Wi-Fi Adapter Card Market - Size, Industry Share, Growth Trends and Forecasts (2024 - 2031)

By Type:

Based on type the market is segmented into Internal Wi fi adapter and External Wi fi adapter.

Trends in the type:

• Internal adapters are increasingly incorporating the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E to provide higher speeds and better performance.
• External Adapters are popular for their ease of installation, requiring no internal modification and providing immediate connectivity improvements.

The internal Wi-Fi adapter accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2023 and is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Internal Wi-Fi adapters are built directly into devices, offering a more streamlined and clutter-free setup.
• It provides better signal strength and stability making them ideal for high-performance tasks.
• In January 2022, Microsoft released the Surface Pro 8, a versatile 2-in-1 device, that integrates internal Wi-Fi adapters, providing gamers with low latency and high-speed connections needed for performance.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the devices with built-in wi-fi adapters are proliferating the Wi-fi adapter card market.

By Technology:

Based on technology the market is segmented into Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and others.

Trends in the technology:

• Trend of Devices including smartphones, laptops, and smart home gadgets are being equipped with Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7, driving the need for compatible adapters.

The Wi-Fi 6E accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2023.

• Wi-Fi 6E is an iteration of the Wi-Fi network protocol and is a substantial upgrade over its predecessor.
• Wi-Fi 6E-enabled devices can take advantage of the newer 6GHz frequency band for further improved connectivity.
• Additionally, Wi-Fi 6E is being incorporated with smart devices for faster connectivity, speed, and enhanced performance.
• In May 2024, Apple enhanced the iPad Air, supercharged by an M2 chip. It supports Wi-Fi 6E, reflecting faster connectivity and better performance for the device.

Therefore, the incorporation of Wi-Fi 6E technology into smart devices is boosting the Wi-Fi adapter card market demand.

The Wi-Fi 7 technology segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Wi-Fi 7 upgraded version of Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E in terms of speed and performance.
• It is used in streaming 8K video content and experiencing immersive VR with increased speed and reduced latency.
• In May 2022, Qualcomm introduced the Wi-Fi 7 Networking Pro Series platform designed to deliver ultra-fast speed, low latency, and enhanced network efficiency. This platform enables users to experience immersive connections including high-resolution, video conferencing, AR/VR, and high-performance cloud gaming.
• Hence, as per the analysis, the improved speed and high performance of Wi-Fi 7 technology is fueling the Wi-Fi adapter card market trend.

By Speed:

Based on speed the market is segmented into below 300 Mbps, 300-600 Mbps, 600-1200 Mbps, and above 1200 Mbps.

Trends in the speed:

• Users are increasingly transitioning from 300 Mbps adapters to faster alternatives, driven by the need for better performance in multi-device and data-intensive environments.
• Adapters with a speed of 600-1200 Mbps are favored for high-performance applications for streaming full HD content.

The above 1200 Mbps speed segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2023 and is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Adapters with speed above 1200 Mbps deliver exceptional performance, for demanding tasks including 4K and 8K streaming, cloud gaming, and large file transfers.
• These adapters incorporate Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 providing faster speeds, low latency, and better efficiency.
• In August 2022, ASUS ROG released ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 Pro, a gaming router equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and delivering 11000 Mbps, ideal for high-performance tasks.
• Thus, according to the analysis, the adapter with above 1200 Mbps speed is propelling the Wi-Fi adapter card market share.

By Sales Channel :

Based on sales channels the market is segmented into online and offline.

Trends in the Application :

• Retailers are adopting omnichannel approaches, integrating online and offline sales channels to provide a seamless shopping experience, including options like in-store pickup for online orders.
• The online sales channel is experiencing significant growth due to the convenience of online shopping, broader product selection, and the ability to compare prices and read reviews before making a purchase.

