Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

11 Best WiFi Adapters For PC

Wirelessly on the Internet, thanks to smartphones, tablets, and the like, we have long been accustomed to this standard. But what if the old computer can only connect to the Internet with a cable? In this case, a WiFi adapter helps. The best WiFi adapters for PCs also equip non-WLAN-enabled devices themselves with a suitable receiver and make it very easy to integrate them into a wireless radio network. Even when using an old PC, there are no annoying cables and devices that already have a WLAN module with outdated standards can significantly increase their speed with a WLAN stick.

WiFi adapters


In our detailed guide, you will find everything you need to know about WiFi adapters. What is the WLAN standard, which encryption is up to date, how fast is a WiFi adapter and what is the difference between a USB stick, WLAN stick and surf stick? You can read about it and more here.

11 of the best WiFi adapters with fast data rates in a big comparison

WiFi adapters


1. WiFi Adapter 1200Mbit/s
  • USB hardware interface
  • Windows 10 Operating System
  • 1200 m color WiFi adapter
  • Compatible Devices Laptop, Desktop
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 14.5 x 2 x 1 centimeter
  • USB data link protocol
  • Data transfer rate of 433 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 100 Grams
The WiFi Adapter with 5 dBi antenna is a fast WiFi adapter that can reach speeds of up to 1200 Mbit/s. Equipped with 5dBi rotatable external boost antenna, which supports multi-dimensional free rotation, increasing the transmission distance and WiFi signal transmission.

The WiFi adapter can be used both as a signal receiver and as a WLAN router. To do this, you can switch between AP mode and Station mode.

The WiFi adapter is compatible with all Windows systems including Windows 10, with Linux, Android, Mac OS 10.7 and above and other operating systems. It can be used with all public Wi-Fi routers.

Advantages
  • Switchable between AP and station mode (more flexible use)
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • High speed (up to 1,200 megabits per second)
  • Wide compatibility (Windows 10, Linux, Android and Mac OS 10.7 or higher)
  • External 5dBi amplifier antenna (better reception)
  • WPS button (auto configuration)
Deficiency
  • No obvious flaws
2. TP-Link TL-WN823N N300 WiFi Adapter
  • USB 2.0 hardware interface
  • Operating System Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS, Linux
  • PC & Notebook compatible devices
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 39 x 18 x 8 millimeters
  • Puerto WLAN 802.11b, Puerto WLAN 802.11g, Puerto WLAN 802.11n data link protocols
  • Data transfer rate of 300 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 0.13 Pounds
The TP-Link TL-WN823N N300 WiFi Adapter offers 300 Mbps WLAN speed. Setup is easy and convenient at the push of a WPS button and the speeds are ideal for video streaming, online gaming or VoIP.

The TP-Link TL-WN823N N300 WiFi adapter has a SoftAP mode that makes it easy to turn your computer into a WiFi hotspot.

The TP-Link WLAN stick is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. WLAN is easily and securely encrypted at the push of a WPS button and the adapter can be quickly slipped into your pocket and taken anywhere thanks to its small size. So you can also enjoy a fast wireless network on the go.

Advantages
  • SoftAP mode (to create a hotspot)
  • Mini format
  • WPS button (auto configuration)
Deficiency
  • Only 300 megabits per second
  • Due to the compact format, there is a higher risk of loss
3. AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 430
  • USB hardware interface, USB 2.0
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 50 x 20 x 10 millimeters
  • Data transfer rate of 433 Megabytes Per Second
  • Item Weight 0.11 Kilogram
AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 430 supports the WLAN ac standard and is compatible with the n, g, b and a standards. It can be used in a dual-band WLAN for a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz connection. WPA2 encryption ensures high WiFi security and the stick is compatible with all WiFi routers.

If the AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 430 is connected to the Fritz! The box is used, thanks to the Stick and Surf function, no configuration is required and the WLAN security settings are automatically set by Fritz! box taken over.

AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 430 supports data rates up to 430 Mbit per second with the IEEE 802.11 ac protocol.

