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8 Best WiFi Adapters for Gaming

In case you play games on your gaming PC, then it is highly likely that you play both offline as well as online multiplayer games.

While you may already have powerful hardware for running all your games smoothly, you still need to have a stable internet connection for playing online games. And if you wish to use WiFi for the same, you should go with one of the best WiFi adapters for gaming stated down below due to these features:

  • Wireless Type: While buying a WiFi adapter, checking its wireless type and WiFi type is quite important to get an idea of its performance as well as connection stability. Fortunately, all WiFi adapters made for gaming run on 802.11ac for the best performance over dual-band WiFi.
  • PC Connectivity: Before you can start using a given WiFi adapter, you also need to connect it to your computer. But with different WiFi adapters, this connectivity is done via different connectors. While a lot of them are USB WiFi adapters, some might be PCIe WiFi adapters that are high-performance ones.
  • OS Support: Apart from being compatible in terms of the hardware connection, your WiFi adapter also needs to be compatible with the operating system of your computer. Thus, almost all WiFi adapters are compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 which should be more than enough for most buyers.

Surely these factors can be helpful to pick the right WiFi adapter for pc, but you also need to consider other things. And hence, the various WiFi adapters stated down below have been stated along with their important details and features along with a complete “Buying Guide” so that you can pick the best WiFi adapter for gaming at the end of this listicle.

Best WiFi Adapters For Gaming Table

WiFi Adapters for GamingWireless TypePC ConnectivityOS SupportBuy Now
TP-Link WiFi Adapter802.11acPCIeWindows 11,10,8.1,7,11Check On Amazon
TP-Link AC1300 WiFi Adapter802.11acPCIeWindows 7, 8, 8.1, 10,11Check On Amazon
ASUS WiFi Adapter802.11n, 802.11ax, 802.11acPCIeWindows 7,10,11Check On Amazon
Netgear Wi-Fi Adapter802.11acUSBWindows 7, 8, 8.1, 10,11Check On Amazon
EDUP WiFi Adapter802.11acUSBWindows 7, 8, 8.1, 10,11Check On Amazon
TRENDnet WiFi Adapter802.11acUSBWindows 7, 8, 8.1, 10,11Check On Amazon
D-Link WiFi Adapter802.11acUSBWindows 7, 8, 8.1, 10,11Check On Amazon
Rosewill WiFi Adapter802.11acPCIeWindows 7, 8, 8.1, 10,11 Check On Amazon

Best WiFi Adapters For Gaming Reviews

1. TP-Link Wifi Adapter

tp-linkTP-Link Archer T2U Plus AC600 USB Wi-Fi Adapter is a solution for enhancing your PC or laptop’s Wi-Fi capabilities. This tiny device delivers fast speeds of up to 600 Mbps, suitable for streaming HD videos, playing games online, and transferring large files with ease.

It has dual-band connectivity, allowing seamless connection to both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. The 5 GHz band provides faster internet with a wider reach due to less traffic.

The strong antenna makes Wi-Fi reach further, good for big places or weak signals. It’s as easy as plugging in and starting to use – no hassle. Just plug it in, install the driver, and get better Wi-Fi instantly. It works smoothly on both Windows and Mac computers, suiting everyone.

Best Features

  • Speeds up to 600 Mbps
  • Dual-band connectivity
  • High-gain antenna for extended range

Pros

  • Easy plug-and-play setup
  • Compatible with Windows and Mac
  • Reliable and stable Wi-Fi connection

Cons

  • Speed limitations for modern applications
  • Uses AC600 Wi-Fi standard

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2. TP-Link AC1300 WiFi Adapter

TP-Link AC1300 PCIe WiFi PCIe Adapter

You can also consider TP-Link and its networking products if you are looking for a WiFi adapter that not only offers high-performance numbers but is also great for gaming.

TP-Link AC1300 WiFi adapter for pc gaming is another adapter made primarily for desktop users who play online games. This is due to the reason that it uses the PCIe slots of your computer for its connectivity needs.

Once you have installed it, you can expect to get decently high transfer speeds from it which are rated at 400 Mbps for 2.4 Ghz and 867 Mbps which should be ample for most users despite being lower than others. TP-Link has not compromised in terms of its compatibility since it works with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

Best Features

  • Uses 802.11ac WiFi protocol
  • Offers PCIe connectivity
  • Rated 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 400 Mbps
  • Rated 5.0 GHz speeds of up to 867 Mbps
  • Supported with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10

Pros

  • High-speed PCIe adapter
  • Great for desktop usage
  • High range antennas on the back

Cons  

  • Speeds not on par with other PCIe adapters

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3. ASUS WiFi Adapter

asusASUS PCE-AXE59BT WiFi 6E PCIe Adapter is ideal for your Wi-Fi for gaming and streaming with strong signals and lightning-fast speeds. Setting it up was an easy, and it was fast and reliable right from the start. Whether you’re gaming hard or streaming HD, this adapter delivers lightning-fast Wi-Fi that never falters. A standout feature is the external antenna, used in eliminating dead zones and boosting signal strength.