The online sales channel segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2023 and is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Online channel offers the convenience of browsing and purchasing Wi-Fi adapters remotely, without the need to visit physical stores.
• E-commerce platforms provide a wide range of Wi-Fi adapters from various brands, allowing customers to compare and find the best suit.
• Additionally, the ability to read customer reviews and ratings online helps buyers select appropriate models based on their preferences.
• For instance, Newegg's online platform offers a diverse selection of Wi-Fi adapters including high-performance models along with user reviews, ratings, and various promotions.
• Thus, according to the analysis, online sales channel provides convenience and wide product selection, driving the Wi-Fi adapter card market.

By Application:

Based on application the market is segmented into residential, commercial, industrial, and others.

Trends in the application:

• As streaming services, online gaming, and remote work become more prevalent, residential users are opting for Wi-Fi adapters that support higher speeds to ensure seamless connectivity across multiple devices.
• Industrial applications are increasingly leveraging Wi-Fi adapters to support IoT devices and automation systems requiring adapters that can handle large data and provide low-latency connections.

The commercial application segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 37.28% in the year 2023.

• The commercial segment has a strong demand for enterprise-grade Wi-Fi adapters that offer high speeds, reliability, and support for a large number of simultaneous connections.
• Businesses are rapidly adopting Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 to improve network performance and reduce congestion.
• In October 2022, Cisco launched a Wi-Fi 6 access point designed for small and medium businesses (SMBs). This access point aims to provide SMBs with advanced capabilities, including faster speeds, greater capacity, and improved security features supporting business operations.
• Hence, the adoption of Wi-Fi adapters in commercial businesses is fueling the Wi-Fi adapter card market.

The residential application segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The rising adoption of smart home devices including smart TVs, security systems, and home automation gadgets is driving the need for advanced Wi-Fi adapters
• Additionally, as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 are adopted, more households will upgrade to adapters that support these technologies for better performance, high-quality content, and control over home automation systems.
• In December 2022, Qualcomm transformed home networking by introducing Wi-Fi 7 immersive Home Platforms. These platforms are designed to deliver ultra-fast, low-latency wireless connectivity, providing seamless experiences for high-performance applications.
• Thus, as per the analysis, the adoption of Wi-Fi in home automation systems is boosting the Wi-Fi adapter card market.

Regional Analysis:

The regions covered are North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Asia Pacific region was valued at USD 1,595.60 Million in 2023. Moreover, it is projected to grow by USD 1,673.63 Million in 2024 and reach over USD 2,697.88 Million by 2031. Out of this, China accounted for the maximum revenue share of 33.1%. According to the Wi-Fi adapter card market analysis, the region is experiencing rapid growth in the Wi-Fi adapter card market driven by increasing urbanization, expanding internet penetration, and rising digitalization across the region. Additionally, incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart devices, home automation devices, and others, with advanced Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 technologies are propelling the industry.

In June 2022, Samsung launched Galaxy XCover6 Pro, a smartphone featuring Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It enhances wireless performance by providing faster speeds and better network efficiency.

North America is estimated to reach over USD 3,441.61 Million by 2031 from a value of USD 2,097.15 Million in 2023 and is projected to grow by USD 2,194.19 Million in 2024. North America is leading the Wi-Fi adapter card market due to advanced technology infrastructure, high adoption rates, and strong consumer demand for high-speed internet. Additionally, the region is often at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge technologies including Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7, for control over automation systems, smart homes, security systems, and commercial applications.

• In October 2022, Google (US) introduced the Nest Wi-Fi Pro featuring Wi-Fi 6E technology. It offers an enhanced performance by utilizing the 6 GHz band, which provides faster speed, lower latency, and reduced interference. It is designed to improve connectivity and support devices simultaneously catering to high-demand internet applications.

In Europe, the Wi-Fi adapter card market is fueled by the increased adoption of advanced technologies supported by digital infrastructure. The enhanced connectivity is driving the deployment of high-performance adapters.

In Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, the Wi-Fi adapter card market is growing as increasing internet penetration and digitalization drive the need for reliable and high-speed connectivity.