In every gamer arsenal, a WI-FI adapter is essential. It may seem strange to new gamers, but most of the professional gamers are fully aware of its importance in gaming. It’s one of the tools that increase your chances of winning in a battle with your opponent.
Basically, WI-FI adapter is an essential gaming tool that links your gaming hardware which may or may not have inbuilt WI-FI capabilities to your wireless network in your living space. These adapters are not only meant to provide your gaming console with a strong and consistent network but also to protect your information from hackers.
What’s more, they are an excellent choice for those who need smooth online streaming with no lags. However, the challenge comes in when selecting the proper adapter for your gaming console. With the plethora of adapters available in the market, opting for the wrong one is very easy. And there is where we come in. we’ve selected for you the 10 best adapters you can choose from.
These adapters have been selected in such a way that your needs will be met, whether it’s financial or device performance and compatibility. Moreover, you’ve been provided with the buyer’s guide to guide you through what to consider when buying these wireless adapters. Therefore, relax and take your time while reading through the information below. It will be essential in selecting the best and right adapter for your gaming console.
D-Link Systems DWA-192
This is a unique type of gaming Wi-Fi adapter. This is unlike the other types with a typical stick shape or that of a router. Apart from the great performance which this device offers, the sleek ball shape design with a lighting diameter complements your gaming surroundings without being too conspicuous. The connections are done through a three-foot USB cable which is convenient when you want to clear your tabletop and remain with few gaming gadgets.
For aesthetics, this circular shaped Wi-Fi adapter comes with diameter with an LED light that glows when the device is in operation. Also, the blend of blacktop and silver bottom of the device matches perfectly creating a simple and sleek look.
To secure your network connections, this device has WAP2 network encryption that works efficiently. To install, there are downloadable drivers you will need on your PC. Thereafter, disconnect any other network adapter that is installed, and connect this adapter.
Finally, this device works perfectly in both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands. Another exceptional feature is the equal performance in both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0.
Pros
- Support for USB 2.0 and USB 3.O
- Equal performance in both 5GHz and 2.4 GHz band.
- WPA2 security encryption
- LED lighting
Cons
- It’s Bulky
NET-DYN AC1200
Are you looking for the best Wi-Fi adapter to set up, then look no more, NET-DYN AC1200 is the best and the easiest Adapter to work with. With the plug and play feature, there is no complex procedure to follow. It’s definitely the best gaming Wi-Fi adapter to work with.
Moreover, this adapter delivers a fast internet connection and operates on USB 3.0. With a connection speed of up to 856mbps, it’s the perfect choice for fast streaming and efficient gaming. Additionally, this wireless adapter comes with a range of up to 100yard. Therefore, you can access the wireless connection from any location at home.
Lastly, with this adapter, there is no special program requirement for it to work. You simply insert it in the 3.0 USB speed and you’re good to go. And with the recent rising trends in cyber theft, this wireless adapter offers a more secure connection. It utilizes WPA/WPA2 that encrypts all your information and details. For durability, you receive a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Plug and play functionality
- Range of 100 yard
- The fast connection speed of up to 856mbps.
Cons
- Issues with Mac OS connection
NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900
Gaming is done in different means. Some people do it for fun; others do it because it’s their profession. For those who are seriously into gaming, NETGEAR Nighthawk AC190 is an excellent choice. This adapter comes with dual band support and an incredible speed of up to 1300mbps if you are relying on 5 GHz band. In case what is available is a 2GHz band, you will still have access to an incredible data transfer speed of up to 600mbps.
The adapter the fast USB3.0 as well as the standard USB 2.0 port, and what it makes it the great choice is compatibility with old and recent generation PCs. To set up this adapter is quite easy; it’s all about plug and play.
As usual, using a wireless network requires secure connections. In this case, NETGEAR Nighthawk AC190 comes with a single WPS button click encryption. Other additional features include a magnetic cradle for mounting options as well as placement options.
