The key features of the best wireless adapter for gaming include radio frequency band, connectivity speed, antenna gain, Wi-Fi output, IEEE standards, modulation, compatibility, link rate, and related hardware specifications. You need to consider the design, construction and performance parameters which produce the best output to the gaming platform you work on. Using the USB port for connecting your gaming platform to the wireless adapter is stated to be the best mode for getting the complete benefits of its features. In this review, you can read about four of the top wireless adapters for gaming.
What is The Best USB WiFi Adapter to Buy?
The answer is not a straightforward. The best USB WiFi adapter what suits your needs. For example, if you have 802.11ac router and USB 3.0 port in your PC, you should buy a 802.11ac compatible WiFi adapter for the maximum performance and speed. If you have slow USB ports and your router is not fast enough, you should buy a compatible slow adapter for your PC. Here is a list of the best wireless adapters for gaming or video streaming. All the products are best in class, however you should buy the best fit for you.
List of The Best USB WiFi Adapters For Gaming 2020
1. Trendnet TEW-809UB – The Best USB WIFI Adapter for Gaming 2020
The Trendnet TEW-809UB works on a high performance chipset which increases the speed of the system through 802.11ac connectivity. The 801.11 range of modulation is according to the IEEE standards for using 4 power packed antennas to have the best data rate. The system captures multiple data streams and transfers then into single bandwidth channel. The data encoding techniques help the system transfer the data packets at a faster rate.
Antenna Gain
The four external antennas work at two distinct high value frequencies of 2.4GHZ and 5GHZ. At 4 x 5 dBi, it can pick up the weakest signals at higher amplitude. The numbers of peaks reached by the signals are also relatively higher compared to the earlier versions. The other advantage of the antenna is its dual band (4X5) which sends the focused signals directly to the gaming device. Hence the loss of signals is near to zero even when they are weak. That means your gaming experience will remain within the minimum recommended speeds
Modulation Factor
The Trendnet TEW-809UB uses highly efficient modulation techniques of the IEEE 802.11b standards for the best combination of amplitude, phase, and frequency. It works on the complementary coded keying (CCK) and QPSK for streaming the data bits efficiently. The result is enhanced resolution, sharpness of the images, better control of the gaming options and break-free gaming for extended time.
Wifi Output Power
The output power range of the Trendnet TEW-809UB varies between 19.5dbm and 23dbm max. This range ensures the higher bandwidth for the games to get loaded into the gaming device. Some of the key benefits could be listed here. The enhanced beam formation of the signals further increases the power.
Bandwidth Factor: For the best of advanced gaming experience online, the need for higher bandwidth is very high. The Trendnet TEW-809UB has the capacity to consistently provide the higher range bandwidth.
Frequency Factor: The frequency of the Trendnet TEW-809UB ranges between 2.4GHZ and 5GZ. When the output power increases, it is possible for the system to strike a balance between the bandwidth and the frequency to push in maximum numbers of data packets per unit time. This technique used by the adapter can turn the moderately designed consoles into powerhouse gaming hubs. The other benefit is the direct connectivity between the adapter and the Desktop PC/laptop. You can find plenty of high end online games which can be played directly on these devices. By connecting to such servers, you can get invite multiple players from vast range of IP addresses to play with you. The Trendnet TEW-809UB will ensure the best playing experience by constantly keeping the frequency at optimum levels.
Wi-Fi Multi Media Quality (WMM)
The multiple data prioritization of the WMM quality standards (IEEE 802.11e) gives you Dolby quality voice, HDTV video, background processes, and high speed download. You can play your games at the best possible resolution and visual effects as offered by the server in real time.
Recommendation
I would recommend the Trendnet TEW-809UB if you have desktop, laptop (Windows 7 to 10) or Mac (10.6 to 10.1). However, it is better to opt for Windows 10 as it tends to slow down on windows 7. You need to ensure minimum of 8GB+ RAM to ensure comfortable gaming experience.
Pros
- CE and FCC certified hardware and firmware
- Simple installation and configuration
- Works on WEP security
Cons
- USB cable provided by the OEM has insufficient length
2. TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 - 2nd Best USB Wireless Adapter
Enhanced signal reception is one of the key criteria which contribute to the efficiency of the TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 Wireless adapter. At the same time, the device is fine tuned for maximum transmission frequency through the USB port. You can experience seamless flow of data packets, as you play on your favorite games. The lag you experience in the high end games are eliminated when you use the device with a good performance PC or laptop. The HD video streaming quality ensures high resolution and sharp images.
