Best Desktop Network Cards of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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Desktop Network Cards are essential components for computers that require a reliable and stable internet connection. They are designed to allow desktop computers to connect to a network or the internet through an Ethernet cable. These cards come in different types and speeds, ranging from 10/100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. They are easy to install and offer a cost-effective solution for users who need to upgrade their desktop's network capabilities. With a Desktop Network Card, users can enjoy faster internet speeds, better stability, and improved performance for online gaming, video streaming, and other bandwidth-intensive activities.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N PCIe Adapter Cover #TOP 1
TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N PCIe Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Multibao Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Card Cover #TOP 2
Multibao Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Card
ftb score rating icon 9.7
MERCUSYS MA30E AC1200 WiFi Card with Bluetooth Cover #TOP 3
MERCUSYS MA30E AC1200 WiFi Card with Bluetooth
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Desktop Network Cards

#TOP 1

TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N PCIe Adapter

TL-WN881ND(EU)
Black
N300 Mbps
TP-Link 300Mbps Wireless N PCIe Adapter Cover
TP-Link 300 Mbps Wireless N PCI Express Adapter, PCIe Network Interface Card for Desktop, Low-Profile Bracket Included, Supports Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP (32/64 bit) & Linux 2.6.24~4.1, Black(TL-WN881ND)

The TP-Link PCIe Adapter offers wireless N speeds of up to 300Mbps, making it perfect for streaming videos, playing online games, and making internet calls. With MIMO technology, you benefit from stronger signal penetration and wider coverage, ensuring a more stable connection. Setting up a secure wireless link is made easy with WPS, enhancing your network's security. Additionally, it comes with a low-profile bracket, allowing for flexible installation in desktop PCs.

What We Like
Fast wireless speeds
Strong signal coverage
Easy secure setup
Includes low-profile bracket

Multibao Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Card

Gold
Multibao Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Card Cover
Multibao Gigabit Ethernet LAN PCI-E Express Network Card Desktop Controller 10/100/1000M

The Multibao Ethernet Network Card is designed for easy installation and compatibility, supporting the PCI-Express 1.0a standard. It features plug and play functionality, allowing you to set it up effortlessly without complicated configurations. This network card supports a range of Windows operating systems from Windows 98SE to Windows 7, ensuring broad usability. Furthermore, it adapts to different network speeds of 10MB, 100MB, and 1000MB, providing you with flexibility based on your network requirements.

What We Like
Easy plug and play installation
Supports multiple Windows OS
Adapts to various network speeds
Compatible with PCI-Express standard
#TOP 3

MERCUSYS MA30E AC1200 WiFi Card with Bluetooth

MA30E
MERCUSYS MA30E AC1200 WiFi Card with Bluetooth Cover
MERCUSYS MA30E WiFi Card AC1200 Mbps Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 PCIe Network Card, MU-MIMO Wider Signal Coverage, PCI Express Bluetooth WiFi Card for Desktop/PC Windows 10/11(64Bit)

The MERCUSYS MA30E WiFi Card offers strong dual-band Wi-Fi speeds of up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, ensuring fast internet connections for your desktop. With its two high-performance antennas, you can enjoy wider signal coverage, reducing dead zones in your home. The Bluetooth 5.0 technology enhances your connectivity, allowing you to connect to devices at faster speeds and over greater distances. Additionally, the MU-MIMO feature lets you connect multiple devices without experiencing latency or bandwidth congestion, making it perfect for busy households.

What We Like
High-speed dual-band Wi-Fi
Wider signal coverage
Fast Bluetooth 5.0
MU-MIMO technology

TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCI Express Adapter

Archer TX3000E
Black
TP-Link AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 PCI Express Adapter Cover
TP-LINK AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Bluetooth 5.2 PCI Express Adapter with Two Antennas, Intel AX200, PCIe Network Interface Card for Desktop, Low-Profile Bracket Included ( Archer TX3000E)

The TP-Link AX3000 Adapter offers exceptional Wi-Fi 6 speed, reaching up to 2402 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This high-speed capability allows you to enjoy smoother online gaming and streaming experiences. With 75% lower latency, you can expect ultra-responsive performance during real-time gaming sessions. The Intel Wi-Fi 6 chipset ensures more reliable connections, helping you fully utilise your Wi-Fi 6 router. Additionally, the multi-directional antennas with a magnetised base provide wider signal coverage, enhancing your network's performance.

What We Like
Unmatched Wi-Fi 6 speed
Lower latency for gaming
Reliable and clear connections
Wider signal coverage
#TOP 5

Ziyituod WiFi 6E PCIe Network Card

AX210S
Ziyituod WiFi 6E PCIe Network Card Cover
WiFi Card 5400Mbps 6E Wireless WiFi Bluetooth 5.3 PCIe Network Card, Intel WiFi 6E AX210 Chip, 6GHz/5GHz/2.4GHz PCI Express Bluetooth WiFi 6 Card for Desktop/PC Windows 11/10(64Bit)

The Ziyituod WiFi Card offers exceptional performance with the WiFi 6E standard, providing access to a clearer 6GHz band for faster, more reliable internet speeds. You can enjoy increased bandwidth, reaching up to 2402Mbps, which enhances your online experience whether you're gaming or streaming. Its two 6dBi antennas ensure optimal signal reception, reducing latency and improving reliability. Additionally, with Bluetooth 5.3, this card enables you to connect various devices like headphones and controllers at twice the speed and four times the coverage of previous versions.

