Desktop computers are more affordable than their laptop counterparts. Besides, they are also easier to upgrade and you do not have to worry about the charge running out.
But, one major drawback is that most of the older desktop models do not have a built-in wi-fi feature. You can use an ethernet cable. However, if there are multiple desktops or if the router is located far from your desktop, then it will leave you in a tight spot.
Luckily, you can use a wi-fi card to enable the wi-fi feature on your desktop. All you have to do is plug the wi-fi card at the back of your desktop’s motherboard.
Before buying a wi-fi card, you have to ensure that it supports your router’s speed bandwidth and has a good range. Also, ensure that it is compatible with your desktop’s OS.
Below are the primary features that you have to check while purchasing the wi-fi cards that best suit your needs.
Bandwidth: In simple terms, Bandwidth is the speed of data transfer measured in Mbps.
For an average user, a speed of 300 Mbps would be more than sufficient. But, if you regularly stream 8K content or a serious gamer, then we would recommend you to go with a speed of 1,000 Mbps.
Signal Range: If you are using it for home networking, then you need a coverage of 1,700 sq. ft. But, if you are using it for office purposes or if you live in a large home, it is better to have a coverage of 3,000 sq. ft. Anything less than this will not serve the purpose of wireless connection.
OS Compatibility: Wi-fi cards run only on specific OSes.
If you are using Windows 10, then you won’t have any problem. Because most wi-fi cards support Windows 10 OS. However, if you are using other OSes like Linux or Chrome, your options will be limited. You will have to dig deeper to find a wi-fi card that meets your needs.
To make the choice easier for you, we have prepared a list of the Best Wi-Fi Cards and provided detailed reviews on them. Besides these, there are a few other factors that you have to check while buying the wi-fi card. You will find the complete list of such factors in our Buying Guide section of the article.
7 Best Wi-Fi Cards 2021
Best Wi-Fi Cards 2021 Reviews
1. EDUP Tri-Band Wi-Fi Card
First on our list is EDUP’s tri-band wi-fi card. EDUP has gained a massive reputation for developing innovative wireless connectivity solutions with advanced features.
True to its brand reputation, the EDUP tri-band wi-fi 6E card comes with some of the most advanced features. To start with, it supports three bands – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. Besides, it offers a top speed of up to 3000 Mbps. This speed is sufficient for online gaming and 8K video streaming without buffering.
The wi-fi card comes with the latest Bluetooth 5.2 version using which you can get a signal range of 4x. Even in dense or congested environments, you can receive the signal easily.
On top of this, it has two 6dBi antennas that will receive the signal and focus it on the device.
You can insert this card into any one of the PCI-e slots. It is not to be inserted in a PCI slot. As for the OS, the wi-fi card is only compatible with Windows 10 64-bit. It is not compatible with any other OS.
What is included in the package?
- 1 x PCIe Wi-Fi 6E Network Card
- 2 x 6dBi Antenna
- 1 x CD disk
- 1 x Small Chassis Baffle
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 2 x Screws
- 1 x User Manual
Pros
- Triple band frequency
- Supports speeds up to 3000 Mbps
- Supports latest Bluetooth 5.2 version
- Receives the signal 4x times better
- Has 2 antennas to focus the signal
- Plugged into any one of the 4 PCI-e slots
Cons
- Compatible with only Windows 10 64 bit OS
- Price is on the higher end
- Bluetooth is defective in some units
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2. Ziyituod Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card
Ziyituod is a relatively small brand. But it manufactures reliable products with the ultimate objective of making connections easy and effective.
Ziyituod’s wi-fi card uses the latest 802.11ax technology that provides a fast and stable connection. You will experience fewer connection drops and can enjoy superfast HD videos as it supports a maximum speed of 3000 Mbps. It supports 2 bands – 5GHz and 2.4 GHz.
With the wi-fi card’s 5.1 Bluetooth version, you can get coverage throughout your home. You get 2x times faster data transmission along with reduced power consumption.
The wi-fi card has 2 detachable antennas. If you feel the signal strength is low, you can connect the antennas to boost up the strength.
When it comes to installation, this wi-fi card ranks better than its competitors. If you have a F_USB connector on your motherboard, you can connect it using the USB cable that comes with the package. If not, you can plug it in any one of the available PCI-e slots.
