How to enable WiFi on a desktop computer without a built-in WiFi adapter?
Is there a way to know whether WiFi is built-in?
- Desktops don't have wifi built-in.You need to buy a USB wifi dongle, and they cost around $10-$100 depending on how powerful the signal is that you need to grab.
- Thanks. Please tell , how would you compare usb and pc card?
- Doesn't matter - it's the aerial attached to them that counts. Bigger aerial - better, generally.
- Eset nod32 internet security 10-12 key code. You can easily create virtual wifi connection. Try the two links below
[Link Removed][Link Removed]These two articles will have the perfect solution for your question :)- hi. Please note query is 'How to enable WiFi on a desktop computer without a built-in WiFi adapter?'
- 'How to enable WiFi on a desktop computer without a built-in WiFi adapter?'
This may sound a little obvious but buy a WiFi card and problem solved.- hiPlease tell , how to know whether wifi adaptor is available on pc or not?
- 'wireless and network connections' - 'set a wireless network' in xp = indicates wifi access from android capability?
- open device manager expand 'Network Adapters' look for an entry 'Wireless' or 'Wi-Fi. If not then buy a Wifi cards and insert to PCIx1 slot, or buy UBS wifi dongle.
- Thanks. Please tell : Same as 'wireless and network connections' - 'set a wireless network' in xp = indicates wifi access from android capability?
- Is a usb wifi adaptor as good as a card?
- The Desktop Wireless Adapter Difference: USB vs. PCI
http://www.pcworld.com/article/243226/the_desktop_wireless_adapter_difference_usb_vs_pci.html
If it’s convenience, go USB. If it’s performance, PCI is probably your best bet.Which is Faster PCI or PCI Express? Compare
PCI Express 1x 2,500 Mb/s
USB 3 4,800 Mb/s
[Link Removed] - Thanks. You mentioned : If it’s convenience, go USB. If it’s performance, PCI is probably your best bet. Please tell , does this imply , one cannot rely on usb wifi adapter to perform wireless internet from router?
- sure nowadays you can rely on your usb wifi adapter and it is mobile you can use it on on another pc also, some are great on 2.4GHz band and fine at 5GHz in 802.11n-mode. PCI is more difficult to handle since you have to open the pc.
- Thanks. Please tell , is it true , that putting wifi adaptor can enable 'virtual routers' also on the computer? I mean , wifi adaptor can receive internet from a wireless router and also tether data using virtual router softwares?
- How to: Turn your Windows computer into a WiFi router
http://filecluster.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Turn-your-computer-into-a-WiFi-router
If you have an older laptop with no WiFi capabilities you'll need to buy a wireless network card or a USB network adapter (this works for both laptops and desktops).
- The easiest way to add Wi-Fi capabilities to a desktop computer would be through the use of a USB wireless adapter dongle. These are usually cheap ($10-20USD) and work quite well. Good brands are Netgear, TP-Link, Linksys/Cisco, Asus, and I have never had any trouble with Airlink 101.Another way to enable Wi-Fi connection is through the use of a PCI or PCI-E slot on the motherboard. These may be better since many of these adapters would include an antenna, which may increase the signal strength being received. These adapters are generally $20USD or more.Here is how you can check to see if you have a wireless network adapter: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-xp/help/networking/install-wireless-network-adapter. Click on Start, Control Panel, and then click Network and Internet Connections or Network Connections. The network adapters that are installed on your computer should be displayed in this new window, and will display if the adapter is wireless or not.
- Thanks. Pl tell : did you 'not' mention a word in the line ; 'displayed in this new window, and will display if the adapter is wireless or not.'
- Sorry. To clarify, the 'new window' is the 'Network Connections' window in which it will display any installed network adapter, whether wireless or wired. It will display the name of the network adapters, such as Intel Pro 1000, and underneath would display if it is a wired Ethernet connection or wireless connection.
- Thanks. Please weblink usb wifi adaptor which can work for windows xp desktop
- Virtually any USB Wi-Fi adapter dongle found here would work: [Link Removed] I recommend TP-Link, Netgear, and Buffalo brand products. I've had trouble with D-Link adapters connecting to certain Wi-Fi routers, but this brand tends to be recommended as well.
