Best SFP Network Cards of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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SFP Network Cards are essential components for modern computer networks. These cards enable high-speed data transfer between network devices, such as servers, switches, and storage devices. They are designed to work with Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers, which allow for flexible connectivity options and better network performance. SFP Network Cards are widely used in data centres, enterprises, and service provider networks to support various applications, such as video streaming, cloud computing, and virtualisation. With their reliable and efficient performance, SFP Network Cards are recommended for businesses and organisations seeking to improve their network infrastructure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 10G PCIe Network Adapter Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 10G PCIe Network Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
H!Fiber.com 10G Ethernet Network Card Cover #TOP 2
H!Fiber.com 10G Ethernet Network Card
ftb score rating icon 9.7
TRENDnet 10 Gigabit PCIe SFP+ Network Adapter Cover #TOP 3
TRENDnet 10 Gigabit PCIe SFP+ Network Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 SFP Network Cards

#TOP 1

StarTech.com 10G PCIe Network Adapter

PEX10GSFP
Black
StarTech.com 10G PCIe Network Adapter Cover
StarTech.com 10G PCIe SFP+ Card - Single SFP+ Port Network Adapter - Open SFP+ for MSA-Compliant Modules/Direct-Attach Cables - 10 Gigabit Fiber PCIe NIC - PCI Express SFP+ Network Card (PEX10GSFP)

The StarTech.com 10G Card enhances your network experience by delivering a maximum throughput of up to 10 Gbps, making large file transfers and content sharing significantly quicker. With its open SFP+ slot, you can easily use various MSA-compliant modules and direct attach cables, giving you flexibility in your network setup. This card also offers a secure point-to-point connection, reducing electromagnetic interference and allowing for longer distance coverage. Ideal for high bandwidth applications, it ensures a reliable and efficient network environment.

What We Like
High bandwidth up to 10 Gbps
Flexible module compatibility
Secure fibre connection
Reduced electromagnetic interference
Long-distance connectivity
#TOP 2

H!Fiber.com 10G Ethernet Network Card

X520-DA1
H!Fiber.com 10G Ethernet Network Card Cover
H!Fiber.com 10G Ethernet network card,SFP+ NIC,10GbE CNA,function compatible to X520-DA1,with Intel 82599EN controller,support Windows Server/Linux/VMware (not support MAC)

The H!Fiber.com 10G NIC is a versatile network card compatible with various operating systems, including Windows Server and Linux. Its SR-IOV feature enhances your virtualisation capabilities, allowing for efficient resource allocation in virtual environments. With support for Jumbo Frames, you can significantly increase data throughput, making it ideal for high-bandwidth applications. Additionally, it offers PXE support, enabling network-based booting, which simplifies system deployment and management for users.

What We Like
High compatibility with multiple OS
Efficient resource allocation
Increased data throughput
Simplified system deployment
#TOP 3

TRENDnet 10 Gigabit PCIe SFP+ Network Adapter

TEG-10GECSFP
Silver
PCI Express
TRENDnet 10 Gigabit PCIe SFP+ Network Adapter Cover
TRENDnet 10 Gigabit PCIe SFP+ Network Adapter, Convert A PCIe Slot Into A 10G SFP+ Slot, Supports 802.1Q, Standard & Low-Profile Brackets Included, Compatible With Windows & Linux, Black, TEG-10GECSFP

The TRENDnet 10G SFP+ Adapter allows you to convert a free PCI Express slot into a high-speed 10 Gigabit SFP+ slot, enhancing your network's performance. With VLAN support through IEEE 802.1Q, you can efficiently manage network traffic. This adapter is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, ensuring versatility. Additionally, it supports jumbo frames of up to 16 KB, enabling the transmission of larger data packets for improved speed and efficiency.

What We Like
High-speed 10 Gigabit connectivity
Compatible with multiple operating systems
Supports VLAN for traffic management
Includes standard and low-profile brackets
Handles jumbo frames for better performance
#TOP 4

StarTech.com PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card

PEX1000SFP2
Green
StarTech.com PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card Cover
StarTech.com PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Network Card w/ Open SFP - PCIe GbE SFP Network Card Adapter NIC - Fiber Optic SFP Adapter (PEX1000SFP2), Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps)

The StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Card allows you to seamlessly connect your PCI Express-based desktop or rackmount PC directly to a fibre optic network. With its Gigabit SFP slot, you can choose the fibre optic module that best suits your needs, offering flexibility and convenience. This PCIe GbE Fibre Network Card ensures high-speed connectivity, enabling you to enjoy fast data transfers of up to 1000 Mbps. Additionally, its simple integration into your system makes it an ideal solution for enhancing network capabilities.

What We Like
High-speed data transfers
Flexible fibre optic options
Easy to install
Direct network connection
#TOP 5

Synology E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE Network Upgrade Module

E10G22-T1-MINI
Black
Synology E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE Network Upgrade Module Cover
Synology E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE SFP+add-in-card 2 port - 10GbE RJ-45 network upgrade module

The Synology E10G22-T1-Mini offers impressive connectivity options, supporting speeds of 10Gbps, 5Gbps, 2.5Gbps, 1Gbps, and even 100Mbps. This versatility ensures compatibility with nearly all RJ-45 network environments, making it suitable for various setups. You can easily expand your system’s capabilities with the 10GbE connectivity, enhancing overall performance. Its design prioritises maximum reliability and performance specifically for Synology systems, giving you peace of mind that your network will run smoothly.