Advantages
  • MU-MIMO (more flexible use of data channels)
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • WPS button for auto configuration
Deficiency
  • Only compatible with Windows 7 or higher
WiFi adapters


4. JamBer . WiFi Adapter
  • USB hardware interface
  • Operating System Windows 7 Professional, Mac OS X, Linux, Windows Vista, Windows 8, Windows 7 Ultimate, Windows
  • Compatible Devices Laptop, Desktop
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 19.5 x 9.7 x 2.5 centimeters
  • Data transfer rate of 1200 Megabits Per Second
The JamBer WiFi adapter ensures high speeds of up to 1,200 Mbps and can be used for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections. It is ideal for streaming HD video and online gaming, as well as for downloading music, games or videos.

The JemBer WiFi adapter is suitable for the latest WLAN standard ac and thus offers very high speeds.

The WiFi adapter is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac OS and ensures high data security thanks to WPA and WPA2 encryption, among others. The LED indicator flashes during data transfer. The small WiFi adapter is easy to put in your pocket and can be taken anywhere. Also equipped with an antenna.

Advantages
  • High speed (up to 1,200 megabits per second)
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • Wide compatibility (Windows Vista or higher, Linux, Android and Mac OS X)
  • WPS button (auto configuration)
  • External 5dBi amplifier antenna (better reception)
Deficiency
  • No obvious flaws
5. D-Link DWA-131 WiFi adapter
  • USB 2.0 hardware interface
  • Operating System Windows 2000, XP, Vista (32/64 bit), Windows 7
  • Compatible PC & Notebook devices
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 30 x 16 x 8 millimeters
  • Data transfer rate of 300 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 0.06 Pounds
The D-Link DWA-131 WiFi adapter can transfer data at speeds up to 300 Mbit per second and supports current WPA, WPA2 and WPA3 encryption standards. According to the manufacturer, setting up a WLAN stick is very easy thanks to the "D-Link Click'n Connect" installation software, as the user-friendly interface guides you through the menus. The included wireless manager is intended to provide an overview of all recently accessed networks. The WiFi adapter has a WPS function, which is why, according to the manufacturer, it is only a matter of pressing a button to connect to a router or access point.

What is WPA? WPA stands for "Wi-Fi Protected Access", an encryption method for wireless networks that first hit the market in 2003 as a successor to the previously established WEP standard. This method has been continuously developed over the last few years and has been re-released under the abbreviations WPA2 and WPA 3.

Due to its tiny dimensions of 3 x 1.6 x 0.8 centimeters (length/width/height), the WLAN stick doesn't block other USB ports on the computer, according to D-Link. It is compatible with Windows operating systems from Windows XP, macOS from macOS 10.9 to 10.14 and Linux from Linux Kernel 2.6.18 to 4.17 and all 802.11b/g/n wireless networks. The WiFi adapter weighs 26.8 grams and is available in various other nano or micro versions upon request.

Advantages
  • Wide compatibility (Windows Vista or higher, Linux and Mac OS X)
  • Modern encryption (WPA3 for high connection security)
  • Nano format (light and compact)
  • WPS button for auto configuration
Deficiency
  • Only up to 300 megabits per second
  • Easy to lose
6. TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 WLAN stick
  • USB hardware interface
  • Operating System Windows10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS X
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 20 x 10 x 41 millimeters
  • USB data link protocol
  • Data transfer rate 1267 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 62 Grams
According to the manufacturer, the TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 WiFi adapter is compatible with all common WLAN standards - 802.11ac/n/g/b/a - and is compatible with all common WLAN routers. It offers a maximum speed of 400 Mbit per second on the 2.4 gigahertz band and 867 Mbit per second on the 5 gigahertz band and is therefore called a dual-band WiFi adapter. According to TP-Link, these sticks are ideal for on-the-go use and can be used in temperatures ranging from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. It is compatible with Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10 and macOS X operating systems.

With MU-MIMO for efficient connection: The TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 WiFi adapter uses a multi-user multiple input, multiple output, better known as MU-MIMO - a technology that allows the stick to work with multiple parallel data stream devices to communicate simultaneously.

The WiFi adapter uses a USB 3.0 connection, which TP-Link says should be up to 10 times faster than conventional USB 2.0. However, the stick is also compatible with USB 2.0. A handy installation guide is included in the delivery scope for stick operation. The WiFi adapter has dimensions of 2 x 1 x 4.1 cm (length/width/height) and weighs 62 grams. The stick uses the WPA/WPA2 encryption standard and is suitable for streaming HD video and playing games, but lacks WPS functionality.

