The best Wi-Fi cards allow you to add Wi-Fi capabilities to your PC or upgrade to a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi standard. These adapters plug into an available PCIe slot on your motherboard and instantly add Wi-Fi support. Some Wi-Fi adapters support Bluetooth, too.
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Summary List
9.00/10
1.
Premium pick:
TP-Link Archer TXE75E
9.20/10
2.
Editors choice:
GIGABYTE GC-WBAX210
8.80/10
3.
Best value:
TP-Link Archer T2E
9.20/10
4.
ASUS PCE-AC68
9.00/10
5.
Ubit AX210S WiFi card
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The best Wi-Fi cards allow you to add Wi-Fi capabilities to your PC or upgrade to a faster and more reliable Wi-Fi standard. These adapters plug into an available PCIe slot on your motherboard and instantly add Wi-Fi support. Some Wi-Fi adapters support Bluetooth, too.
Wi-Fi cards come in different standards and budgets, and the best one depends on your needs. If you're a streamer, gamer, or professional working with high-bandwidth applications, you'll benefit from the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E adapters. However, for everyday tasks like browsing the web and watching YouTube videos, an affordable Wi-Fi adapter should suffice.
Here are the best Wi-Fi cards for PCs available right now.
Premium pick
1. TP-Link Archer TXE75E
9.00 / 10
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The TP-Link Archer TXE75E is a great choice for those looking for a high-performance Wi-Fi card for gaming, streaming, or working from home. As a reputable brand in the networking industry, TP-Link has a history of providing high-quality solutions, and this PCIe Wi-Fi card is no exception.
With its two multi-directional antennas and Wi-Fi 6E technology, this adapter delivers lightning-fast speeds and a stable connection to your PC. It stands out from standard Wi-Fi 6 cards with its ability to connect your PC to the much wider and less congested 6 GHz band when paired with a Wi-Fi 6E router, resulting in lower latency and more stable connections for high-bandwidth applications like streaming and gaming.
The adapter comes with a low-profile bracket for compact and small form-factor PCs and a magnetized base that allows you to place the antennas anywhere on your desktop for the best Wi-Fi reception. You can remove the antennas and plug them directly into the card for a cleaner setup. Overall, it's an excellent Wi-Fi card that should please most gamers and enthusiasts.
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Key Features
Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards
Two high-gain antennas with a magnetic base
Built-in heatsink
Specifications
Brand: TP-Link
Platform Compatibility: Windows 10, 11 (64-bit)
Bands: 6GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz
Speed: Up to 2402 Mbps
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
Stable and reliable connection
Very fast speeds
Maintains faster speeds in congested networks
Better range with high-gain antennas
Cons
6GHz band needs Windows 11
Needs a Wi-Fi 6E router to unlock all features
Buy This Product
TP-Link Archer TXE75E
Shop at Amazon
Editors choice
2. GIGABYTE GC-WBAX210
9.20 / 10
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The GIGABYTE GC-WBAX210 is an affordable way to upgrade your PC to the latest Wi-Fi standard. It offers all the features of Wi-Fi 6E, including lightning-fast speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps, ultra-low latency, and unparalleled reliability, at a more reasonable price than the competition.
It's a suitable Wi-Fi card for high-bandwidth and real-time tasks such as streaming, gaming, and Zoom calls. And thanks to the dedicated 6 GHz band, your PC maintains a stable, high-speed connection without interference from other legacy devices connected to the other 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz bands.
The included antenna can pick up signals from multiple walls away and has a magnetic base that lets you find the ideal position for the best signal reception. However, it's not perfect for compact PCs since it doesn't come with a low-profile bracket. Still, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-performance expansion card for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
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Key Features
Dedicated 6GHz band for fast speeds and lower latency
Magnetic antenna base
Tri-band: 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz
Specifications
Brand: GIGABYTE
Platform Compatibility: Windows 10, 11 (64-bit), Linux
Bands: 6GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz
Speed: Up to 2402 Mbps
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2
Pros
Fast and future-proof
Reliable connection
Easy to install
Cheaper than alternatives
Cons
No low-profile adapter included
No heatsink
Buy This Product
GIGABYTE GC-WBAX210
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Best value
3. TP-Link Archer T2E
8.80 / 10
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The TP-Link Archer T2E is a budget-friendly option that offers solid performance and reliability. It's not a game changer in terms of speed, but you can get upwards of 300 Mbps consistent speeds, depending on your router and ISP, which is fast enough for 4K streaming, video calling, and everyday web browsing.
The adapter is simple to install and includes low-profile and full-height brackets for use in standard PC cases or small form-factor PCs. The high-gain antenna also does a great job of picking up signals far from the computer. The Archer T2E is a great choice for those looking for a simple and affordable Wi-Fi card from a well-known brand.
