Best Gigabit Network Cards of 2026
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Gigabit network cards are high-speed networking devices that allow computers to connect to a network at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second. These cards are ideal for businesses and individuals who require fast and reliable network connectivity for activities such as video conferencing, file transfers, and online gaming. They are compatible with most modern operating systems and can be easily installed into a desktop or laptop computer. With a gigabit network card, users can experience lightning-fast internet speeds and improved network performance, making it an excellent investment for anyone who values speed and efficiency in their computing activities.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 7 Gigabit Network Cards
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201)
The TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) is a versatile Ethernet Network Adapter that delivers high-speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, 2.5x faster than typical Gigabit adapters. Its QoS technology prioritizes performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming. The Wake on LAN feature remotely powers on or off your computer, making device management easier. This PCIe ethernet card is fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2022/2019/2016, and Linux, meeting your diverse operating system needs. The low-profile and full-height brackets are provided for mini tower computer cases.
TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card - TX401
Upgrade your desktop to the latest 10G speed with TP-Link 10GB PCIe Network Card - TX401. Equipped with the 10GBase-T Technology, it delivers extreme speeds of up to 10 Gbps, 10× faster than typical Gigabit adapters, ensuring smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions. It is also versatile, backwards compatible with multiple data rates, automatically negotiating between higher and lower speed connections. The Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures avoiding network congestion for PC gaming. The package comes with a free 1.5 m CAT6A Ethernet Cable, rated for up to 10 Gbps, to maximize its performance. It is fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Windows Servers 2019/2016/2012 R2, and Linux, and includes both low-profile and full-height brackets.
BrosTrend 2.5GB Network Card
BrosTrend PCIe NIC boosts your desktop PC connectivity with 2.5Gbps speeds, making gaming battles smoother and streaming flawless. It enhances local network transfers and comes with durable metal shielding for stability. The latest Realtek chip ensures compatibility with various systems. Setting up is a breeze with plug-and-play on Windows 10 and easy driver installation for other systems. Enjoy the convenience of Wake on LAN support and Limited Lifetime Protection for peace of mind.
BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card
The BrosTrend 5Gb Network Card significantly enhances your desktop PC's wired connection with lightning-fast speeds up to 5 Gbps, making it ideal for gaming and streaming. You’ll enjoy reduced latency and improved responsiveness, allowing you to fully utilize your internet service provider's speeds. Additionally, this card facilitates quick local network transfers, boosting data efficiency between devices in your network. Built with durable aluminum and designed for optimal heat dissipation, it ensures reliable performance during intense usage, keeping your system running smoothly.
OKN WiFi 6E AX210 Wireless Card
The OKN WiFi 6E Card is designed to enhance your PC's connectivity with the latest WiFi 6E technology. It operates on a new 6GHz band, providing faster speeds and reducing network congestion, which is ideal for streaming and gaming. With support for OFDMA and MU-MIMO, you can enjoy seamless downloads and better multitasking, ensuring smooth performance even in busy environments. Additionally, the advanced Bluetooth 5.3 technology offers quicker connections and improved battery life, making it easier to sync your devices and enjoy high-quality audio without interference.
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card
The Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card by ULANSeN is a versatile and efficient network card that supports a wide range of operating systems and devices. Its PCI Express 2.1 interface is compatible with standard and low-profile slots, and it features IPMI pass-through, iSCSI boot, WoL, and VLAN filtering. With Network Management Protocol and Remote Network Monitoring, you can easily manage and monitor your network. The card also features an imported alloy heat sink to effectively remove excess heat and maintain normal operating temperature for stable operation.
Fenvi AX210 PCI-E WiFi Card with Bluetooth 5.2 and 6GHz/5GHz/2.4GHz Tri-band Support
The Fenvi AX210 PCI-E WiFi Card with Bluetooth 5.2 and 6GHz/5GHz/2.4GHz tri-band support is a high-speed network adapter that provides efficient WiFi emission with stronger anti-interference ability and faster transmission speed. With two 6dbi high-speed antennas, this WiFi card supports Wi-Fi 6E technology and is backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax Wi-Fi standards. It is equipped with external detachable dual-band antennas and on-board Power Amplifier to ensure a greater range of Wi-Fi connection and stability. The Bluetooth 5.2 technology expands the range of 4 x Bluetooth signals, solves the problem of weak signal and waiting, and achieves 2x faster speeds and 4x broader coverage than BT4.2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I have a gigabit network card?
To check if you have a gigabit network card, go to Device Manager and access the properties of your network card. In the Advanced tab, locate the Speed & Duplex setting. If the dropdown list includes 1Gbps, then your card supports gigabit.
2. Can PCI do Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes, the 32-Bit Gigabit PCI Express Network Adapter TG-3468 allows you to connect a desktop computer to a high-speed wired network. It is a cost-effective option for upgrading your network to Gigabit Ethernet.
3. Is gigabit faster than 5G?
Gigabit Ethernet and 5G have comparable download speeds. However, 5G has certain limitations, such as the need for more cell towers due to shorter range and difficulties in passing through walls and windows. Gigabit Ethernet, on the other hand, offers a reliable and consistent high-speed wired connection.
4. How fast is a gigabit network card?
A gigabit network card has a speed of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), which translates to transferring 125 megabytes (1,000 megabits) of data per second. In comparison, a 10 Gbps gigabit network can transfer 1,250 megabytes per second (10,000 megabits) or 1.25 gigabytes per second.
5. How can I tell if I have Gigabit Ethernet?
To check if you have Gigabit Ethernet: 1. Click Start and go to Windows Settings. 2. Select Network & Internet. 3. Choose Ethernet from the left-hand menu. 4. Click Change adapter options under Related Settings. 5. Double-click the blue Ethernet icon. 6. The speed will be displayed.
6. What is faster than Gigabit Ethernet?
While Gigabit Ethernet is already fast, newer standards like 10 GbE (10 Gigabit Ethernet) are emerging, offering 10 times the speed of Gigabit Ethernet. This allows for even faster data transfer rates and improved network performance.
7. Can you run Gigabit Ethernet over Cat5?
Standard Cat5 cables can support Gigabit Ethernet speeds, but the distance is limited to up to 5GBASE-T. For longer distances, it is recommended to use Cat6 or higher-grade cables to maintain optimal performance.
During our gigabit network card research, we found 24 gigabit network card products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 121,107 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gigabit network cards list. We found that most customers choose gigabit network cards with an average price of $30.85.
The gigabit network cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gigabit network cards, including TP-Link, BrosTrend, OKN, ULANSeN, F FENVI. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.