Advantages
  • MU-MIMO (more flexible use of data channels)
  • 2.4 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz band
  • Wide compatibility (Windows XP or higher and Mac OS X)
  • Mini format
  • USB 3.0 port (for faster data transfer)
Deficiency
  • Due to the compact format, there is a higher risk of loss
  • No WPS button
7. AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860
  • USB hardware interface, USB 3.0, USB 2.0
  • Operating System Installation Selbst ohne CD unter Windows 10, 8, 7 (32- or 64-bit) and Vista (32-bit)
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 8 x 3 x 12 centimeters
  • Data transfer rate of 866 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 3.53 Ounces
The AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 ensures fast surfing at speeds up to 866 Mbit/s. Supports current WLAN ac standards as well as n, g, b and a standards. It is equipped with a USB 3.0 interface and is also compatible with USB 2.0. Stick works with all common routers and is very easy to connect with Stick and Surf.

AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 supports Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) and therefore can be easily set up on all wireless routers. When used with Fritz! Grid, all settings are adopted just by plugging it in.

AVM FRITZ!WLAN Stick AC 860 is compatible with all common versions of Windows and offers WPA2 encryption for a very high level of security.

Advantages
  • Available in bundle with WiFi repeater
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • USB 3.0 port (for faster data transfer)
  • WPS button for auto configuration
Deficiency
  • Only compatible with Windows 7 or higher
8. TP-Link TL-WN821N USB WiFi Adapter
  • USB 2.0 hardware interface
  • Windows Operating System,
  • NC compatible devices
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 8.6 x 2.6 x 1.2 centimeters
  • CSMA/CA data link protocol, ACK
  • Data transfer rate of 300 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 0.35 Ounces
With speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s and standard WLAN n, the TP-Link TL-WN821N USB WLAN adapter offers everything you need for video streaming in HD quality and for Internet telephony. Online games can also be played smoothly with a stick.

The multi-antenna MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) method ensures optimal performance and stability with wide WLAN coverage and better signal penetration.

The TP-Link TL-WN821N USB WLAN Adapter supports Windows and Mac OS and ensures secure WLAN encryption at the push of a QSS button.

Advantages
  • MU-MIMO (more flexible use of data channels)
  • Wide compatibility (Windows XP or higher, Linux and Mac OS X)
  • QSS button (simple WiFi security encryption)
Deficiency
  • Only 300 megabits per second
9. Netgear A6100 WiFi Stick
  • USB 2.0 hardware interface
  • Operating System Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11 (32/64-bit)
  • Personal Computer compatible devices
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 36 x 18 x 8 millimeters
  • Data transfer rate of 1200 Megabytes Per Second
  • Item Weight 8 Grams
The Netgear A6100 WLAN stick ensures fast browsing. It can be used in dual band and offers speeds of 866 Mbps at 5 GHz and 300 Mbps at 2.4 GHz. This allows movies to be played optimally in HD quality and online games also run smoothly.

NETGEAR A6100 WLAN Stick is compatible with IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n and ac network protocols. Equipped with WPS button for easier and faster connection.

The WLAN stick is equipped with a USB 2.0 interface and is compatible with USB 1.0. It is compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10, Mac OS and Linux operating systems and comes with a driver CD.

Advantages
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • Wide compatibility (Windows 7 or higher, Linux and Mac OS X)
  • Nano format
  • WPS button for auto configuration
Deficiency
  • Easy to lose
WiFi adapters


10. USB 3.0 WiFi AC1200 Dual Band Network Adapter
  • USB, Ethernet, USB 3.0 . hardware interface
  • Windows 10 Operating System
  • Compatible Devices Laptop, Desktop
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 9.2 x 2.7 x 1.5 centimeters
  • Data transfer rate of 300 Megabits Per Second
  • Item Weight 220 Grams
The dual band USB 3.0 WLAN AC1200 network adapter offers ultra-fast 1200 ac WLAN with the latest 802.11 ac WLAN standard. It can operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands and achieves speeds of up to 867 Mbit/s on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbit/s on the 2.4 GHz band. With it you can watch streaming videos in HD quality, play online games, use VoIP phones, or download content.

The dual band USB 3.0 WLAN AC1200 network adapter is equipped with two detachable high-performance antennas that ensure blazing fast data transfer rates and long coverage.