- Thanks. Please tell , what is disadvantage in performance of usb wifi adapter over pci wifi adapter? with reason
- Most USB Wi-Fi adapters do not come with an external antenna, meaning that reception may not be as good, and pointing the adapter in a more appropriate direction to gain more signal strength may not be easy. Most PCI-E adapters have external antenna connections so that the antenna can be pointing towards the router location and have a better chance for stronger signal strength. The antenna connectors could also be capable of using external powered antennae to gain maximum signal strength from longer distances.There are, however, some USB Wi-Fi adapters that do have antennae attached, though these are more expensive. In smaller areas that do not require higher levels of signal strength (remember that walls, obstacles, and other interference will reduce signal strength), standard USB Wi-Fi adapters should be fine.
- Thanks . I have read your answer with care. Please tell , that a wifi adaptor also works to convert the computer into a virtual router ( using virtual router softwares like connectify and similar ) ? I mean to ask , it can receive internet as discussed , but it can also tether internet?
- Yes, as Hovsep mentions, you can use Connectify to create a virtual router with either the USB adapter or PCIE wireless card.
- Thanks. Please tell , a wifi adaptor can both receive and tether internet to another wifi-capable device?
- I'm not sure if it can work for outgoing and incoming signals at the same time strictly through the Wi-Fi adapter. The question is why would you do this if there is already wireless signal that the devices can connect to? I'm having a hard time finding any information about this, and do not have experience with this specific scenario. Sorry I could not be of more help here.
Wi-Fi is becoming more common in desktop computers, but not all desktop computers have it. Add Wi-Fi and you can connect to the Internet wirelessly and host Wi-Fi hotspots for your other devices.
This is a simple, inexpensive process. Buy the right little adapter and you can even take it with you, quickly adding Wi-Fi to any desktop you come across by plugging a tiny device into its USB port.
Why You Might Want to Do This
If you’re happy with your current Ethernet connection, there’s no need to throw away the cables and go wireless. Good old Ethernet cables are still useful, offer faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections than Wi-Fi.
The benefits of Wi-Fi are tough to ignore, even in a desktop PC. With Wi-Fi, you can position your desktop computer anywhere in your home or office, as long as there’s a power outlet nearby. You can then connect it to your router without running an Ethernet cable. Adding Wi-Fi to your desktop PC can also be useful even if it already has an Ethernet connection. With Wi-Fi, you can host a Wi-Fi hotspot on your PC, allowing other devices to connect through its Internet connection.
The Easy Method: A USB-to-Wi-Fi Adapter
RELATED:How to Add Bluetooth to Your Computer
Just as you can add Bluetooth to an old computer simply by plugging a little Bluetooth dongle into its USB port, you can add Wi-Fi to a computer by plugging a tiny little dongle into a USB port. This is an easy and cheap option.
RELATED:How to Setup Wi-Fi On Your Raspberry Pi via the Command Line
You can purchase a USB-to-Wi-Fi adapter for as little as $10 on Amazon. It’s a simple way to add Wi-Fi to any computer. You could leave the device in a spare USB port and forget it’s there or take it with you so you can add Wi-Fi to any desktop computer you come across. This is also a great way to add Wi-Fi to a Raspberry Pi.
Install an Internal Wi-Fi Card
You can also add a Wi-Fi card to your desktop PC. This involves opening up your PC, and then installing a dedicated internal Wi-Fi card in a PCI Express slot, PCI Express Mini slot, or something similar. Assuming your PC is designed to be opened easily and has a spare slot for an expansion card, this should work well.
The advantage of using a dedicated internal Wi-Fi card is that it will potentially have better reception than a little USB dongle—mostly because the internal version can include a larger antenna that sticks out of the back of your PC.
Expect to pay somewhere between $15 and $35 for an internal Wi-Fi card on Amazon. Before you purchase one, be sure your computer has a free slot of the appropriate type and that you’re comfortable installing it on your own. Assuming you can get your computer open easily, it should just be a matter of shutting it down, opening the case, plugging the card into the slot (and securing it with a screw, closing the case, and booting up.
When you’re done, your computer will be able to connect to Wi-Fi just like your average laptop. You may have to install the drivers that came with your Wi-Fi hardware first, though.
Image Credit: miniyo73 on Flickr, Clive Darra on Flickr, Bastiaan on Flickr
READ NEXT- › How to Speed Up Your PlayStation 4’s Downloads
- › How to Disable the Login Screen’s Background Blur on Windows 10
- › How to Use All Linux’s Search Commands
- › How to See All Your Saved Wi-Fi Passwords on Windows 10
- › How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?
