10 Best Wifi Adapters 2025 in the United States

The Edimax AC1200 Dual-Band MU-MIMO USB 3.0 Adapter (model EW-7822ULC) is a compact USB WiFi adapter designed mainly for desktop users needing a reliable wireless connection. It supports 802.11b/g/n WiFi standards, meaning it works on older and some mid-range networks but does not include the newer 802.11ac or 802.11ax (WiFi 5 or 6) standards that provide faster speeds and better performance with modern routers. The adapter offers a maximum data transfer rate of 867 Mbps, which fits within the AC1200 class, combining speeds on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, giving flexibility to connect to either band depending on the network environment. It does not support 6GHz frequencies, so it is not compatible with the latest WiFi 6E routers.

Its small USB 3.0 form factor makes it easy to plug into a computer without taking much space or requiring internal installation. While designed mainly for desktop use, it supports a common USB interface compatible with many systems. The adapter features MU-MIMO technology, which helps in better handling multiple connected devices simultaneously, improving network efficiency in busier environments.

The product's internal and compact antenna design is suitable for basic use but may not provide the strongest signal compared to adapters with external antennas, particularly in large or complex spaces. Its security standards are consistent with typical home or office networks, supporting common protocols like WPA/WPA2. This Edimax USB adapter is a practical choice for those seeking a simple, portable device to add or upgrade wireless capability on a desktop computer with dual-band WiFi support and decent speeds. While it may not meet needs for the latest WiFi standards or strongest signals in large areas, it offers ease of use and solid everyday performance at a good price point.

The ASUS ROG USB-BE92 is a modern WiFi adapter featuring the latest WiFi 7 (802.11be) standard, allowing very fast wireless speeds up to 6,500 Mbps. It operates on three frequency bands—2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the new 6 GHz band—providing less crowded and faster connections, especially on the 6 GHz band where interference is minimal. This makes it a solid choice for smoother video streaming, gaming, or transferring large files wirelessly.

The adapter uses a USB 3.0 form factor with support for both Type A and Type C ports, making it easy to connect to most modern computers without needing extra adapters. Its design supports advanced features like MU-MIMO and OFDMA, which help maintain strong connections in busy WiFi environments, such as offices or apartments with many devices. Security is up-to-date with WPA3 support, offering better protection against unauthorized access.

This adapter is ideal for users who want fast, future-proof wireless on desktops with USB ports and are ready to take advantage of WiFi 7 technology. While USB dongles may not have the same antenna strength as larger PCIe cards inside desktops, the ASUS ROG USB-BE92 provides a convenient and high-performance wireless solution.

The ASUS PCE-BE92BT is a PCI-E WiFi adapter designed for desktop users looking to upgrade to the latest WiFi 7 standard. It supports the new 6 GHz frequency band and offers a fast speed of up to 9.12 Gbps, which means it can handle heavy internet use with less congestion and interference compared to older WiFi versions. The adapter comes with two external antennas that help reduce dead zones by allowing you to position them for better signal reception. It also includes Bluetooth 5.4, which is energy-efficient and supports connecting several devices easily.

One of the adapter’s strengths is its support for advanced technologies like WPA3 for improved security, as well as OFDMA and MU-MIMO for better network efficiency when multiple devices are connected. The form factor as a PCI-E card means it's installed inside a desktop computer, which is a good choice for stable and fast connections compared to USB adapters.

However, a notable limitation is its compatibility: it only works with Intel motherboards, so users with AMD or other systems won’t be able to use this adapter. Also, since it’s meant for desktops and requires a PCI-E slot, it’s not suitable for laptops or those without available PCI-E connections. While it provides a very high-speed connection, users should ensure their router also supports WiFi 7 to fully benefit from this adapter. This adapter is ideal for Intel-based desktop users seeking cutting-edge WiFi 7 speeds and strong security, especially in environments with many devices or signal interference. Those with non-Intel setups or looking for simpler plug-and-play solutions might want to consider other options.