Antenna Gain
The antenna gain of the TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 gives you 5GHZ frequency at 300MBPS speed. The IEEE-802.11n speed standards ensure redirecting of the entire set of data packets into the target device due to its smart beam technology. The rate of data packets loss is brought down to near zero. The 32-bit twin antenna works at a speed of 300MBPs according to the iEEE802.11 b/n guidelines. The CSMACA-ACK-Interface is an advanced technology in the antenna sensor. The receiving node always acknowledges the received signals. If the ACK is not received by the node, the system re-transmits the signals after a specific (milliseconds) time, considering the earlier signal as lost. It is one of the best ways of preserving the continuity of the signals. You can experience the effects in the games you play. Regardless of the bandwidth occupied by your high-end game, you can play it n a continuous frame mode. The system will neither “hang” nor slow down at any point of time.
Modulation Factor
The TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 has a modulation of EIRP with Wi-Fi power of 20db, which could extend up to 25+db when the signal strength is high. The rate at which the signals get captured and transmitted to the gaming device is consistently maintained at the 5GHZ frequency. It enables lag-free gaming experience for the high end games you play. But the effects can become maximum, when your PC/laptop has a high-end CPU and minimum of 8GB RAM, with sufficient free disk space. It is because of the virtual memory required by the high end games for enhancing the smooth flow of data packets for better video and audio quality.
Wifi Output Power
The standard Wifi output power of the TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 is 20db. It may reach up to 25db, when the signal strength and the bandwidth are optimum. The power of the Wi-Fi can be experienced when the number of users within the same network is abnormally high. It generally happens during the peak utilization hours. You might have experienced the signals getting distorted and the weak transmission at some point. The TP-Link adapter overcomes these issues by streamlining the Wifi output through the USB cables at consistent signal rates. The ratio of input: output will always remain consistent, regardless of the signal strength.
Bandwidth Factor: The specified bandwidth of the TP-Link adapter is constantly maintained at the same levels round the clock. However, it may reduce when multiple users get connected to the same adapter within your premises. In such instances, you may experience decrease in the speed. The TP-Link adapter balances this slow down, by enhancing the input frequency of the signals. Hence, the system will tend to slow only partially, in spite of the temporary decrease in the bandwidth speed.
Frequency Factor: The pseudo random channels of the TP-Link play a key role in consistently balancing the Wifi frequency within the 5GHZ limits when the signals from a specific channel slow down. It is a big advantage for you, since the number of data packets / unit time will remain the same. The frequency factor will also mean you can play your games with uninterrupted communication with the others in the gaming network. The radio data rate from the Wi-Fi is categorized into three distinct sections, namely the 11b, 11n and 11g. The speed of the system varies from 11MBPs and 300MBPS. The spread spectrum system of direct sequencing helps keep the speed and frequency by using the strong radio data signals (data packets) to compensate for the variation in the speed and frequency.
Recommendation
I would recommend you to have at least Windows 7 or equivalent Mac OS to get the maximum benefits from the TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 adapter. The minimum required memory is 4GB, though 8GB is preferred for better experience. Make sure your system is not working with legacy processors. The company may say a lot about backward compatibility to the older OS and hardware. But in practical scenario, it just doesn’t work. Hence, you need to have the updated hardware, OS and the device drivers for the gaming devices to get the best benefits of the TP-Link TL-WN822N N300.
Pros
- Extendible Wifi output power
- Balance between bandwidth, speed and frequency
- Compact and lightweight
- WEP data security
- DSSSS spectrum
Cons
- Speed and bandwidth benefits for the 32-bit OS are lower compared to the 64-bit OS.
3. D-Link N300 Wi-Fi Adapter – The Best Wireless Network Adapter
Your desire to play HD video games with the best sound effects will eventually lead you to the D-Link N300 Wi-Fi Adapter – Power of Range Extender. It offers you high speed 300MBPS connection and support for the wireless-N standards. The sleek and lightweight system is easy to install and simple to configure. Now, you have the freedom to connect your Wi-Fi directly to smart TV, game consoles and the PC/Laptop. The uninterrupted signal capturing capacity of the system allows you to carry it anywhere in your home. You don’t need to worry about changing the tilting angle of the antennas, hoping to capture the weak signals at some point. The power packed twin antenna system can literally grab the signals and amplify according to your system requirement.