For durability and protection, the device has a foldable style that allows for easy storage when traveling or moving from one place to another at home.
Pros
- Fast speed
- Easy installation
- A single click encryption
Cons
- Drivers issues report
Wi-Fi antenna: EDUP-1635
When selecting which type of wireless adapter to opt for gaming, an antenna is a great feature to keep in mind. This particular gaming adapter relies on a 2.0 USB port to deliver a consistent network. When it comes to speed of data transfer, it delivers up to 600mbps for easy web surfing, online streaming and best gaming experience.
Also, the AC connection of this device has 3-times speed as compared to previous products. For best signal reception and connection, the antenna allows up to 360 degrees change of direction including a 90 degrees angle. Irrespective of your gaming console location.
To secure your information, this device comes with single key encryption. Other features include simple set up through the use of downloadable drivers or CD provided with the adapter. And during purchase, you receive a warranty that secures your money against dead units or defects caused by the manufacturers.
Pros
- Compatibility is dual-band
- Great warranty
- Simple to set up
Cons
- DOA units reports
Wise Tiger GXIVR8020A5
Are you looking for a gaming Wi-Fi adaptor that supports both Mac and Windows OS, then Wise Tiger GXIVR8020A5 is a perfect match. This adapter relies on AC wireless connections that are 3 times faster than the regular connections. Therefore you can handle multiple tasks at the same time.
Also, it’s a perfect choice for constant streaming and gaming with no network issues. When linked to the 5GHz band, you get about 400mbps on Data transfer speed. The antenna is essential in maintaining a constant data transfer speed and allowing you to have network access at any location in the house.
The installation and set up is quite easy with downloadable drivers. The same device comes with an extra feature, the ability to create a hot spot that is absent in other drivers. Therefore with Wise Tiger GXIVR8020A5, you are free to multitask while using the same wireless network. To ensure your purchase money is secured, you are offered with a two-year warranty and up to 24/7 technical support.
Pros
- Friendly budget
- Great warranty
- You can create a hotspot with this device.
Cons
- Signal drop complaints
Trendnet AC1900 TEW-809UB
If you are searching for a high-speed gaming Wi-Fi adapter, then Trendnet AC1900 TEW-809UB will deliver exactly that. With a maximum data transfer speed of up to 600mbps when using the previous 2.4GHz band, you will be able to game fluently with no issues as well as better streaming. But with a 5GHz band, the speed is much greater at 1300mbps making this adapter one of the best in the market when data transfer speed is a key concern.
What’s more, this adapter offers the best secure connections with WPA2 and MU-MIMO encryption which is at your disposal. In terms of design, this adapter has a strange shape with the four antennas pointing upwards. However, to allow for customization, these antennas allow for adjustments and are also detachable.
The installation of Trendnet AC1900 TEW-809UB is quite simple; you only need to install the drivers which are in the CD that came along with the adapter package. But if your PC lacks the optical drive, you can visit the adapter website online and download the drivers.
In terms of performance, you have up to 30 feet of signal range to access its network. When using the 5Gz band, the signal and data transfer speed is great, unlike the 2.4GHz band.
Pros
- 2.4GHz band: 600mbps and 5GHz band: 1300mbps
- WPA2 and MU-MIMO encryption
- Easy and simple installation process
- Best performance
Cons
- At 2.4 GHz band, the performance is relatively lower unlike the 5GHz band
EDIMAX AC1200
Despite being a less popular brand, EDIMAX AC1200 has excellent performance at an affordable price. Therefore, it’s a great choice for gamers who are searching for standard performance at an affordable value.
In terms of performance, it offers a maximum of 300mbps when utilizing the 2.4GHz band and 900mbps data transfer speed when using the 5GHz band. After a test done on this device by Tech Radar, it was found that this device has a maximum of 83.43mbps file writing speed which is quite good considering it’s a Wi-Fi USB dongle.
Another feature that is great about EDIMAX AC1200 is a small size. The compact size allows for portability and convenience. Therefore, you can carry it in your pocket trouser during travel to use it in your next destination.
