Best Motherboards of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2026

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

Motherboards are the backbone of any computer system, serving as the main hub for all other components to connect to. They come in a variety of sizes and specifications to fit different needs and budgets. Some motherboards are designed for gaming, with features like high-speed RAM support and multiple graphics card slots, while others are geared towards productivity with support for multiple CPUs and high-speed storage. Regardless of the intended use, a good motherboard is essential for building a stable and reliable computer system.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II Cover #TOP 1
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II Motherboard Cover #TOP 2
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II Motherboard
ftb score rating icon 9.8
GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 Motherboard Cover #TOP 3
GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 Motherboard
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Motherboards

Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II

ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II Cover
Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 (3rd Gen Ryzen) ATX Gaming Motherboard (PCIe 4.0,WiFi 6E, 2.5Gb LAN, BIOS Flashback, HDMI 2.1, Addressable Gen 2 RGB Header and Aura Sync)

The Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II is a powerful AMD AM4 motherboard that is ready for AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series, plus 5000 and 4000 G-series desktop processors. It features PCIe 4.0-ready, dual M.2 slots, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, plus HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.2 output, on-board WiFi 6E (802.11ax) and Intel 2.5 Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard, 12+2 teamed power stages with ProCool power connector, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors, bundled 60 days AIDA64 Extreme subscription and intuitive UEFI BIOS dashboard, ASUS-exclusive Aura Sync RGB lighting, two-way AI Noise Cancelation, SupremeFX S1220A codec, DTS Sound Unbound and Sonic Studio III for immersive sound.

What We Like
Easy installation and setup
Stable performance with Ryzen CPUs
Integrated WiFi 6 and Bluetooth
PCIe 4.0 and dual M.2 slots
User-friendly BIOS interface
What We Don't Like
Driver installation requires included CD
Limited USB-C and HDMI ports
#TOP 2

MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II Motherboard

msi
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II Motherboard Cover
MSI PRO Z790-A WiFi II Motherboard, ATX - Supports Intel Core 14th, 13th & 12th Gen Processors, LGA 1700-80A SPS VRM, DDR5 Memory Boost 7800+MT/s/OC, PCIe 5.0 x16, 4 x M.2 Gen4, Wi-Fi 6E, 2.5G LAN

The MSI Z790 PRO WiFi motherboard is built to support Intel’s latest 14th, 13th, and 12th Gen processors, offering powerful and stable performance thanks to its advanced 16-phase power system. It’s designed with enhanced cooling features like thermal pads and extended heatsinks to keep your system running smoothly, even under heavy loads. With four DDR5 memory slots that support speeds over 7800 MT/s, you can enjoy faster and more reliable multitasking and gaming. Plus, the board comes with four ultra-fast M.2 slots for storage, ensuring quick access to your files and reducing loading times. This makes it an excellent choice for users seeking a high-performance PC build.

What We Like
Advanced power delivery system
Comprehensive cooling design
High-speed DDR5 memory support
Multiple fast M.2 storage slots
#TOP 3

GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 Motherboard

B550 EAGLE WIFI6
Black
GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 Motherboard Cover
GIGABYTE B550 Eagle WIFI6 Motherboard, Supports AMD AM4 Ryzen 5000 Processors, ATX, DDR4, 2X M.2, PCIe 4.0, WIFI6, 1GbE LAN, EZ-Latch

The GIGABYTE B550 Eagle is designed to support AMD Ryzen 3000, 4000, and 5000 series processors, giving you flexibility for powerful builds. Its advanced power delivery system uses a digital twin 10 plus 3 phase VRM with high-quality components, ensuring stable and reliable performance during heavy workloads. The motherboard also features enhanced cooling with large VRM heatsinks and thermal pads, helping keep your system cool and running smoothly. Plus, the pre-installed I/O shield makes assembling your PC easier and faster, saving you time and effort. This makes the GIGABYTE B550 Eagle a great choice if you want a reliable and efficient motherboard for gaming or productivity.