Antenna Gain
The D-Link N300 WiFi antenna can work with incoming signals from all the directions. The duck design of the antenna works at 24db and higher output range. They can boost the incoming signals while transmitting them to the gaming device. The process of signal splitting into dual bands of 2.4GHZ bandwidth helps in creating multiple channels for the signals to enter the adapter through the antenna. That means the net speed and bandwidth of the signals will remain the same, even if one of the split bands were to go weak. The gain in the other channel will naturally compensate for the loss in the first band.
Modulation Factor
The CCK modulation factor of the D-Link N300 WiFi enhances the chipping sequences of the signals into smaller MBPS and route them through multiple channels of bandwidth as explained above. This process is somewhat similar to the data download channels used by the software for files and videos. The random algorithm of the system allocates the maximum number of bytes/unit time depending on the net speed and the individual channel speed. If one of the specific channels the d to slow down, the system automatically stops/ reduces the data packet allocation to that channel, and redirects to the other spilt channels. The other modulation methods used by the D-Link N300 WiFi are the QPSK and OFDM. The phase shift keying system allows efficient encoding of the signals leads to better reception and transmission. The QPSK phase shift from 0-degrees to 270-degrees allows the receiver to detect the signals from multiple directions. This technique allows the system to overcome the signal fading risks and improve the performance levels.
Wifi Output Power
The Wifi output power of the D-Link N300 Wifi extends the predecessor models to balance the bandwidth and the frequency rating. Since the power factor depends on the antenna gain and modulation factor, the probability of a fall in the power is greatly reduced. Hence you can expect the speed and bandwidth consistency to be maintained at optimum levels, throughout your gaming from the start to the finish.
Bandwidth Factor: The variation in the actual bandwidth with the declared bandwidth is normally less than 9%. The D-Link N300 Wifi has the inbuilt mechanism to compensate the reduction by increasing the modulation factors. This dynamic method of switching between the multiple channel output streams helps the system maintain its efficiency at the highest levels.
Frequency Factor: The D-Link N300 Wifi has a standard bandwidth of 2.4GHz, which is relatively lower compared to the other models discussed here. But the range is sufficient if you wish to play the video games up to the 3-D versions of the latest games you find online. However, the frequency modulation of the D-Link N300 Wifi is capable of enhancing the output frequency by splitting the modulated waves.
Recommendation
Personally I would recommend the D-Link N300 Wifi for connecting to your smart TV and laptop systems to play your favorite games.
Pros
- Inbuilt Ethernet Port for hot spot creation
- 300MBPS speed at 2.4GHZ
- WPA2 security standards
- Compact and lightweight
- Wall mounting options
- Automatic signal detection at 360-degrees around the antenna pair
- Works on WPA security
Cons
- The device runs on single band
4. Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter – The Best WiFi Adapter for PC Gaming
The Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter has the unique ability of connecting to the XBOX-360 systems. The procedure for connecting the 360 and the adapter is simple. You can configure the two systems to work with each other to produce the most stunning gaming effects. You don’t need to depend on CDs and USB storage devices to play the latest XBOX-360 games arriving in the online store. You can get Moreover, the innovation gives you better playing options and enhanced effects compared to the other adapters discussed here.
Antenna Gain
Going beyond the scope of a mere USB device, the Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter works as a wireless bridge between the Xbox-360 and the gaming device. You can set up the device using the inbuilt GUI settings menu. For this, you need to connect the adapter to a PC and a network system. Then the user interface menu opens up in the PC. The menu system on the left screen allows you to configure the antenna gain, port settings, IP configurations, default gateway and other custom settings. Once you are through with them, you can see the antenna settings automatically tuning into the most efficient signal reception and transmission.
Modification Factor
The automated modulation factor of the Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter takes care of managing the frequency, bandwidth, signal processing and transmission. It varies from QPSK and OFDM to generate the best possible signal strength frequency. The standard operating frequency is 2.41GHZ and 2.49GHZ.
Wifi Output Power
The radio technology DSSS system takes care of managing the system, using an ADMIN and user concept. This concept is somewhat similar to the Windows Server system wherein the users are controlled by a single ADMIN login. The Belkin Wireless G Gaming Adapter has the ability to connect 32 users simultaneously using the WiFi power.
Recommendation
I would personally recommend this system if you have to use it in a sports club or other places wherein the number of users is more than 5 (including your home). You can set up parental controls and other features to have a decent browsing and gaming experience. XBOX-360 is the biggest benefit.
