10 Best (USB/PCI) WiFi Adapters for Gaming to Enrich your Gaming Experience

Have you been trying to fix your slow internet connection for gaming and failed? A lagging internet and daily glitches can ruin your whole day! This is the era in which everyone is digitally connected and having a fast, secure internet connection is very important as well.

Like technology and music, gaming also has seen a drastic evolution as well. The overall term “gaming” has changed into something very vast, and dynamic that it is now present in every person’s life. Considering the competitive nature, online multiplayer games are the ones that are taking the lead in today’s world.

But a common belief is that with a faster internet connection, you get better latency/ping, and for those wondering what ping is, it is the distance from the server hosting the game to your PC, and the higher the distance, the more latency issues one will face.

At home, there might be more than one computer, laptops or other gadgets which require an internet connection. So it is not in best interests to take a wired internet connection, even though it is considered to be more secure. Thanks to wireless adapters, there are a wide range of such WiFi adapters available in the market, and these can do wonder in your local connectivity if you are living in a big house or rural areas.

Benefit of using a WiFi Adapter

1. Frees the users from cables.
2. Eliminates the need to install internal hard drives.
3. Can be used on multiple devices.
4. Eliminates the need to upgrade a computer.

Features of a Good WiFi Adapter

Even though there are a large number of wifi adapters for gaming and other purposes, it is very important we choose the one according to our needs. There are some important things or specifications to know while going for a wifi adapter like range, connectivity, durability, speed, size, Installation, Price, and USB Type.

Even though prices vary from model to model, they all are relatively inexpensive, and users should consider the features before choosing one. Buyers who use both Mac and PCs should go for the models that offer drivers for both the OS.

In our opinion, computer users should purchase models that support faster wireless connections, such as 802.11n which is very needed for hardcore Gamers. It provides data transfer rates ten times that of 802.11b and twice that of 802.11g along with a wider range of connectivity. Although faster adapters are found to be more expensive, for some users the speed is the priority. Along with this, few additional factors to consider are security, manufacturer customer support, and the warranty period.

Some of the Best WiFi Adapters for Gaming Purpose are:

1. ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-AC1900 PCI-E Adapter (PCE-AC68) (Best PCI WiFi Adapter for Gaming )

This wireless adapter comes with an amazing build quality, and inspite of the PCI-E nature of this device, it is effortless to install with almost no need for extra cables or whatsoever. The antennas can either be installed on a small dock with the provided extension cable or can be attached directly to the wireless card, according to your preference.

It’s ‘AC1900’ rating is the most eye catching part of the PCE-A68. The unusual bit is the wireless and rating (generally capped to 450Mbit), and it comes from the use of the same Broadcom ‘TurboQAM‘ technology Asus put into its top of the line RT-AC68U ‘AC1900’ router.

Specifications

• 5th generation,802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi.
• Broadcom BCM4709 chip set.
• USB 2.0
• TurboQAM support.
• Flexible extended antenna placement.
• Instant Wi-Fi upgrade for your desktop.
• High-power design clears up dead zones.

Pros	Cons
√ High-speed wireless performance	⊗‎ Short antenna extension cable
√ Excellent build quality	⊗‎ Turbo QAM routers thin on the ground
√ Well priced
√ Easy to install

2. TP-Link AC1900 Wireless Dual Band PCI-E Adapter Archer T9E

This wireless adapter is fairly priced, and thanks to the dual band standard, is made for people who prefer an incredible performance. And also it comes with the PCI-E interface. It supports the next generation Wi-Fi standard – IEEE 802.11ac, offering transfer rates that are three times faster than wireless N speedsand utilizes Beamforming technology, which can receive greater directional Wi-Fi signals, enhancing the stability and reliability of wireless connections.

Specifications

• Easy Installation.
• Faster Wi-Fi – Up to 1900Mbps Wi-Fi speeds (1600Mpbs – 2.4GHz band or 300Mbps – 5GHz band )
• Dual Band 802.11ac – which is found to be three times faster than the 802.11n standard, best for hi-intensity network usage.
• Backward Compatibility – support for 802.11 a/b/g/n standards.
• Beamforming Technology.
• Heat sink technology.
• Three external antennas (provides ultimate range)

Pros	Cons
√ Gaming performance on Wi-Fi.	⊗‎ Driver support.
√ Range	⊗‎ Plug and play compactable with windows 10.
√ Stability
√ Quick driver setup.

