Best Wi-Fi Adapters for PC Gaming in 2024

When it comes to online PC gaming, having a fast and reliable internet connection is absolutely crucial. Each millisecond could be the difference maker, regardless of the kind of game one is playing. While Ethernet reigns supreme for its quality and reliability, that is not to say that gaming on a Wi-Fi connection isn’t desirable.

Gaming on a wireless internet connection keeps the setup clean, while still offering fast speeds. However, not all PCs come equipped with a Wi-Fi card. Add to that, the ones that do, aren’t always that great, nor do they support the latest standards. That’s where Wi-Fi adapters come in.

Available in both plug-and-play USB and high-performance PCIe cards, these Wi-Fi adapters offer a way to boost one’s wireless connection and ensure smooth, lag-free gameplay. In this guide, we have listed the best Wi-Fi adapters that cater to everyone’s needs, from budget options to fast wireless speeds, and some that are super compact too.

Game Rant’s Picks for The Best Wi-Fi Adapters for PC Gaming

The GIGABYTE WiFi 6E GC-WBAX210 is a powerhouse in the sea of Wi-Fi adapters, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking top-notch performance. Unlike most other Wi-Fi 6 adapters, this GIGABYTE adapter supports the Wi-Fi 6E standard. As such, it can connect to networks on the 6GHz spectrum.

This allows the gamer to keep their gaming devices running on the higher bandwidth network, while the remaining devices in their household rely on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The lower congestion of the 6GHz band provides faster speeds and lower latency for PC gaming needs.

In addition to its advanced Wi-Fi capabilities, the GIGABYTE GC-WBAX210 also supports Bluetooth 5.2. This ensures stable, high-speed connections for various peripherals, such as gaming controllers and headsets. Additionally, the PCIe interface offers more stable performance than USB adapters, making it a solid choice for serious gamers looking for reliability and speed. All of this, while still being relatively affordable.

For a little over $15, the TP-Link Archer T2U Plus offers a good chunk of features. This adapter supports dual-band Wi-Fi, allowing users to switch between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands depending on their needs. While the speeds are limited to 200 Mbps and 433 Mbps on the 2.4 and 5GHz bands respectively, they should suffice for lightweight online gaming.

One standout feature of the Archer T2U Plus is its high-gain antenna, significantly improving signal range and stability. This is particularly useful for gamers far from their router or dealing with obstacles like walls. Additionally, the T2U Plus connects simply over USB protocol, and it’s as simple as plug and play.

The MSI HERALD-BE NCM865 Wi-Fi 7 adapter is designed for gamers who demand the absolute best in performance. It’s one of the first adapters in the market to support Wi-Fi 7 and offers unparalleled speeds along with the lowest possible latency. Combine those features together, and the HERALD is ideal for competitive gaming, where every millisecond counts.

In addition to its cutting-edge Wi-Fi capabilities, this adapter also features advanced security protocols and robust build quality, ensuring it stands the test of time. There’s also support for Bluetooth 5.4, which means gamers have the option to connect their wireless gaming headphones over Bluetooth too.

Compared to the budget-friendly T2U Plus, the TP-Link Archer T4U Plus is almost double the price. Then again, it also offers double the features. The T4U Plus comes with two high-gain antennas which significantly enhance its range and signal strength. This makes it suitable for gaming in larger homes or further away from the router.

The antennas are also easily adjustable, enabling the user to point them in the direction of the router. Additionally, the adapter makes use of the faster USB 3.0 ports, while supporting up to 400Mpbs on the 2.4GHz band and 867Mbps on the 5GHz band. It’s a perfect choice for gamers who need a plug-and-play solution that delivers fast and reliable connectivity.

The NETGEAR Nighthawk A8000 is a top choice for gamers who need excellent range and performance. This adapter supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, providing ultra-fast speeds and a reliable connection even at long distances. It’s perfect for gamers who play in large homes or those who have to deal with multiple walls and obstacles between their PC and the router.

