10 Best WiFi Cards for PC
A lot of us aren’t familiar with the term ‘WiFi card’ and it’s okay. Unless you’re a serious geek and love to customize your desktop computer in every way possible, you wouldn’t have heard of it anyway.
A wifi card is the hardware part that connects your computer to the wireless network. Simply putt, it saves you from the mess of wires an Ethernet cable can leave.
The most important feature of any Wi-Fi card is its data transfer speed and supported bandwidth. A few of the cards only support mediocre speeds, around 300Mbps @ the 2.4GHz band. While other cards support dual bands of 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz.
A lot of modern Wifi cards with WiFi 6 Intel chipset supports up to 3000 Mbps transfer rate. Wifi cards also come with protection brackets and encryption systems for overall protection.
Installing a WiFi card is pretty simple. Just mount it on your motherboard as per instruction and install the driver software. Usually, the driver CD comes with the package. But you can download the latest drivers from corresponding sites as well.
Time to upgrade and go wireless, here’s a list of the top 10 WiFi cards we recommend:
As an affiliate partner, I may earn qualifying purchases made on products.
Time for our premium pick. It’s the ASUS PCE-AC56 wi-fi card with a detachable antenna, antenna base, and heat sink. As for why it’s premium, the name says it all.
The ASUS wifi card has an extensible and cool design that ensures service prioritization for data. IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac network standards maintained. Also, the 802.11ac Wi-Fi upgrade works instantly for your desktop. Doesn’t need additional ethernet cables or other messy setups.
Considering the price, it delivers a highly available design for scalability and maximum flexibility. And besides, the high-performance upgrade doesn’t require much mentioning.
Moreover, this card has good compatibility. It supports Windows 8 32bit/64bit; 8.1 32bit/64bit, 7 32bit/64bit, Vista 2bit/64bit, and XP 32bit/64bit. Also, the card is compatible with a few other operating systems as well.
Besides, this 802.11ac next-generation chipset supports super-fast internet connections, up to 867 Mbps. Also supports security 128-bit WEP, 64-bit WEP, WPA-PSK,WPA2-PSK, & WPS.
Furthermore, it’s easy to install and use. Just mount it in place and run the driver. And judging from the user reviews, the extra price is totally worth it.
Now it’s time to take a look at the “Work from Home” best value selection. The FebSmart wi-fi card provides high-speed facilities in a cost-effective way.
The FebSmart N600 adds 802.11 N high-speed wi-fi connectivity. On desktop computers, it works through a PCI express PCI-E X1 slot. Better than USB adapters and allows desktop computers to connect to a wireless network with 2.4 GHz @ 300Mbps & 5GHz @ 300Mbps. Excellent for online MMO gaming and HD streaming.
Moreover, it’s based on the Qualcomm Atheros network chipset. The 6dBi detachable external antenna improves wireless network dependability. Also, improves reception performance. And the internal low-profile and standard-profile brackets work with mini and standard size PCs.
The wi-fi card is easy to install. Simply plug and play. Just don’t forget about the driver. Greatly compatible with different windows versions as well as different operating systems. However, it DOES NOT support Windows Vista.
Also, it has a superior built-in encryption system for better security. Overall, a great choice at the featured price. Call it an economical network upgrade.
TP-Link is without a doubt a leading name among the brands that produce wi-fi accessories. So it should be no surprise that this wi-fi card is ‘Work From Home’ best choice.
It has the latest intel powered wi-fi 6 technology. This latest standard gives you high speed at low latency and undisturbed connectivity. It’s also equipped with OFDMA & MU-MIMO technologies.
And thanks to those, this card is ready to propel the busiest of networks. With the next-generation speed, it can reach up to 2.4 Gbps. About 2402 Mbps On 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Also supports Windows 10 32/64bit driver installation via Website or disc.
Moreover, revolutionary OFDMA technology reduces lag. Enjoy real-time ultra-interactive gaming as well as an immersive VR experience.
Additionally, this wi-fi card features two high-performance & multi-directional antennas for broader coverage. The antennas come with a magnetized base. Take your Wi-Fi reception capabilities to another level.
Also, the card lets you browse safely by protecting your high-speed WiFi from hackers and malware via WPA3 advanced encryption. The card supports high-speed Bluetooth 5.0 as well.
