We at GravaStar know that gamers want the best internet connection to ensure their in-game performance is as high-quality as possible. While hardwiring your connection is the most consistent and reliable, it’s not always an option for everyone.
Most computers and devices come with built-in WiFi today, but it’s not always the best connection. As a result, many gamers will turn to a WiFi adapter to take their connection to new heights. To help you find the right option, this guide is going to go through some of the best WiFi adapters in gaming, and why they’re worth considering.
Going with a solid WiFi adapter can drastically speed up your connection, to ensure you’re able to get the jump on your opponents. Unfortunately, choosing the wrong one won’t have a noticeable impact and could make your device bulkier and much heavier, too.
To find the best option, we scoured through many reviews and customer comments. Using this research, along with our years of experience in the gaming industry, the ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 is our choice for the best WiFi adapter for gaming.
Do You Need a WiFi Adapter for Gaming?
Nowadays, most computers come with WiFi either built into the motherboard or as a PCIe card. So why would you need a WiFi adapter? Sometimes the built-in WiFi that comes with a new computer is not that good. Computer manufacturers often use lower-quality, cheaper interfaces.
Some computers, especially desktops, may not come with WiFi. It may be assumed that the user will be plugging into a network instead of using wireless. Let's say you have an older computer with a fast processor, plenty of memory, and tons of disk space—yet it's still slow, and you don't know why.
You may have an awesome machine, but your old or cheap WiFi card may be slowing you down. The solution? A new WiFi adapter might really improve your online gaming experience.
While a hard-wired connection is still the fastest and most reliable solution for playing online games, sometimes you need to be mobile. In that case, a USB adapter is what you're looking for.
PCIe vs. USB: Pros and Cons
While many serious gamers once thought an ethernet cable was a necessity, wireless technology is now fast and reliable enough to stream HD-quality video, providing lag-free, reliable connections for even your most competitive games.
The key is to find a quality high-performance WiFi adapter. In general, adapters come in two flavors of interfaces: PCIe and USB.
In previous days, PCIe-type adapters were preferable to USB. With the advent of USB 3.0, that is not necessarily true anymore. While USB 2.0 can create a bottleneck between your adapter and your machine, USB 3.0 is fast enough to use the entire bandwidth of a version 2 PCIe x1 slot. It runs at about 600 MBps, while the PCIe slot runs around 500 MBps. All that to say, USB 3.0 is the way to go.
There are faster PCIe slots (x4, x8, and x16). At 600MBps, though, we are already running much faster than our WiFi speeds. WiFi might ratchet up to 1300Mbps, which is about 162.5MBps. Note that there is a difference in MBps (Megabytes per second) and Mbps (Megabits per second). 1MBps = 8Mbps.
In any case, USB 3.0 gives you plenty of bandwidth. One qualifier: most USB adapters have more than one port. If you have multiple USB devices plugged in simultaneously, the other devices eat up some of your bandwidth.
There are benefits to both USB 3.0 and PCIe adapters. A PCIe WiFi card doesn't have the bandwidth issues that a USB device will. However, a USB device is super easy to install and can be easily moved from one computer to another.
Top Pick: ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100
- Data transfer rate: 2167 Megabits Per Second
- Size: 8.3"L x 2.24"W x 10.9"H (21.08 cm x 5.69 cm x 27.69 cm)
- Weight: 125 grams (4.41 oz)
- Compatibility: Windows
If you are a serious gamer, do your gaming on a desktop computer and don't have an ethernet connection available, ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 is the best adapter on the market. It provides some of the fastest speeds possible and has the range to connect from anywhere in your home.
This ASUS is one of the fastest and most powerful WiFi adapters that you can find. Its 5GHz band speed is blazing; even the 2.4GHz band speed is unheard of. This card will definitely keep up with any online gaming that you are taking part in. It'll also let you do that from almost anywhere in your home or office without the need to be physically plugged in.
Its heat sync ensures the device will stay cool when you're in an all-important head-to-head match. The magnetized antenna base attaches the antennas to surfaces away from your computer for a stronger signal.
But is it perfect? Not quite. It's a PCIe card, so you can only use it with a desktop computer. You'll have to take the cover off of your computer to install the PCE-AC88. Some of us may be comfortable with that, but some might seek a professional to get the device working.
Asus's AC3100 also does not support Macs. If you're looking for something that will keep you gaming on a laptop or a Mac, take a look at our next choices.
Best USB Option: Trendnet TEW-809UB AC1900
- Data transfer rate: 1300 Megabits Per Second
- Size: 7"L x 3"W x 9"H (17.78 cm x 7.62 cm x 22.86 cm)
- Weight: 48 grams (1.69 oz)
- Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Trendnet TEW-809UB AC1900 is a versatile, yet high-performance WiFi device for desktop, laptop, PC, or Mac. While its speed is not quite as insane as our best pick above, it's the fastest USB adapter money can buy.