As usual, you need a secure network to protect your files and information from cyber theft. In this case, EDIMAX AC1200 comes with excellent protection that comprises of WPA2, WPA, WEP and 64/128bit encryption strategy. Lastly, it’s an affordable option for gamers with a tight budget and in need of a Wi-Fi adaptor.
Pros
- 300mbps at 2.4GHz band and 900mbps at 5GHz band.
- WPA2, WPA, WEP and 64/128bit encryption strategy
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Too small and may get lost or misplaced easily
TP-Link TL-WDN4800
The best Gaming Wi-Fi adapter is essential for performance and a great experience. However, finances can be a major setback at times, but all the same; you still need the wireless gaming adapter. And this is where the TP-Link TL-WDN4800 gaming adapter comes in handy. TP-Link Company is famous for making networking gadgets that are solid yet affordable.
Unlike the previous wireless gaming adapter we’ve discussed above, TP-Link TL-WDN4800 is a PCle Wireless adapter rather than a USB adapter. Therefore, it’s perfect for installing in your gaming PC.
What makes it an excellent choice is the commendable data transfer speed of 450mbps at a 2.4GHz band and the same on a 5GHz band bringing the total data transfer speed to 900mbps. This speed is not good for gaming but also perfect for online streaming.
For better signal strength, this adapter comes with three antennas which can be adjusted into pointing different directions for better signal strength. And for the safety of your personal details, it comes with both WPA2 and WPA encryption.
And in terms of installation, it’s quite easy. After fixing this device on your PC PCle slots, there is a CD that comes with the package. Use the CD to install the adapter drivers and your good to go.
Pros
- WPA2 and WPA encryption
- Simple installation
- 900mbps total data transfer speed
- Three antennas for strong signal
Cons
- Only applicable on one PC unlike USB adapters that can be used on various gaming PCs and Laptops’.
Asus PCE-AC88
Are you looking for the best gaming adapter? Then look no more Asus PCE-AC88 will deliver exactly that. With a 4*4 configuration, the signal stream is quite exceptional. And the most amazing feature about this adapter is the upgrade capabilities. You can actually upgrade this device 2.4GHz band to generate data transfer speed of up to 1000mbps and 5GHz band to 2166mbps creating the best wireless networking for not only extreme gaming but also exclusive online streaming.
In installations, it uses PCle slots on your PC; therefore, ensure you have free ports available for installations. The installation is also quite easy, after fixing it well and screwing it on your PC PCle port, installs the drivers and it’s ready to use.
In terms of performance, the actual band and data transfer speed before the upgrade are 300mbps data transfer on 2.4GHz band and 900mbps on the 5GH z band. To appreciate the maximum speed of this adapter, opt for a 4*4 dual-band router.
Pros
- 4*4 configuration
- Speed Upgrade up to 1000mbps for 2.4GHz band and 2166mbps for 5GHz band.
- The normal speed of 300mbps at 2.4GHz band and 900mbps at 5GHz band.
- Easy installation
Cons
- Needs 4*4 dual-band router for best performance
Asus USB –AC68
ASUS is quite famous for the manufacturing of best-performing gadgets and the same applies to Asus USB –AC68 Wi-Fi gaming adapter. Overall, this adapter delivers the best performance. For instance, 600mbps at 2.4GHz band and 1300mbps at 5GHz band, allows you to have the best gaming experience as well as online streaming with no glitches. And with the 3.0 USB port connections, you can easily pair it with various types of devices at ease.
To remove any sort of technical issues the device is a plug and play type. Therefore, you simply just need to set it up on its cradle and connect to the 3.0 of your PC or gaming laptop. For extended network coverage, this adapter comes with AirRadar beamforming that ensures easy network accessibility and also stability during network transmission. The value of the product is quite expensive but totally worth considering it’s a high-end product with prime quality performance.