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Key Features
Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 expansion card
Multi-directional, high-gain antenna
Low-profile and full-height brackets included
Specifications
Brand: TP-Link
Platform Compatibility: Windows 10, 11 (64-bit)
Bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
Speed: Up to 433 Mbps
Bluetooth: No
Pros
Affordable
Decent and reliable Wi-Fi connection
Easy to install
Cons
No Bluetooth
Not ideal for congested networks
Buy This Product
TP-Link Archer T2E
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4. ASUS PCE-AC68
9.20 / 10
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The ASUS PCE-AC68 is a great choice for those looking to eliminate dead zones in their home. With three external antennas and a unique high-power design, this Wi-Fi adapter can boost wireless coverage by up to 150% compared to standard Wi-Fi devices. So, whether your router is a couple of rooms or even floors away, you can still enjoy seamless streaming and online gaming.
Performance is excellent. The PCE-AC68 can reach speeds of up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as gaming and ultra-high definition streaming. Netflix recommends around 15 Mbps for smooth 4K streaming, so this card is fast enough for binge-watching your favorite shows in HD quality.
The only disadvantage is that you miss out on the benefits of Wi-Fi 6, particularly improved performance on congested networks. However, this won't be a dealbreaker if you only have a few devices connected to the same network simultaneously. Overall, if you want a Wi-Fi adapter with excellent range and coverage, the PCE-AC68 is one of the best options available.
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Key Features
Dual-band 3x3 AC1900 Wi-Fi expansion card
Three removable antennas with magnetic base
Built-in heatsink
Low-profile and full-height brackets included
Specifications
Brand: ASUS
Platform Compatibility: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
Bands: 5GHz, 2.4GHz
Speed: Up to 1300 Mbps
Pros
Excellent Wi-Fi range and coverage
Outstanding signal strength
Stable and reliable connection
Faster speeds
Flexible antenna placement
Cons
Not Wi-Fi 6 capable
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ASUS PCE-AC68
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5. Ubit AX210S WiFi card
9.00 / 10
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The Ubit AX210S WiFi Card is a suitable option for those on a budget who still want to upgrade their PC with fast, future-proof Wi-Fi. It is one of the most powerful and affordable Wi-Fi adapters on the market. With support for Wi-Fi 6E, this Wi-Fi card offers almost similar speeds and performance as the more expensive TP-Link Archer TXE75E, but at a fraction of the cost.
The only difference comes down to the design. The antennas connect directly to the Wi-Fi card instead of an external magnetic antenna base. This won't be a dealbreaker if the router is in the same room as your PC, but for long-range Wi-Fi reception or dealing with dead zones, a Wi-Fi adapter with a flexible magnetic antenna base is more suitable.
This Wi-Fi adapter can hit excellent speeds of up to 2400 Mbps when paired with a Wi-Fi 6E router. You can connect your PC to the 6 GHz band for uninterrupted HD streaming, online multiplayer gaming, video calling, and more. In addition, the built-in heatsink helps maintain a stable connection and performance when running bandwidth-intensive network tasks.
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Key Features
Tri-band Wi-Fi adapter with Wi-Fi 6E support
Two high-gain antennas
Removable heatsink
Specifications
Brand: Ubit
Platform Compatibility: Windows 10, 11 (64-bit), Linux, Chrome OS
Bands: 6GHz, 5GHz, 2.4GHz
Speed: Up to 2400 Mbps
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2
Pros
Affordable
High-speed performance
Future-proof
Cons
Not ideal for long range coverage
Buy This Product
Ubit AX210S WiFi card
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FAQ
Q: Does It Matter What Wi-Fi Card I Get for My PC?
Wi-Fi cards come in different standards, which determine the wireless speeds and performance. In addition, the build quality and design, which include antennas and heatsinks, help improve signal reception, range, and reliability.
While any Wi-Fi card can add Wi-Fi capabilities to your PC, the type of card you purchase will determine Wi-Fi performance. For everyday use and browsing, any Wi-Fi card will work fine for you, but for high-bandwidth and real-time tasks such as streaming, gaming, and video conferencing, it's worth investing in a high-performance card like a Wi-Fi 6 or 6E card.
Q: What Is the Fastest WiFi PCIe Card?
Wi-Fi PCIe cards that support the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 6E standards deliver the fastest wireless speeds of up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz frequency band. WiFi 6E cards have the edge when it comes to reliability and low latency since they connect your PC to the dedicated and less congested 6 GHz frequency band.
While you'll need a router that supports Wi-Fi 6 or 6E to unlock the maximum speeds, these cards will also work fine with older Wi-Fi 5 routers.
Q: How Do I Know Which Wi-Fi Card I Need?
The number of existing Wi-Fi devices in your home and how you're going to use your PC determines the type of card you need.
Wi-Fi 6 can provide faster speeds and better connections in homes with many Wi-Fi devices. If you have a smart home or multiple Wi-Fi client devices, a Wi-Fi 6 card is the best option. When paired with a Wi-Fi 6 router, a Wi-Fi 6 card can deliver a fast and stable connection to your PC, even with multiple devices connected to the same network.
On the other hand, Wi-Fi 6E can provide even faster speeds and support for the 6 GHz frequency band, which allows for faster file transfers and streaming. This can be especially beneficial for gamers, streamers, and professionals like video editors who need to transfer large files quickly.
For everyday use, such as browsing the web, checking emails, and watching videos on YouTube, you can save your money and go with an affordable Wi-Fi card. Most cheap cards can deliver more than 30 Mbps, depending on your ISP plan, which is fast enough for browsing and watching 4K videos on Netflix.
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