Another high-quality wi-fi card from TP-Link. This one is 2.4G/5G Dual-band express PCI adapter with a low bracket design, increased range, and heat sink technology.
This TP-Link Archer T6E maintains the newest Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11ac. Works at least 3 times faster than the wireless N category. And in the quality tests, the Archer T6E managed to provide up to 867 Mbps over 5GHz, 400 Mbps over 2.4GHz high-speed Wi-Fi.
Additionally, this wi-fi card has an advanced Heat Sink that helps to dissipate heat from the adapter. Which subsequently increases performance and stability. And if you didn’t already know, better heat channeling increases your internet speed.
Moreover, the two antennas provide much better coverage. You can easily align the external antennas to achieve the best signal. And the combination of advanced antennas with wireless technology lets you enjoy stable connections and extended coverage.
The wi-fi card is easy to install. Just mount the hardware and install the drivers. Supports Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, and XP operating systems. Also supports WPA/WPA2 standard encryptions for better security against cybercriminals.
This Wi-fi card is the earlier version of the AC1300 PCIe model. It is a 2.4 GHz/ 5 GHz dual-band, high-speed card that supports Bluetooth 4.2.
The Archer T5E PCIe adapter provides a 5 GHz band @ up to 867 Mbps speed and 300 Mbps @ 2.4 GHz. Essential for competitive lag-free gaming, HD-streaming, VR operations, and many more. This adapter ensures speed in everything.
As you know, Bluetooth technology has improved a lot in recent years. So the Archer T5E makes your PC compatible with Bluetooth 4.2 technology. Enjoy 2.5× faster speed and 10 times more packet capacity than 4.0.
Like most other wi-fi cards, it has two antennas. They can emit powerful signals that boost your existing WiFi connectivity. Also, allows you to enjoy speedy and undisturbed 4K streaming + smooth gaming from the distant corners of your home.
To protect from cyber attacks, it’s encrypted with WPA/WPA2 standards. Hackers and malware won’t bother you anymore. What’s more, it’s easy to install. You’ll find the detailed process on the package. And it supports a number of windows versions for added compatibility.
The Ubit AX200 Wi-Fi 6 card is a Companion RF (CRF1) module that supports the IEEE 802.11ax standard. It’s a unique WiFi card built for the latest generation that can deliver up to 3000 Mbps speed.
The product supports 2 by 2 WiFi 6 technology. Includes new features such as UL, DL OFDMA, and 1024QAM. And as a result, it can deliver data rates up to 2.4Gbps. Additionally, the increased network capacity supports Bluetooth 5 technology as well.
Also, the beamforming technology focuses the WiFi signals towards connected devices for steady connections and boosted range.
Consequently, these new features act as a significant upgrade to the user experience. As they ensure faster uploads and downloads, decreased latency, and elongated battery life compared to 802.11ac.
Also, the Ubit Wi-Fi 6 delivers Gigabit wireless speed, dramatically improving your wireless experiences. Moreover, it has a built-in Intel module. Highly compatible with Intel drivers & processors. Also compatible with most of the other processor brands.
Furthermore, it supports Microsoft Windows 10 64-Bit, Linux, & Chrome OS operating systems.
Next up in line is the OKN WiFi 6 card. It’s based on the Intel AX200 chipset.
This PCIe WiFi 6 card supports 802.11ax technologies. Such as the OFDMA, Target Wake Time, 1024QAM. Delivers from 80MHz – 160MHz higher data rate peaks up to 2.4Gbps.
You can enjoy 8K media files, larger file transfer, and smart home assistant devices without connection loss and lag with this PCIe Wi-Fi Card. Also, the MU-MIMO technology effectively enhances signal gain if multiple users are using the network simultaneously.
As for Bluetooth, this WiFi card supports high-speed Bluetooth-5.1. It covers 4x more range than Bluetooth 4.2 at double transmission speed. Also, the faster transmission doesn’t compromise with the overall power.
Moreover, this wifi 6 card works with all working Wi-Fi routers and compatible with 802.11 a/g/b/ac/n standards. Greatly compatible with Windows 10 (64-bit) and Linux. Also, supports all PCIe standards. Although, PCIe X1 has the best compatibility.
