Top 17 Desktop Wifi Adapter Brands in 2024

The most popular brands for Desktop Wifi Adapter Includes Belkin, EDUP, Linksys, D-Link, NETGEAR, Comfast, Orange, TRENDnet, Cisco, Wavlink among many others.

1

Belkin

Popular Brand

Belkin is a market leader in accessories and strives to deliver audio, connectivity, home automation, productivity, protection, power, and security solutions. Its product line is vast and includes consumer electronics. Based in Southern California, it has a global presence in over 50 countries. The company ensures to create products that empower its customers at home, work, or anywhere else. Today, it continues to be an inspirational presence among people.

2

EDUP

Popular Brand

EDUP is an electronics technology firm based in Shenzhen founded in 2004 to export dependable networking devices and accessories worldwide. Recently, wifi, USB adapters for all business and home use, routers, repeaters, and Bluetooth music receivers for studio step-ups have advanced. Customers have taken notice of EDUP's gadgets, such as home networking tools, smart home tools, and entertainment zones. Thanks to high-quality items, artistic elements, and excellent customer service, they've established a broad market in the United States.

3

Linksys

Popular Brand

For more than 30 years, Linksys has been developing wired and wireless networking technology. It is considered a networking pioneer. They focus on making it simple for customers to link their gadgets to the internet without fuss. The company is the third-largest provider of home networking solutions, enabling consumers to quickly connect to their home network and other devices like smartphones, tablets, printers, and smart TVs, thanks to its wide range of innovative solutions. To link people smarter, quicker, and more securely than ever before, Linksys works tirelessly to dismantle communication boundaries.

5

NETGEAR

Best Brand

Netgear is an electronics company that sells a wide range of items like LED TVs and sound systems. They carry some of the biggest electronics brands that are popular and well-loved globally. On their website, one can find everything from Gaming laptops to Consoles and accessories. The brand aims to offer its customers the best service and has curated only the top products for them.

6

Comfast

Best Brand

Comfast is a company that sells good quality wifi Range Extenders. The company is leading in the sector of network communication. They use the latest technology to make their products. The customers can get a wide range of selections from wireless networks, cable networks, and regional networks. Comfast has been developing the network industry in china by a huge margin. They do sell their products globally. They keep on researching to bring the latest products to their customers.

7

Orange

Best Brand

The best bikes in the world are what Orange Bikes are made to be. They diligently design and engineer each bike for performance, aesthetics, and value out of a profound passion for riding. They take pride in the way their bikes handle and seem. They sincerely hope that making Orange Bikes would make you as proud as they are to manufacture them. By offering groundbreaking features at an accessible price, Orange Bikes seeks to disrupt the market. In addition to delivering a comfortable riding experience, it provides lightweight bicycles that perform superbly in all-weather situations.

8

TRENDnet

Best Brand

TRENDnet is a well-known home and small business networking innovation with a diverse array of award-winning wired and wireless equipment....

9

Cisco

Cisco helps to bring a better future into perspective. The future of the workforce is here. The entire working community...

11

EDIMAX

EDIMAX is a global pioneer in designing and producing greater, low-cost network equipment for small businesses and residential customers. Wired/wireless...

12

Tenda

Tenda is a leading designer and manufacturer of networking devices, wireless routers, and industrial computers. Numerous businesses use their products...

13

ZyXEL

To assist you in creating networks that are quicker and smarter, ZyXel introduces new networking ideas and products. They empower...

14

Hawking

HawkingManufacturing is one of California's most dependable makers of wireless network devices. Their primary goal is to provide the best...

15

MediaTek

MediaTek boasts about being the fourth largest global fabless semiconductor company. They make chips that are used in various devices....

16

Aigital

17

Sierra

Sierra Electronics is committed to providing you with the best customer service and support possible. They are convinced that you...

Desktop Wifi Adapter Buying Guide

A desktop Wifi adapter is a device that allows connectivity of your computer to wireless networks. It is plugged into a USB port or installed onto a PCI slot inside the computer. Nowadays, Wifi adapters are an essential component of a computer, particularly for gamers, streamers, or people who require high-speed internet connection. With numerous options available in the market, finding the right Wifi adapter can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when buying a desktop Wifi adapter.

