Best USB Wi-Fi Adapters for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: July 11th, 2024

đŸ“¶Ready to go wireless? We’ve got you covered with our selection of top USB Wi-Fi adapters. Whether you're looking to enhance your desktop's connectivity or give your laptop a boost, we've done the legwork for you.

Our picks range from the overall best to budget-friendly options, making sure there's something for everyone’s wireless needs.

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Overall Best: Edimax EW-7833UAC

Edimax Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac AC1750, Dual-Band 2.4/5GHz Adapter for PC, Wireless AC USB 3.0 Adapter Dongle w/ Foldaway Antenna, Up to 1750Mbps Transfer, Win11 Plug-n-Play, Mac OS, Linux, EW-7833UAC

The Edimax EW-7833UAC is our top pick for its seamless blend of top-tier performance, extensive features, and affordability. With AC1750 speeds (N450, AC1300) and three deployable antennas, this adapter excels on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Our research highlighted its impressive throughput, particularly on the close 5GHz test at 298.9 Mbps. Additional perks include MU-MIMO and Beamforming technology, which enhance connection quality and efficiency. Installation is straightforward on Windows 10, making it a user-friendly option for anyone. Priced around $34, the Edimax EW-7833UAC offers robust performance without the hefty tag—perfect for both casual and power users.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$39.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Edimax AC1750 Wi-Fi Adapter? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How reliable is the connection with the Edimax EW-7833UAC?
If you're looking into the Edimax EW-7833UAC for a reliable connection, here's what we've gathered. This dual-band adapter supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and aims to work well with a variety of operating systems, from [Windows 7](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWindows%2B7%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) up to [Windows 11](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWindows%2B11%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and even some versions of [Mac OS](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DMac%2BOS%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [Linux](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DLinux%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). According to the manufacturer's details, it's supposed to be very plug-and-play for [Windows 11](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWindows%2B11%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), making setup a breeze without any extra drivers. But while the installation might start off easy, how it performs seems to vary depending on your system. Based on our data, most folks find the adapter generally solid, though there are some hiccups, especially with newer [Windows 10](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWindows%2B10%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) versions. Some have reported issues like slower speeds or unstable connections, particularly after the device wakes from sleep mode. To fix this, people often reinstall drivers or tweak settings to keep the connection steady. Sometimes driver updates help, but some problems can stick around. If you're on [Linux](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DLinux%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), especially with the latest kernels, you might bump into compatibility issues since the drivers usually cater to older versions. In these cases, getting things up and running might take some work, like finding community advice or updates. So, the adapter is generally pretty OS-friendly and not too hard to install, but connection reliability is a mixed bag and depends on what system you're using. If you're on [Windows 11](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DWindows%2B11%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) or recent systems, or running [Linux](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DLinux%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), be ready to do a bit of troubleshooting and perhaps hunt for updates or fixes from the community. Hopefully, knowing this will help you get the best from the adapter.
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Does the Edimax EW-7833UAC work well with Linux?
Hey there! So, about the Edimax EW-7833UAC Wi-Fi adapter and how it plays with Linux—it's mostly compatible, but it might need some extra work to get everything up and running smoothly. From what we've dug up, using this adapter on Linux can require a bit more setup compared to other OS. One thing to note is that you might have to install the drivers manually, especially if you're on a newer Linux distribution. The drivers included with the device don't always cover the latest Linux kernel versions. For example, folks using [Ubuntu 16.04](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dubuntu%2B16.04%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) found they needed to grab the drivers from third-party sites since the official ones only went up to kernel version 4.4. Not exactly plug-and-play, but it's doable with a little extra effort. Then there's the whole power management thing. Some have run into frequent connection drops on Linux. Adjusting the power management settings to be less aggressive has helped in those cases. So, if you find your connection isn’t super stable, that tweak might just be the ticket. Compared to [Windows](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dwindows%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), the setup for the Edimax EW-7833UAC on Linux isn't as straightforward. Some have been able to get it working by downloading a zip from the manufacturer's site and carefully following PDF instructions. Definitely more steps than you'd see with a Windows plug-and-play scenario, so just something to keep in mind. Bottom line, if you're going to use this adapter on Linux, be ready for a bit more of a hands-on setup. With some patience and tweaks, it generally ends up being pretty reliable performance-wise once you've got it configured. If you're running into any trouble, don't hesitate to reach out—support's there to help you get everything sorted out. Hope that helps!
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What is the maximum speed of the Edimax EW-7833UAC Wi-Fi adapter?
The Edimax EW-7833UAC Wi-Fi adapter is advertised by the manufacturer to hit maximum speeds of up to 1750 Mbps. That's broken down into 450 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band and 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band. But keep in mind, these numbers are theoretical maximums. Real-world speeds can vary quite a bit due to different factors. From what we've gathered, people using the adapter often notice that the speeds they get don't quite match the advertised ones. For example, someone's test only hit about 2 Mbps on both bands, which is obviously way lower than the potential speeds. This kind of thing can happen due to network congestion, interference from other electronics, or even how the adapter's set up. There are cases where folks have reached around 975 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, according to some feedback. While that's pretty solid, it's still below the top claimed speed. Things like your environment or network constraints could be why there's a difference. To get the best performance, it's a good idea to make sure everything's set up right and that your drivers are updated. One person saw a nice boost simply by installing the latest drivers from Edimax's website. So, keeping an eye on driver updates can be really important. Lastly, this adapter doesn't support Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS), which might help with speed issues if you're in an area with lots of Wi-Fi traffic. DFS allows for less crowded channels, which can make a difference. In short, the Edimax EW-7833UAC is capable of reaching high speeds on paper, but the actual speed you experience can depend on a lot of factors like your environment, router capabilities, and device settings. Regular driver updates and tweaking your network settings could help you get the most out of this adapter.
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Runner-up: Linksys WUSB6300

Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless USB 3.0 Adapter (WUSB6300)

The Linksys WUSB6300 earns the runner-up spot with its sleek design and dependable performance. Offering AC1200 speeds (approx. 860Mbps on 5GHz and 300Mbps on 2.4GHz), it strikes an excellent balance between size and functionality. MU-MIMO and Beamforming support ensures reliable performance even over longer distances. At about $40, it provides substantial value, making it a solid choice for those seeking a compact, efficient Wi-Fi adapter without sacrificing features.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$38.30 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Trendnet TEW-809UB

TRENDnet AC1900 High Power Dual Band Wireless USB Adapter, TEW-809UB, Stream 4K HD Video, Windows-Mac OS Compatible, USB 3.0 to USB Type A, Black AC1900 USB Adapter

On a budget but still need performance? The Trendnet TEW-809UB is a great pick without compromising on quality. Capable of AC1900 speeds, it offers excellent range and robust performance, suitable for both casual tasks and gaming. While it does lack bundled software and isn't the most portable due to its size, its strong performance stands out in its price range. Priced at around $40, it delivers reliable speeds and an impressive range, making it an outstanding budget-friendly option.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$34.99 at Amazon

Best for Gaming: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 USB Wi-Fi Adapter

NETGEAR AC1900 Wi-Fi USB 3.0 Adapter for Desktop PC | Dual Band Wifi Stick for Wireless internet (A7000-10000S) AC1900, USB 3.0

The Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 USB Wi-Fi Adapter is tailored specifically for gamers. Offering AC1900 speeds and dual-band connectivity, it guarantees the bandwidth needed for high-speed gaming. An included desktop cradle provides better placement flexibility for optimal signal. Although it may not be the absolute fastest, its design and gaming-centric performance make it a top choice for serious gamers seeking reliable and swift connections.

Lowest at Amazon
$89.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$60.19 at Shop.com

Best Portable USB Wi-Fi Adapter: ASUS USB-AC68

ASUS USB-AC68 AC1900 Dual-band USB 3.0 WiFi Adapter, Cradle included

For those prioritizing portability, the ASUS USB-AC68 stands out. With AC1900 speeds, dual-band capabilities, and two deployable antennas, it marries portability with performance. It can be plugged directly into a USB port or used with the included cradle for better positioning. Despite not having the absolute best performance in 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, it balances a lightweight, travel-friendly design with solid, reliable speeds. Ideal for users on the move, this adapter can easily accompany your laptop wherever you go.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon
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