Easy to install. The driver CD is included with the package. And you can get the latest drivers from the intel website as well.
Another great product with Wifi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band up to 3000 Mbps speed. EDUP manufactured this dual antenna PCIe express wifi adapter.
It optimizes power consumption and network coverage capabilities of devices. Supports high-speed multi-user concurrency, and performs significantly better in user-intensive situations.
It covers longer transmission distances while providing high-speed transmissions. All the while maintaining low latency, minimum power consumption, high rate, and high access count.
The latest generation Intel AX200 chip has been used in this wifi network card. The chip supports 2. 4 GHz & 5.8 GHz dual-band with a max transfer speed of 2400Mbps. And with a powerful router, it’ll work even better.
Aside from those, this wireless network card has a powerful heat sink. So it effectively dissipates the generated heat from inside the card when it’s operating. And a lower temperature means improved performance, even when running highly graphic games and 4k videos.
Also with the improved Bluetooth 5.0, you can enjoy up to 4X extended coverage alongside increased speed.
However, it does not work with Lenovo and Dell’s motherboards. And only supports windows 10 64-bit os.
The CUDY wireless wifi card is developed based on the Intel AX200 chipset. High-performance, low-budget, and super-fast connections are only a few great things about this cool looking card.
Combined with AX200 WiFi 6, this PCIe card hosts a faster and clearer Wi-Fi network. At 2.4GHz it provides 574Mbps max speed. And at 5GHz it reaches 2402Mbps speed. Perfect for heavyweight gaming as well as 4K streaming.
Moreover, A lower latency or ping provides a flawless gaming experience. And this card does just that. The revolutionary OFDMA technology minimizes lag by up to 75%. Enjoy immersive MMOs and HD VR content.
Additionally, it has built-in latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology. So it can achieve 2 times faster speed and 4 times amplified coverage than Bluetooth 4.2. You can connect many devices simultaneously including controllers, keyboards, headphones, and its performance won’t drop.
Furthermore, the WPA3 encryption system provides secure & individualized password safety. Also, protects your network from cyber hacking.
However, the card only supports Windows 10 64-bit OS. You’ll find the driver with the package. You can also download the latest one from the Intel website.
And last but not least, introducing the Gigabyte WiFi 6 dual-band adapter. Like fellow WiFi 6 holders, it’s also based on the Intel AX200 chipset.
This GC-Wbax200 WiFi 6 card supports 802.11Abgn, acr2, and mu-MIMO TxRx. Delivers up to 3000 Mbps unrelenting speed. Works in 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz dual bands as well.
As for Bluetooth, this WiFi card supports high-speed Bluetooth-5.o. Covers 4 times more range than Bluetooth 4.2 the transmission speed goes up by 2 levels. Also, the faster transmission won’t compromise with the operating power.
Enjoy 4K media files, undisturbed file transfer, and smart home assistants without any lag & connection loss. And with this PCIe Wi-Fi Card with MU-MIMO technology, signal gain for multiple simultaneous users work smoothly.
Additionally, it comes with AORUS Antenna with a smart antenna feature for WIFI signal transmittance. The antenna also supports dual-band 802.11ax 2.4GHz & 5GHz. You can tilt it to multiple angles. The magnetic base serves for better signal strength direction & location.
Easy to install. The driver CD is included with the package. And you can get the latest drivers from the intel website as well.
Wifi Card FAQs
What is a Wifi Card?
A WiFi card is a device that allows a computer to connect to a wireless network.
WiFi cards come in two main types:
- internal
- external
Internal cards are designed to be installed inside a computer. External cards are external devices that connect to a computer via USB.
Most WiFi cards today support the 802.11ac standard, which offers faster speeds and greater range than older 802.11n standards. When shopping for a WiFi card, it is important to consider the speed of the card, the range, and the compatibility with your computer’s operating system.
In this day and age, everything is turning towards wireless connections. That’s why if your computer lacks Bluetooth, for example, you get a Bluetooth adapter. Similarly, if your device doesn’t support wifi, you get a wifi card. There are several different styles and sizes and shapes of wireless cards available. The demand for desktops, tablets, and PDAs includes numerous cards. In addition, it is also important to note that certain machines come with preinstalled cards, although it is often preferred that you obtain an extra card to help improve the overall system of your computer.
