Best Network Cards for PCI of 2026

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

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PCI network cards are essential components for desktop computers that lack built-in network connectivity or require an upgrade to a faster or more reliable network interface. These cards offer a simple solution to connect to local area networks (LANs) and the internet, allowing users to stream media, browse the web, and share files. They come in different specifications to suit different network requirements, such as speed, bandwidth, and security, and are easy to install and configure. If you are in need of a reliable and efficient network card for your desktop computer, consider exploring the range of PCI network cards available in the market.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Adapter Cover #TOP 1
TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit Network Adapter Cover #TOP 2
TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit Network Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card by ULANSEN Cover #TOP 3
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card by ULANSEN
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Network Cards for PCI

TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Adapter

TG-3468
Black
Gigabit Wired
TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Adapter Cover
TP-Link TG-3468 Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter, 32-bit PCIe interface Ethernet Network Card, Supports Operating Systems Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Low-Profile Bracket

The TP-Link TG-3468 Adapter is a highly efficient network solution designed for fast connectivity. It features a 32-bit PCI Express interface, allowing for seamless integration into your system. With data rates of up to 1000 Mbps, you can enjoy high-speed internet for gaming or streaming. The adapter also supports full-duplex flow control, ensuring stable and reliable performance. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their network capabilities.

What We Like
High-speed connectivity
Easy installation
Compatible with multiple operating systems
Cost-effective solution

TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit Network Adapter

TX201
Black
TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit Network Adapter Cover
TP-Link TX201 2.5 Gigabit PCI Express Ethernet Network Adapter, Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets, Ethernet Network Card Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Linux, Versatile Compatibility

The TP-Link TX201 Adapter delivers impressive 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, allowing you to maximise your multi-Gig bandwidth for both local data transfers and internet access. Its versatile compatibility ensures seamless integration with Fast and Gigabit Ethernet connections, making it a reliable choice for various setups. With included low-profile and full-height brackets, you can easily adapt it to fit your computer case perfectly. The TX201 also offers comprehensive support for a range of operating systems, ensuring a hassle-free experience for all users.

What We Like
Blazing speed performance
Versatile compatibility
Flexible bracket options
Comprehensive system support

Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card by ULANSEN

TXA094
Multicolor
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card by ULANSEN Cover
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Adapter with Intel 82576/82575 Ports PCI Express NIC Support PXE for Windows/Windows Server/Linux/FreeBSD/DOS With Low Profile

The ULANSEN Gigabit Network Card is a versatile solution for your networking needs. It supports multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, ensuring compatibility with your setup. With its PCI Express 2.1 interface, it can fit various PCI slots, providing flexibility for installation. The imported alloy heat sink effectively dissipates heat, keeping the card operating efficiently and reliably. Additionally, features like PXE remote boot and VLAN filtering enhance your network management capabilities, making it easier for you to maintain a stable and organised network.

What We Like
Wide OS compatibility
Flexible installation options
Effective heat dissipation
Enhanced network management features

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
#TOP 5

ULANSEN 2.5GBase-T PCIe Network Adapter

RTL8125B
red / black
ULANSEN 2.5GBase-T PCIe Network Adapter Cover
2.5GBase-T PCIe Network Adapter RTL8125B 2500/1000/100Mbps PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card RJ45 LAN Controller Support PXE for Windows/Linux/MAC with Low Profile

The ULANSEN PCIe Network Adapter is a versatile solution for enhancing your network connectivity. It is compatible with various PCI Express slots (X1, X4, X8, X16), ensuring easy installation in different setups. The included low-profile bracket allows for use in compact systems, making it ideal for space-constrained environments. Additionally, with support for PXE function, you can easily boot your system over the network, which is a great convenience for users looking to manage multiple machines efficiently. Lastly, Wake on LAN feature enables remote wake-up of devices, allowing for improved accessibility.

What We Like
Compatible with various PCIe slots
Includes low-profile bracket
Supports PXE function
Enables Wake on LAN
#TOP 6

BrosTrend 5 Gbps PCIe Network Card

5 Gbps PCIe Network Card P2
Black
12 × 7.3 x 1.8 cm
BrosTrend 5 Gbps PCIe Network Card Cover
BrosTrend 5 Gigabit PCIe Network Card, 5GB PCIe Ethernet Card 5000/2500/1000/100Mbps, PCI Express Network Adapter for Windows 11/10, Windows Server 2022, NAS, w/Extra Low-Profile, Lifetime Protection

The BrosTrend PCIe Network Card offers unparalleled 5 Gbps speed, significantly enhancing your desktop PC's wired connection. This superior speed improves internet access, making it perfect for gaming and streaming without lag. You will also benefit from instant local network transfers, which ensure quick data sharing between devices. Additionally, the card is built for maximum reliability, featuring high-quality aluminium construction that optimises heat dissipation, providing consistent performance during intensive tasks.

What We Like
Rapid 5 Gbps connectivity
Ideal for gaming and streaming
Fast local network transfers
Reliable heat dissipation

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

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 9

BrosTrend 2.5Gbps PCIe Network Card

2.5Gb 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
#TOP 10

StarTech.com Single Port Intel I210 PCIe Network Card

StarTech
ST1000SPEXI
RJ45
1 Port
StarTech.com Single Port Intel I210 PCIe Network Card Cover
StarTech.com 1-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Card - PCI Express, Intel I210 NIC - Single Port PCIe Network Adapter Card with Intel Chipset (ST1000SPEXI)

The StarTech Intel I210 PCIe is designed to add Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to your client, server, or workstation via a PCI Express slot. This single-port network adapter card features the reliable Intel I210-AT chipset, ensuring stable and fast network performance. It supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet speeds through a single RJ-45 port, making it easy to upgrade your system’s network capabilities. Additionally, the card supports PXE network boot, which is useful if you need to boot your system from a network server, adding convenience and flexibility to your setup.

What We Like
Reliable Intel I210 chipset
Supports 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds
Easy PCI Express installation
Single RJ-45 Ethernet port
Supports PXE network boot
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a PCI network card?

A PCI network card is a type of computer hardware that can be installed within a computer's case, directly onto the motherboard of the computer. This type of card is installed into a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) slot on a computer's motherboard.

2. What is RJ45 network card?

RJ45 Network Cards Network cards are added to desktop PCs, workstations or servers to enable connectivity to other users, devices and the outside world. RJ45 is the common wired interface used to connect via Ethernet to network switches and routers.

Editor's Notes

During our network card for pci research, we found 131 network card for pci products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 175,442 customer reviews through our big data system to write the network cards for pci list. We found that most customers choose network cards for pci with an average price of £21.90.

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

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.