10 Best Wi-Fi Cards 2026 in the United States

The NETGEAR Nighthawk WiFi 7 USB 3.0 Adapter (A9000) is a strong choice if you're looking to upgrade your Windows 11 PC's wireless connection with the latest Wi-Fi technology. Supporting Wi-Fi 7, it works across all three common frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz), which helps it choose the best signal band depending on your environment. This results in fast wireless speeds up to 6.5 Gbps, ideal for activities like 4K/8K streaming, gaming, and video calls. It includes an adjustable antenna plus a USB cradle to boost signal strength, helping improve connection reliability. Security-wise, it supports the latest WPA3 encryption for safer internet use.

The adapter is compatible with any router or mesh system, but to enjoy the full Wi-Fi 7 performance, you’ll need to pair it with a Wi-Fi 7 router. However, there are some limitations: it only works with Windows 11 or newer, so users with older systems cannot use it. Also, the device is designed for use in the US and Canada, which could be a restriction for some users.

If you want a future-proof wireless speed upgrade and have a compatible Windows 11 PC, this adapter offers a convenient plug-and-play solution with good signal handling and security.

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 UGREEN WiFi 7 BE6500 PCIe card is a strong choice for desktop users seeking top wireless performance with the newest WiFi 7 standard. It supports tri-band frequencies (6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz) delivering fast speeds up to 2882Mbps on both 6GHz and 5GHz bands, plus 688Mbps on 2.4GHz, which means less interference and better stability, especially if you have a WiFi 7 router. The flexible dual 6dBi high-gain antennas help boost signal range and strength, which is great for larger homes or offices. Bluetooth 5.4 adds convenience by allowing multiple wireless devices like headphones and keyboards to connect simultaneously. The card also features MLO technology that smartly chooses the best signal path, reducing lag and keeping gaming or video streaming smooth.

This card only supports Windows 11 (excluding version 21H2), limiting its use if you run other operating systems or older Windows versions. Also, to get the fastest speeds, you must pair it with a compatible WiFi 7 router, which could add to the cost. It is an ideal option for users who want future-proof wireless speeds and have a Windows 11 system, but those using other operating systems or without a WiFi 7 router might not benefit fully from its advanced features.