Getting one of the one of the best USB Wi-Fi adapters can get you out of a tight spot. Sometimes, the standard, integrated Wi-Fi adapters you get with PCs or laptops can be less than premium, and almost go stone age straight out of the box. One of the best Wi-Fi adapters can help you out here. If you're rebuilding an old system as a project or to try something out, one of the best WI-Fi adapters can step in. I did this recently trying to rebuild an old PC and was incredibly pleased to pick up a USB Wi-Fi adapter to ensure I had connectivity in my (ultimately futile) quest. Such is their quality nowadays, that reliable connectivity can come in a range of simple, plug-and-go solutions.
So, giving them a bit of love right here, we’ve herded up some of the best USB Wi-Fi adapters for your perusal. For reference, we test the performance of the adapters using NetPerf software at three distances on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Based on the results from those tests, these are our picks for the best USB Wi-Fi adapters you can get right.
Best Wi-Fi range extenders | Best gaming routers | Best gaming headset
Best controller for PC gaming | Best gaming monitor | Best mechanical keyboard
Best controller for PC gaming | Best gaming monitor | Best mechanical keyboard
Trendnet TEW-809UB
Standard: AC1900 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 85 x 75 x 20 mm (3.35 x 2.95 x 0.79 in.) | Weight: 48g (1.7 oz)
Fast AC1900 speeds
Doesn't support MU-MIMO
There are nano adapters at the tiny end of the scale, and at the opposite end is the Trendnet TEW-809UB. This networking device tosses portability out the window, for faster AC1900 (N600, AC1300) speeds and serious antennas. You can count ‘em as there are no less than four external antennas, all positionable with a strength of 5 dBi each. There is only a driver provided, but no software. Rather, Windows is in control of the networking duties. The adapter does not support MU-MIMO, but does support Beamforming.
In use, the Trendnet TEW-809UB is rock stable and fast. It retails for $109, with a street price on Amazon of $79. It puts its antennas to good use, beating every other adapter tested on our new wireless fringe location testing—on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. For using Wi-Fi in a challenging situation with a poor signal, this is the adapter to go with.
ASUS USB-AC68
Best portable USB Wi-Fi adapter
Standard: AC1900 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 4.52 x 1.18 x 0.68 in | Weight: 44g (1.6 oz)
Plugs directly into USB or included cradle
Mediocre 2.4GHz performance
The Asus USB-AC68 adapter features a novel folding design that incorporates dual deployable antennas. It includes a USB 3.0 connection, the AC1900 standard, Asus AiRadar Beamforming, and MU-MIMO via a 3x4 antenna design. The results are a bit of a mixed bag as this Asus adapter lags in the 2.4 GHz tests at both distances. While the 5 GHz tests are much stronger, it still wasn't the fastest at either the close or far distance tested.
While the Trendnet TEW-809UB is our favorite Wi-Fi adapter for its performance and range, it isn't exactly the most compact or portable solution. For those who are hoping to use their adapter for gaming on the road, the Asus USB-AC68 is a much better choice with its street price of $75. The adapter includes a cradle for use at home but can be plugged directly into a USB port for easy travel.
Edimax EW-7833UAC
Standard: AC1750 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 87.1 x 27 x 18 mm (3.4 x 1.1 x .7 in) | Weight: 23g (.81 oz)
Dominated throughput tests
Poor performance at long distances
The Edimax EW-7833UAC is the update to our previous budget adapter pick, the EW-7822UAC. While many mainstream adapters suffice with AC1200 specs, this Edimax EW-7833UAC takes it a notch up with AC1750 speeds (N450, AC1300). Installation was simple, with Windows 10 managing the settings. While it is similar in size to other mainstream adapters, it cleverly features a small deployable piece that contains three antennas to increase range and throughput, along with support for both MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology.
The EW-7833UAC smoked the competition, with class leading throughput on four of the six tests, which included both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. We came away particularly impressed on the close 5 GHz test of 298.9 Mbps, much faster than some other respectable adapters could muster. The only real weakness was on the far tests where this adapter gave up a little ground to the competition. Perhaps the best part is that the street price of this adapter is $34 making these kinds of speeds affordable for all.