What We Like
Easy setup and installation
Stable WiFi 6 performance
Multiple M.2 slots
Clear BIOS and markings
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Manual driver installation required
Limited USB ports
#TOP 4

ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Motherboard

ROG STRIX X870-A GAMING WIFI
Silver White
ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Motherboard Cover
ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 16+2+2 Power Stages, Dynamic OC Switcher, Core Flex, DDR5 AEMP, WiFi 7, 4X M.2, PCIe® 5.0, Q-Release Slim, USB4®, AI OCing & Networking

The ASUS ROG X870-A is designed for cutting-edge AI computing, ensuring you have the performance needed for demanding applications. It's compatible with the latest AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors, giving you flexibility for future upgrades. With exclusive AI features like automatic overclocking, cooling, and optimized networking, you can enjoy a hassle-free setup and enhanced performance. Additionally, advanced overclocking technologies help you push your system to its limits, allowing for a truly customizable experience tailored to your needs.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Stable performance
Modern aesthetics and design
Excellent connectivity options
Good memory compatibility
What We Don't Like
Limited documentation
Fewer legacy features
#TOP 5

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Motherboard

ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI
BLACK
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Motherboard Cover
ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 18+2+2 Power Stages, Dynamic OC Switcher, Core Flex, DDR5 AEMP, WiFi 7, 5X M.2, PCIe® 5.0, Q-Release Slim, USB4®, AI OCing & Networking

The ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E is built for advanced AI computing, making it perfect for those who want to harness the power of AI applications. With its AMD AM5 socket, it supports the latest Ryzen processors, ensuring you have the capability for high-performance tasks. The intelligent control features, including ASUS-exclusive AI Overclocking and AI Cooling, help you optimize your system's performance effortlessly. Additionally, the robust power solution supports multi-core processors, providing stability and efficiency when you need it most.

What We Like
Excellent power delivery and VRM cooling
Outstanding DDR5 memory stability
Multiple PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots
Modern connectivity: WiFi 7, 2.5G Ethernet
Premium build quality and aesthetics
What We Don't Like
Occasional RAM and M.2 slot quirks
Some BIOS compatibility issues

ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi Motherboard

TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI
BLACK
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi Motherboard Cover
ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard, 14+2+1 80A Stages, AI Ready, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, 3X M.2, Wi-Fi 7, 2.5Gb LAN, DisplayPort, HDMI™, USB 10Gbps & 20Gbps Type-C®, BIOS Flashback™

The ASUS TUF B850-PLUS is built for the future of AI computing, giving you the power and connections needed for demanding AI tasks. It supports AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors through the AM5 socket, so you can use the latest CPUs. The motherboard’s strong power design with 14+2+1 power stages and durable components ensures stable and reliable performance, especially during heavy workloads. Plus, it offers advanced storage options with one PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, all with heatsinks to keep your drives cool and fast.

What We Like
Stable BIOS and firmware
Excellent connectivity options
Great Linux compatibility
Easy RAM and CPU configuration
Multiple M.2 slots
What We Don't Like
Initial BIOS update needed for new CPUs
PCIe slot configuration unclear
#TOP 7

ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi Motherboard

ROG STRIX B850-A GAMING WIFI
BLACK
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi Motherboard Cover
ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard 14+2+2 Power Stages, DDR5 AEMP, 2.5G LAN, WiFi 7 with Q-Antenna, 4X M.2, PCIe® 5.0, USB 20Gbps Type-C, AI Networking II, ASUS AI Advisor

The ASUS ROG B850-A is built to handle the demands of advanced AI computing, giving you the power and connection you need for AI tasks. It supports AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, so you can use the latest and most powerful CPUs. The intelligent controls, including ASUS AI Advisor and AI Networking II, make setup easier and help improve your system’s performance. Plus, its strong 14+2+2 power design ensures your multi-core processor gets stable and efficient power for smooth operation during heavy workloads.

What We Like
Premium build quality
Excellent VRMs and heatsinks
Multiple M.2 slots
Easy BIOS setup
Stylish white design
What We Don't Like
Not fully white aesthetic
No optical audio out
#TOP 8

MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard

msi
B550M PRO-VDH WIFI
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard Cover
MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 5000, AM4, DDR4, PCIe 4.0, SATA 6Gb/s, M.2, USB 3.2 Gen 1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, D-SUB/HDMI/DP, Micro-ATX)

The MSI B550M PRO-VDH WiFi ProSeries Motherboard supports 3rd Gen AMD Ryzen processors and future AMD Ryzen processors with BIOS update. It also supports dual channel DDR4 memory up to 128 GB and has a PCIe 4.0, Lightning Gen 4 M.2 with M.2 Shield Frozr, and AMD Turbo USB 3.2 GEN 2 for a lightning fast gaming experience. The Core Boost technology delivers precise and steady current delivery to the CPU for optimized power circuit layouts and digital power regulation. In addition, the AUDIO BOOST provides studio grade sound quality for immersive gaming experiences. The motherboard also has a premium thermal solution and a Flash BIOS button for easy flashing even without a CPU or memory.

