It's rare to find a laptop or desktop computer that doesn't already have a Wi-Fi card built into the machine. But there are budget computers out there that don't have them, and there are lots of people now who want to build their own PC and just don't include one. Or hey, maybe the wi-fi chip on your computer just broke--it happens. The simplest solution to this is a Wi-Fi adapter, which plugs into your USB port and allows your device to connect to the internet via a Wi-Fi connection. Very simple and easy to use.
When trying to figure out which wi-fi adapter will best fit your needs, there are a number of factors to consider. It's good to know beforehand whether you'll need portability (are you getting this for a desktop that is never going to move or a work laptop that you're regularly taking with you on business trips, for example), it also helps to figure out how far your computer is going to regularly be from a modem and what you plan on using your computer for. With that in mind, we've detailed five options for you. Between them, you should be able to find what you need.
Editor's Note: Article updated on June 24, 2022
Those planning to use a Wi-Fi adapter for a laptop or desktop computer for the purposes of online gaming should go with the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900. It's a bit bulky so it's going to likely clog up two of your USB ports--the one it's using and the one right next to it. But you're going to have a pretty strong connection. Not ethernet strong, of course--but if you're hoping for that, you're not going to find it when it comes to playing online via Wi-Fi. But the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 is your best choice for wireless play.
Ah, so you want a Wi-Fi adapter but you don't want to pay much money for it.
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