Types of Desktop Wifi Adapters

There are two main types of desktop Wifi adapters available - USB or PCI Express. Let's discuss each in detail.

USB Wifi Adapter

USB Wifi adapters are the most popular type of Wifi adapter. They connect to your computer through the USB port, and the driver installation is typically straightforward. They are compact, portable, and can be easily carried around, making them an excellent option for laptop users. USB Wifi adapters offer flexibility in terms of location as they can be plugged into any USB port without requiring any modification to the computer hardware.

One downside of USB Wifi adapters is that they are prone to overheating and signal interference. Also, the placement of the adapter can impact the signal strength as it is external to the computer. This problem can be solved by using a USB extension cord or antenna for remote placement, but this increases the price of the adapter.

PCI Express Wifi Adapter

PCI Express Wifi adapters are installed inside the computer through a PCI slot. They are physically bigger and more powerful in terms of signal strength compared to USB Wifi adapters. They are designed to function more consistently than their USB counterparts, as they are immune to signal interference and overheating. These adapters can also provide faster speeds as they utilize the computer's internal power supply.

However, PCI Express Wifi adapters have some downsides as well. They require a certain level of technical knowledge to install, which can be intimidating for novice users. Also, the installation requires modification to your computer's hardware, which can potentially damage the system during the installation process.

Wifi Standard

Wifi standard refers to the wireless communications protocol adopted in the Wifi adapter. The current standard is 802.11ac, which is also known as Gigabit Wifi. The 802.11ac standard can provide speeds up to 1.3Gbps, which is faster than the previous 802.11n standard. When buying a Wifi adapter, choosing one with 802.11ac standard would be the best option, as it supports high-speed internet connectivity.

Antenna and Signal Strength

The signal strength of a Wifi adapter determines the quality of the network connection. A strong signal strength ensures faster speed, wider range, and better performance. USB Wifi adapters typically have a small built-in antenna that provides reasonable signal strength. While PCI Express Wifi adapters have powerful external antennas that provide superior signal strength.

If you require a stable and efficient internet connection, choose a Wifi adapter with external antennas. They can be adjusted to improve signal strength in the desired direction. However, they are expensive and take up more space than built-in antennas. The built-in antennas are convenient and easy to use, but they provide limited coverage, making internet connections unstable.

Speed Capability

Speed capability is an essential factor to consider when choosing a Wifi adapter. It refers to the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted or received by the adapter. The maximum speed depends on the adapter's standard, which is typically mentioned in the product specifications. 802.11ac provides the highest speed, so if you require a Wifi adapter for tasks like gaming, streaming, or downloading large files, choose an adapter with 802.11ac standard.

Compatibility

It is crucial to ensure that the Wifi adapter is compatible with your computer's operating system. Most adapters are compatible with Windows OS, but not all are compatible with Mac OS or Linux. Before purchasing a Wifi adapter, check the product specifications for compatibility information.

USB vs. PCI Express: Which one to choose?

So, the question arises, which one should you choose - USB or PCI Express? The answer depends on your requirements and preferences.

If you need a portable device for your laptop, then USB Wifi adapters are an excellent choice. They are easy to install, convenient, and provide reasonable signal strength. USB Wifi adapters also allow flexibility in placement options. However, if you are looking for a stable connection with faster speeds, then PCI Express Wifi adapters are the way to go. They provide superior signal strength, stability, and faster speeds. The installation process can be complicated, but once installed, it functions efficiently and reliably.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right desktop Wifi adapter can make a significant difference in your internet experience. Factors to consider include the type of adapter, Wifi standard, antenna, signal strength, speed capability, and compatibility. After considering your specific requirements, you can make an informed decision between a USB or PCI Express adapter. We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the right desktop Wifi adapter.

Categories Similar to Desktop Wifi Adapter

Top similar topics to Desktop Wifi Adapter Includes Laptop Wifi Adapter, Wifi Adapter, Wifi Dongle among many others.