13 Best USB Wireless Network Adapters with External Antenna in 2024

By Robin Owens 5 days ago, Additional Gear

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Affordable and high-quality USB wireless network adapters with external antenna.

top 3 best usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Think that your old desktop PC is not suitable for web browsing? Tired of very slow Wi-Fi on your laptop? It’s time to change the situation using the best wireless network adapter with external antenna. It is a plug-and-play device connected to the USB port. Using this adapter, you can experience all benefits of the latest wireless standards.

Top 13 USB Wireless Network Adapters with External Antenna

  1. Alfa AC1200 - Our Choice
  2. TP-Link TL-WN722N - Popular
  3. Netgear A7000-10000S - Professional
  4. Linksys WUSB6300 - Fast
  5. EDUP USB - Affordable
  6. Panda PAU09 - Dual Band
  7. Edimax EW-7811UAC - High Gain Antenna
  8. TRENDnet TEW-809UB - Ultimate
  9. ASUS USB-AC68 AC1900 - Cradle included
  10. Edimax EW-7811Un - Budget
  11. OURLiNK AC600 - WiFi Dongle
  12. Panda PAU06 - Portable
  13. BrosTrend 1200Mbps - 5dBi Antennas

An adapter creates a new wireless network interface. A wireless adapter is a perfect fit for your laptop since it speeds up its performance because of the dual-band Wi-Fi. This way, you can get even faster 5GHz frequencies. In other words, you can enjoy Netflix films and Zoom calls without any lags. If you want to enhance wireless features of your computer, the best wireless network adapter with external antenna is exactly what you need. And it’s a must-have for people who get used to working online in cafes, hotels, and airports.

1. Alfa AC1200

Our Choice
alfa ac1200 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ 160+Mbps wireless (USB 3.0)
  • ✚ Monitor Mode works perfectly
  • ✚ Packet Injection is working perfectly
  • It tends to disconnect every so-often
Rating

The Alfa AC 1200 USB wireless network adapter with external antenna is considered to be one of the most advanced and efficient wireless adapters available in the market today. However, the only problem is that most people are not aware of its amazing features and most probably they buy this device without knowing all its merits.

The first and the most obvious advantage of using this wireless network adapter with antenna is the fact that it can connect to your home wireless network at no extra cost. This feature will be very useful to those who do not have much money to spend on purchasing wireless adapters for their computers. The second advantage is that it works very well in both windows and Mac OS X operating systems. So, this device will work perfectly in both operating systems.

2. TP-Link TL-WN722N

Popular
tp-link tl-wn722n usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, USB, IEEE 802.11n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ Works for injection mode
  • ✚ Versatile and works with every OS
  • ✚ Plug and play
  • The device can be wider than the area between two usb plugs
  • No built-in support in the kernel in RHEL or CentOS
Rating

TP-Link TL-WN722N USB wireless network adapter with external antenna has been in the market for a long time. It has been one of the best choices among all other types of wireless adapters available in the market today. This product is a perfect choice for people who use the internet to communicate with their friends, family, colleagues and customers online. The features of this USB wireless network adapter with antenna are great.

The fact that it has advanced RF bandwidth and features such as WPA2 Antenna configuration ensures that this device provides a secure and robust connection to the network. Еhe cons includes facts that the device can be wider than the area between two usb plugs and no built-in support in the kernel in RHEL or CentOS . If you looking for best usb wireless network adapter with external antenna then the TP-Link TL-WN722N is right choice for you.

3. Netgear A7000-10000S

Professional
netgear a7000-10000s usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Easy to install
  • ✚ Works fast
  • ✚ Versatile
  • Not reliable
Rating

The Netgear A7000-10000S USB wireless network adapter with external antenna is one of the very best products that can help you in your endeavor to secure your network from intruders and other unwanted parties. The best thing about this device is that it can allow you to connect to the internet without having a wired connection. All you need to do is to make sure that you have a USB port available on your computer and plug this into the adapter. You can then be able to access network and share what you want to with whoever you want to.

What makes this particular product very popular is that it can work in the home as well as in the office. This is very convenient for people who want to stay online even when they are away from their computer desk. Main con is the fact that some consumers received that it is not reliable.

4. Linksys WUSB6300

Fast
linksys wusb6300 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Excellent speed and range
  • ✚ Easy install
  • ✚ Affoarble
  • Not reliable
Rating

Linksys WUSB6300 USB wireless network adapter with external antenna seems to be gaining more popularity among home users these days. It comes with very good features and is known for its flexibility. Most people prefer it over its competitors because of its excellent wireless networking features. But still, there are some cons that bother a few people, and that's the fact that the adapter can drop connection at 2.4GHz band at a distance of 30 feet and more from the router, and that some consumers received that it is not reliable.

Other pros are price, easy install and excellent speed and range. It is a great product for all people who are thinking of having an efficient home wireless network, where you can stay connected with your work, with your children, with your family friends, or even with your office colleagues.