Linksys WUSB6100M
Standard: AC600 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 40.64 X 18.03 X 11.94 mm (1.6 x .71 x .47 in) | Weight: 5.9g (.21 oz)
Very compact
Slower 2.4GHz speeds
The Linksys WUSB6100M gets termed “micro” by the Linksys folks, and is quite small. It offers AC600 speeds, of N150, and AC433 Mbps. Even with the diminutive size, it supports the latest technology for wireless adapters, including MU-MIMO and Beamforming.
This tiny device balances its small size against more than decent range and throughput. While the AC600 spec does limit the 2.4 GHz scores, the speeds on 5 GHz, even on the longer distance tests, bring home the win for throughput on three of the six tests for this increasingly competitive category of adapter. The longer distance tests for this adapter are even more impressive when you compare it against its class competition that fall short in the wireless fringe testing. The street price of $30 makes the Linksys WUSB6100M a great choice for an adapter to toss in a bag with your notebook or to carry as a backup.
Trendnet TEW-805UB
Standard: AC1200 IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Dimensions: 80 x 27 x 12 mm (3.1 x 1 x 0.5 in.) | Weight: 20 g (0.7 oz)
Bargain price
Speed isn't great
While many of us want to drive a Porsche or Ferrari, more of us end up driving Honda Civics or Toyota Corollas. For those that want the bargain basement of a USB wireless adapter, we recommend the Trendnet TEW-805UB, the little brother to our best full size adapter pick, the Trendnet TEW-809UB.
This Trendnet adapter is sized just right—compact, while not so easy to lose. The textured outer surface also effectively keeps it from getting all smudged. While it did not win any crowns on throughput, it still had solid speeds across the board, except for the 2.4 GHz fringe test, but recall that we originally started using this location to test extenders as in a Wi-Fi deadspot, this Trendnet adapter still managed 61.5 Mbps of throughput, and all of its other scores were quite a bit higher.
How To Connect Dell Desktop To Wifi
How we test USB Wi-Fi adapters
Testing was done for throughput using NetPerf software. A desktop with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000) is used to send the data via a wired connection to the router. Three test runs were done on each wireless adapter at each of the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, at three distances: close, far and fringe, with the highest throughput of each parameter reported. The router used is the Asus AC1900P, our choice for the Best Budget Gaming Router. The throughput is tested at a “close” 8’ (2.4m) distance with direct line of sight, and also at a “far” 30’ (9.1m) distance with an obstructing floor and wall in the way, as well as some metal ductwork intervening. For this revision, we added tests in a Wi-Fi “fringe” location, that we started using for our Best Wireless Extender Buying Guide, except we did not plug in an extender to make the wireless connection more challenging for the wireless adapter and to test their antennas.
Some online stores give us a small cut if you buy something through one of our links. Read ouraffiliate policyfor more info.
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
The Rundwon
- Best Overall:Net-Dyn AC1200 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter at Amazon, “Capable of covering an area of around 100 yards while still offering its fastest connection speed.”
- Best Budget:Panda Wireless PAU06 at Amazon, “Keeps itself in the background so it does not take up too much of your laptop’s battery.”
- Best Compact: TP-Link N150 Nano at Amazon, “Has a plug-and-play design that requires little configuration regardless of your operating system.”
- Runner-Up, Best Compact:Glam Hobby 600Mbps AC600 at Amazon, “An excellent and smart way to add a 5GHz connection to a laptop or desk in a small package.”
- Best Features:Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter at Amazon, “Includes an extension wire and stand so you can set it upright like an antenna to improve signal.”
- Best Range:TRENDnet TEW-809UB at Amazon, “Featuring beamforming technology that excels at handling multiple Internet users at the same time.”
- Best Splurge:Asus USB-AC68 at Amazon, “Featuring foldable, external antennas to provide enhanced reception for laptops when open.”
- Best for Gaming:Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 WUSB6300 at Amazon, “Featuring speeds up to 300Mbps on the 802.11n 2.4GHz band.”
- Best Design:D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0 at Amazon, “An orb-shaped adapter that connects to your computer via a three-foot USB cable.”
