Best WiFi Cards For PC in 2024 [Pcie Wifi Cards]

Have you ever desired that your PC motherboard had the feature to connect you to the WiFi Internet?

802.11AC PCIe Adapter

Well, in case you ever did, say thanks to technology because it is truly a blessing. 

Many of us don’t like cables. They tangle up in our hands and feet and especially become quite a nuisance when we are working in a flow or playing our favorite games online. And while doing so, we often find ourselves shouting out curses when our feet and hands get tangled up in one of these wires.

Times as such, we only wish that there could’ve been a way through which we can make our desktop a WiFi-compatible device. While there are some modern-day 8th generation and 9th generation motherboards which include in-built WiFi and Bluetooth options, the older versions supporting previous chipsets, unfortunately, don’t. Do you still run a 6th generation processor or earlier versions of it? Purchase the best PC WiFi cards to make your motherboard WiFi compatible right away.

Best WiFi Card For PC List

Here are some of the best PCIe WiFi cards that will make your WiFi connectivity a lot better. 

Check Also: Best WiFi Card For Laptops

1. ASUS PCE-AC56

Fastest Wireless Card For PC

Best Wifi Card For PC

Quick Features

  • Network Standard: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
  • instant 802.11ac Wi-Fi Upgrade
  • 802.11ac chipset up to 867 Mbps
  • Security 64-bit WEP, 128-bit WEP, WPA2-PSK, WPA-PSK, WPS support
  • OS Support-Windows 8.1 and so on
  • Memory Type: DDR3 SDRAM

Here’s a device that perfectly meets the requirement for the best gaming experience and the Internet using WiFi. This WiFi card provides the user with a Broadcom TurboQAM technology, which is 33% faster than the rest. With an 802.11n performance, it delivers speed up to 400 Mbps. A significant advantage of using this WiFi card is that it is 100% plug-and-play and is fully compatible with Windows 10.

Just plugged it in to Asus X99 mobo, and it works immediately. You can put aside all your cable worries, so no cables or any of that nonsense. Even the installation process is quite easy so that anyone can install it without hassle. High-power design reduces wireless dead zones with 150% greater coverage even when you are at a reasonable distance away. The throughput is significantly faster than a local ISP can provide. If you’re looking for the best PC WiFi card, then it’s best to purchase this one. 

2. Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCEv2

AC1900 Wi-Fi Adapter for Desktop

Wi-Fi Adapter for Desktop

Quick Features

  • Security: Support 64 / 128-Bit WEP, WPA-PSK
  • Up to 1300 Mbps (5.0 GHz)
  • Frequency Band: 2. 4 GHz / 5 GHz
  • Features: Next Generation Standard 802. 11AC
  • 3 x External Antennas
  • compatible with 11 a/b/g/nUp

Here’s one of the best quality WiFi adapters, the one you just can’t refuse. The range on this WiFi card for pc is pretty solid, and the speed is pretty high. With stock antennas, this card can connect, delivering a high enough signal strength to get 150 Mbps+ transfer speeds, which is enough not to bottleneck any downstream internet.

It consists of some extraordinary features, including Dual Band connections for lag-free HD video streaming and gaming. It has a bandwidth up to 600 Mbps and packs a 2.4 GHz processing speed. Effortless to install as most PCIe adapters should be. Included in the box are the adapter, three antennas, a low profile bracket, a software CD, and a simple to use instruction manual. Only the best and easy to use adapter available.

3. TP-Link TL-WN881ND

Best PC Wifi Card For Online Gaming

WiFi network Adapter card for pc

Quick Features

  • Wireless N speed up to 300Mbps
  • 2T2R MIMO Technology
  • Compatibility: 802.11n/b/g products
  • Supports Windows 7/8/8.1/10
  • Linux 2.6.24 ~ 4.1
  • 300Mbps(2.4Ghz)

In my opinion, one of the best WiFi network Adapter cards available for PCs is the one manufactured by TP-Link. The company has a status for delivering high-end powerful WiFi cards that provide fantastic Wireless networking speed, and as far as this one is concerned, it goes up to 300Mbps.

The features which separate this WiFi card for PC from the other adapters available in the market is its MIMO Technology 2T2R MIMO, which delivers higher throughput. You can easily install the card as it is just a simple plug and play. If you want to run the card on your computer, then you won’t require any separate software installation. It’s compatible with Windows 10/ other versions and Linux versions. The card comes with a 2 year-long warranty and provides free 24/7 technical support. 

