{"id":4397,"date":"2023-05-31T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2023-05-31T09:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routerctrl.com\/?p=4397"},"modified":"2023-11-22T15:20:16","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T15:20:16","slug":"wi-fi-dongle-for-pc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routerctrl.com\/wi-fi-dongle-for-pc\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Wi-Fi Dongle is Best for PC?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for an easy and affordable way to add Wi-Fi connectivity to your PC? There\u2019s nothing easier or cheaper than buying a Wi-Fi dongle for PC. We are here today to discuss USB Wi-Fi adapters<\/a>, tell you all about the benefits of having one, analyze their downsides, explore various types of wi-fi dongles for PC, and give you some suggestions. If you\u2019re just interested in our recommendations, skip the introduction and move immediately onto our selection of the best Wi-Fi dongles for PC.<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Wi-Fi<\/p>\n

Why Would You Need a Wi-Fi Dongle for PC?<\/b><\/h2>\n

There’s a number of reasons why you should buy a USB Wi-Fi adapter. It can be just a backup in case something happens to your wi-fi card, but it can also be a life-saving device if your PC\/laptop doesn’t support Wi-Fi. Here\u2019s a list of the most common reasons to buy a Wi-Fi dongle.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your PC doesn\u2019t have a Wi-Fi card<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

It may sound surprising, especially if you only have a laptop, but PCs don’t always have Wi-Fi cards built-in. Even high-end gaming PCs sometimes don’t support Wi-Fi. They may have powerful PCIe Ethernet cards with 2.5G Ethernet ports but still lack wi-fi connectivity. The reason for this is simple \u2013 a wired connection is much more reliable and consistent, and manufacturers want you to use it. Especially for gaming. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, connecting your PC to the router via Ethernet cable<\/a> is not always possible, especially if the router is not in the same room or on the same floor<\/a>. In these situations, buying a Wi-Fi dongle for PC seems like an easier fix than running an Ethernet cable all the way to your PC.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using a USB Wi-Fi adapter will not give you the same results as a wired connection \u2013 you won’t get the max speeds, the connection will not be as reliable, and the lag could be a little bit higher. This can be a deal-breaker for professional gamers, but regular users won\u2019t even notice the difference, especially when using some pricier WiFi5 USB adapter.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your laptop\u2019s wi-fi card is broken<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

If you’re dealing with a faulty wifi card, and are looking for the easiest and most convenient solution, there’s nothing easier than getting a Wi-Fi dongle for PC. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sure, you can always buy a new Wi-Fi card and try to replace it, but that takes time and you may even damage your laptop in the process. Unless your laptop features a modular build, you will have to disassemble it to change one tiny part. And don\u2019t forget \u2013 you will also have to put it back together. <\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, you can buy a USB Wi-Fi adapter, plug it in, wait a few seconds for the drivers to get installed, and you\u2019ll be ready to go in less than a minute. <\/span><\/p>\n

Your built-in Wi-Fi card doesn\u2019t support WiFi5 or WiFi6<\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

Scenario 1<\/strong> – You have just received a brand new WiFi6<\/a> gateway from your ISP, but your laptop\/PC doesn’t support WIFi6 \u2013 it only supports WIFi5. Do you want to see if there’s deference when the router communicates with a WiFi6-enabled device? Who wouldn’t? Try one of the latest WiFi6 dongles and see if the speeds are higher.<\/span><\/p>\n

Scenario 2<\/strong> \u2013 You have an old laptop that only supports 802.11b\/g\/n standard, but your router supports 802.11ac (WiFi5 router). Your wi-fi speeds don\u2019t match your internet plan. Try using a WiFi5 USB adapter. The speeds may get much higher. <\/span><\/p>\n

Backup <\/i><\/b><\/h3>\n

Finally, having a Wi-Fi dongle for PC, just for backup, is not a bad idea at all. Many of us still work from home. We use our laptops and PCs every day for all kinds of business and personal activities. Your Wi-Fi card could fail at any moment. Maybe in the middle of an important Zoom call. It probably won\u2019t, but you cannot be 100% certain. A super-cheap $10 Wi-Fi dongle can be a life-saver in this situation.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Are Wi-Fi Dongles for PC Worth the Money?<\/b><\/h2>\n

We think they are. With a good Wi-Fi adapter, you can get speeds higher than 500 Mbps. That\u2019s more than satisfying if you ask us. It\u2019s good for all kinds of activities, including 4K streaming, even online gaming. Ping may be somewhat higher, but that shouldn\u2019t be a huge problem. <\/span><\/p>\n

Naturally, you must know what to expect from a product based on its price. A cheap $10 Wi-Fi adapter will only support WiFi4, and the max speed will be significantly lower. For $60-$70, you can get a capable WiFi5 USB adapter that can reach speeds up to 500+ Mbps (in some cases, even 700+ Mbps)<\/span><\/p>\n

Is USB Wi-Fi Adapter the Same Thing as Wi-Fi Card?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A Wi-Fi card is built into your PC, while a USB Wi-Fi adapter is a peripheral device, like a USB mouse or USB keyboard, or a thumb drive. USB Wi-Fi adapter is much easier to install. Wi-Fi cards for laptops are, by far, the most difficult to install, while the PCIe Wi-Fi cards for desktop PCs are fairly easy to install (but not as easy as USB Wi-Fi dongles for PC). <\/span><\/p>\n

\"USB<\/p>\n

When it comes to purpose, there\u2019s no difference between the two \u2013 they are both designed to add Wi-Fi connectivity to your PC\/laptop. <\/span><\/p>\n

Does a Wi-Fi Adapter for PC Increase Internet Speed?<\/b><\/h2>\n

It could, but we can\u2019t guarantee that. If your old Wi-Fi card supports only 802.11 b\/g\/n, and you have a WiFi5 router, buying a capable WiFi5 USB adapter (the one that supports 802.11ac and is rated as AC1500 or AC1900), will probably increase your wi-fi speed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Are USB Wi-Fi Adapters Good for Gaming?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Your first option for gaming should always be wired connection (Ethernet cable). One of the reasons why many gaming PCs are not Wi-Fi-enabled is the fact that professional gamers prefer wired internet connection<\/a> because it\u2019s more reliable, more consistent, it delivers higher speeds, and the lag is lower. <\/span><\/p>\n

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