What We Like
Easy installation
Great value for money
Wide AMD CPU compatibility
Reliable performance
Good connectivity options
What We Don't Like
Requires BIOS update for newer CPUs
WiFi 5 feels a bit outdated
#TOP 9

MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard

msi
X870TMAHAWKWIFI
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Motherboard Cover
MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard (AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors, AM5, DDR5, PCIe 5.0, M.2 Gen5, SATA 6Gb/s, USB 40Gbps, HDMI/DP, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 5Gbps LAN, ATX)

The MSI Tomahawk X870 motherboard is designed to support the latest AMD Ryzen 9000, 8000, and 7000 series processors, ensuring you get powerful performance for gaming or work. It features a built-in USB 4 port that offers super-fast data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, making file sharing and device connections quick and easy. The extended heatsink design helps keep your CPU cool even during intense tasks, allowing your system to run smoothly without overheating. Plus, with 5G LAN, you get a reliable and fast network connection, perfect for online gaming or streaming without lag.

What We Like
Robust power delivery and VRM
Extensive connectivity options
Superior heatsinks and cooling
Fast, stable memory support
High build quality
What We Don't Like
Audio quality could be better
Premium price point
#TOP 10

GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 Motherboard

B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7
Matte Black
GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 Motherboard Cover
GIGABYTE B850 AORUS Elite WIFI7 AMD AM5 LGA 1718 Motherboard, ATX, DDR5, 3X M.2, PCIe 5.0, USB-C, WIFI7, 2.5GbE LAN, EZ-Latch, 5-Year Warranty

The GIGABYTE B850 AORUS is designed to support AMD Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors, giving you powerful performance for gaming or work. It features DDR5 memory support with four DIMM slots, allowing you to enjoy faster and more efficient multitasking. The board’s 14+2+2 power design ensures stable and reliable power delivery, which means your system stays steady even under heavy loads. Plus, with VRM and M.2 thermal guards, your components stay cool, preventing overheating and helping maintain smooth operation during intense use. This motherboard is a solid choice for building a high-performance AMD system.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Easy BIOS update
Modern features (AM5, DDR5, WiFi6)
Fast and stable performance
Clear connector labeling
What We Don't Like
No printed manual included
Basic integrated audio chipset
Buying Guide Image

Basic Information to Help You Figure out the Best Motherboards

Format

When choosing the format, you have to take into account the use that you are going to make of the equipment and think if you are going to need to make any expansion in the future.

Initially, except for very specific uses you should opt for the ATX or micro ATX formats, which are quite flexible and offer sufficient expansion options. ATX boards are compatible with virtually any PC case.

The micro ATX format is ideal if your budget is more limited. To mount a device with liquid cooling, with several graphics cards and three or more storage units, the XL-ATX and E-ATX form factors suit you.

The socket

The socket determines which processor you can install. Therefore, it is essential that you make sure that you choose a board with a socket compatible with the processor you want to install.

Currently, some of the most common is the LGA 1151 and the LGA 2066 from Intel and the AM4 and TR4 from AMD.

Nevertheless, they are not the only ones. For the higher ranges and for server processors, Intel uses the LGA 2011 and LGA 2011-3 sockets, while for domestic use it uses the LGA 1151.

AMD, meanwhile, uses FM2 and FM2 + sockets for its processors with integrated graphics and the AM4, AM3 and AM3 + for most processors for home use.

Circuit Quality

The construction quality of the board influences both the proper functioning of the rest of the computer components and the life of the equipment. Hence its importance. In the case that the equipment will be used for basic office tasks, you do not need a plate that has capacitors and circuits that offer high performance.

A different case is if the team will suffer heavy workloads and/or you will practice overclocking. If so, it is essential that you opt for one that has high-quality power circuits and phases, since the board will be subject to a high electrical requirement. Of course, if the quality is higher, usually its price will be too.