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Net-Dyn AC1200 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter
3.6
Compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, the Net-Dyn dual band USB wireless Wi-Fi adapter is an outstanding choice for adding Wi-Fi to any computer. Utilizing both 2.4GHz and 5GHz capabilities, the Net-Dyn is capable of reaching and covering an area of around 100 yards while still offering its fastest connection speed. Reaching speeds up to 300Mbps, the addition of 802.11n connectivity guarantees a future-proofed purchase.
Setup is a snap. Just plug the Net-Dyn into your computer, install the drivers (Windows only) and connect to the Internet. Supported by all WLAN routers, there are WPA/WPA2/WEP connectivity options, which ensures the Net-Dyn works with just about any Internet provider in the U.S. Additionally, Net-Dyn provides a lifetime warranty along with routine software and driver updates.
Best Budget: Panda Wireless PAU06
The Panda Wireless PAU06 offers stellar performance at a fantastic budget price. Upgrading any computer to the future-friendly 802.11n standard means the max data rate can reach up to 300Mbps on the connection. Additionally, there’s backward compatibility with the 802.11g on the 2.4GHz band to ensure a stable connection regardless of your Internet service provider.
Utilizing low power technology, the Panda works to keep itself in the background so it does not take up too much of your laptop’s battery. Beyond battery, a WPS button works to connect the computer and PAU06 quickly without a headache for the user. The Panda is compatible with Windows 10, as well as Mac OS and various Linux systems. State-of-the-art security standards are also in place to provide the user with peace of mind through 128bit WEP, WPA and WPA encryption standards.
Best Compact: TP-Link N150 Nano
The TP-Link N150 Nano USB Wi-Fi adapter is a compact choice that’s priced just right. Just plug it into your device's USB port and you can connect to 2.4GHz band Wi-Fi at 150Mbps — it also utilizes the future-proofed 802.11ac standard. This little device has a 'SoftAP Mode' that allows you to turn your computer's wired connection into a wireless hotspot for your phone or tablet. Setup is easy thanks to a plug-and-play design that requires little configuration regardless of which operating system you’re working on. Once you’re online, this device offers 64/128 WEP, WPA/WPA2, and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK security standards for extra peace of mind while you browse.
The N150 Nano is a very small dongle, which means it won't interfere with other ports and you can leave it plugged in indefinitely without worrying about it getting knocked out. But it also means you'll want to stick close to the wireless or wired router/modem to get maximum performance.
Runner-Up, Best Compact: Glam Hobby 600Mbps AC600
Whether you’re looking to stream video, browse the Web or host an online video conference, the Glam Hobby AC600 USB Wi-Fi dongle is ready for action. The device offers fantastic speed capabilities (including a 600Mbps connection speed running 3x faster than similarly priced Wireless N adapters). It's capable of working on the 5GHz band for a 433Mbps max connection speed (150Mbps on 2.4GHz), and support is available for both Windows 10 and Mac OS (the former requires a software download from the Glam Hobby website).
Measuring just 22mm in length, the Glam Hobby is an excellent and smart way to add a 5GHz connection to a laptop or desk in a small package (and at a budget-friendly price tag). While the omission of the 802.11n is noteworthy, the Glam Hobby makes up for it with unique features like creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for additional mobile devices whenever there is a wired internet connection.
Best Features: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter
The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 Wi-Fi USB Adapter offers you a dual-band 802.11n connection, giving you speeds up to 600Mbps on a 2.4GHz brand and 1300 Mbps on a 5GHz band. It’s compatible with Windows 7, 8, and 10, as well as Mac OS X 10.8.3 or later.
All of these features are exactly what you’d look for and expect in a Wi-Fi adapter, but the extra feature that sets it apart for this slot on the list is the ability to both plug it directly into your laptop like a thumb drive and the ability to use an included extension wire and stand to set it upright like an antenna to improve signal. This is great because you can toss the versatile device alone into your laptop bag for on-the-go Wi-Fi compatibility, and leave the stand doc at home to increase your signal when you’re at your desk.
Best Range: TRENDnet TEW-809UB
The four-antenna design of the TRENDnet TEW-809UB adapter might look a little “too much” for some buyers, but it's definitely more than meets the eye. The powerful antennas offer high-end features such as beamforming technology that excel at handling multiple Internet users connected at the same time without interfering with network performance. The antennas are independently adjustable, so you can fidget with each one to effectively increase range in your house or workplace.