5. EDUP USB

Affordable
edup usb usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ Easy to plug in and use
  • ✚ Afforable
  • ✚ Reliable
  • The device does not use USB 3.0
Rating

EDUP USB wireless network adapter with external antenna has a standard design means that its more affordable than some of the other types on the market today. Another advantage to the standard design is the fact that it is easy to install, making it ideal for those without much technical knowledge. One of the cons to this however is that because of the EDUP networking design, it is essentially less secure than some other types on the market.

The pros of this usb wireless network adapter with external antenna are the facts that it can reliably handle all basic networks and is easy to plug in and use and easy install but the cons includes facts that device does not use USB 3.0 and will not benefit from the technology, potentially limiting some aspects of internet speed. Howewer, if you looking for best usb wireless network adapter with external antenna then the EDUP USB is right choice for you.

6. Panda PAU09

Dual Band
panda pau09 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Dual antennas
  • ✚ Very nice stand
  • ✚ Easy to install
  • ✚ Afforable
  • Not reliable
Rating

The Panda PAU09 USB wireless network adapter with external antenna is the perfect choice for your network needs. It has features that you will never see from other brand name adapters. As we all know the Panda wireless PAU 1909 USB wireless network adapter is very affordable and very easy to install too. In fact, this wireless adapter can be set up by just one person in minutes.

This means you can get connected right away and do some online shopping without any delay. With its WAP security feature you can scan all your incoming emails to make sure they are not infected with viruses before you open them. Main pros includes dual antennas and very nice stand. Howewer, some consumers received that it is not reliable

7. Edimax EW-7811UAC

High Gain Antenna
edimax ew-7811uac usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11N/AC | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ The wireless signal reception is very reliable
  • ✚ The connection speed is decent
  • ✚ Low power consumption
  • Only one MAC address, making it more vulnerable to hackers
Rating

The Edimax EW-7811UAC USB wireless network adapter with antenna has received good reviews from its users. The device is designed to be compatible with Windows Vista and Internet Explorer 9, both free. One of its unique features is that it has two antennas which give it a dual performance. It has a low power consumption, which makes it ideal for use in a home environment.

One of the most interesting features of this wireless network adapter is its automatic detection and connection to a known SSID. This is very convenient to users who want to connect to multiple wireless networks at the same time and do not wish to disturb others while doing so. It also supports MMS and PASV signaling, which makes it easier to send and receive files and applications. However, it has only one MAC address, making it more vulnerable to hackers.

8. TRENDnet TEW-809UB

Ultimate
trendnet tew-809ub usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Easy to install
  • ✚ Fast close-proximity throughput in testing
  • ✚ Versatile
  • Bulky
  • Short USB cable
Rating

The TRENDnet TEW-809UB is a USB wireless network adapter with external antenna that can connect the Internet into your computer. It is a perfect addition to any home, whether you are looking for something simple or something more sophisticated and can easily be added to any existing wireless router. You can find various features online and in product reviews, but what you really need to know about these products is how they stack up to their main competitors.

The TRendnet TEW-809UB is one of the latest products to come from TRendnet, which is a leading maker of home networking products. This product has an extremely large Wi-Fi radio that can reach a radius of 150 feet, giving it the ability to coverage of an entire room without much difficulty. Howewer, device is a little bulky and has a short USB cable.

9. ASUS USB-AC68 AC1900

Cradle included
asus usb-ac68 ac1900 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Easy Installation
  • ✚ Connects to LAN quickly upon startup
  • ✚ Great signal reception
  • It's bigger and heavier that most USB items
  • It does produce some heat
Rating

ASUS USB-AC68 AC1900 wireless network adapter with antenna is great for people who like to stay connected with their friends and loved ones while on the go. You can connect to the Internet wirelessly using this device without wires and without needing any wires at all. This adapter has a very long range when it comes to providing wireless connectivity. The wireless network you get through this device can cover a distance of about 96 feet.

It uses the standard wired connection but with modern technology, the signal strength is greatly improved. The sensor facility of this adapter allows you to determine the connection status and can be used as a proof of presence. In addition, this works as a protection from malicious spyware and malware. This feature is great because the wireless network that you get through your USB wireless adapter could easily be attacked by viruses and spyware programs.

10. Edimax EW-7811Un

Budget
edimax ew-7811un usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: IEEE 802.11b, USB, IEEE 802.11n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Small size
  • ✚ Quick connection
  • ✚ Afforable
  • Software is outdated
Rating

The Edimax EW-7811Un is a USB wireless network adapter with antenna that can be connected to a computer or laptop to help you establish a wireless network. These devices are usually used by home users, as they make it easy for them to connect to the internet. A wireless network is great in this day and age because it allows you to use your own bandwidth and not be bound by the limits of the connection you may have with your cell phone.