4. fenvi PCIe WiFi Adapter WiFi 6 AX200

WiFi 6 AX200 PCIe Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax Card

WiFi 6 AX200 PCIe Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax Card

Quick Features

  • 802.11ax via 2×2 MU-MIMO antennas
  • Wireless Standard: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac macOS Native Support
  • Combined Speed: AC1750 1300Mbps 5GHz + 450Mbps 2.4GHz
  • Network Card for PC
  • Bluetooth 5.0 PCIe wifi card for desktop
  • AC1900 Dual Band WiFi Router

It’s neither the cheapest option on the Internet nor is it the most expensive one. This adapter is an all in one solution for your connectivity problems, and it consists of some of the most extraordinary features. The fenvi WiFi 6 AX200 internal desktop computer adapter is a WLAN card that supports 2×2 MU-MIMO antennas. The module supports MU-MIMO, 2×2 TX/RX channels with two antennae, and BT 5.0. In addition to Windows 10 and Google Chrome OS, there’s also Linux support enabled in the Linux 5.1 kernel.

As far as the installation goes, the card is very easy to install, and just like any other PCIe adaptor, all you have to do is plug in and play. The signal power on this card is good; it subjectively seems better than the cards with the aerials attached directly to the back of the adaptor.

The main benefit of purchasing this card is the upgrade from a maximum theoretical throughput of intel 9260 1.73Gbps to intel ax200 2.4Gbps. The other performance, as mentioned above, provides the best benefits of WiFi 6 in terms of its ability to cope in congested WiFi areas.

5. TP-Link AC1300 PCIe Card

Wireless Wifi PCIe Card

Wireless Wifi PCIe Card

Quick Features

  • Lightning Fast Speed
  • Heat sink technology
  • 2x external antennas
  • Supports Windows 10/ 8. 1/ 8/ 7/ XP
  • Best for online gaming and 4K Ultra HD video streaming
  • 2-year warranty

Are you interested in gaming? Then here’s a PC WiFi card that is undoubtedly the best available for everyone interested in gaming and video streaming. The card comes with a 2-year warranty and offers free 24/7 technical support in case any problem arises. One of the best things about this card is its lightning-fast connectivity speed, which takes your WiFi processing up to 867 Mbps over 5Ghz and 400 Mbps over 2.4Ghz. It turns out the T6E uses a Broadcom BCM4360 chip, and the actual drivers for the chip are way more stable than the included ones. The connectivity range on the card is also pretty decent. Once you plug the card in, then just be easy and let it deliver you the best connectivity. 

What makes this card unique for users is the heat sink. It consists of a powerful heat sink technology that dissipates heat away from core components keeping the card working at optimum efficiency. Also, this altogether improves the reliability and performance of the WiFi card. Here’s a high-performance card, in my opinion, which can deliver you the best in class online gaming with 4k ultra HD video streaming. The card is fully compatible with almost all the formats of Windows. 

6. ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100

60% Faster Wi-Fi on your desktop

802.11AC PCIe Adapter

Quick Features

  • Dual-band 4×4 AC3100 Wi-Fi
  • External magnetic antenna
  • Modulation-1024qam
  • Os support-windows 10 86×64, Windows 7 86×64
  • PCE-AC88 Adapter
  • 2100Mbps (5GHz band) and 1000Mbps 2. 4GHz band

Are you searching for a user friendly and easy to use PCIe Adapter for your WiFi internet connection? This PCIe adapter card serves the purpose in the most fantastic manner. The ASUS PCE-AC88 AC3100 is a Dual-band 4×4 AC3100 WiFi card, which brings ultimate speed and performance to the table with a max up limit of going up to 2100Mbps (5GHz band). Imagine the intense connectivity speed that you can get once you install this card on your PC.

It contains external magnetic antennas that boost the proficiency of its connectivity, and the base has a placement to deliver maximum coverage for the antenna. Compared to the 3×3 adapters, this WiFi card offers a 60% faster service than the rest in the market, which makes them one of the best options. The installation of the card is pretty simple, and once installed, you won’t have to install any other software. Just plug the card in, and it will boot and configure with your Windows version on its own. 

7. TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card

WiFi 6 AX3000 PCIe WiFi Card

Dual Band Wireless Adapter with MU-MIMO

Quick Features

  • Next-generation Wi-Fi 6 technology
  • Next-Gen Speeds up to 2.4 Gbps
  • Minimized Lag for Your PC
  • Bluetooth 5.0 for Greater Speed
  • 2 External Antenna
  • Compatible: Windows 10 (64bit)

Looking for a complete combination of all the features that you expect in a WiFi card? Look no further than the TP-Link WiFi 6 AX3000. The best thing about owning this particular card is the smooth connectivity experience you get. There’s a 75% lower latency, which ensures ultra-responsive real-time gaming. It also features the latest Bluetooth technology, which delivers 2× Faster Speed and 4× Broader Coverage than BT 4.2.

There are exciting security enhancements that provide WPA3 enhanced protection using personal password keys. Its Magnetic antenna base lets you choose the best antenna location for optimum signal reception. The card is an excellent choice for online streaming.

