Connecting your desktop computer to your router with an Ethernet cable can be difficult. If you want to make it easier to connect to the internet with your desktop, you can install a WiFi card instead. WiFi cards are come in a variety of options to suit your specific needs. To help you choose, here is our list of the best WiFi cards for PC desktops.
Gigabyte GB-WB867D-I: Best WiFi Card for Bluetooth Connectivity
The GC-WB867D-I WiFi card is one of the best options if you want to add Bluetooth to your system. With Bluetooth 4.2, this WiFi card allows you to connect devices over distances of up to 200 feet. This is around the same distance that most Bluetooth headphones stop working anyway. It can also handle 3 Mbps, which is more than enough for streaming the most high-quality audio.
This dual-band WiFi card also comes with a detachable antenna, which means you can position it anywhere to get the best connection. The GC-WB867D-I WiFi card only comes with a single antenna, but it gives you a reliable wireless connection with speeds of up to 867 Mbps.
Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCEv2: Best WiFi Card for Fast Internet Speed
The Rosewill RNX-AC1900PCEv2 WiFi card that provides lightning speed connections of up to 1,300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 600 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. These speeds make it great for online gaming and Ultra-HD video streaming.
Thanks to Beamforming technology, this dual-band WiFi card provides a reliable wireless connection and extended coverage with precise directional signal amplification. It comes with three detachable and omnidirectional antennas that intelligently detect your wireless router to give you the best connection.
FebSmart FS-AC85BT: Best Value for Your Money
If you are looking for the best budget WiFi card for your PC, you can’t go wrong with the FebSmart’s FS-AC85BT. This dual-band WiFi card supports speeds of up to 876 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 300 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. You can use this card for everything from surfing the web to more complex tasks, such as online gaming or Ultra-HD video streaming.
Other performance-enhancing features include Beamforming technology and 2×2 MU-MIMO. MU-MIMO stands for “multi-user, multiple input, multiple output,” and it helps several users access the same router without congestion. In addition, it has built-in Bluetooth 4.2 for easy pairing with wireless headphones or speakers.
Overheating can be a problem for WiFi cards, causing bottlenecks and system crashes. The FS-AC85BT has a custom heatsink that does a great job in keeping the card cool and ensuring the connected device stays at its peak speed. It is easy to install and supports Linux and Windows 7, 8, and 10.
TP-Link Archer T6E AC1300: Best WiFi Card for High Computing Performance
TP-Link designed the Archer T6E WiFi card primarily for high-performance computing. Supporting speeds of up to 867 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 400 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band, you can stream high-quality videos and play online games without experiencing lags with this dual-band WiFi card.
The wireless range can be extended by using two external antennas for better reception and added WiFi stability. Advanced heatsink technology also helps to dissipate heat even after prolonged use.
The Archer T6E also supports QAM (quadrature amplitude modulation) technology, which boosts speeds and allows for data transfer prioritization. This WiFi card is easy to install, making it ideal for large homes or offices.
$50.76
Asus PCE-AC88 AC3100: Best WiFi Card for Gaming
The Asus PCE-AC88 WiFi card is easily one of the best additions to any gaming PC. This flagship desktop card from Asus delivers unbelievably high wireless transfer speeds at a maximum of 2,100 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 1,000 Mbps on the 2.4GHz band.
The Asus PCE-AC88 WiFi card comes with four antennas, which enables the card to support up to four high bandwidth connections for increased reliability. You can attach the antennas directly to the card or mount them externally using the included magnetic antenna base. That way, you can find an ideal location that receives the strongest wireless signals.
This WiFi card is MU-MIMO supported and comes with heatsink technology to prevent the core components from overheating.
If you are looking for a router that can reach every part of your home, check out our list of the best mesh WiFi systems.
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