Pros
- 600mbps at 2.4GHz band and 1300mbps at 5GHz band
- Supports all versions of Windows OS
- Best performance
Cons
- It’s costly
Buyers Guide for Best Gaming WI-FI adapter
When buying a wireless adapter for your device, there are certain considerations that you need. Many people often end up with the wrong choice of adaptor simply because they chose looks over performance. Therefore, begin with the product review, specifications and have the looks as the last option to consider.
To be specific, the wireless protocols are the key factors to keep in mind. Confirm the protocols that the adapter observes. For instance, the type of USB ports its compatible with. The generation of a machine it works best with and whether it’s a USB or a PCl wireless adapter.
Lastly, before we highlight the factors to consider is your machine specification. Is the PC or laptop you are using support the particular adapter that you find pleasing? Thus, the following factors will be essential in selecting the best adapter for your device.
- MU-MIMO
Do you know what MU-MIMO is? This term stands for multi-user, multi-input, and multi-output type of technology. This feature is necessary for your adapter. With this feature, your adapter will be able to link with many devices all at the same time.
It is an important feature especially if your adapter will serve multiple users at the same time. For example, if you have more than one device such as smartphones, smart TV, PCs, Gaming consoles among others that use the wireless network, then this feature is a must.
The reason why you need to confirm whether the adapter supports these features is that it’s not available in every device. Most of the wireless adapters are SU-MIMO, meaning they only support a single user at a time. But with MU-MIMO, you can connect all your devices at the same time with no worries.
- Beamforming
What is it? I am sure you’ve encountered this term several times in the above reviews. It’s a word that is often tossed in every direction when describing a wireless adapter that supports it. This feature is important in improving the reception of your wireless network by reducing interference and makes the network connection stronger. Through this, the wireless service becomes much better.
Put it this way, when using the ordinary router, the network is spread in a radius form. But with beamforming, rather than the network gets spread in different directions, it directs it directly to the connected devices. Therefore, it’s a great feature if you want a strong and stable wireless network.
- USB ports
USB ports are another feature that you will encounter more when dealing with wireless adapters. There are two major types that are applicable in these adapters, the 2.0 USB port and the 3.0 USB port. The 3.0 USB port is much faster in data transfer speed as compared to 2.0 USB port and am sure you are aware of that. But what you may not be aware of is the compatibility of the adapter with either of the two ports. Some adapters’ works equally perfect when connected to any of them while others underperform when connected to USB2.0 rather than 3.0. What’s more, there are certain adapters that are specifically made for 2.0 USB ports. Therefore, consider which type of port your adapter supports before opting for a particular one.
NOTE: 2.0 USB ports support a maximum of 480mbps while USB3.0 supports a maximum of 4800mbps. Thus USB 3.0 is the best choice for a fast data transfer speed and connectivity.
- ANTENNA
Do you really need an adapter with an antenna? Yes, and No. when you are sourcing the wireless network directly in the same room with the wireless adapter, an antenna is not essential. However, if you are sourcing the wireless network from a different room or outdoor, then the antenna is essential.
- Software Requirement
Every router comes with specific software that can be used for set up. However, there is certain adapter software that is not compatible with a particular type of OS, therefore, confirm the software compatibility with your gaming PC/laptop OS first. Also, the software is essential in updating your adapter, it’s important to always keep your network adapter up to date for best performance.
- Type of Adapter
There are two major types of WI-FI adapters, the USB wireless adapter, and the Card wireless adapter. The USB adapter is perfect for both gaming laptops as well as gaming PCs. But Card WI-FI adapter is only suitable for PCs with PCl slots to install this card.
CONCLUSION
Lastly, before you opt for one, go through the guide very well and understand every bit of the provided information. Then using it as a guide, choose the product that you’ve gone through its details well and found it’s the perfect choice for your gaming console.
Back to You
Have you found the perfect adapter for your gaming console?
The post Best Gaming Wi-Fi Adapter in 2020 – Buyer’s Guide appeared first on Project Top 10.