If you’re after the best speeds available, look for adapters with speeds approaching 1000Mbps. In addition, you can download large files like HD movies in no time. Web pages load more quickly, videos buffer less, and services like 4K video streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming are much more stable. When you get to 300 Mbps, you can enjoy all of the above, faster. Basic options provide speeds of about 100 Mbps, and while that’s on the lower end for adapters, it’s plenty capable for basic online use such as web surfing, music streaming, watching YouTube, editing documents on the cloud, and casual gaming. To get the speed you need, choose the adapter that’s best for your purposes. SpeedĬonnecting to the internet via WiFi is incredibly convenient, but not all wireless adapters are created equal. That said, units with antennas generally provide faster connection speeds and a wider range. Others have large dual antennas, which can be less convenient if your workspace is cramped, or if you move your machine regularly. Some adapters are about the same size as a USB flash drive, and some are even smaller.

In the latter case, it’s very important to consider the size, shape, and antenna design of your adapter. Key considerations Sizeĭepending on the type of computer you have, you can either install a wireless adapter inside your computer or simply plug one into the USB port. Even if your machine does have wireless internet capabilities, antennas can go bad or break, making wireless adapters all the more useful. In our guide to the best wireless adapters, we’ll break down how they work, what features to look for, and which ones you should invest in.Īlmost every modern computer comes with an integrated WiFi antenna, but five years ago, it was far less common. With a wireless adapter, you can add WiFi and cellular capabilities to laptops and desktops that wouldn’t otherwise have them. This includes restaurants, shopping centers, movie theaters, libraries, and even public transportation. Today, WiFi is available in nearly every public space that has electricity. Wireless internet permits us to work, chat, and watch from anywhere in our homes without having to physically connect to a modem.

But even today, not all devices feature wireless connectivity, thus the need for a good wireless adapter.

WiFi came along six years later, and it took the convenience factor of the internet to an entirely new level. Before consumers were able to access the internet in 1991, we communicated, worked, consumed media, and interacted in a completely different way than we do now. In 2019, we often forget just how easy we have it, technology-wise.

Wireless network adapter for mac