The WiFi adapter is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS operating systems and offers different encryption standards for secure WLANs.

Advantages
  • Two external 5dBi amplifier antennas (better reception)
  • With transmitter included
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • USB 3.0 port (faster data transfer)
  • WPS button (auto configuration)
  • Wide compatibility (Windows XP or higher and Mac OS X)
Deficiency
  • No obvious flaws
11. Techkey AC-1200 WLAN stick
  • USB hardware interface
  • Operating System Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS 10.9-10.15
  • Compatible Devices Laptop, Smart-TV, Smartphone
  • Dimensions of the item W x W x H 19.5 x 12.5 x 1.5 centimeters
  • IEEE 802.11ac data link protocol
  • Data transfer rate 1 Gigabit Per Second
  • Item Weight 0.17 Pounds
The Techkey AC-1200 WiFi Adapter achieves WLAN speeds of 867 Mbit per second in the 5.8 gigahertz frequency band and 300 Mbit per second in the 2.42 gigahertz band. According to the manufacturer, speeds of up to 1,200 Mbit per second are achievable in the ideal case - enough for streaming media in HD and online gaming. The USB stick can reach a range of up to 100 meters thanks to the amplifying 5 dBi dual-band antenna. The antenna is designed to help establish a connection when the signal is weak.

USB 3.0, but backwards compatible: The Techkey AC-1200 WiFi Adapter uses USB 3.0 technology, but is compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices according to the manufacturer.

The WiFi adapter offers broad compatibility, including with Windows 10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP and macOS versions 10.9 to 10.15. According to the manufacturer, driver installation is required for use. According to Techkey, TV sets, projectors, and printers are expressly not supported. The AC-1200 series must be supported by all routes, whether WPA, WPA2 or WEP. The WiFi adapter measures 19.5 x 12.5 x 1.5 centimeters (length/width/height) and weighs 77.1 grams.

Advantages
  • High speed up to 1,200 megabits per second
  • 2.4 and 5 gigahertz bands
  • USB 3.0 port (faster data transfer)
  • WPS button (auto configuration)
  • Wide compatibility (Windows XP or higher and Mac OS X)
  • External 5dBi amplifier antenna (better reception)
Deficiency
  • No obvious flaws

What is a WiFi adapters?

WiFi adapters


Externally, WiFi adapters initially resembled USB sticks. Instead of a data memory, which is located inside a USB stick, a WiFi adapter contains an adapter that makes it possible to connect a PC or other device to the Internet via a wireless connection. This usually requires a WiFi router or WiFi hotspot within range so the stick can pick up the WiFi signal. Wireless networking with other devices on the local network is also possible. The WiFi adapter replaces the missing WLAN receiver, which is pre-installed on a mobile device like a laptop or tablet, but isn't available on every desktop PC, for example. With the help of a WLAN stick or WiFi adapter, even devices that do not have a WLAN receiver can enable WLAN.

This is how WiFi adapters work

Nowadays we are used to accessing the internet from various mobile devices at any time and without annoying and annoying cables. In most cases, this access is via WiFi, so most of us use this technology on a daily basis. But how do WLANs as well as WiFi adapters work? The term WLAN stands for Wireless Local Area Network. It designates a wireless or wireless local area network. A local network can be, for example, two or more devices such as a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone connected to each other, or a WLAN router connected to one or more devices.

When PCs find their way into a private home, it is common to connect devices on the local area network using cables. Whether a modem, router or multiple computers to each other, Ethernet cables are usually used to set up a local network.

LAN parties also date back to this period, where computer gamers in particular met from the late 1980s to connect their computers to the network via cables and play games together.

However, over the years the need for digital mobility and flexibility has increased and at the same time broadband networks have expanded. The bulky and inflexible desktop PC are being replaced by mobile laptops and in 2005 laptops and notebooks sold more than desktops in the EU. Almost all of these laptops and notebooks contain a WLAN chip with which a wireless connection can be established in a local network.