The Trendnet's four antennas provide range and signal strength to compete with any other WiFi device. Its included 3ft. cable gives you the option to place the device away from your machine for optimal performance.
This adapter can be used on almost any computer system. No need to take the cover off your computer—simply plug it in, follow the instructions, and you are ready to play. The 3-year manufacturer's warranty is outstanding for this type of device, ensuring years of uninterrupted online game time.
The only downside to this adapter is that it's a bit bulky, especially if you're using a laptop on the go. Some may be put off by its spider-like appearance, but others might think it looks cool. Either way, it performs like a champ. There's no doubt it will enhance your gaming experience.
Best for Laptops: Netgear Nighthawk AC1900
- Data transfer rate: 1900 Megabits Per Second
- Size: 1.81"L x 0.87"W x 4.72"H (4.60 cm x 2.21 cm x 11.99 cm)
- Weight: 66.5 grams (2.35 oz)
- Compatibility: Windows and Mac
Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is an amazing adapter in a relatively small package. Its speed, long-range capability, and reliability make it our pick as Best For Laptops. It's designed for portability, but it'll work just as well with a desktop computer as with a laptop.
This WiFi plugin has all the features of our other top picks. It's fast, dual-band, USB 3.0, and uses beamforming and MU-MIMO technology. The Nighthawk is the perfect way to connect your laptop for gaming. If you're mobile, its folding antenna makes it easy to store the device in a bag or even your pocket.
It's compatible with both PC and Mac. Helpfully, it comes with Netgear Genie software to set up, configure, and manage your connection. It also has WPS to get you connected quickly, allowing you to jump into your favorite online game.
There's not a lot to complain about with this one. It can be somewhat cumbersome when the antenna is extended, making it a little difficult to move around. It comes with a cable and a cradle so you can extend the device a distance from your computer if you wish. Overall, the Nighthawk is a quality plugin that will provide you with everything you need to game on the go or at home.
Best Portable: TP-Link AC1300
- Data transfer rate: 1.27 Gigabytes Per Second
- Size: 0.78"L x 0.41"W x 1.59"H (1.98 cm x 1.04 cm x 4.04 cm)
- Weight: 0.1 grams (.004 oz)
- Compatibility: Windows and Mac
If you're looking for a mini WiFi dongle that packs some real power, the TP-Link AC1300 is worth checking out. Its size is a considerable advantage. It's perfect for laptops on the go; you can continue your playing experience just about anywhere. While it's great for laptops, it's also versatile enough for desktops. You can switch devices easily, getting plugged in and running in just seconds.
Also known as the Archer T3U, this mini can get the job done with just about any system. While it's slightly slower than some of our other picks, the T3U is still more than capable of providing adequate bandwidth for most gaming. In addition, its range is incredible for such a small device.
While this adapter may not provide the superior speed that others on our list do, it will satisfy the majority of online game needs. It also comes at a very affordable price. It might not be a bad idea to purchase one of these as a backup if one of your wireless adapters fails. It's so small you can just throw it in your computer bag, and it will be there whenever you need it.
The Competition
Looking for alternatives? If our best picks above don't cover your particular need, take a look at some of these other top-tier options.
1. Ubit AX200
This is another PCIe card that’s built to be fast. On the 5GHz band, it can get up to 2402Mbps using the newest WiFi 6 technology. With this type of speed, you shouldn't ever have to worry about lag time while playing your favorite online games.
This high-performance card can keep up with just about any multimedia task — including the most resource-intensive online gaming. Since it is a PCIe adapter, you will need to use it with a desktop system, and it has support for Windows 10/11 (64-bit). If you are a PC user, you may consider taking advantage of this lightning-fast card.
It also requires an AX router to get to full throttle. Even if you do not have one, you may still see significant improvement in your wireless connection due to its 8-2.11ax protocol.
The Ubit only has a 2 x 2 antenna setup. That might seem like a downside, but it still provides immense coverage due to the use of beamforming. This card also utilizes 5.1 Bluetooth, which transfers data at 24Mbs. That's twice as fast as previous versions.
While this flashy adapter has truly impressive speed and a megaton of features, it's not a longtime trusted name brand such as Asus or Netgear. That means we don't have a lot of data on its reliability. The cost of this one is much lower than other options, so it might be worth the risk if you have a router that supports 802.11ax.
This WiFi adapter looks like some type of hybrid windmill with only two blades. While it's not powered by the wind, it is packed full of power. This USB adapter from Asus works wonders on laptops or desktops. Its speed and range make it a top competitor, not to mention its other features.
It has only two antennas. Its extension cable is a little short, which prevents you from placing the unit too far from your system (sometimes placement is crucial for getting the best signal). The cable issue can be solved by using your own longer cable.