What We Like
Fast speeds up to 2402Mbps
Improved signal reliability
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
WPA3 security protection
Compatible with Windows 11/10

DollaTek M.2 A+E 2.5Gb Network Adapter

CP032679
DollaTek M.2 A+E 2.5Gb Network Adapter Cover
DollaTek M.2 A+E 2.5Gb Network Adapter RTL8125BG Chip M2 KEY A/E to RJ45 COM Port 2.5G/1000/100Mbps Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Card for Desktop, PC, Office Computer

The DollaTek 2.5Gb Network Adapter offers exceptional connectivity with its M.2A+E KEY RTL8125B chip, ensuring you enjoy lightning-fast internet speeds. You can easily stream high-definition videos or transfer large files without interruption. This adapter supports various Ethernet specifications, ensuring compatibility with your existing networking setup. Installation is straightforward; simply connect it to your M.2 slot for immediate access to speedy internet. Its support for high-speed transmission over CAT5e cables means you can rely on its performance for both home and office use.

What We Like
Blazing-fast connectivity speeds
Easy installation process
Compatible with various Ethernet standards
Ideal for streaming and large transfers
Reliable performance over CAT5e cables

Ubit AC 1200Mbps Dual Band WiFi Card

D07W-WIE7265
WIE72652
Ubit AC 1200Mbps Dual Band WiFi Card Cover
Ubit AC 1200Mbps Wireless WiFi PCIe Card 5GHz/2.4GHz Dual Band PCI Express Network Card with Bluetooth 4.2 and 2×Antenna for Desktop/PC Gaming(WIE7265)

The Ubit WiFi PCIe Card offers lightning-fast speeds of up to 1200Mbps, allowing you to enjoy seamless online 4K video streaming, gaming, and high-quality music. With its IEEE 802.11 AC dual band capability, you can connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz networks, ensuring compatibility with all your devices. The advanced Bluetooth 4.2 technology allows you to wirelessly connect various peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and headphones, enhancing your desktop experience. Its wide compatibility with multiple Windows versions ensures that it can fit into most setups with ease.

What We Like
High-speed WiFi connectivity
Dual band support
Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility
Wide Windows compatibility
#TOP 8

JUSTOP AC 1200Mbps Dual Band WiFi Card

JT-WI-1200BT
Black, Red
JUSTOP AC 1200Mbps Dual Band WiFi Card Cover
PCIe WiFi Card, AC 1200Mbps Wireless WiFi PCI-E Network Adapter, Bluetooth 4.0, 5GHz/2.4GHz Dual Band PCI Express Internal Network Card, Low-Profile, for Desktop/PC Gaming

The JUSTOP WiFi PCIe Adapter connects your computer to high-speed networks, offering a remarkable Wireless AC connection with excellent reception. With dual-band speeds reaching up to 867 Mbps on 5 GHz and 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, you can enjoy seamless streaming and gaming. The inclusion of Bluetooth 4.0 technology ensures faster data transfer and wider coverage for your devices. Additionally, it is universally compatible with various Wi-Fi routers, making it a convenient choice for any desktop PC user.

What We Like
High-speed dual-band connectivity
Compatible with various routers
Bluetooth 4.0 for wider coverage
Includes low-profile bracket
#TOP 9

WAVLINK WiFi 7 PCIe Network Card with Bluetooth

WL-WN685BE3-A
WAVLINK WiFi 7 PCIe Network Card with Bluetooth Cover
WAVLINK WiFi 7 PCIe Network Card BE8800 for Desktop PC, Tri-Band BE200 Wireless Adapter with Bluetooth 5.4, MU-MIMO, WPA3, for Windows 10/11(64bit),Only Supports Intel Motherboard

The WAVLINK BE8800 Network Card harnesses the power of Wi-Fi 7 technology, allowing you to enjoy exceptional wireless speeds and dedicated channels. With tri-band capabilities, you can experience fast internet for 4K and 8K streaming, gaming, and remote work. The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity enhances your experience with faster data transmission and a wider range. Additionally, advanced WPA3 security protects your network against potential threats, ensuring a safe online environment for all your activities.

What We Like
Exceptional wireless speeds
Tri-band for high-performance
Enhanced Bluetooth connectivity
Robust WPA3 security
#TOP 10

BrosTrend 2.5Gbps PCIe Network Card

2.5 Gb PCIe Network Card
Black
BrosTrend 2.5Gbps PCIe Network Card Cover
BrosTrend 2.5 Gigabit PCIe Network Card, Ethernet Network Adapter PCI Express Ethernet RJ45 2500/1000/100 Mbps, Extra Low-Profile Bracket for Windows 11/10, Windows Server/XP, NAS, Lifetime Protection

The BrosTrend Network Card delivers exceptional performance with its 2.5Gbps next-gen connection, allowing you to enjoy speeds 2.5 times faster than standard Gigabit cards. This ultra-fast Ethernet adapter enhances your gaming and streaming experiences by reducing latency and improving responsiveness. Additionally, it facilitates instant local network transfers, ensuring swift data exchange with other devices. With durable metal shielding, you can expect improved stability and reliability for every connection, making it a robust choice for your networking needs.

What We Like
Extremely fast connection speeds
Reduces latency for gaming
Instant local data transfer
Durable and reliable design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a desktop network card?

A network card (or NIC) is a small electronic circuit board that allows computers to communicate over a... computer network. It's the part of the system that enables your computer to connect to a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the Internet.

2. Do desktops have network cards?

The adapters for desktop computers typically come preinstalled. If a desktop doesn't offer a preinstalled adapter, a card can connect to the PCMCIA slot or a mini PCI slot. Likewise, old desktop computers may allow a retrofitted Ethernet adapter that plugs into a PCI slot.

Editor's Notes

During our desktop network card research, we found 283 desktop network card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 155,900 customer reviews through our big data system to write the desktop network cards list. We found that most customers choose desktop network cards with an average price of £19.19.

The desktop network cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of desktop network cards, including TP-Link, Multibao, MERCUSYS, Ziyituod, DollaTek.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.