |
| Build quality | Matte finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Mediatek MT7612U |
| External antenna | Foldable external antenna for flexible placement. |
| Maximum speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The easy to use NETGEAR genie software interface makes installation almost effortless. Genie also allows you to easily monitor, connect and control your home network.
With the NETGEAR Push ‘N’ Connect feature, enjoy a secured wireless Internet connection, at the push of a button.
TP-Link Archer T4U v3 1300Mbps
Once again a wireless adapter from TP-Link and it is TP -Link T4U V3.
SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port provides up to 10x faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0.
With foldable high gain antenna, Archer T4U greatly extends Wi-Fi range and coverage compared to typical wireless adapter. And also foldable antenna makes it an ideal gadget on the go with your trip.
With MU-MIMO and beamforming technology, Archer T4U can provide 2 simultaneous data streams, improving the throughput and efficiency of the entire network when working with a compatible MU-MIMO router.
| Product name | TP-Link Archer T4U v3 |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Realtek rtl8812bu or rtl8812au |
| External antenna | Yes, 2x2 MIMO |
| Maximum speed | 1300 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
With ultra-fast 1300 Mbps wireless speeds you can get up to 400 Mpbs on 2.4GHz band and up to 867 Mbps on 5GHz band. It works with any Wi-Fi routers and support Windows (10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP), Mac OS (10.9~10.13).Company provides free lifetime 24/7 technical support and a 2-year warranty.
TECHKEY USB 3.0 WiFi adapter 1200Mbps
With 5dBi high Gain Antenna and Dual Band system TECHKEY USB Wifi Adapter is a simple solution to many common problems ; whether you need cutting edge internet for gaming and streaming video or require strong, reliable wifi for critical conference calls.
At up to 300Mbps 802.11n or 867Mbps 802.11AC, this Wifi Adapter is guaranteed to provide you super fast speed.
With dual band system 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz you can access upto 100 yards of coverage so that you can feel free to surf from your bedroom or workplace. It is also perfect for gaming.
Company provides a 18-month free warranty.
| Product name | TECHKEY SB 3.0 Wifi Dongle |
| Build quality | Matte finish, Black Color |
| WiFi band | Dual Band System 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Converter chip | Unknown |
| External antenna | With 5.0 dBi antenna |
| Maximum speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
The AC1200 series is supported by all WLan routers such as WPA/WPA2/WEP. It is also available at average price.
EDUP dual band WiFi Adapter ac600 Mbps
It is a dual band 600mbps wifi adapter.
It works for dual band 2.4Ghz at 150Mbps & 5.8Ghz at 433Mbps. The antenna is of 2.0 dBi.
The 5GHz 433Mbps is perfect for HD video streaming and lag-free online gaming and the 2.4 GHz 150Mbps is perfect for normal use such as web surfing.
USB version is 2.0. It supports Windows XP,Win Vista,Win 7,Win 8.1, Win 10,Mac OS X 10.6-10.13.It also comes at very less price.
| Product name | EDUP dual band WiFi Adapter |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, Black Color |
| WiFi band | Dual Band 2.4 GHz and 5GHz |
| Converter chip | Unknown |
| External antenna | With 2.0dBi |
| Maximum speed | 600 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
BrosTrend 1200Mbps Long Range USB WiFi Adapter
With high speed,range, excellent performance BrosTrend 1200 Mbps wifi adapter is one of the best wifi adapters available at medium price. With 2 X external 5dBi detachable antennas you can get connected even when your wireless router is on a different floor.you can get range extended Wi-Fi speed of 867Mbps on 5GHz WiFi band or 300Mbps on 2.4GHz. You can use the 5GHz wireless band for on-line lag-free 4K HD video streaming, gaming, and the 2.4GHz band for video calls and shopping online.
USB port 3.0 with gold plated ensures more solid network connection on your computer.
It is also equipped with a USB 3.0 Cradle with Extension Cable of 5 Feet, Connect it to Any USB Ports of Your Desktop, Laptop or PC.
| Product name | BrosTrend 1200Mbps Long Range Dual Band USB WiFi Adapter |
| Build quality | Matte finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | Dual Band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz |
| Converter chip | Unknown |
| External antenna | 2 Antennas 5.0dBi |
| Maximum speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
This wifi adapter works with any WiFi routers, supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, MAC OS X 10.6~10.12. Company provides 24 months warranty of unconditional refund or replacement.
TP-Link Archer T2UH 600Mbps
With TP link archer T2UH usb wireless wifi adapter you can get up to 433Mbps Wi-Fi speeds on 5GHz or 150 Mbps on 2.4GHz bands.
The 5GHz 433Mbps is perfect for HD video streaming and lag-free online gaming and 2.4GHz 150Mbps Wi-Fi for normal use such as web surfing.
