Best SFP Network Cards of 2026

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 4 Feb 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

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

GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Network Card Cover #TOP 1
GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Network Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ Network Card for Intel Cover #TOP 2
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ Network Card for Intel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Synology E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE Network Upgrade Module Cover #TOP 3
Synology E10G22-T1-Mini 10GbE Network Upgrade Module
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 9 SFP Network Cards

#TOP 1

GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Network Card

ST7315
Green
1-port 10G SFP+
GLOTRENDS ST7315 10Gb SFP+ Network Card Cover
GLOTRENDS ST7315 1-port 10Gb SFP+ Ethernet Network Card with Intel 82599EN Controller, PCIE 2.0 X4 interface, Support Windows 11/10/Windows Server/Linux/ESX/VMware ESXi(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 2

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 3

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 4

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
#TOP 5

StarTech.com PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card

StarTech
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 6

10Gbps Dual Port SFP PCIe Network Card

Tangxi94cr8bngq0
10Gbps Dual Port SFP PCIe Network Card Cover
10Gb SFP PCIe Network Card, NC523SFP Dual LAN SFP PCI Express X8 Network Card, 10Gbps SFP+ Ethernet Server Adapter for Proliant DL160 DL360e DL360p DL380p DL385p DL560 8th Gen

The NC523SFP Dual Port Card is a reliable 10Gbps PCIe network adapter designed to enhance your server's connectivity. It features LED indicators that let you easily monitor link status and network activity, helping you quickly troubleshoot issues. With dual SFP+ ports, you can use either copper DAC cables or fibre transceivers, giving you flexibility depending on your setup. Supporting 9KB jumbo frames means you benefit from higher data throughput and improved CPU efficiency, which is especially useful for tasks like database transfers and backups. This card also offers advanced functions such as TCP checksum offload and VLAN tagging to ensure smooth and efficient network performance.

What We Like
LEDs for easy troubleshooting
Dual SFP+ ports flexibility
Supports 9KB jumbo frames
Advanced network offload features
High bandwidth PCIe x8 interface
#TOP 7

ciciglow 10Gb SFP+ PCIE Network Card MNPA19XTR

ciciglowdw8qpeahm2
ciciglow 10Gb SFP+ PCIE Network Card MNPA19XTR Cover
ciciglow 10Gb SFP+ PCIE Network Card, MNPA19XTR PCI Express Ethernet LAN Adapter, PCIE X8, for Server 2003/2008/2012, for Win7/10/2003/2008r/2016

The ciciglow MNPA19XTR Network Card offers wide compatibility, supporting various server operating systems including Server 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2016, making it suitable for both data centres and home use. It provides flexible installation options with internal thin and standard brackets, fitting different computer cases and servers. Built from premium PCB materials, this card is strong and durable, ensuring long service life without easy wear or damage. Additionally, it supports multiple home computer motherboards and servers, allowing you to connect several computers simultaneously without switching, which is ideal for efficient network management.

What We Like
Wide operating system support
Flexible installation brackets
Durable and long-lasting build
Supports multiple devices simultaneously
#TOP 8

10Gtek Intel I350AM2 Dual SFP Gigabit PCIe Network Card

I350-GE-2S-X4
Intel I350
10Gtek Intel I350AM2 Dual SFP Gigabit PCIe Network Card Cover
10Gtek 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express NIC Network Card with Intel I350AM2 Chip Ethernet Server Converged Network Adapter I350-F2, PCIE 2.1 x4, Dual SFP Ports, Compare to Intel I350-F2

The 10Gtek I350-F2 Network Card features the original Intel I350 controller chip, offering intelligent offloads and Ethernet power management to provide you with a stable server experience. It supports a wide range of operating systems, including various Windows versions and Linux, ensuring compatibility with your setup. With dual SFP ports, you can easily connect to Gigabit SFP modules or cables, ideal for data centre environments. Additionally, its PCI-E 2.1 x4 interface fits both PCI-E x8 and x16 slots, giving you flexibility when installing in your computer or server.

What We Like
Original Intel I350 controller chip
Wide OS compatibility
Dual SFP ports for flexible connections
Compatible with PCI-E x8 and x16 slots
Includes low profile bracket
#TOP 9

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
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 91 sfp network card products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,146 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 £71.47.

The sfp network cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sfp network cards, including GLOTRENDS, QSFPTEK, Synology, GigaPlus, StarTech.

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.