How a Wireless Card Works
Wi-Fi cards are typically preinstalled and obtained for a computer or a computer device. Wifi cards are very easy to load and all it takes is for you to place the card inside the computer’s slot. It is crucial that you have a basic understanding of how the Internet works to understand how a Wi-Fi card works. It does not transfer data through DSL, telephone lines or a high-speed cable. Instead, it operates by sending data via radio waves. This allows you to capture signals from your any wifi device like a portable wifi router, for example.
How to Choose the Right Wifi Card
When you buy a Wi-Fi card, the greatest mistake is not to do your homework and buy the first Wi-Fi card. Many businesses still think the cheapest Wi-Fi card is the priciest one, but it definitely isn’t. A smart approach is to make sure that before making this decision you understand what you are looking for. And here we are to assist you.
Compatibility
It is critical that a Wi-Fi card is consistent with your internet connection’s speeds to function perfectly. You should not purchase a smaller converter if you have a really fast internet speed.
In comparison, a vehicle that is marginally more easily than your converter is recommended for you to purchase. Since this high compatibility would definitely improve the Internet’s average speed over time.
Bands
It’s been a way too long argument, so we’ve been avoiding it today. It is still a safer option for a dual band. You can switch conveniently between a 5 GHz band and a 2 GHz band speed with double band. The first provides the requisite high-end games pace, and the second can be used for streaming or uploading videos.
Signal Strength
Signal strength is one of the most important aspects when you decide. The signal needs to be obtained from your router via your adapter or Wi-Fi card. It is also critical that the signal of the router is as good or better than the average signal. In addition, the area of your desktop can also be conveniently covered. This allows you to pick an adapter with solid antennas and the ability to transmit appropriate signals from the router.
Installing Your Wifi Card
Signal strength is one of the most important aspects when you decide. The signal needs to be obtained from your router via your adapter or Wi-Fi card. It is also critical that the signal of the router is as good or better than the average signal. In addition, the area of your desktop can also be conveniently covered. This allows you to pick an adapter with solid antennas and the ability to transmit appropriate signals from the router.
1. Identify the Model
Many different cards are available on the market and each of the models is subtly different from the others, so make sure you know the card well before you proceed with the next phase.
2. Shutdown Your Computer
Before installing a wifi card it’s important to shut down your PC properly and completely unplug it.
3. Open the Case
Some well-known PCs need you to remove the connector sticks entirely from the back of the case. For most PCs and macs, though, you just have to pull a button and this allows you to open any part of the case or pull the sides automatically.
4. Locate the Right Slot
It’s a very difficult move and can take time, but the correct opening for your remote card is also really critical. In order to do this, you have to do a bit to remove the faceplate. This helps you to effectively incorporate the card.
5. Insert Your Wifi Card
After the previous sections have been finished, now is the time to successfully position the remote card in its place. You should use a head-screwdriver to connect some screws to your card. Then you must join the wire on the outside of the card.
6. Close the Case
Next you need to close your case carefully and make sure that every screw is in place.
What is a Wireless Card For PC?
A wireless card is a device that allows a computer to connect to a wireless network. Wireless cards come in two different form factors: internal and external.
Internal cards are designed to be installed inside a computer, while external cards are designed to be connected to a computer’s USB port.
Wireless cards typically include an antenna that helps to improve the range and quality of the wireless signal. Many modern laptops and computers come with built-in WiFi, but WiFi cards can also be added to older computers that do not have built-in wireless support. WiFi cards typically connect to a router or access point using the 802.11 wireless standard.
Hi, I'm Pam! A corporate girl turned entrepreneur who has been working from home for over 20 years and loving it. From a corporate IT Director to an online business owner, I found success while working remotely (sometimes in my PJs). I've been able to find balance in life and career and love to share what I've learned with others. With my master's degree in software engineering and a career in technology, my drive is to help others learn how to bypass the hurdles and technology challenges to gain the confidence to build the dream business they've always wanted to reach financial freedom. My work has been quoted on Forbes, Bloomberg, European Business Review, Hive, and Business Partner Magazine to name a few. Click my little head above to read all of my posts!
