10 Best Wi-Fi Cards 2025 in the United States

The ASUS PCE-AXE59BT WiFi6 6E AX5400 PCI-E Adapter is a robust option for those looking to upgrade their desktop Wi-Fi capabilities. One of its biggest strengths is its support for the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which includes the new 6 GHz band. This band is less crowded, reducing interference and improving connection reliability. The device also supports high speeds of up to 5400 Mbps, making it ideal for activities that require strong internet performance, such as streaming and online gaming.

Its two external antennas with a magnetized base allow for flexible positioning, helping to reduce dead zones and improve signal strength in various environments. Furthermore, the adapter includes Bluetooth 5.2, which offers better signal range and faster data transfer speeds for your Bluetooth devices. Another significant benefit is the inclusion of advanced security features like WPA3, which provides enhanced network protection.

Additionally, the adapter supports MU-MIMO technology, allowing multiple devices to connect simultaneously without a drop in performance. Potential buyers should note that this adapter is designed specifically for desktops, and its PCI-E interface means it will require an empty PCI-E slot on your motherboard. While it is a bit on the pricier side compared to some other internal networking cards, it offers cutting-edge features and strong performance, making it a great choice for users needing a high-performing Wi-Fi card for their desktop.

The Asus AX3000 (Pce-AX58BT) Wi-Fi card is a solid choice for upgrading your PC's wireless capabilities. It features the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology, which can provide up to 2.4 Gbps speeds, making it significantly faster than previous Wi-Fi generations. This makes it ideal for users who need high-speed internet for activities like streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. The addition of Bluetooth 5.0 is also a plus, as it offers faster transmission speeds and a longer range for connecting Bluetooth devices like headphones or controllers.

The card supports OFDMA and MU-MIMO technologies, which help maintain high speeds even in crowded networks with multiple devices connected. This can be particularly useful in households with several internet users. Another strong point is its WPA3 security, which helps protect your data from unauthorized access. The external antenna base allows for flexible positioning, which can enhance network coverage and signal strength.

On the downside, the device is specifically designed for desktops, so it's not suitable for laptops. Additionally, while it offers many advanced features, it may be more than what basic internet users need, potentially making it an overinvestment for someone who only does light browsing or email checking. The Asus AX3000 Wi-Fi card is best suited for users looking for a future-proof and high-performance solution for their desktop internet needs.

The Linksys WPC54GS is an older PCMCIA Wi-Fi card designed primarily for laptops. It supports the 802.11g Wi-Fi standard, which operates at a maximum speed of 54 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This makes it suitable for basic internet tasks like browsing and email, but it does not support faster modern connections or streaming high-definition content. The card is compatible mainly with laptops that have a PCMCIA slot, which is less common on newer models.

It lacks newer features such as MU-MIMO and beamforming, which help improve connection stability and speed in modern devices. This card is best suited for users with older laptops needing a simple wireless upgrade rather than for those looking for high-speed or advanced wireless capabilities.