Wi-Fi adapters add wireless networking, and in some cases Bluetooth, to desktop PCs, laptops and servers that lack it or have an ageing card. Our range includes USB adapters and PCI Express cards from TP-Link, Intel, ASUS and DeLock, from simple 2.4 GHz models to Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 hardware.
How to choose a Wi-Fi adapter
Host interface. USB adapters plug in within seconds and work with both desktops and laptops, so they suit anyone who does not want to open a case. PCI Express cards sit inside a desktop and usually offer external antennas and steadier reception. Check that your computer has a free slot before ordering one.
Wi-Fi standard. Our range runs from Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) to Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), with Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E in between. Match the adapter to your router: a Wi-Fi 7 card connected to a Wi-Fi 5 router will simply run at Wi-Fi 5 speeds.
Frequency bands. Single-band 2.4 GHz adapters reach furthest through walls but are the most prone to interference. Dual-band models add 5 GHz, which is faster and less crowded. Tri-band models add 6 GHz, which only helps if your router supports Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7.
Speed rating. Maximum data rates in our range go from 150 Mbit/s to above 2800 Mbit/s. These are theoretical link speeds, so real transfers will be lower. For a typical broadband line, an adapter rated at 867 Mbit/s or more is rarely the limiting factor.
Bluetooth and compatibility. Some adapters combine WLAN and Bluetooth in one device, which saves a port or a second purchase. Confirm driver support for your operating system, especially if you use Linux or an older version of Windows.
Wi-Fi adapter brands we carry
- TP-Link: a networking specialist best known for routers and range extenders, and the largest brand in this category, with USB adapters across several Wi-Fi generations.
- Intel: makes the wireless chipsets found in many laptops and motherboards, and its cards cover Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 standards.
- ASUS: offers adapters alongside its routers and motherboards, so they pair naturally with an ASUS-based network.
- DeLock: a supplier of interface cards, cables and converters, offering adapters for specific slot and connector types.
- Edimax and D-Link: long-established networking brands, both offering straightforward USB adapters for upgrading older computers.
Also in our range: Swissbit, Inter-Tech, Lanberg, Cudy, LogiLink and Vention.
Wi-Fi adapter FAQ
Is a USB or PCI Express Wi-Fi adapter better for a desktop PC?
A PCI Express card is usually the better long-term choice for a desktop, because it uses external antennas that can be positioned for a stronger signal. A USB adapter is easier to fit and can be moved between computers. If your PC sits behind a desk or inside a metal case, a card or a USB adapter with an extension cradle will help reception.
Do I need a Wi-Fi 7 adapter?
You only need Wi-Fi 7 if your router also supports it and you want the highest speeds and lowest latency on a local network. For most homes with a Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 router, an adapter of the same standard performs just as well. Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 adapters are more future-proof, but they bring no gain on an older router.
Will a new Wi-Fi adapter make my internet faster?
It can, if your current adapter is old or limited to 2.4 GHz. A modern dual-band or tri-band adapter connects at higher speeds and handles interference better. It cannot exceed the speed of your internet plan or router, so check those first.
Can a Wi-Fi adapter also provide Bluetooth?
Some can. Several adapters in our range are listed as WLAN and Bluetooth combined, which lets you connect headphones, keyboards and phones without a separate dongle. Models listed only as WLAN do not include Bluetooth, so check the product details before buying.