3. ASUS USB-AC68 Dual-Band AC1900 (Best USB WiFi Adapter for Gaming )

It has a bird like a wireless adapter that plugs right into the USB port of your computer and also comes with a docking station that you can use to extend the connection and put the device somewhere else.When it comes to the performance, even though this isn’t a PCI-express interface, and theadded feature of USB 3.0 interface helps it maintain the overall stability.

Specificatio

• Wireless speeds up to 1900 Mbps
• 3×4 MIMO design
• Dual 3-position external and dual internal antennas
• ASUS AiRadar beamforming
• Included USB 3.0
• Foldable external antennas provide enhanced reception

Pros	Cons
√ Better signal even at a distance.	⊗‎ Bigger and comparatively heavier.
√ Easy windows install.	⊗‎ Produces heat related issues.
√ Amazing speeds.

4. D-Link AC1900 Ultra Wi-Fi USB 3.0 with Adapter (DWA-192)

It is a ball shaped adapter with a USB 3.0 port on the back that lets you upgrade your laptop or desktop to have wireless AC speeds of the latest generation, so you can easily download music, stream HD media, and enjoy high-speed online gaming.

Even though the model doesn’t say it is made for gaming purpose, our testing revealed that it gives the same performance as good as what is provided with the Ethernet connections.It is powered with a 3 x 3 antenna design which supports speeds of up to 1300Mbps on the 5GHz and 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz to deliver fast wireless speeds with less interference. It is the perfect match for your high-performance router.

Specifications

• Unique design.
• LED On / Off button.
• Ultimate Wi-Fi Performance (speeds up to 1900 Mbps2 for a faster connection)
• USB 3.0 interface.
• Dual Band Wireless (2.4 GHz – 5 GHz bands for flexible connectivity)
• WPS Button.
• Advanced AC SmartBeam.
• Backward Compatible (Connects to legacy 802.11n/g/networks)

Pros	Cons
√ Decent range	⊗‎ Relatively bulky adapter.
√ Portable, high-speed AC1900 Wi-Fi adapter.	⊗‎ Can’t match a PC card for wifi speed.
√ Easy USB-based connection.	⊗Requires cable.
√ Good overall Wi-Fi speeds.

5. Asus (USB-AC56) Dual-band Wireless-AC1300

It is one of the stylish looking USB devices we have seen with the diamond patterns and combined with the premium Asus quality. The stylish adapter is made out ofhigh-quality components. It’s reasonably priced, and the USB 3.0 interface, provides a faster and more reliable connectivity.

The latency issues and the speed didn’t come anywhere near the overall usability, and gaming went as smooth as it possibly can. We didn’t encounter any packet losses, which is something widespread with wireless adapters, and ruin your online gaming experience. Overall, the Asus USB-AC56 performed like a cool champ and provided us with the best possible performance it could.

Specifications

• The wireless-N data rate is increased from 300 Mbps to 400 Mbps due to 256 QAM technology, increases for 33per centfaster performance.
• Choosable 5 GHz / 2.4 GHz dual bands increase signal clarity for better HD multimedia.
• USB 3.0 connection for high-performance wireless networking with desktop and notebook PCs.

Pros	Cons
√ Good price	⊗‎ Led light can’t be turned off at night.
√ Very fast wireless connection on USB 3.0	⊗‎ Drop in connections.
√ after installation there is no requirement of drivers or anything, simply just pop it in and use.	⊗‎ 5GHz band is unusable with Asus drivers.
√ Best for gaming, such as BF1, Arma 3,etc.

6. TP-Link AC1300 Archer T6E

The T6E has the same base as that of T9E, however, doesn’t offer speeds that are as fast. As for the performance, you won’t notice anything until you have theinternet that is faster than what this device can handle, and if you don’t, the good news is that the performance is at its best.The aluminum alloy heat sink keeps the adapter cool for optimal performance. The installation remains as a hat throw, and there are no consistency issues in latency or the speed, or hiccups.

A common problem reported with wireless adapters is the random loss of packet data but don’t worry about that, you won’t be facing any similar problems at all as we have tested it.

Specifications

• IEEE 802.11ac/n/a 5 GHz.
• IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz.
• 867 Mbps at 5 GHz.
• 400 Mbps at 2.4 GHz Wireless Data Rates.
• 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz.

Pros	Cons
√ No driver installation required.	⊗‎ The problem in detecting 5ghz networks.
√ The software shows both networks.	⊗‎ No movable aerial.
√Fantastic 2.4 GHz performance and high speed.
√ Can game and download at the same time.