The major pros of Edimax EW-7811Un include the amount of bandwidth you get, plug and play feature that allows you to quickly and easily connect and disconnect from a computer or laptop without having to reboot, the ability to connect to multiple wireless networks at once and also the ability to extend the network. These features and more make this a very desirable product to consider, howewer, the provided software is outdated and this may confuse some users.

11. OURLiNK AC600

WiFi Dongle
ourlink ac600 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11 a | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Afforable
  • ✚ Compact
  • ✚ Advanced technologies
  • Hard to find driver
Rating

The OURLiNK AC600 USB wireless network adapter with antenna does offer some nice features that are unique for this brand. First of all, unlike some of the other adapters that are available on the market today, this one has the ability to connect to more than one wireless network at the same time.

It also has what is called multi-hotplug technology, which allows it to be plugged in to four different devices at the same time, allowing you to switch over to the fastest connection if one fails or if you get a signal from one device but not from another. This can come in handy when you have a notebook that is stationary and you want to connect to a hotspot, but if you move around the house you'll likely miss the hotspots. With the AC 600, you'll have multiple adapters with antennas that will pick up a signal wherever you go.

12. Panda PAU06

Portable
panda pau06 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.1x and 802.11i | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Low power consumption helps extend the battery life
  • ✚ Features a WPS button to setup connection
  • ✚ Easy to install by simply plugging-in the device
  • Mediocre network connectivity
Rating

When the Panda PAU06 USB wireless network adapter with antenna came out, it was touted as the best product for both wired and wireless networking. This device comes with all the standard features you would expect like Auto Attendant, WEP password, PTZ, CCNA, LAN Guard, EAP, Auto Connect, Key lock, Call waiting, dial by name, automatic redial, call return, support for MMS and HTML.

Our personal opinion is that the Panda PAU06 is the best wireless network adapter for the buck. If you are considering getting one of these systems, We would recommend that you shop online and compare prices of the various models and configurations. The only cons to the Panda PAU06 USB network adapter with antenna were that it did not support TBB, and it did not have full VoIP.

13. BrosTrend 1200Mbps

5dBi Antennas
brostrend 1200mbps usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Standard: 802.11b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • ✚ Afforable
  • ✚ Easy to install
  • Requires a 3rd party driver for Linux
  • Does NOT support OSX distributions older than 10.6.
Rating

When it comes to buying a wireless network adapter with antenna, it can be a difficult task to find the right one for your purposes. You want something that is going to work right away so you don't have to worry about losing all your contacts in the process of setting up your home wireless network. And the BrosTrend 1200Mbps USB wireless network adapter with antenna is exectly what you need.

For the price it is hard to beat the BrosTrend. This is a great product that offers a lot of features at a great price so you are not stuck making several different adapters. It comes with 2standard pronged antennas and USB cable. This will allow you to connect to a home wireless network with ease and make sure that everything works as smoothly as possible no matter where you are. Howewer, it requires a 3rd party driver for Linux which requires a bit of expertise to set up.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
alfa ac1200 usb wireless network adapter with external antenna
Alfa AC1200
Our Choice
  • 160+Mbps wireless (USB 3.0)
  • Monitor Mode works perfectly
CHECK PRICE
tp-link tl-wn722n usb wireless network adapter with external antenna
TP-Link TL-WN722N
Popular
  • Works for injection mode
  • Versatile and works with every OS
CHECK PRICE
netgear a7000-10000s usb wireless network adapter with external antenna
Netgear A7000-10000S
Professional
  • Easy to install
  • Works fast
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the USB Wireless Network Adapter with External Antenna?

how to choose the best usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Range

It’s clear that the closer you sit to an adapter, the better performance you get. But what’s the benefit of using a USB wireless adapter if you have to be near it all the time. You can plug in an Ethernet cable and enjoy even better speed and responsiveness. Thus, the main benefit of the wireless adapter is that it gives you freedom. Choosing an adapter, pay attention to the range it covers.

Single-band or Dual-band Wi-Fi?

You can choose between a single-band and a dual-band Wi-Fi. The former uses a 2.4GHz frequency and it can’t be changed. It is compatible with any Wi-Fi network, but you will have to use the frequency every other device uses. When it comes to a dual-band solution, such adapter can establish connections on the 5GHz band (if your router supports it, of course). This way you get speedy performance, plus, fewer devices compete for the bandwidth.

how to choose the best usb wireless network adapter with external antenna

Speeds and Wi-Fi Standards

When looking for a wireless adapter, think of the tasks you are going to perform using it. If you want to enjoy uninterrupted 4K Netflix streaming, you need a dual-band device. It supports Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac speeds of 867Mbps or better on the 5GHz band.

Size and Design

Here, everything is truly simple ‒ buy an adapter you like most. However, don’t be too obsessed with design. Think of the technical characteristics the chosen device offers. An ordinary-looking wireless adapter may be much better than a super stylish one.

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