Similar to EDUP’s wi-fi card, this is also only compatible with the Windows 10 64-bit OS.
Ziyituod has used the advanced WPA3 encryption technique that protects your desktop from hacks and malware. You can have some peace of mind.
What is included in the package?
- 1 x AX200 PCI-e Wi-fi Card
- 2 x Detachable Antenna
- 1 x Low profile bracket
- 1 x Bluetooth USB Cable
- 1 x CD Driver
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 2 x Screw
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Ziyituod Box
- 1 x Anti-static bag
Pros
- Dual-band frequency
- Supports up to 3000Mbps
- Supports Bluetooth 5.1 version
- Receives the signal 2x times better
- Has 2 antennas to focus the signal
- Plugged into USB port any one of the 4 PCI-e slots
Cons
- Not very reliable
- Compatible with only Windows 10 64 bit OS
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3. Ubit Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card
Ubit is another small brand that develops reliable network adapters and computer peripherals. Its product catalog includes HDMI adapters, USB adapters, and networking cards.
Ubit’s dual-band wi-fi card resembles the Ziyituod’s wi-fi card in most of the features. It uses the same 802.11ax technology to provide a superfast data transfer speed of up to 3000 Mbps. The wi-fi card offers up to 4x data transfer speed. With this, you can enjoy smooth streaming of high-resolution videos even in a dense environment.
Bluetooth version 5.1 allows you to establish a steady connection between your desktop and other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as your headphones, speaker, and keyboard.
It comes with 2 antennas to increase the signal strength. You can connect it to your desktop using any one of the PCI-e slots.
Ubit has really upped the ante in securing your wireless connection by providing advanced 64-bit and 128-bit WEP encryption. You can browse safely without the fear of malware and hacks.
Apart from supporting the standard Windows 10 64-bit OS, this wi-fi card is also compatible with Linux and Chrome OS.
What is included in the package?
- 1 x Ubit AX200 PCI-e Wi-fi Card
- 2 x Detachable Antennas
- 1 x Driver CD
- 1 x Standard profile bracket
- 1 x Low profile bracket
- 2 x Screws
- 1 x User Manual
Pros
- Dual-band frequency
- Supports up to 3000 Mbps
- Supports Bluetooth 5.1 version
- Has 2 antennas to focus the signal
- Compatible with Windows 10 64-bit, Linux, and Chrome OS
- Plugged into any one of the 4 PCI-e slots
Cons
- Speed drops after a few months
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4. TP-Link Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card
TP-Link does not need any introduction. It is one of the most prominent brands that supply wireless network products. The brand’s routers are considered as one of the best in the market.
The brand has used the AX3000 standard in this wi-fi card to provide a maximum speed of 2402 Mbps. Besides, the OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies will reduce the lag. You will enjoy an ultra-responsive gaming experience and can stream HD videos without lags.
The wi-fi card uses Bluetooth version 5.0. You can connect your desktop to other Bluetooth-enabled devices with 2x faster speeds and 4x faster range.
With this wi-fi card, you get 2 antennas to boost the signal and ensure a reliable connection.
TP-Link has used the latest WPA3 encryption technique to protect your information. You do not have to worry about malware.
One of the major drawbacks is that this wi-fi card does not support any other OS apart from Windows 10 64-bit OS.
What is included in the package?
- 1 x AX3000 PCI-e Wi-Fi Card
- 2 x High Gain Antennas
- 1 x Driver CD
- 1 x Standard profile bracket
- 1 x Low profile bracket
- 2 x Screws
- 1 x User Manual
Pros
- Dual-band frequency
- Supports up to 3000 Mbps
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0 version
- 2x faster speeds and 4x faster range for Bluetooth connections
- Has 2 antennas for signal boost
- Plugged into any one of the 4 PCI-e slots
Cons
- Most expensive option on our list
- Compatible with only Windows 10 64-bit OS
- Bluetooth 5.0 version is not as fast as the latest versions
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5. Cudy Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card
Cudy is a Chinese-based company that operates in 9 countries including the U.S. The company sells network and smart home products with the aim of providing quality products at the most affordable rates.