Pros
- Best Wifi for XBOX 360
- Works on WEP, WPA and WPA2 security models
- Browser based control
Cons
- Bulky in size
Buying Guide for USB Wireless Adapter
Wireless adapters are perhaps the most important gaming tool. You can enjoy your game if you can make the correct choice. Because of the importance, you must be very careful when you want to buy one. Many new gamers do not know how to go about it. This guide is to help such people make the correct choice. There are various models on the market and if you do not have the previous experience, it might not be easy to make an informed decision.
Most of the recent computers come with this device, but the problem is that some of the preinstalled wireless adapters are not the best because they do not provide optimal performance you require for the game. The best option for most people is to replace the preinstalled one and install one that can serve better. How do you know the best wireless adapters to use for your gaming? We are here to supply you with the answer as well as the best buying guide for the device.
Before you make your purchase, you must make some important considerations. The most important thing is that you do not make your choice based on appearance or fantasy design. Check the specifications and that is where you can determine the stuff the device is made of. Perhaps the most important area you must focus when you are making your choice includes the wireless protocol, which the device is going to support.
Apart from that, think of the USB. There are different generation USBs on the market, think of the generation that the device you want to buy can support and check whether it will compatible with your operating system.
Features Consideration for Wireless Adapters for Gaming Purposes
Most importantly, consider the specifications of your gaming laptop and relate it to the specifications of the device you want to buy. This can assist you in making a perfect decision. Choosing the best Wi-Fi adapter for your gaming is necessary and the information provided above should proceed other decisions you take about this tool.
1. MU-MIMO
Mu-MIMO is a very important specification. You must consider it before you can make your choice. This specification is very important in communication and with this; it is possible to communicate with many devices at a time. If you want other devices that can connect to the internet wirelessly, this item would assist in that connection. It is important that you consider whether this is available before you can make your choice and check the type of the model available in the system.
Many of the wireless adapters do not make provision for more than one item connection. If you want to connect more than one item, you have to check for compatibility before you choose.
2. Beam Forming
This is another important aspect to consider when you are making a choice. If you want a better and improved reception, then you have to make do with the best quality in the market. You need to take that connection to a specific direction and this would assist you in doing that.
3. USB Connection
There are different kinds of USB connection port for this kind of product. Usually it is either USB 2.0 or it is USB 3.0. Consider the one you can use for your gaming. There are differences and similarities between the two, but it appears that 3.0 is more advanced. If you want to get improvement in terms of functionality, then you can start with 3.0, you will like the interaction and you will enjoy the game. If you are a beginner, and your system is adaptable to 2.0 then you can opt for that.
While you need an improved port is because of the speed. 3.0 is a newer model and you will expect that it will perform better than the previous edition. As a matter of fact the speed is ten times more than what 2.0 can afford. This is why it is recommended that you start with 3.0.
4. Antenna
The issue of antenna is equally important and there are different kinds of antenna that you can use in the market. You have to check specifications and consider what you want to achieve before you make your choice. The first thing to consider is whether you need to transfer and in answering that question will determine whether you need an antenna or whether you do not need one.
You may not require an antenna if you use a wireless router. However, the importance of antenna is that it can improve the signal quality. When you have a better signal, you will have a better game.
5. Kind of adapters
Moreover, you must make a decision as to the kind of antenna to use. There are two kinds on the market and it includes the gaming Wi-Fi card as well as the gaming USB Wi-Fi adapter. These two can be used but you can always make a choice between the two.
There are not many differences between the two. What separates them is the method of installation. You can install one easily because it is a card while the other requires USB plugging to install.
6. Type of connection
Another thing that you must bear in mind when you are making your choice is the type of connection. There are two types of connection and they include the internal and the external connection. These two methods are effective. There are differences between them, which can transform into advantage and disadvantages.
The benefit of using an internal wireless adapter connection is that it will deliver superior signals. Moreover, the signals will be consistent. If you want to download, this signal will be good enough and it can facilitate your work because of the speed and consistency.
Another benefit of using the internal connection is that it does not expose your network to any risk once connected to the internet. There could be risk, but it is less. Furthermore, you will free your USB port, which you can use for other connection. It can serve you better.
The shortcoming is that you can just use it on one computer. Secondly, it tends to be more expensive.
External connection on the other features an inbuilt Wi-Fi compatibility. It is more portable. If you want to be moving your system, then this is a better option.
Because of that portability, many people prefer to use it. Furthermore, it is more convenient to use and you can swap network from one computer to another. This means that you can use it on more than one computer.
Moreover, it is simpler to install this one. Even a novice can do that by following the instructions provided for that effect. Moreover, the signal quality is reliable, but when it comes to consistency, it is not as consistent as the internal method. It is therefore important you choose from the two and make your choice based on the factors considered above. It depends on what you want to achieve.