8. ASUS PCE-AC68 AC1900 Dual-Band

Best WiFi Card For PC

Dual-Band Wireless Pci-E Adapter

Quick Features

  • 5th generation 802.11ac chipset
  • 2.4GHz/5GHz for up to super-fast 1.30Gbps
  • 150% greater coverage
  • Flexible extended antenna
  • Network Standard: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  • 3 x R SMA Antenna

Are you suffering from a poor networking speed, or do you experience range or video streaming problems? Here’s a WiFi card that provides a decent design with the best connectivity. It features a 5th generation chipset and offers dual bandwidth extending up to 1.3Gbps. It comes with its stock antennas, which are significant enough to get at least 150 Mbps+ transfer rate.

The connectivity is incredible because you don’t experience any bottleneck downstream. It also includes an incredible heatsink feature, which dissipates the excess amount of heat from the system. It has an operating temperature that goes as high as up to 40 degrees.

As far as the installation is concerned, it’s a simple plug and play card. The remarkable design decreases the dead zones and provides a 150% complete coverage. So even when you’re a great distance away, you get the best connectivity.

9. Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I Card

Best Wifi Card For PC under $50

Band Dual Expansion wifi Card

Quick Features

  • Fully qualified Bluetooth 4.2
  • IEEE 802.11ac standards compliant
  • Antenna to support WLAN 2Tx2R transmission
  • Bluetooth Enhances Data Rate
  • Dual Frequency 2.4Ghz/5.8Ghz
  • High-speed wireless

Need Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi features both in a single card? Gigabyte brings you the best one so far. Here’s a card that will eradicate your requirement of carrying around BT dongle and is powered by the latest technology. You get a decent fast wireless connection of as high as up to 867 Mbps. As far as the driver installation is concerned, there’s no need to install any drivers. It is a Windows 10 compatible card so all you’ve to do is plug it in your system and voila, it will pick the drivers on its own.

There’s also an antenna that provides the best support of 2Tx2R transmission. Another exciting thing about the card is the magnetic base, so once you install it, it will be easily set into its place. Just plug it in & you’re good to go. 


How to Choose the Right PCIe WiFi Card for PC?

Before you decide what features you should be searching for in a PCIe WiFi card, let me provide you with insight into some of the few distinctive characteristics that are more important to address. 

What is Data Transfer & Bandwidth? 

One of the foremost things that you need to check on your WiFi card is what data transfer speed and bandwidth does the card offer. There are certainly plenty of card options available in the market, where some of the cards provide mid-range speeds ranging around 300 Mbps with a bandwidth of 2.4 GHz.

Whereas, the high-end cards in the market has the support as high as up to 2100Mbps in 5 GHz band and 1000 Mbps in a 2.4GHz band. In my opinion, when it comes to picking out a PCIe card for your computer, you should first check your usage and internet connection, then based on your requirements, select the one that fits best to your needs.

There is a dual-band option available in the market that maxes out at 1300Mbps, which is more than enough. If you want to go beyond that, you’re either a hardcore gamer or a professional in need of high-end connectivity. 

How Many Antennas are Present? 

Who considers how many antennas are present on the WiFi card, right? Well, if you want an exact signal proportion, then WiFi antennas do matter. It delivers you a proper signal reception for starters. The higher the number of antennas your WiFi PC card has, the better is its performance. You can move them into any direction and indeed get the best signal coverage from other variants.

What OS does the Card Support? 

There are plenty of WiFi Card options in the market, and they all support almost every Windows operating system. Mostly, they support Windows from 7 up till ten but do not support the older versions like Vista or XP. So, before you make the purchase make sure to double-check the WiFi card first; there are a few Linux users also available, so check if it supports the operating system. I have discussed a few WiFi cards above which fall in the Linux based card category. 

How Effective is Cooling? 

Last but certainly not least, you need to check if your card offers a cooling functionality. After all, you don’t want a heated card to damage the chipset, so make sure you provide the best heatsink. You can either custom build your system to ensure its maximum cooling or check the model before purchasing, whether it includes cooling features. Either way, make sure it has the best cooling on.

FAQs

How to Install the PCIe WiFi Card on your Desktop? 

Installation of these cards is a pretty simple & straightforward process. Turn your PC off, turn your CPU unit, remove the back cover, now check for an empty PCIe slot. These slots are usually lined up above or below the area where your GPU is placed. Find an empty slot and insert the card in it. It will perfectly align with the back panel of your CPU. Now attach the antennas, and you’re good to go. 

What is the Best PCIe Card for PC Use? 

To each their own, it all bubbles down to your preferences. If there’s a card that fulfills your requirement of gaming with a high-end Mbps limit, then it’s the best for you. If you’re a Linux user, then a card with decent performance, bandwidth, and Linux support is your best bet. 

It all depends on the purpose of usage, but cards with dual bandwidth and a decent heatsink are great options.

By James Klett

James Klett a senior editor at GeekyMag focused on computer hardware and gadgets, offers a wide range of information in this field. Have a question, need some help, or want to give your opinion? Drop us a comment below!

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