Company provides 2-year warranty and free 24/7 technical support. It is compatible with Windows (XP/7/8/8.1/10) - Mac OS (10.7~10.13) - Linux Kernal (2.6 or above).
| Product name | TP-Link Archer T2UH |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, White color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | MediaTek MT7610U |
| External antenna | Yes , 3 dBi external antena |
| Maximum speed | 600 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Archer T2UH equipped with the 1m USB 2.0 extension cable, which extend the USB connection length, making it more convenient to plug the USB device in & out of the USB socket. Its elegant and stylish design is suitable for home deployment and will even improve the look of your home and office.It also comes at average price.
USBNOVEL A2 Dual Band WiFi nano Dongle
With dual band AC600, USBNOVEL wireless wifi adapter can run at up to 433 Mbps speed when connected with router which support 5 GHz band and and up to 150 Mbps speed when connect with router which support 2.4 GHz.
Designed for efficiency and performance, the mini-sized wifi adapter is lightweight, sleek and portable.
Support for win 10 / 8 / 7 / XP / Vista ( 32-bit/64-bit ) and Mac OS X 10.6 ~ 10.13.
5GHz at 433Mbps is perfect for HD video streaming, gaming and to download without buffering.While 2.4GHz at 150Mbps is enough for web surfing and online chatting. Price is low too.
| Product name | USBNOVEL A2 Dual Band WiFi dongle |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Unknown |
| External antenna | No |
| Maximum speed | 600 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
TP-Link Archer T2U 11AC USB WiFi Adapter
With its compact and sleek design, it’s smaller than most 11ac Wi-Fi USB adapters available and easy to take on the road. The T2U provides 433Mbps high speeds WiFi over the 5GHz band, making it ideal for HD video streaming and lag-free online gaming, while its 2.4GHz 150Mbps WiFi can be used for normal use such as web surfing with legacy devices.
It works with Windows (XP/7/8/8.1/10) and Mac OS (10.7 to 10.13). It is easy to install and the material quality is also good that makes it highly durable. This wifi adapter comes at average price.
| Product name | TP-Link Archer T2U |
| Build quality | Shiny finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Realtek RTL8811AU |
| External antenna | No |
| Maximum speed | 600 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
Company provides 2 year warranty and free 24/7 technical support.
Inamax USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps, USB 3.0
The ninth wonder of this list is from Inamax. With ultra speed, high range, awesome compatibility Inamax USB wifi adapter comes at surprisingly low cost.
You can get up to 867Mbps Wi-Fi speeds on 5GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4GHz bands.
USB 3.0 supports transfer rates of up to 5Gbps-10 times faster than USB 2.0, ensures Wi-Fi adapter maximum throughput performance and more stable internet connection. Backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices.
No drivers required for Windows 10! Just plug and play! Compatible with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP/2000, Mac OS 10.5-10.13. (Not support Linux).It is ideal for surfing internet and gaming.
| Product name | Inamax USB WiFi Adapter dual band |
| Build quality | Matte finish, Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz dual band |
| Converter chip | Leave it blank |
| External antenna | 1antenna 5dBi |
| Maximum speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
If you are not satisfied with Inamax usb Wifi adapter, company will offer you a full refund or new replacement.
Meross AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter
The tenth product of this list is from Meross, a global provider of Wi-Fi and smart home devices and services. Dual Band 5GHz Wireless Network Speed 867Mbps, 2.4GHz 300Mbps.
Two high gain external antennas provide stronger signal penetration strength, wider wireless coverage ensuring better performance and stability.
USB 3.0 port works Up to 10x faster than USB 2.0. And it comes with a 2 feet USB extension cable. Innovative mini design gives it elegant look.
| Product nam | Meross AC1200 Wireless Adapter |
| Build quality | Matte finish,Black color |
| WiFi band | 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz both |
| Converter chip | Leave it blank |
| External antenna | Yes / no |
| Maximum speed | 1200 Mbps |
| Price | Check on Amazon |
It works with Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10, Mac OS X 10.4~10.12, Linux: Ubuntu 14.04,Ubuntu 16.04, LinuxMint 18.02 and fedora 23. It also comes at a relatively low price.
Conclusion and verdict
According to us, these are the top usb wifi adapters available, some of them are from relatively unknown brands, however works flawlessly. Hopefully this list helps you in finding your quest. And you have got the best one you wanted.
We have made this list by reviewing some popular products ourselves, and also by searching hundreds of products and taking into consideration genuine satisfactory & dis-satisfactory reviews.
You do not have to bothered about any more list and also you do not have to find any other list. Buy any product from the above mentioned list, you would not be disappointed. It is our duty to present the best products before you without compromising anything.
But if you still have in a dilemma which one to buy from this list, to make you more easier - If you want to buy a USB WiFi adapter at low cost, you can go for Inamax, Meross or EDUP WiFi adapters.
If you can spend few more bucks, you go with the Techkey or Brostrend wifi adapter. And for the premium section, you can go for TPlink Archer T9UH 1900 or Netgear Nighthawk A7000 1900 USB WiFi adapter.
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