What We Like
High-speed connectivity options
Easy system expansion
Compatible with various networks
Optimised for Synology systems
#TOP 6

QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ Network Card for Intel

10G Intel X520-DA1 Single Port
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ Network Card for Intel Cover
QSFPTEK 10G Single SFP+ Network Card for Intel X520-DA1, 10Gb SFP+ Port Ethernet PCIE Card with Intel 82599EN Chip, PCIe 2.0x8, Ethernet LAN NIC Card PCI-E Support Windows 7/8/10/Linux/Vmware

The QSFPTEK 10G Network Card is designed for high-performance connectivity, featuring support for various operating systems including Windows 10 and Linux. It utilises the Intel 82599EN 10 Gigabit Ethernet Controller, offering efficient data transfer for applications like LAN and iSCSI. The card boasts 10Gb Single SFP+ ports, allowing for flexible connections with high bandwidth. Additionally, installation is hassle-free, as it comes with both half and full height brackets to fit different PCIe slots.

What We Like
Supports multiple operating systems
High-speed 10Gb connections
Easy installation with brackets
Optimised for virtualisation
Enhanced packet processing performance
#TOP 7

GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Network Card

ST7315
1-port
GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Network Card Cover
GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Ethernet Network Card with Intel 82599EN Controller, PCIE 2.0 X4 Interface, Not Support Mac OS

The GLOTRENDS ST7315 Network Card offers a remarkable upgrade to your network speed, allowing you to achieve up to 10Gb/s with its PCIe 2.0 X4 interface. This card, built on the Intel 82599EN controller, enhances server stability by preventing packet loss, ensuring a smoother experience. It is also backward compatible with 1Gbps connections, so you can easily transition between different speeds without any hassle. Additionally, it supports a wide range of operating systems, making it a versatile choice for various setups.

What We Like
High-speed performance
Stable server connectivity
Backward compatibility
Wide OS support
#TOP 8

VIMIN 10Gb SFP+ PCIe Network Card

VIMIN
X520-DA2
X520-DA2
VIMIN 10Gb SFP+ PCIe Network Card Cover
10Gb SFP+ PCIe NIC Network Card with Dual 10Gbps SFP+ Port, Intel 82599(X520-DA2) Chip, VIMIN 10G Ethernet LAN Adapter Support Windows7/8/10/11/Linux/VMware, Compatible with PCI Express X8 & X16

The VIMIN 10Gb NIC offers impressive performance with its dual 10Gbps SFP ports, utilising the Intel 82599 chipset for rapid data transmission. This card is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, making it suitable for different environments. Its flexible design supports both PCI Express x8 and x16 slots, providing versatility for installation. Additionally, the product features excellent heat dissipation, ensuring stable performance even during heavy use, which is essential for maintaining reliable network connections.

What We Like
High-speed data transmission
Wide operating system compatibility
Flexible PCIe slot options
Effective heat dissipation
#TOP 9

ipolex 10Gb Network Card with SFP+ Port

X520-DA1-Intel-IP
X520-10G-1S(1xSFP+)
ipolex 10Gb Network Card with SFP+ Port Cover
ipolex 10Gb Network Card, 1x SFP+ Port, 10GbE NIC Compare to the Intel X520-DA1, Support Windows Server/Windows/Linux/VMware (Not Support Mac OS, Bypass Mode)

The ipolex 10Gb NIC is designed for versatility, supporting various operating systems such as Windows Server, Linux, and VMware. Its single SFP+ port allows for high-speed connections, utilising Direct Attached Copper or fibre cables up to 10 metres. You will appreciate the included full height and low profile brackets, enabling easy installation in different setups. With the Intel Ethernet Controller 82599EN, you can expect reliable performance for storage over Ethernet applications like iSCSI and NFS, making it a robust choice for network upgrades.

What We Like
Supports multiple operating systems
High-speed SFP+ connectivity
Includes installation brackets
Reliable Intel controller
#TOP 10

GigaPlus 10Gb Dual-Port Ethernet Card

GigaPlus
X520-2S
black
GigaPlus 10Gb Dual-Port Ethernet Card Cover
10Gb Ethernet Card with 82599ES (X520-DA2) Controller GiGaPlus 10GB PCI-E Network Card Adapter, Dual LAN SFP+ Ports, 10gb NIC Support Windows/Windows Server/VMware Functions for 10Gbe Networking NAS

The GigaPlus 10Gb Card is designed for high-speed networking, featuring a Dual-Port 10Gbe NIC with an X520 (82599ES) controller. This ensures you can achieve transmission speeds of up to 10Gbps, effectively preventing packet loss. It is compatible with both PCIe X8 and X16 slots, allowing easy integration into your existing system. Installation is straightforward, requiring just a quick plug-in and driver download via a QR code. Additionally, it supports various operating systems, making it versatile for different applications, including servers and workstations.

What We Like
High-speed transmission up to 10Gbps
Easy installation with QR code
Compatible with various operating systems
Excellent heat dissipation
Supports dual SFP+ connections
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is SFP NIC?

PCI Express SFP Adapter. Fiber Optic Network Card. Adapts to your network configuration using the fiber transceiver of your choice, through an open SFP slot. No electronic interference provides a secure fiber network infrastructure through a direct fiber-to-desktop connection.

2. What is a fiber network card?

Network interface cards, which are also called fiber NIC cards. Fiber NIC cards can provide fast and reliable network connections for users computers or network servers. And there are several common types of network interface cards in the market, such as fiber NIC card and wireless network card.

Editor's Notes

During our sfp network card research, we found 97 sfp network card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 10,584 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sfp network cards list. We found that most customers choose sfp network cards with an average price of £50.47.

The sfp network cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sfp network cards, including StarTech.com, H!Fiber.com, TRENDnet, Synology, QSFPTEK.

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.