In contrast to wired LANs (Local Area Networks), WLANs are based on radio connections. At least two devices, a transmitter and a receiver are required. In private households, wireless local area networks are often used to connect end devices to the Internet. Routers are usually used as transmitters, and smartphones, tablets, laptops or even desktop PCs are used as receivers. Electromagnetic radio signals are now established between the transmitter and the receiver. These radio signals are sent on different channels in different frequencies. For a connection to be made, the transmitter and receiver must be on the same wavelength, i.e. use the same frequency. These frequencies are allocated at the European level and are in two different areas:
  • 2.4 GHz range
  • 5GHz range
Channels over which radio signals can be transmitted are released in this frequency range. These are channels 1 through 13 in the 2.4 GHz range and channels 36 through 64 and 100 to 140 in the 5 GHz range.

But in reality, only every fourth channel is used, for example in the 2.4 GHz range only channels 1, 4, 9 and 13. The reason for this is that the WLAN signal cannot be limited to a fixed frequency and interference will quickly occur and interference can occur. .

For radio transmission over WLAN to work, the transmitter and receiver must of course be equipped with the appropriate WLAN module. Modern mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets as well as laptops are usually equipped with the module in the form of a WLAN chip. However, if a device such as an old desktop PC does not have a WLAN receiver, a WLAN stick will be used. It is connected to the device via USB and takes on the role of a WLAN receiver and allows the device to be integrated into a wireless local network.

This requirement is required to use the WiFi adapter

To be able to use the best WiFi adapter, the device only needs to meet a few requirements. The most important is the USB port where the WiFi adapter can be plugged in. Depending on the type of WiFi adapter, this should be a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 connection.

If the WiFi adapter is a model with a USB 3.0 interface, the stick can be used with both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, as USB is backwards compatible. However, the advantages of the USB 3.0 standard, such as faster transfer speeds, can only be used if both devices are USB 3.0 compatible.

The second requirement for using the best WiFi adapter is an existing WLAN signal that the stick can accept. This signal can come from a wireless router or from a public hot spot. If installation via a driver CD is required, the device must also have a CD drive.

Wi-Fi adapter installation

WiFi adapters are very easy to use and that's why they are so popular. No need to open the computer cover, for example inserting a WLAN card, but simply connect the WiFi adapter to a computer or other device via a free USB port.

If it is a WLAN adapter with an antenna, it makes sense to use a USB extension to place the WiFi adapter. Otherwise, when connected directly to the device, the antenna may get in the way and increase the risk of bumping or snagging and damaging something accidentally.

Installation of the best WiFi adapters is usually very simple, but there can be significant differences in the proper implementation. How to install the WiFi adapter depends, among other things, on the
  • Wi-Fi adapter
  • The router
  • Operating system
Depending on the above factors, one of the following three installation methods is usually used:
  1. Plug & Play, also referred to as Plug and Surf in this case
  2. Installation via driver CD
  3. Installation via WPS button
The simplest is the Plug & Play variant. The WiFi adapter just plugs into a free USB port and there's no need to install a driver CD. This variant is very often possible with the Windows 10 operating system.

Older Windows operating systems often require a driver CD to install the WiFi adapter. The included CD is inserted into the appropriate drive and you just need to follow the instructions. Another option which is also very simple is to install using the WPS button. The acronym WPS stands for Wi-Fi Protected Setup and allows for simplified connection establishment between devices on the local network. Installation via the WPS button also has the advantage that the WLAN security key is sent automatically and does not have to be entered manually.

Not all devices have a WPS button. Older devices in particular are not yet equipped with this standard. The location of the WPS button and what it's called also differs from device to device. Common designations are WPS, WLAN or the appropriate symbol.

To connect devices such as WiFi adapters to a home network via WPS, routers and WiFi adapters must have a WPS button. If you now press both WPS buttons, the devices will automatically recognize each other and connect to each other. The exact procedure is always device dependent and can be found in the operating instructions.

This is how the WiFi adapter is used

The best WiFi adapters are mainly used to integrate devices that are not WLAN capable themselves into a wireless network. In this case, the WiFi adapter acts as a WLAN receiver and allows the device to receive radio signals from routers or other devices. Some WiFi adapters also have an AP mode where they not only act as receivers, but can also be set up as hotspots or routers that other receivers can connect to.

Almost all modern devices today are equipped with a WLAN receiver. But even if a WLAN receiver is readily available, a WiFi adapter can make sense if the existing receiver uses outdated standards and is therefore slow.

In certain circumstances, devices other than computers, such as non-smart TV sets, can also be upgraded with a WiFi adapter. However, whether this is possible always depends on the individual device and technical possibilities. The prerequisite is always a USB port that the stick can connect to.