Like most other wi-fi cards on our list, this also comes with dual-band frequency. You get a maximum speed of 574 Mbps with the 2.4GHz frequency with a longer range. If you are streaming content in 4K or playing online games, the wi-fi card will automatically switch to the 5GHz frequency and offer speeds of up to 2402 Mbps.
Cudy has used the OFDMA technology in the wi-fi card to reduce lag by up to 75%. You will have an ultra-responsive and smooth gaming experience. Besides, you get 3x faster speed than the standard wi-fi network.
You can get 2x faster speeds and 4x broader range with Bluetooth 5.0 in comparison to the 4.2 version. So, you don’t have to sit closer to the desktop when you are playing games using a Bluetooth controller. Besides, the w-fi card is also compatible with the 4.2 version.
The wi-fi card has 2 antennas that have 5 dBi (decibel relative to isotrope). You will receive clear signals even in dense and congested environments.
It uses the standard WPA3 encryption technique for enhancing security. You can create encrypted passwords to protect your network from wireless hacking.
You have to insert the wi-fi card into the PCI-e x 1 slot. The wi-fi card will only work for your desktop if it runs in Windows 10 64-bit OS.
What is included in the package?
- 1 x WE3000 Wi-Fi Card
- 2 x 5 dBi High Gain Antennas
- 1 x Bluetooth Cable
- 1 x Low-Profile Bracket
- 1 x Installation Guide
- 1 x Resource CD
Pros
- Dual-band frequency
- Supports up to 3000 Mbps
- 3x faster speed than standard wi-fi signal
- 75% reduced lags for ultra-responsive gaming
- Supports Bluetooth 5.0 version
- Has 2 5dBiantennas for receiving signal clearly
Cons
- Can be plugged into only PCI-e x 1 slot
- Works only with Windows 10 64-bit OS
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6. OKN Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card
OKN is a small company that provides a limited number of networking products. But the reason that this wi-fi card has secured a place on our list is because it offers super fast and reliable connections.
The wi-fi card comes with the latest 802.11ax technology that offers up to 4x speed improvements. Even if you are using the wi-fi card in a congested environment, you will get a speed of up to 2402 Mbps without any connection drops. With this speed, you can stream 8K content without buffering, operate smart home devices, and play fast-paced online games without any lags.
With the wi-fi card’s Bluetooth 5.1, you get a 4x increased range from the 4.2 version. Besides, the speed is also increased 2x. You can connect it to your smartphone or other Bluetooth devices and transfer large files within a few seconds.
Similar to other wi-fi cards on our list, you get two 5dBi antennas with this card as well. With the two antennas, you get a reliable signal and experienced reduced connection drops.
You can plug the wi-fi card into any one of the PCI-e slots. However, the card works best with the PCI-e x 1 slot. Besides, you can also connect it to the USB slot located at the back of your motherboard.
With the latest WPA3 encryption technique, you can be free from the fear of malware and hacks. You can have a safe browsing experience.
When it comes to OS compatibility, you can use the wi-fi card with the standard Windows 10 64-bit OS. Apart from this, the card also supports Linux and Chrome OS.
What is included in the package?
- 1x AX200 PCI-e Wi-Fi Card
- 2x High Gain Antenna
- 1x Bluetooth USB Cable
- 1x Low Profile Bracket
- 1x Screwdriver
- 1x Resource CD
- 1x Installation Guide
Pros
- Supports dual band frequency
- Supports up to 3000 Mbps
- 4x increased range and 2x increased speed of Bluetooth connections
- Has 2 5dBiantennas for steady signals
- Compatible with Windows 10 64-bit, Linux, and Chrome OS
- Plugged into any one of the PCI-e slots or the USB slot.
Cons
- Poor compatibility with AMD CPUs
- Does not work well when plugged into PCI-e x 16 slot
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7. F Fenvi Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card
The last product on our list is the F Fenvi’s dual-band wi-fi card. F Fenvi has grown into a reliable brand that offers a limited number of products at affordable prices.
Just like the other wi-fi cards on our list, this card also comes with a dual-band frequency. The 2.4 GHz band supports up to 574 Mbps while the 5 GHz band supports a maximum speed of 2402 Mbps. With these speeds, you can stream your favorite 8K content without buffering.
