We compared two dual-band USB WiFi adapters: the TP-Link Archer T3U Plus AC1300 and the TP-Link Archer T2U Nano AC600.
What we looked at
Speed rating, antenna, USB port, size, and price.
The verdict
If you want AC1300 speeds, MU-MIMO and a 5dBi high-gain antenna on USB 3.0, the Archer T3U Plus is the pick at £13.99. If you would rather save £6.50 on a nano adapter you can plug in and forget, the Archer T2U Nano is the alternative, at £7.49.
A £13.99 AC1300 adapter with 400 plus 867Mbps bands and a high-gain antenna.
A £7.49 AC600 nano adapter with 200 plus 433Mbps bands.
TP-Link Archer T3U Plus AC1300 USB WiFi Adapter — Faster Pick
Intended for: Marketed as an AC1300 dual-band USB WiFi adapter with 400Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz, MU-MIMO, a 5dBi high-gain antenna and a USB 3.0 port, for Windows and macOS. Carries 4.3 stars from 22.9K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- AC1300 with 400Mbps on 2.4GHz and 867Mbps on 5GHz
- MU-MIMO and a 5dBi high-gain antenna
- USB 3.0 port
- Very large review history (22.9K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Costs £6.50 more than the T2U Nano on these listings
- Larger than the nano adapter
Best for
- Buyers who want faster WiFi on a desktop PC
- Anyone who wants a high-gain antenna
- Those with a 5GHz network
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a barely-there adapter
TP-Link Archer T2U Nano AC600 USB WiFi Adapter — Nano Pick
Intended for: Marketed as an AC600 dual-band nano USB WiFi adapter with 200Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433Mbps on 5GHz, a small unobtrusive design, plug and play use, and support for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP and macOS 10.9 to 10.13. Carries 4.3 stars from 24.4K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Much cheaper than the T3U Plus on these listings, at £7.49
- Nano design you can plug in and forget
- Dual band 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Largest review history of the pair (24.4K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Lower AC600 speed rating than the T3U Plus
- No high-gain antenna stated on the listing
Best for
- Buyers who want the lowest price
- Anyone who wants a tiny adapter
- Those upgrading an older PC or laptop
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want the fastest rated speeds
- Anyone who wants a high-gain antenna