Important terms and questions about WiFi adapters

If you are looking to buy the best WiFi adapter, you will quickly come across abbreviations and technical terms that you may not be familiar with when making your choice. For this reason, we would like to present and explain the most important abbreviations and terms related to WiFi adapters and answer the most important questions that can arise about WiFi adapters.

WiFi Standard

An indication that you will come across again and again when choosing the appropriate WiFi adapter is the so-called WLAN standard or WLAN type. For devices to be compatible with each other, the WLAN signal must meet the standard. This standard is called IEEE 802.11 and is divided into several types in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges, which differ in terms of transmission speed.

The following standards are in the 2.4 GHz frequency range:
  • 802.11 with a transmission speed of 1-2 Mbit/s
  • 802.11b with 6 Mbit/s . transmission speed
  • 802.11 g with a transmission speed of 20 Mbit/s
  • 802.11n with a transmission speed of 170 Mbit/s
The following standards are in the 5 GHz frequency range:
  • 802.11 a and h with transmission speeds of 20 Mbit/s . each
  • 802.11n with a transmission speed of 170 Mbit/s
  • 802.11ac with transmission speed of 1300 Mbit/s
The current ac WiFi standard is the fastest standard and an ac type WiFi stick can, for example, significantly improve older devices equipped with slower standards. For this reason, it makes sense to use a WiFi adapter even with devices that already have a WLAN receiver.

Like USB, the WLAN standard is backward compatible. Therefore you can also use ac type WiFi adapter with standard a, b, g or n, but you can only use full bandwidth if all devices are compatible with ac.

The future WLAN standard, which will be delivered in the 60 GHz frequency range, is called 802.11 ad and is expected to have a transmission speed of over 6 Gbit/s.

WiFi Speed

This also brings us to WLAN speeds. With a WiFi adapter, you depend on the WLAN standard, but what speed is needed for what? First of all, you should know the transmission speed at which your WLAN connection works at home. The transmission speed of 1300 Mbit/s is of no use to you if this speed is not already available when you connect it, because the WiFi adapter can only capture and forward WLAN signals, but cannot increase the existing data transmission speed. For home use, speeds of around 150 to 300 Mbit/s are usually sufficient. This allows videos to be streamed in HD quality, which means you can use services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and also play YouTube videos smoothly.

The abbreviations Mbit/s and Mbps appear in relation to the speed of the WiFi adapter. They both mean "megabits per second" and have identical meanings. Mbps is mainly used to avoid confusion with Mb/s (Megabytes per second).

Frequency range

WLAN radio signals are sent in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency ranges. WLAN sticks and routers must match in this case, because WLAN sticks operating in the 5 GHz frequency range cannot be connected to routers transmitting in the 2.4 GHz frequency range. However, in most cases, the WiFi adapter works in dual band, which means the stick can be used in both frequency ranges.

USB interface

A USB port is required to connect the WiFi adapter to the device. Therefore, your device must have a free USB port in order for you to connect the WLAN stick. Most of the best WiFi adapters come with a USB 2.0 interface. They can be used on terminal devices with USB 2.0 as well as USB 3.0 or higher. If the device you want to connect the WiFi adapter to has USB 3.0, you can only take advantage of faster transfer speeds if you use a WLAN stick with USB 3.0.

The USB 2.0 standard is usually sufficient to connect and operate a WiFi adapter.

WiFi security and encryption

The home network should always be encrypted so that no one can access it from outside and thus access your data. There are various ways to protect and encrypt a home network, but incorrect encryption can not only make the network insecure, but can also drastically reduce the speed of a WLAN. Abbreviations such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA+WPA2, TKIP, AES or CCMP appear when it comes to encryption, but they mean very little to many Internet users. So let's take a closer look:

WEP, WPA and WPA2 are security standards

Wifi adapters


The oldest and no longer current standard is WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). It was superseded by WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access), but this security standard is over 15 years old and no longer up to date. The current security standard is WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) and although it was developed in 2006, this security standard is still valid today.

The abbreviations TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or CCMP (Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol) describe the encryption methods used by the security standard. For example, WPA uses TKIP. This makes it much more secure than the outdated WEP standard, but TKIP limits connection speeds to 54 Mbit/s and can consequently make WLANs slower. Therefore, the modern WPA2 standard uses CCMP encryption, which allows speeds in excess of 150 Mbit/s, and AES also allows higher speeds. Therefore, the best, fastest and latest encryption is WPA2 (AES or CCMP).