This not only enhances connectivity but also ensures a smoother and uninterrupted online journey. It offers fast and consistent Wi-Fi speeds, even during the most demanding tasks.

Its blend of easy installation, exceptional speeds, and the added advantage of an extended signal range makes it a worthwhile for anyone aiming to enhance their desktop’s connectivity experience.

Best Features

  • Wi-Fi 6E for faster speeds and less congestion.
  • Enhanced signal range for broader coverage.
  • Ideal for gaming and streaming.

Pros

  • Easy installation.
  • Reliable, high-speed performance.
  • Minimizes dead zones with external antenna.

Cons

  • Higher cost.
  • Verify compatibility with your PC.

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4. Netgear Wi-Fi Adapter

Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter

You can also consider Netgear and its WiFi adapter if you want something made for high performance because it is a highly popular brand of networking products.

Netgear’s Nighthawk AC1900 WiFi adapter for pc gaming comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as this can be another great high-performance option. But unlike the previous Asus one, this is a USB one making it more versatile.

Apart from having a large form factor for excellent range, this WiFi adapter also offers pretty high WiFi speeds which are rated at 600 Mbps and 1300 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively. Talking about its supported operating systems, you can use this WiFi adapter with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

Best Features

  • Uses 802.11ac WiFi protocol
  • Offers USB connectivity
  • Rated 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 600 Mbps
  • Rated 5.0 GHz speeds of up to 1300 Mbps
  • Supported with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10

Pros

  • High-performance USB adapter
  • Pretty long range
  • Great speeds for most users

Cons

  • A bit large in size

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5. EDUP WiFi Adapter

EDUP WIFI ADAPTER

Edup and its networking products like their WiFi adapter stated here can be a great option for all those of you who are on a tight budget.

This Edup WiFi adapter for gaming is the cheapest option stated here making it the perfect option for buyers on a budget. Being an entry-level WiFi adapter, it is a USB adapter that still uses the 802.11ac protocol for dual-band connectivity.

Even though its speeds may not be the highest, for the given price, its speeds of up to 150 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 600 Mbps on 5 GHz are quite good. Being a USB WiFi adapter, it works with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 for high compatibility.

Best Features

  • Uses 802.11ac WiFi protocol
  • Offers USB connectivity
  • Rated 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 150 Mbps
  • Rated 5.0 GHz speeds of up to 600 Mbps
  • Supported with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10

Pros

  • Portable WiFi adapter
  • Highly affordable and budget-friendly
  • Decent range for the given size

Cons

  • Not the best performer

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6. TRENDnet WiFi Adapter

TRENDnet AC1900 Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter

While Trendnet may not be a popular brand of networking devices like a WiFi adapter made for gaming, it certainly offers high-performance options like the one stated here.

With the Trendnet AC1900 WiFi adapter for pc gaming, you can expect to get great performance numbers. A great thing about this adapter is that it offers them on both desktop and laptop thanks to its USB connectivity option.

Because this WiFi adapter is quite large in size and offers 4 antennas in total, you can expect high network speeds of up to 600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz. Similar to most other options, this WiFi adapter also works with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

Best Features

  • Uses 802.11ac WiFi protocol
  • Offers USB connectivity
  • Rated 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 600 Mbps
  • Rated 5.0 GHz speeds of up to 1300 Mbps
  • Supported with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10

Pros

  • Viable for both laptop and desktop users
  • Large-sized antennas for proper range
  • Quite high network speeds

Cons  

  • Not the most compact option

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7. D-Link USB WiFi Adapter

 

D-Link USB WiFi AdapterD-Link is another highly popular brand of networking devices that generally offers excellent performance numbers while being highly versatile.

The D-Link DWA-181 WiFi adapter for gaming can be another great option for those who need an adapter for their laptop. While it is a bit large in size, it uses USB for connectivity making it highly versatile.

Moving over to the performance numbers of this USB WiFi adapter, it can go up to 400 Mbps and 867 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Because this is a D-Link networking product, it works with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11 making it highly versatile.