7. Transfer speed
Most importantly, you must consider data transfer speed when you are making your choice. There are different models and you have to compare them based on their transfer speed. For instance, wireless AC ca transfer to the speed of 866.7 mbps and it does that at the frequency of 5 GH.
It is important that you consider all the wireless protocol and the speed as well as their efficiency when you make your choice. The most important thing however should be what you want to achieve with the thing. Ensure that you get what you want and look for an adapter that can give you that experience.
In some cases, there are those that features double band wireless adapters and their frequencies can be 2.4 GHz as well as 5 GHz. The speed also can top 1200 Mbps and so on.
When it comes to download speed, wireless signals have little or no effect but when it comes to the game interaction, it has important effects; you must keep this in mind when you are making your choice.
8. Extension cable
Think whether you can combine it with an extension cable. If you have the system or the port is not conveniently located, you can improve the signal by connecting an extension cable. For that to be possible, you must ensure that it makes provision for such a connection to happen.
When there is an obstacle, you can always improve it by taking the extension cable to where the signal can be better. This can facilitate your work. If you want to be moving about with the system, then look for those that are compatible with an extension because it makes for easier connection and it can help to improve the signal quality and so on. Look for anything that can make the system handy for you and one of them is the extension cable.
9. Power Consumption
Power consumption is another important factor to consider when you are making your choice. It is necessary that you spend plenty of money on power because you are using the device. Because of that, it is recommended that you consider the power consumption level and go for those that can save you money in terms of power consumption.
10. 802.11 Protocols
802.11 is the standard and set of protocols for carrying out wireless local area network on your computer. It operates at 5.3.6 as well as 2.4 GHz frequency bands. IEEE 802 maintains the protocol and it can equally be maintained through IEEE LAN/MAN standards. One of the best is the 802.11 2007. There are different variations on the market. It is important that you make a choice based on what can serve you most.
11. Wi-Fi Adapter security
Another important issue you must consider is the issue of security. When security is mentioned, your mind should go to Wi-Fi adapters security. There are many legislative issues about this and you have to consider security as an issue.
The Wi-Fi improved security features must be considered so that when exporting your game there will be no problem. You must consider the security feature put in place before you make a choice. Wireless communication can be vulnerable to different security threats; it is therefore that the Wi-Fi adapter security issue is well addressed.
One of the security issues you have to consider include WPA, which is the Wi-Fi Protected Access. There should be an improved data encryption so that your data will be protected. Consider this while making your choice.
12. Software
Moreover, the wireless adapter should have its software. You should be careful in the choice you make here because when you choose a card it will not be difficult to upgrade for most of the cards. Check for those you can downloads improved components on the internet before you make your purchase. This can help you a lot.
13. Price
Furthermore, consider the issue of cost when you are making your decision. You have seen that there are various models on the market and these have different quality. The prices are not the same. The most important factor to consider when you are making the choice is not necessary for the price.
You must consider quality when you are making that choice. This means that you must not compromise quality when you are making your choice. Moreover, your choice should be influenced by different factors as mentioned above.
You level of experience will determine the choice you make. In addition to that, if you an avid player and you want to go to places with it, you can choose the best. If you are a casual gamer, you may not necessarily go for the best, which could be very expensive, but you can opt for what you can give you the best of what you want to achieve.
Final Thoughts on Buying The Best Wireless Adapter for Gaming
My personal choice is the Trendnet TEW-809UB as it provides multimedia quality Wifi connectivity with the best of sound effects for your games. Of course you will need the hardware on your computer to experience the realistic effects. But this adapter works out just fine in all the aspects discussed.
These are the best wireless adapters for gaming. If you are making the purchase for the first time, the valuable information provided here can simply lead you to make a perfect decision. Even advanced users can find the information here very helpful.
This is because apart from refreshing their knowledge on what they are used to. It can still provide them with the most updated information that can assist them in making that decision. You will become a winner when you make the correct choice.
TP-Link TL-WN822N N300 Wireless High Gain USB Adapter (White) is the best wifi adapter for games. Since network games require a really high speed wireless routers and adapters which are not mostly available in desktop computers or laptops.
One need to plug in an additional devices into their gaming laptop or desktop to improve the overall network speed. Wether you play COD or other network games, the hight speed wifi adapters will dramatically improve overall experience.
Hi Martine,
I want to extend my wifi area. Do you recommend any wifi adapter which supports long wireless range or I should use some other devices?