The card or graphics cards

First of all, you have to make sure that the motherboard you purchase is compatible with the graphics card you are going to connect. In addition, in the case that you are thinking of installing two or more cards to improve the performance of the computer.

Especially for playing video games, it is essential that you make sure that it supports the installation of more than one card. Normally, if so, the manufacturer usually indicates it expressly.

SLI (Scalable Link Interface) is the Multi GPU system for Nvidia graphics cards and while Crossfire is the corresponding system for ATI / AMD graphics cards. Logically, you should also check the number of cards it supports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 6 types of motherboards?

There are several types of motherboards available. Some common types include Standard ATX, Micro ATX, eXtended ATX, Flex ATX, Low-Profile EXtended (LPX), BTX, and Pico BTX. Each type has its own specifications and features, catering to different needs and requirements.

2. How much does motherboards cost?

The cost of motherboards can vary depending on the specific model and features. While some budget options can be as low as $50-60, high-end motherboards can reach and exceed $200. Niche enthusiast boards can even go as high as $800 - $1000. The price range depends on factors such as brand, chipset, and additional features.

3. Does it matter what motherboard I buy?

Yes, the choice of motherboard is important, especially in terms of compatibility with your CPU. The chipset of the motherboard determines how well it can support and optimize the performance of your CPU. It is essential to choose a motherboard with the right chipset for your specific CPU to ensure optimal functionality.

4. How long do motherboards last for?

With proper care and maintenance, a motherboard can last for a long time, potentially up to 20 years or more. It is important to keep the motherboard clean and avoid physical damage. However, technological advancements and changing hardware requirements may lead to the need for an upgrade before the motherboard reaches its maximum lifespan.

The three most popular motherboard form factors are ATX, Micro ATX, and Mini-ITX. ATX is the standard form factor, while Micro ATX is a smaller version of ATX, and Mini-ITX is even smaller. These form factors cater to different needs, offering various sizes and features suitable for different builds and configurations.

6. Is it safe to buy a cheap motherboard?

While budget motherboards may lack some advanced features found in higher-end models, they can still be a good investment. Many budget motherboards offer similar technology and performance capabilities as their more expensive counterparts. They may have fewer storage or RAM slots, but they can still provide a reliable and functional platform for your system.

Editor's Notes

During our motherboard research, we found 24 motherboard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 118,857 customer reviews through our big data system to write the motherboards list. We found that most customers choose motherboards with an average price of $220.96.

The motherboards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of motherboards, including ASUS, msi, GIGABYTE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.

Motherboards Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand ASUS msi GIGABYTE ASUS ASUS ASUS ASUS msi msi GIGABYTE
CPU Socket Socket AM4 LGA 1700 Socket AM4 Socket AM5 Socket AM5 Socket AM5 Socket AM5 Socket AM4 Socket AM5 Socket AM5
Compatible Devices Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer Personal Computer
Chipset Type AMD B550 Intel Z790 AMD B550 AMD X870 AMD X870 AMD B850 AMD B850 AMD B550 AMD X870 AMD B850
Memory Clock Speed 2133 MHz 7800 3200 MHz 160 MHz 320 MHz 8000 MHz 8000 MHz 4400 MHz 7800 MHz 5200 MHz
Platform Windows 11 Windows 11 Windows 10, Windows 11 Windows 11 Windows 10, Windows 11 Windows Windows Windows 10 Windows 11 Windows 11
Model Name ROG STRIX B550-F GAMING WIFI II - B550 EAGLE WIFI6 ROG STRIX X870-A GAMING WIFI ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI TUF GAMING B850-PLUS WIFI ROG STRIX B850-A GAMING WIFI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI Tomahawk B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7
CPU Model Others - Ryzen 5 AMD Ryzen 7 AMD Ryzen 7 Ryzen 7 Others AMD Athlon MP AMD Ryzen 7 Others
RAM Memory Technology DDR4 DDR5 DDR4 - - DDR5 DDR5 DDR4 DDR5 DDR5
Compatible Processors AMD 3rd Generation Ryzen Support Intel Core 14th/ 13th/ 12th Gen Processors, Intel Pentium Gold and Celeron Processors AM4 (Ryzen 5000/3000/4000) - - AM5 AM5 - AMD Ryzen 9000/8000/7000 Series Processors AMD Ryzen 7000 Series, AMD Ryzen 8000 Series, AMD Ryzen 9000 Series
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
Where to Buy