Best USB Network Adapters for PC of 2026
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USB network adapters for PC are a popular and easy way to add wireless connectivity to a desktop or laptop computer. These adapters connect to a USB port and allow users to connect to Wi-Fi networks, eliminating the need for an Ethernet cable. They come in a variety of sizes and speeds, with some models even offering dual-band connectivity for faster speeds and better range. USB network adapters are a great option for those who need to add Wi-Fi to a computer without built-in wireless capabilities or for those who need to upgrade to a faster connection.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 USB Network Adapters for PC
TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter
Upgrade your PC or laptop's connectivity with the TP-Link AC600 USB WiFi Adapter. With dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, this compact device provides lag-free connections up to 433 Mbps. The high gain 5dBi antenna greatly enhances the reception and transmission of WiFi signals, giving you reliable connectivity even from long-range. This USB WiFi adapter is compatible with Windows versions 10/8.1/8/7/XP and Mac OS X 10.9-10.14, allowing you to surf, stream, and game without buffering or interruptions.
TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter
The TP-Link Archer T3U AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter is an excellent device for those who need high-speed internet connectivity. The device provides a strong, high-speed connection of 2.4G/5G dual-band Wi-Fi throughout your home, making it ideal for PC, desktop, and laptop users. With MU-MIMO technology, the Archer T3U delivers lag-free Wi-Fi experience. The USB 3.0 interface provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, and its mini and portable size allows you to carry the device everywhere. The Archer T3U is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP, and Mac OS X 10.9-10.14.
UGREEN AX900 USB WiFi 6 Adapter
The UGREEN WiFi 6 Adapter offers fast wireless speeds by supporting the latest WiFi 6 technology, letting you stream videos smoothly and enjoy low-latency internet. It connects to both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, so you can choose the best option for your network, especially if you use a WiFi 6 router. This adapter is designed for easy use with Windows 10 and 11, with built-in drivers that save you from downloading and installing extra software. Plus, it can both receive and share WiFi, allowing your desktop to connect to the internet and share that connection with other devices, adding convenience and flexibility.
NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6E USB 3.0 Adapter (A8000)
The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 6E USB 3.0 Adapter (A8000) is a high-performance USB network adapter that allows you to access the exclusive WiFi 6E band for superior HD video conferencing, gaming, and streaming. With fast AXE3000 WiFi speed of up to 3Gbps, this adapter offers 2.5 times faster speeds than WiFi 5. The flippable antenna helps you find the strongest WiFi signal and best coverage, ensuring a reliable connection. Its compact cradle allows for flexible placement, making it convenient to use with your desktop or laptop. Compatible with any WiFi 6E or WiFi 6 router or mesh system, this adapter requires a WiFi 6E router or mesh system to access the 6GHz band. It also supports the latest WiFi security standard, WPA3, ensuring your network is protected.
Tenda AX900 USB WiFi Adapter
The Tenda AX900 Adapter brings fast and reliable WiFi 6 connectivity to your desktop PC, offering speeds up to 900Mbps—perfect for streaming 4K videos or gaming with low lag. It supports dual-band operation, letting you switch between 5GHz and 2.4GHz for the best connection based on your needs. You can also share your internet by turning your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is handy for connecting other devices without extra hardware. Plus, it keeps your online activity safe with strong WPA and WPA2 encryption, ensuring your connection stays private and secure.
Amazon Basics USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter
The Amazon Basics USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter connects a computer or laptop to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet. It supports Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet), and IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce CPU loading. This USB network adapter is compatible with Windows 10/8/7 but not with MacOS, Chrome OS, Windows RT, Linux or Android.
TP-Link Archer TX20U Nano WiFi Adapter
The TP-Link Nano WiFi Adapter enhances your internet experience with its lightning-fast Wi-Fi 6 capabilities. You’ll enjoy smoother gaming, downloading, and streaming with speeds up to 1800 Mbps. Thanks to MU-MIMO technology, multiple devices can connect simultaneously without slowing down your connection, making it perfect for busy households. Additionally, OFDMA reduces lag by allowing your computer to receive data concurrently with other devices, ensuring a seamless online experience. Its compact design means you can plug it in and leave it, adding convenience to your setup.
Wireless USB WiFi Adapter - Nineplus 1200Mbps Dual-Band 5GHz/2GHz with 5Dbi Antennas
The Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter provides fast and stable long-range WiFi connections for your desktop PC or laptop. With dual-band 5GHz and 2GHz bands, you can enjoy web surfing, gaming, and streaming without buffering or interruptions. The high-gain 5dBi antennas greatly enhance WiFi signal reception and transmission. The adapter uses USB 3.0 for super-fast transfer speeds, and is compatible with Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7/Vista/XP, Mac OS 10.9-10.15, and Linux. The adapter is easy to set up and comes with online technical support. Plus, the 2-year service ensures peace of mind with a new replacement for any problems with the adapter.
TP-Link Archer TX10UB Nano USB Bluetooth WiFi Adapter
The TP-Link Archer TX10UB is a versatile USB adapter that combines Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities into one compact device. It allows you to connect wireless peripherals like headphones, keyboards, and game controllers easily with its reliable Bluetooth 5.3 technology. For internet connectivity, it delivers fast dual-band WiFi 6 speeds, reaching up to 900 Mbps, which means smoother streaming and quicker downloads. The adapter also supports advanced WiFi features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, letting multiple devices connect at once without slowing down your connection. This makes the TP-Link Archer TX10UB a great choice for boosting your PC’s wireless performance and convenience.
NETGEAR Nighthawk A7500 WiFi 6 USB Adapter
The NETGEAR Nighthawk USB Adapter lets you easily upgrade your older Windows PC or laptop to the latest WiFi 6 technology by simply plugging it in—no need to change your network card or internet plan. It delivers fast AX1800 speeds up to 1.8Gbps, which means smoother HD streaming, better video calls, improved gaming, and more reliable work or online learning sessions. With its flexible antenna, you can find the strongest WiFi signal and enjoy better coverage in your home or office. Plus, it works with any WiFi 6 or WiFi 5 router or mesh system, making it a versatile choice for many setups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do USB Wi-Fi adapters work on PC?
A USB WiFi adapter overrides the computer's built-in wireless functionality, giving you a faster, more reliable connection to your available network signals through the USB port instead. Since most computers have at least one USB port, you'll typically be able to use it on both laptops and desktops.
2. Can I use USB to Ethernet adapter?
When you require a Ethernet connection and have no available ports, a USB to Ethernet adapter can be plugged into the USB port to provide you with Ethernet connectivity. ... All that's required to complete the network connection is to plug an Ethernet cable into the adapter and then into a network hub, router or modem.
3. What does a USB network adapter do?
A USB adaptor lets you connect wirelessly to networks, even if your device doesn't have a wireless network card. Once you've purchased a USB adaptor, you'll have to see whether it connects automatically to a wireless network.
During our usb network adapter for pc research, we found 24 usb network adapter for pc products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 540,864 customer reviews through our big data system to write the usb network adapters for pc list. We found that most customers choose usb network adapters for pc with an average price of $18.32.
The usb network adapters for pc are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of usb network adapters for pc, including TP-Link, UGREEN, NETGEAR, Tenda, Nineplus. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.