WLAN stick or WLAN adapter?

Sometimes there is confusion in terms of the terms WLAN stick and WLAN adapter. They are sometimes used synonymously, but there is actually one important difference: WLAN sticks consist of just the stick itself, whereas WLAN adapters have one or more antennas, often removable. With the help of this antenna, the WLAN adapter can also pick up weak WLAN signals. If you want to make it more technical, you can also refer to a WLAN adapter as a WLAN stick with an antenna. Which device is more suitable depends on the individual case. If only a weak WLAN signal is available at the point of use, a WLAN adapter with a suitable antenna may be more suitable.

You can measure WiFi signal strength yourself using various apps. The application can be installed on a smartphone and shows the WLAN strength of various networks within your range.

Please don't get confused: WLAN stick, USB stick, surf stick and WiFi repeater

The appearance of USB sticks and WLAN sticks alone invites confusion. But even if they look very similar, the inner workings are completely different. While USB sticks offer storage space and have no effect on WLAN reception, you can't store anything on WLAN sticks, but they do upgrade the device so that it can be connected and used in wireless networks.

Another risk of confusion lies with the surf stick. The WLAN stick acts as a WLAN receiver and makes older devices that don't have a WLAN module compatible with WLANs. However, the stick only accepts WLAN signals already sent by the router or hotspot. Surf Stick works in a very different way. It acts as a router itself and does not access the Internet from a telephone socket like a router does, but through a cellular network, like a smartphone. With Surf Stick you can set up your own connection to the Internet, even if you don't have a router or an Internet contract with a provider like Telekom.

The third in the group, which is often confused with WLAN sticks, is the WLAN repeater. Not because of how it looks, because unlike WLAN sticks and surf sticks, a WLAN repeater doesn't look like a standard USB stick, but has a power outlet and doesn't connect to a computer or other device, but to a plugged-in socket. It captures the router's WiFi signal and amplifies it, so it can also be used in remote places at home, on the balcony or in the garden where there is good WiFi coverage. Devices integrated into the local network can access repeaters with a stronger signal than routers with too weak a signal, so you can, for example, connect devices via WLAN on the first or second floor, even if the router is on the ground floor or downstairs. ground Use the WiFi range in the park in summer.

Other terms related to WiFi adapter

Apart from that, there are other terms related to WiFi adapters that we would like to briefly explain to you here

What exactly...

... Wi-Fi hotspots?

A WiFi hotspot is a publicly accessible wireless Internet access point. WLAN hotspots are located in public buildings, for example, but are also offered in private rooms such as in restaurants. Hotspots are meant to give people free access to the Internet.

…Wifi??

Wi-Fi, pronounced wai-fai, is an artistic term coined for high fidelity, based on the famous analogy of Hi-Fi. The term was developed by a consortium of companies engaged in radio interface certification and changed its name from WECA (Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance) to Wi-Fi Alliance in 2002. Therefore Wi-Fi is not an actual abbreviation, although Wi certainly stands for wireless. In English, but also in German-speaking countries, Wi-Fi is often used as a synonym for WLAN, but while WLAN refers to a radio network, Wi-Fi stands for certification according to the IEEE 802.11 standard.

... a dongle?

A WLAN dongle is the same as a WLAN stick. The term comes from the early days of this technology, when WLAN sticks were called dongles.

… access point?

An access point or wireless access point is a device that not only receives but also transmits data. With its help, various devices can be connected in the network. In a home network, for example, the router is the access point. Public access points are hotspots.

… UMTS stick?

The UMTS stick is nothing more than a surf stick. However, not to be confused with WLAN sticks.

Alternative to WiFi adapters

If a device that does not have a WLAN receiver is to be connected to the home network, there is of course the option of connecting the device via a cable. If it's a desktop PC sitting in a fixed place, say on a desk, and it's possible to lay the cables so they don't get in the way, connecting with an Ethernet cable is a good alternative, as the cable ensures a stable and fast connection. However, in practice, often times the wires get in the way or hang around somewhere that is distracting or unattractive and therefore you prefer to use a wireless connection. If the connection with the WiFi adapter is unstable or too slow, there is an option to use a WLAN adapter with the antenna. Alternatively, a new network card with a WLAN receiver can also be installed in the device. However, this requires certain specialized knowledge and a computer layman should do it in a suitable repair shop.

