A TP-Link Wi-Fi adapter adds Wi-Fi, or newer and faster Wi-Fi, to a desktop PC or laptop. Choose a USB adapter for a quick plug-in upgrade or a laptop, and a PCIe card for a desktop PC where you want internal fitting and, on most models, Bluetooth too. Match the Wi-Fi generation to your router: a Wi-Fi 6 router needs a Wi-Fi 6 adapter to give its full benefit. Zenith Security Co is listed on TP-Link UK's where-to-buy page as a VAR Partner and Online Store, and every adapter below is on our site.
USB Wi-Fi adapters compared
Speeds are the maximum rates listed on our product pages for each band.
PCIe Wi-Fi cards compared
Wired network adapters and USB accessories
- UE300: USB 3.0 to gigabit Ethernet, for a laptop with no network port.
- UE300C: USB-C to gigabit Ethernet.
- TG-3468: gigabit PCIe network card.
- TX201: 2.5 Gbps PCIe network card, PCI Express 2.1 x1.
- TX401: 10 Gbps PCIe network card, PCI Express 3.0 x4.
- UH400, UH700 and UH720: USB 3.0 hubs with 4 or 7 ports.
- UA520C: USB-C to HDMI, up to 4K at 60 Hz.
How to choose a Wi-Fi adapter
1. USB or PCIe?
USB adapters plug straight in and move between computers, so they suit laptops and anyone who does not want to open a PC. PCIe cards fit inside a desktop PC, keep the antennas on the back of the case and, on all four models we sell, add Bluetooth. You need a free PCIe slot.
2. Match the Wi-Fi generation to your router
An adapter can only use the features both it and the router support. With a Wi-Fi 6 router, a Wi-Fi 6 adapter such as the Archer TX20U Plus or TX55E makes sense. With a Wi-Fi 7 router that has 6 GHz, the Archer TBE400UH can use that band. A Wi-Fi 6 or 7 adapter still works with an older router, at the older router's speeds.
3. Choose a USB 3.0 port for faster adapters
USB 2.0 limits how fast an adapter can go. For the AC1300 and AX3000 adapters, plug into a USB 3.0 port, which is usually blue.
4. Nano, compact or high-gain?
Nano adapters barely stick out of a laptop and suit short distances from the router. High-gain models (Plus and H in the name) have larger antennas, and some come on a cable so you can place the antenna higher, which helps when the PC is under a desk or a floor away from the router.
5. Consider a cable instead
If the PC is near the router, a cable is often steadier than any Wi-Fi. A UE300 or UE300C adds a gigabit port to a laptop, and a TX201 or TX401 card adds 2.5G or 10G to a desktop on a fast wired network.
Operating system support
Driver support varies by model and operating system. Check the product page or TP-Link's download centre for your system before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Which TP-Link adapter should I choose for Wi-Fi 7?
The Archer TBE400UH is the Wi-Fi 7 USB adapter we sell. It lists up to 2882 Mbps on 6 GHz and 2882 Mbps on 5 GHz. Among PCIe cards, the Archer TX55E and TX3000E list 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz.
Do I need a Wi-Fi 6 adapter for a Wi-Fi 6 router?
To get Wi-Fi 6 speeds and features, yes. An older adapter will still connect, but at its own lower Wi-Fi standard.
Should I choose USB or PCIe?
USB suits laptops and quick upgrades. PCIe suits desktop PCs with a free slot and adds Bluetooth on all four PCIe cards we sell.
Which TP-Link adapter adds Bluetooth?
The Archer T2UB Nano (USB, Bluetooth 4.2) and the PCIe cards: Archer T4E (5.0), TX20E (5.2), TX55E (5.2) and TX3000E (5.3).
How do I add an Ethernet port to a laptop?
Use the UE300 for a USB-A port or the UE300C for USB-C. Both give one gigabit Ethernet port.
Where can I buy TP-Link Wi-Fi adapters in the UK?
Zenith Security Co is listed on TP-Link UK's where-to-buy page as a VAR Partner and Online Store. We deliver to England, Scotland and Wales within 1-2 working days, and trade accounts are available.
Related TP-Link guides
Zenith Security Co is listed on TP-Link UK's where-to-buy page as a VAR Partner and as an Online Store. We are a UK supplier, not an installer, and have been operating since 2012. Our trade counter is at Unit 3 Park View Centre, 243 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton WV2 3JU. We deliver within 1-2 working days to England, Scotland and Wales (not Northern Ireland), and trade accounts are available. Read more on where to buy TP-Link in the UK, or call 01902 902251.