It is capable of providing speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 802.11ac standard or up to 600Mbps on the 802.11n standard. The inclusion of the latter allows for the TEW-809UB to remain future-proofed for years to come. While it might be mistaken for a router in appearance, its range rivals that of some routers (you can bank on more than 100 yards of distance before signal degradation).
Best Splurge: Asus USB-AC68
With a unique dual-winged design, the Asus USB-AC68 is one of the best Wi-Fi adapters money can buy. Featuring foldable, external antennas to provide enhanced reception for laptops when open (and easy transportation and portability when closed), the Asus offers outstanding range and speed. Utilizing powerful 3x4 MIMO (multiple in, multiple out) antenna technologies, the dual three-position external antennas pair with an internal antenna for long range connectivity. Working off both the 2.4GHz band (600Mbps) and the 5GHz band (1300Mbps), the Asus is more than ready to tackle bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Additionally, the increased expense results in features such as AiRadar and beamforming technology that create extended coverage, dynamic speed increases and enhanced stability while online. To get hooked up, just plug it into a USB 3.0 port on your computer or into the cradle that arrives with the Asus. The desktop cradle allows for easy positioning in and around the computer to find the best signal position whereas USB-only options limit reach.
Best for Gaming: Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 WUSB6300
Released in 2013, the Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 WUSB6300 Wi-Fi adapter stands the test of time with outstanding performance and lightning fast gaming speeds. Featuring speeds up to 867Mbps on the 802.11ac 5GHz network or up to 300Mbps on the 802.11n 2.4GHz band, the Linksys is more than ready for multiplayer gaming at any hour of the day. With support for any 802.11ac routers, access points and extenders, the Linksys also supports up to 128-bit encryption through WEP, WPA and WPA2 standards.
The Linksys works with all Windows platforms, including Windows 7, Window 8 and Windows 10 for maximum use cases both in the home and office. Beyond gaming, the 1200Mbps max speed is perfect for Netflix or Hulu HD video streaming, which makes it an ideal choice for the whole family. While it might be one of the older options available, the WUSB6300 still outperforms more current options and is an excellent choice for gamers that’s priced just right.
Best Design: D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0
Released in late 2014, the D-Link Systems AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0 adapter bares a striking resemblance to the Death Star in Star Wars. The orb-shaped adapter connects to your computer via a proprietary three-foot USB cable. At 3.2 x 3.2 x 3.2 inches in size, the D-Link might be better-associated size-wise with a baseball or tennis ball to give a good idea of just how “large” it will be on your desk. Awesome design aside, the D-Link provides up to 1300Mbps performance on a 5GHz network and up to 600Mbps on a 2.4GHz network. The flexible technology allows the D-Link to be backward compatible with 802.11/n/g/a networks.
The D-Link has advanced D-Link’s SmartBeam (aka beamforming) technology that improves coverage by directing network signal straight between a router and the DWA-192 adapter. Additionally, the inclusion of USB 3.0 transfer mode allows the user to transfer data more than 10x faster than USB 2.0 performance. All in all, while it's a little on the pricey side, it's definitely worth it.
Tested by
How We Tested
Our reviewers spent 34 hours testing one of the most popular Wi-Fi USB adapters on the market. We asked our testers to consider the most important features — from size and style to range and speed — when using this Wi-Fi USB adapter and we've outlined them here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Wi-FI USB Adapter
Size -Wi-Fi USB adapters vary in size, with some as small as a Lego block and others as large as a full-fledged router with antennas. If you’re looking for something more portable, the smaller ones work well, but bigger ones often come equipped with neat features like beamforming technology for diverting interference.
Speed -There’s nothing more frustrating than a buffering stream, so make sure you get an adapter with speeds fast enough for your needs. While 300Mbps should be enough for most tasks, some provide up to 1300Mbps.
Range -Depending on where your router sits, you might have trouble connecting. Splurging on an adapter with a longer range will come in handy if it’s far away. Some of the best options will score you up to 100 yards of range.
Test Results: Net-Dyn AC1200 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter (Best Overall)
3.6
What We Like
- Improved Wi-Fi connection
- Great range
- Reliable
Although one of our testers felt that setting up this adapter was a bit challenging, he found that it worked very well once it was up and running: “I was mostly using it at the furthest location from my router in my house and it worked perfectly,” he said. One tester even measured his wireless Internet speed before and after use and found it increased by approximately 15 percent.