As for the antennas, their position is still adjustable. This product has exceptional reception and range; it's easily comparable to the others on our list. With this unit, you get a versatile, mobile adapter from a brand name that you can trust.
As good as the Nighthawk AC1900 is, there are still products like the TP-Link AC1900 on its heels. This adapter matches the Nighthawk in almost every category, such as speed, range, and technology features.
Which is better—the Netgear Nighthawk or the TP-Link AC1900? Most users will not detect a difference in speed. However, the range on the Nighthawk is just a bit better, which is why it edged out the TP-Link. Make no mistake, this one still has a remarkably good range and it will satisfy most gamers' needs.
The price of the TP-Link AC1900 is significantly less than the Nighthawk. If you're on a budget or just don't want to shell out as much money, it will surely meet all your game-related needs. Its software and WPS button make setup quick and easy. It even has a 2-year unlimited warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few common questions about this topic, along with their answers.
Does the brand matter when choosing a WiFi adapter for gaming?
Generally, not as much as you’d think. While some brands have a longer history, better customer service, and a better reputation than others, the performance of a WiFi adapter is tied to its specs and the actual features inside of it.
What are the downsides of gaming on a weak connection?
Playing online games with a poor internet connection leads to issues like input delay, lag, problems with chatting in-game, button presses not registering, and more. In some incredibly bad cases, you may not even be able to play at all or may get kicked from the lobby after the game starts.
Are WiFi adapters expensive?
No, they’re generally relatively affordable and actually cheaper than most other PC gaming peripherals. While there are some premium options with a higher price tag, most are budget-friendly enough for most gamers.
How We Picked
There are a lot of WiFi adapters to choose from on the market. Since we are looking for a device to enhance online gaming, speed and range are essential. But there are other things to consider as well.
Technology
For most people, speed and range are the first considerations. Before that, though, we need to look at the technology inside the device.
First of all, you need a device that uses 802.11ac wireless protocol. It's the latest technology; without it, you can't achieve top-end speeds. You also need to connect to a router using the same protocol in order to have that rocket-fast connection.
MU-MIMO is another technology to look for. It increases speed by allowing multiple devices to communicate at the same time instead of waiting for their turn to talk to the router. This can make a difference in speed when you have others using your WiFi network.
Beamforming is another feature listed on many WiFi adapters. It takes the WiFi signal and focuses it directly at your device instead of broadcasting it randomly around the target. This makes the signal much more efficient, providing a stronger connection at greater distances.
Speed
Most gamers are looking for speed in their internet connection. 802.11ac provides the highest speeds on 5GHz. Older protocols using the 2.4 GHz band will only see speeds up to 600Mbps. Just remember that you won't go any faster than the network you're connecting to.
With 802.11ac, PCIe cards can be faster than USB adapters–a couple of Gbs with 802.11ac vs. a max of around 1.3Gbps with USB 3.0.
Range
This is important if you move around where you game, especially if you're on a laptop. You want to have enough range to move away from the router and maintain a fast, reliable signal. What's the point of having a WiFi adapter if you have to sit right next to it? You might as well use a network cable.
USB or PCIe
We have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of USB vs. PCIe. As long as you are using USB 3.0, the performance between the two is about the same. Do you want a permanent card installed in your workstation for dedicated WiFi or an easy-to-install gadget you can share with other computers?
If your gaming machine is a laptop, you probably want to go with a USB adapter. Some PCIe mini cards will work with your laptop, but taking your machine apart to install the adapter can be difficult. Additionally, most PCIe minis don't perform as well as some of the USBs.
Dual Band
This is a feature that you see on most modern adapters. Dual-band adapters connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Usually, you want to use 5GHz for the highest speeds. Why use 2.4GHz at all? For backward compatibility. It allows you to connect to older networks as well as new ones.
Reliability
You don't want to lose your connection in the middle of an intense game. Reliability means that your adapter holds us under heavy use.
Compatibility
What types of computers and OSs is the adapter compatible with? Look for hardware that is compatible with PC, Mac, and possibly Linux machines. This can be important if you are a gamer who uses different types of computers.
Installation
As mentioned above, USB adapters are going to be the easiest to install. PCIe cards can be a little more complicated; you need to open your computer up or take it to someone who knows what they're doing.
Installation software can also make a difference. Look for an adapter that is either plug-n-play or has easy-to-use installation software. Some will have WPS, which can make things super easy.
Accessories
Take notice of any accessories that are provided. They might come with antennas, cables, cradles, USB adapters, software, and more. These items are often secondary to the performance of the device, but they are something to consider.
Final Tips
When using a WiFi adapter, make sure to treat it well. Most are very small, light, and breakable, so make sure not to drop it, hit it, or bump it into something if at all possible. Some of them, especially tiny USB adapters, are tiny and easy to misplace, so do your best to always store and transport it safely when it’s not plugged in.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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