In terms of the design, the A8000 looks quite similar to a USB flash drive but slightly bulkier. This can be plugged directly into a USB port, provided there is enough room. If not, NETGEAR also provides a compact cradle, which is essentially a USB extension cable, allowing the user to place the main adapter anywhere they want. Of course, the closer it is to the Wi-Fi router, the better the connection would be.

At its current price, the Nighthawk A8000 is the most expensive Wi-Fi adapter on this list. However, it bridges the gap between a convenient USB adapter and a fast and reliable PCIe adapter. It might not be the best fit for everyone, but it is definitely one of the most powerful USB Wi-Fi adapters for PC gaming that money can buy right now.

ASUS makes some of the best gaming Wi-Fi routers on the market, so it’s only right that they make a compatible Wi-Fi adapter too. The ASUS PCE-AXE59BT is a top-tier Wi-Fi 6 adapter that offers outstanding performance for PC gamers. With support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards, this adapter ensures ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and a stable connection. Compared to the MSI HERALD-BE NCM865, the ASUS PCE-AXE59BT doesn’t offer support for Wi-Fi 7 and offers the older Bluetooth 5.2 support only. That being said, it makes up for its added feature set.

There’s support for secure WPA3 protocol, and ASUS also offers seamless compatibility with its routers with MU-MIMO and OFDMA technologies. As a result, there’s seamless connectivity without any drops, along with lower latency in the game. There’s also the fact that ASUS is the preferred choice in this segment for most gamers. The PCE-AXE59BT is one of the top-ranked products on Amazon, with customers raving about its reliability and high performance. If all one wants is a reliable Wi-Fi 6 adapter for their online PC gaming needs, the ASUS PCE-AXE59BT is a no-brainer. Even if it comes at a premium price tag.

The Cudy WU1300S is an excellent choice for gamers looking for a compact and portable Wi-Fi adapter. Despite its small size, it delivers impressive performance with dual-band support, allowing connections on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with speeds up to 400Mbps and 867Mbps respectively. This flexibility helps in maintaining a stable and fast connection during gaming sessions.

As one would expect, the Cudy WU1300S is definitely not for super competitive gaming, or for gamers who want the best performance or high-speed connectivity. However, it serves as an affordable option for users who want to do lightweight gaming, and don’t have a functional Wi-Fi card on their systems. Further, its compact form factor ensures that the adapter will not interfere with its nearby USB ports, and its plug-and-play nature means just about anyone can use it.

Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Wi-Fi Adapter

With so many Wi-Fi adapters out there, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. As such, when choosing a Wi-Fi adapter, a few key factors can make a big difference in getting the best performance for gaming.

Check for Compatibility

The first thing to consider is to ensure that the desired adapter is compatible with one’s current system. Check if it has a free PCIe slot for internal adapters or a USB port for external ones. The type of adapter also dictates other features. In general, USB adapters are incredibly convenient and easy to install, making them great for gamers who need a plug-and-play solution. However, PCIe adapters, which connect directly to the motherboard, generally offer more stable and reliable connections. This stability can be crucial for competitive gaming, where even minor disruptions can impact performance.

Wi-Fi Standards

Most Wi-Fi adapters these days come with support for Dual-band Wi-Fi, which includes 2.4GHz and 5GHz. However, newer standards like Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E offer faster speeds, lower latency, and better overall performance compared to older versions. The 6GHz spectrum also ensures minimal interference, thus resulting in even better performance. Add to that, with Wi-Fi 7 touted to be the next mainstream thing, it might make sense to invest more in a compatible Wi-Fi 7 adapter and future-proof oneself. Of course, this means that one has to pay the extra premium, not just for the adapter, but also for a compatible Wi-Fi gaming router.

Check for Range

Long-distance relationships aren’t ideal, especially when it’s between the Wi-Fi adapter and the router. Thankfully, there are adapters on the market that come with high-gain antennas, along with adjustability. Additionally, some adapters make use of added technologies to work better over a long range. Do keep in mind that thick walls and other obstacles can weaken the signal, so getting an adapter that can handle the distance is crucial.