The wi-fi card has the standard 6th generation wi-fi standard that allows you to connect four times more concurrent devices than wi-fi 5. It also has 4 times higher network bandwidth
It uses Bluetooth 5.0 to connect your desktop to a Bluetooth headset, keyboard, mouse, and other Bluetooth-powered devices.
With the two multi-rotational antennas, you will get optimized and reliable signal strength.
For the connection part, you will have to plug it into one of the PCI-e slots. You can use this wi-fi card only with the Windows 10 64-bit OS.
What is included in the package?
- 1 x AX200NGW PCI-e Wi-Fi Card
- 2 x Multi-rotational Antennas
- 1 x CD Driver
- 2 x Screws
- 1 x User Manual
Pros
- Supports dual band frequency
- Supports up to 3000 Mbps
- 4 times higher network bandwidth
- Has 2 antennas for optimizing signal strength
- Plugged into any one of the PCI-e slots
Cons
- Expensive
- Works only with the Windows 10 64-bit OS
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How to find the Best Wi-Fi Card based on your needs
When buying a wifi card, you have to ensure that it satisfies your personal needs. Below is a list of features you need to check before purchasing the best wifi card.
Single Band Vs. Dual Band
A dual-band wi-fi card will support both bands, i.e. 2.4GHz and 5GHz. It provides faster speeds and better flexibility. Besides, it can automatically switch between the bands depending on the speed it receives.
Even though your home network router does not support dual bands, you can get a dual-band wi-fi card just to be on the safer side. You do not have to upgrade to a new wi-fi card in the future if you change your router.
Number of Antennas
The number of antennas will determine the signal range and the speed of data transfer. To keep it simple, the more the number of antennas, the higher will be the data transfer speed.
Some wi-fi cards come with 4 antennas while most cards come with 2 antennas.
Not just the number, you also have to pay attention to the type of antennas. Some antennas will be bigger in size. And, you can rotate some of the antennas. Rotating the antennas will allow you to receive the signal better which in turn will improve the data transfer speed.
Hardware Interface
The hardware interface does not have anything to do with the performance of the wi-fi card, but with how you install it.
If the wi-fi card has a USB interface, then it is easy to connect it to your desktop. You simply have to plug it into the USB slot of your desktop and run the setup.
If the wi-fi card has a PCIe interface, then you have to plug it at the back of your desktop CPU. Besides, there are different versions of PCIe such as PCIe x 1, PCIe x 4, PCIe x 8. You have to ensure that the wi-fi card’s PCIe interface is comparative with your desktop CPU’s PCIe slot.
Cooling Method
Just like any other electronic machine, wi-fi cards will also get hotter when they work too much. If you are using a powerful wi-fi card, it will definitely get hotter and this will affect its performance.
So, while buying a wi-fi card, you need to check its cooling method. Having an effective cooling method will ensure the card does not get hot that easily. Aluminum coolers are not effective in reducing the heat but also cost-efficient.
Bluetooth Version
When choosing a wi-fi card, it is best to make sure that it has the latest Bluetooth version i.e. Bluetooth 5.2. The latest versions will have a better range and also better transfer speeds.
So, you can easily connect the desktop to your other Bluetooth devices such as Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and smartphones.
Bluetooth connections are always backward compatible. So, even if the other Bluetooth devices run on lower versions, you will still be able to connect them.
Encryption Type
Wireless data transfers are less secure than wired data transfers. Your desktop is vulnerable to hacks if you transfer data wirelessly. Luckily, wi-fi card brands use advanced security methods to protect your desktop from data theft and hacks.
Check the type of security technology the wi-fi card has to protect your desktop. WPA3 is the latest technology in this field.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a wi-fi card that supports super-fast connections and supports triple-band frequencies, then EDUP Tri-Band Wi-Fi Card will be ideal for you.
If you want one that is compatible with Linux and Chrome OS, then you can check out the Ubit Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card.
If you are budget-constraint, then the Cudy Dual-Band Wi-Fi Card will serve the purpose for you.
If you have any further doubts or queries, let us know using the comments section. Our team will help you out. You can also post your thoughts and views in the comments box.
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