Best Features

  • Uses 802.11ac WiFi protocol
  • Offers USB connectivity
  • Rated 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 400 Mbps
  • Rated 5.0 GHz speeds of up to 867 Mbps
  • Supported with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and 11

Pros

  • High network speeds
  • Uses USB for connectivity
  • Compatible with most operating systems

Cons   

  • A bit large in size

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8. Rosewill WiFi Adapter

Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCE Rnx Wifi Adapter

Rosewill makes all kinds of computer accessories that offer all kinds of functionalities along with high-performance numbers in most cases.

This Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCE WiFi adapter for pc gaming comes at the 3rd position of this article because this can be another viable option for desktop users. This is due to the reason that you get PCIe connectivity this WiFi adapter allowing you to install it on the motherboard.

Because this is a PCIe WiFi adapter, you can expect excellent speeds from it which happen to be 600 Mbps for 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps for 5 GHz. Rosewill ensures that you can use this WiFi adapter with all modern gaming computers since it works with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.

Best Features

  • Uses 802.11ac WiFi protocol
  • Offers PCIe connectivity
  • Rated 2.4 GHz speeds of up to 600 Mbps
  • Rated 5.0 GHz speeds of up to 1300 Mbps
  • Supported with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10

Pros

  • Great for desktop users
  • Fairly high network speeds
  • Decent value for money

Cons

  • Not ideal for laptop users

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Buying Guide For The Best WiFi Adapters For Gaming

Even though it is recommended to use a wired internet connection for the best stability while playing online multiplayer games, it may not be the most practical option. In that case, you get something high performance like the best WiFi adapters for gaming present above in this list.

To help you pick the right one, all of their features and specifications have been explained. We are here with the following detailed buying guide for the best WiFi adapters for gaming:

1. Wireless Type

The most important factor to consider before getting a WiFi adapter is its wireless type. It tells you about the stability of the connection as well as performance. While older WiFi adapters used the slower 802.11n wireless protocol, all modern adapters rely on 802.11 ac. This is only found in dual-band WiFi routers that use 5 GHz frequency for the high network speeds.

2. PC Connection

To use any adapter with your computer including a WiFi adapter, you first need to connect it to the right connector. Usually, you will find USB and PCIe WiFi adapters where the former offers slightly slower speeds. Although, USB WiFi adapters are much more practical since they can be connected to desktops as well as laptops. On the other hand, PCIe WiFi adapters only work with desktops and their PCIe slots.

3. Maximum Speed 2.4 GHz

Coming to the performance of your WiFi adapter, checking its maximum speed is quite important. Starting with the 2.4 GHz frequency band, it offers a much higher range at the expense of maximum speed. Thus, you will find maximum speed ratings like 400 Mbps or 600 Mbps over 2.4 GHz in most WiFi adapters.

4. Maximum Speed 5 GHz

You should also check the maximum speed supported by your WiFi adapter when it is using the 5 GHz frequency band. While the range offered by 5 GHz is quite limited compared to 2.4 GHz, you certainly get much higher speeds at 1300 Mbps or higher. For both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi adapters, having a higher maximum speed is always more handy.

5. OS Support

Even if you go with a high-performance WiFi adapter, you will not be able to use it properly if you do not check the supported operating systems. Usually, you will find WiFi adapters to include support for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. If you wish to play online PC games, then this is more than enough for you.

Conclusion

Whether you are using a gaming desktop or an older gaming laptop, there is a very high chance that it does not have WiFi connectivity. This can be quite a big issue if you wish to play online multiplayer games but do not have access to a wired network access.

In that case, you can go with one of the best WiFi adapters for gaming present above. We have also discussed their information and features along with a comprehensive buying guide. Keeping these things in mind, here are our preferred recommended picks for the best WiFi adapters for gaming:

  • Being a PCIe WiFi adapter, the Asus WiFi Adapter offers the best performance out there. It offers up to 1000 Mbps and 2100 Mbps maximum speed ratings for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. You also get support for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 with this WiFi adapter making it highly versatile.
  • For those of you who wish to get a high-performance USB WiFi adapter, then you can go with the Netgear WiFi Adapter While it is a bit large in size, this USB WiFi adapter offers excellent range and speeds. You can get up to 600 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and 1300 Mbps on 5 GHz which is sufficient for most.
  • If you are on a tight budget, then you can go with the EDUP WiFi Adapter since it is the cheapest option present above. Even then, it supports 5 GHz at up to 433 Mbps and 2.4 GHz at up 150 Mbps for decent speeds. Since it is a USB WiFi adapter, it can be connected to any device of your choice with ease.

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