Your laptop doesn’t support Wi-Fi 7? A simple adapter can fix that

For those with older laptops that can’t handle Wi-Fi 7, a small USB adapter might be all you need to unlock faster, more reliable connections. Instead of replacing your computer, you can modernize it with one of the two USB Wi-Fi 7 adapters currently available — each with its own strengths and drawbacks.

Two different paths to Wi-Fi 7

The Asus USB BE92 Nano is compact, discreet, and costs just $70, making it ideal for frequent travellers or users who prefer portability. Despite its size and lack of status lights, it supports all three Wi-Fi 7 bands and delivers up to 2.882 Gbps on 5.0 and 6.0 GHz frequencies. However, it relies on USB 2.0, which limits its overall throughput.

Meanwhile, the TP-Link Archer TBE6500UH delivers stronger performance thanks to its USB 3.0 connection and large adjustable antennas. It’s bigger and more cumbersome, but it includes a stand for desktop use and reaches farther — up to 125 feet. Its throughput is also significantly higher than the Nano, at 478.4 Mbps compared to 354.1 Mbps.

Not perfect, but promising

Both adapters use the same Realtek Wi-Fi chip and only work with Windows 10 or 11, excluding Mac and Chromebook users. Power consumption is similar, but battery life drops by roughly 18%, reducing a typical runtime from 7 hours to around 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Despite early limitations — especially the lack of full 320MHz support — these first-gen adapters show how easy it is to upgrade an older laptop to Wi-Fi 7. For now, users must choose between portability and performance, but the next wave of adapters could bring both.