WiFi adapter maintenance and care

WiFi adapters


Maintenance and care is usually not required with WiFi adapters. However, you should protect the stick from dust, dirt, and moisture and make sure it doesn't drop or be subject to shock and mechanical influences. When the wand is not in use or you carry it with you frequently, it makes sense to carry it in a small box or something similar where the wand is kept dry and clean. When using a WLAN adapter with an antenna, it is sometimes recommended to use a USB extension to make sure the antenna doesn't interfere when the stick is connected directly to the computer and so you don't get caught and accidentally damage something.

Accessories for WiFi adapter

The most important accessory for a WiFi adapter is a USB extension. It doesn't always make sense or possible to connect a WiFi adapter to a USB port on the end device. For example, if there is no USB port on the front of the device and the back of the device is placed directly against the wall, the WiFi adapter may only receive a poor signal there. In this case, a USB extension helps, with the help of a WiFi adapter it can be placed in a better position. Another useful accessory is a USB hub. If you don't have a free USB port on your end device, you can use a USB hub to provide additional ports.

You should consider this when buying a WiFi adapter

The use of a WiFi adapter offers many advantages, because wireless devices are more practical in everyday life.

Advantages
  • No annoying cables
  • Even older devices can be integrated wirelessly into a home network
  • If the end device is equipped with an outdated WLAN standard, the WLAN speed can be increased with a WLAN stick
  • WLAN sticks are easy to connect and don't require more than one free USB slot
Deficiency
  • Connection may be unstable
This trade offers a huge selection of WiFi adapters. In order for you to choose the right stick, you have to consider a few things before buying it.

First determine the type of device you want to use the WiFi adapter on. Do you need a WiFi adapter for a PC or should a WLAN stick be used for a TV set, for example? Upgrading an outdated desktop computer with a WLAN stick and integrating it wirelessly into a home network is not a problem in most cases. With televisions or other devices, this may look different under certain circumstances, as the WiFi adapter cannot automatically establish Internet capability if the end device is not designed for this. Depending on the end device, you will have to figure out exactly whether it makes sense to use a WiFi adapter. The manufacturer can usually provide information.

In addition, you should pay attention to the following:
  • Choose an appropriate WLAN standard The most common WLAN standard today is 802.11 n and this is usually sufficient for most applications. If you need more speed and want to be better prepared for the future, we recommend choosing the latest standard air conditioner
  • Choose the right speed for home use, speeds of 150 to 300 Mbit/s are usually sufficient.
  • Make sure the WLAN stick is working in the correct frequency range. The frequency range of the router must match the frequency range of the WLAN stick. Therefore, both devices must work in either the 2.4 GHz range or in the 5 GHz range. However, most modern devices are equipped with dual-band functionality and can be used in both areas
  • With or without antenna? If the WiFi signal is weak, choose a WiFi adapter with an antenna that picks up the signal better than a regular stick
  • Pay attention to the USB interface especially if you want to use the new 802.11 ac standard with high data transfer rates, WLAN sticks and end devices must be equipped with a USB 3.0 interface. However, a USB 2.0 connection is sufficient for conventional standards up to 802.11 n.
  • Make sure you have a compatible operating system most WLAN sticks are compatible with Windows and Mac OS and many will work with Linux too. However, there are exceptions and as such you should make sure when purchasing that your operating system is compatible with the WLAN stick.
  • Make sure you are using the latest encryption WLAN sticks should offer the latest encryption in the form of WPA2 (AES or CCMP). The WEP standard is completely outdated and should no longer be used today, and the combination of WPA (TKIP) and WPA/WPA2 can significantly reduce the speed of your WLAN.
Conclusion

You can connect your various personal devices to the internet using the help of a stick WLAN adapter. Wireless adapters are also easier to use when compared to wired ones. So, why not immediately try a wireless LAN adapter to make it more practical?

In order not to make the wrong choice, make sure the hardware and software of the adapter and your personal device are compatible. Then, choose the best Wifi adapters for PC that fits your needs and budget.

Post a Comment for "11 Best WiFi Adapters For PC"