Best desktop wifi adapter 2014

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In , we often forget just how easy we have it, technology-wise. Before consumers were able to access the internet in , we communicated, worked, consumed media, and interacted in a completely different way than we do now. WiFi came along six years later, and it took the convenience factor of the internet to an entirely new level. But even today, not all devices feature wireless connectivity, thus the need for a good wireless adapter. Wireless internet permits us to work, chat, and watch from anywhere in our homes without having to physically connect to a modem.

Today, WiFi is available in nearly every public space that has electricity. This includes restaurants, shopping centers, movie theaters, libraries, and even public transportation. Depending on the type of computer you have, you can either install a wireless adapter inside your computer or simply plug one into the USB port. Some adapters are about the same size as a USB flash drive , and some are even smaller. Others have large dual antennas, which can be less convenient if your workspace is cramped, or if you move your machine regularly.

That said, units with antennas generally provide faster connection speeds and a wider range. Connecting to the internet via WiFi is incredibly convenient, but not all wireless adapters are created equal. When you get to Mbps, you can enjoy all of the above, faster. Web pages load more quickly, videos buffer less, and services like 4K video streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming are much more stable. In addition, you can download large files like HD movies in no time. This all but guarantees lag-free gaming and nearly instant file downloads, along with extremely responsive web browsing.

Certain adapters list their range ratings with dBi, which measures the gain of the antenna itself. Adapters with dual antennas generally boast the best marks in this regard. Select models only offer Windows connectivity, so if you use a Mac or run a Linux operating system, confirm that your adapter will work with your computer before buying. PCIe network cards, which require installation inside the computer and feature external antennas, are a notable alternative.

Speed and range are high points with this type of unit, but we prefer USB adapters for their convenience, portability, and price. Just like a WiFi router, wireless adapters often feature two bands with two different frequencies — 2. Some devices that can cause interference are garage door openers, cordless phones, and even microwaves, so having more choice is beneficial. If a wireless adapter is your only link to the internet, failure can lead to missed work, missed connections, or at the very least a mild annoyance.

That makes warranties and technical support all the more important. Certain adapters offer lifetime warranties, consistent driver updates, and full technical support. Other options include 1- or 2-year warranties, or refunds in case of failure.

These models typically include a single 2. At this price point, you can get a 2. Multiple antennas noticeably extend range as well, which can be handy if you have a large home or workspace. These units also provide a wider effective range. Administering a speed test is the simplest way to measure the internet speed your computer is actually using. Q: What does Mbps measure? A: Mbps means megabits per second, and is the unit by which data transfer speeds like internet connections get measured.

This is not to be confused with MBps, which stands for megabytes per second. There are 8 megabits in one megabyte, so a Mbps connection is capable of downloading To put that in perspective, an average mp3 music file is about 4 megabytes. This is because lower frequency signals can penetrate solid objects like walls and floors more efficiently than higher frequency signals. Thus, 5GHz has less range, but is a much faster way to transfer data overall.

A: A pure WiFi adapter does not add Bluetooth capabilities to your computer. Although Bluetooth and certain internet bands operate on a 2. This means you can get some serious speeds, with the 2. With an optional dock, beamforming, and an adjustable antenna array with four antennae inside, it can help ensure you get a strong signal. Just make sure you're connecting this beast to your computers over USB 3.

The USB portion of the unit is about the size of your typical flash drive, so it won't have to stick out too far from your computer. But, TP-Link has also attached a lengthy and adjustable antenna to the adapter to give it stronger reception.

Perhaps your gaming PC is already hardwired to the router and you just need to occasionally connect wirelessly, or maybe you just have a fried Wi-Fi chip in a laptop and want a simple, affordable fix.

So, it's definitely a plug-and-forget solution you can just leave inserted. The internet connection it offers is a bit dated, with a simple From there, it could get a good signal using the two large antenna built on, but Asus provides another option.

It comes on a lengthy USB cable so you can position it for the best signal reception. At its best, the 2. The 5GHz network can go even faster at up to 1,Mbps. If space behind your computer is limited or you're worried about getting a good signal, then the TP-Link Archer T4U Plus offers the flexibility you need at a good price. The base station includes two large antennas you can tweak to find the best reception available.

This will support up both 2. The Net-Dyn wins a place on this list by perfectly balancing size and speeds. It can reach up to yards without the speed suffering badly. Works with both Windows and Mac. This adapter weighs just five grams and will barely stick out from your USB port, so you don't have to worry too much about accidentally hitting it and damaging it or your USB port. Despite its small size, the Netgear AC adapter is ready for high speeds. It supports dual-band connectivity, letting you hop onto either 2.

The size of the adapter may not give it the best reception if you're trying to use this far away from a router in a different room, but for shorter-distance connections where you want to avoid a mess of cables, this will get the job done. Quite simply, they refer to the network standard your device is operating on; it all comes down to speed and range. We all know that a signal only reaches so far, and as you move further from the source of that signal, generally the connection is going to get worse.

The difference here depends on a few other factors. First, does your computer have USB 2. Data speeds on USB 2. If your router uses However, for routers with an