7. D-Link Wireless Dual Band AC1200 DWA-182

The D-Link’s DWA-182, a USB interfaced wireless adapter that is relatively of low cost and offers some undebatable performance when it comes to a dual band adapter. While there’s nothing special about the plain black USB stick, it’s the performance that matters, right?

The procedure of setting this adapter up is pretty easy, and if you have the appropriate and necessary knowledge of computers, you won’t be having any issues. The performance side remained relatively solid with no inconsistencies or packet data losses.

One plus point is that it includes a wireless manager utility application that provides all the needed information about the connection than it is available.The negative aspect is that if you don’t have a D-Link router, this adapter won’t be connecting at all, and compared to some of the competition, this one costs a bit too high, and that has a chance of pushing the potential buyers away. Overall, if you face the compatibility issues, as well the issues with the price, you’ve got yourself a fairly decent wireless adapter.

Specifications

• Dual band, (2.4 GHz – 300 Mbps) or (5 GHz – 867 Mbps)
• Compatible – older Wi-Fi routers, range extenders.
• WPS push button setup.
• WPA or WPA2.
• USB 3.0

Pros	Cons
√ 802.11ac compliant on 5ghz band.	⊗‎ Driver issues.
√ Can be used on theolder 2.4ghz band.	⊗‎ Need update of software.
√ Super fast download speeds!
√ Easy to install

8. Alfa Long-Range Dual-Band AC1200 Wireless

Not a very familiar product but it is manufactured by one of the oldest companies in business. It is a stylish looking USB with two long antennas, the USB itself can be attached to a supplied dock, or attaching it to the computer itself is simple. It displayed an amazing performance in comparison to the price, and the usual workload and gaming were handled like a champion. Installing this couldn’t get any easier.

Specifications

• Next Generation Wireless AC1200 technology.
• 4X Speed Faster than standard Wireless Adapter.
• Longer Range than standard Wireless Adapter.
• Super Speed USB 3.0
• Dual-band Wireless Radio.
• Add-on USB dock.

Pros	Cons
√ Fast and reliable.	⊗‎ The low build quality of antennas.
√ Compatible with all.
√ Functions with Linux in both monitor and station mode.
√ Plug and play, no driver installation required.

9. Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 WUSB6300

As the list is coming to an end, we are getting to see cheaper products regarding price to performance ratio.

The Linksys Dual-Band AC1200 WUSB6300, a comparatively inexpensive, and simple looking wireless adapter whose performance is way above the price point, and still manages to remain as stable as possible. Apparently, no one would think Linksys is capable of delivering something so great, at such a low price, but it does.

A week has been spent testing this little kitty, to see if it performs according to our expectations, an hour long match in Battlefield 1was run, to make sure if it is as satisfying as promised, and to our surprise, we didn’t end up disappointed. There were no packet data losses, the connection was consistent, and latency issues were not present.

Specifications

• Upgrade your laptop or desktop to Wireless-AC.
• Lightning-fast HD Video and Gaming.
• USB 3.0
• Up to 867 Mbps speed on Wireless-AC 5 GHz band or Up to 300 Mbps speed on Wireless-N 2.4 GHz band.
• Supports Microsoft Windows 10, 7, 8, XP, Vista.

Pros	Cons
√ Plug and play.	⊗‎ Not MU-MIMO capable.
√ Works very fast even for old network standards.	⊗‎ Runs a little warm while streaming (no impact to performance)
√ Very reasonable price.

10. TP-Link Dual Band Wireless PCI Express Adapter (TL-WDN4800)

It uses the PCI-E interface which is something far better than the USB interface. The device comes with three antennas at the back. A drive disc is provided, but if Windows 8 or later is running, you won’t be needing any driver installation.

As for the performance and cost, If you’re looking for something that you can afford,and makes sure that you get the highest number of kills in any Battlefield or Counter Strikematch, the TP-Link Dual Band Wireless PCI Express Adapter (TL-WDN4800) is your choice.

Specifications

• Up to 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
• Excellent performance with three antennas.
• Great for HD streaming.
• Advanced Security-WPA / WPA2.
• Easy installation.
• Plug & Play for Windows 8.

Pros	Cons
√ Stable and strong wireless connection over both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.	⊗‎ Is a pain to setup for drivers up to windows 8.
√ allows automatic switching between 2.4/5.0

We have researches and listed best Gaming Wifi adapters both PCI and USB type. You can now choose from these list of Adapter according to your requirement, for gaming we need high speed connectivity and for this I prefer ASUS Dual-Band Wireless-AC1900 PCI-E Adapter, but its quite expensive, so if its not in your budget then you can go for other options in the list. Happy Gaming 🙂