Best Lan Network Cards of 2026

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

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Lan network cards are essential components that enable computers to connect to local area networks (LANs). These cards, also known as network interface cards (NICs), allow computers to communicate with each other and share resources such as printers and files. They come in different types, including wired and wireless, and can be installed in desktop computers, laptops, and servers. Some network cards support high-speed data transfer rates, making them ideal for online gaming, video streaming, and large file transfers. With the right network card, users can enjoy fast and reliable network connectivity, which is vital for businesses and individuals alike.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) Cover #TOP 1
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T Cover #TOP 2
10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T
ftb score rating icon 9.8
WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3 Cover #TOP 3
WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Lan Network Cards

TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201)

TX201
Black
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) Cover
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux

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.

What We Like
Easy installation
High-speed performance
Plug and play compatibility
Stable connection
Good value

10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T

X540-T2(Intel-1pc)
X540-10G-2T(2xRJ45)
10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T Cover
10Gtek 10Gb Dual RJ45 Port Network Card with X540 Controller, PCIe Ethernet LAN Adapter for Windows/Linux/ESX Servers, Compare to Intel X540-T2

The 10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T is a high-quality network card that features an original Intel X540 controller chip for increased stability. It is compatible with Windows Server/Windows/Linux/ESX and comes equipped with dual copper RJ45 ports that allow for connection to Category-6A and up to 100m. This card is suitable for both PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots and comes with a driver CD, profile bracket, and additional low profile bracket for easy installation in small form factor/low profile computer cases/servers. With a 30-day free return, 1-year free warranty, and lifetime technology support, this network card is a reliable choice for any user.

What We Like
Original Intel X540 controller chip for increased stability
Dual copper RJ45 ports for connection to Category-6A and up to 100m
Compatible with Windows Server/Windows/Linux/ESX

WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3

NIC-AX210
multicolor
AX210
WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3 Cover
WiFi 6E Wireless Card Intel AX210 NGW Bluetooth 5.3 Tri-Band 5400Mbps Network Adapter for Laptop Support Windows 10/11 (64bit) M.2/NGFF

The WiFi 6E Wireless Card Intel AX210 NGW Bluetooth 5.3 Tri-Band 5400Mbps Network Adapter for Laptop is a high-performance network adapter that provides strong performance and good compatibility, while reducing power consumption and improving service life. With tri-band signal and maximum speed up to 5374Mbps, this card ensures a fast and stable internet connection. With Bluetooth 5.3, it ensures lower latency, stronger anti-interference, and improved battery life. This card is compatible with Windows 11/10 64-bit and requires installation on motherboards with Intel CPU and M2 network slot, NGFF M2 2230 A/E key.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Significant speed improvement
Strong Linux compatibility
Stable connection and performance
Reliable Bluetooth functionality

Intel AX210 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 Card

Intel AX210
multicolor
Intel AX210 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 Card Cover
Intel AX210 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Bluetooth 5.3 Network Card for Notebook

The Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E Card offers powerful wireless connectivity with tri-band support, including 6GHz, 5GHz, and 2.4GHz frequencies. This means you get faster and more reliable internet speeds, ideal for streaming, gaming, or working from home. It uses the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, which not only boosts performance but also reduces power use, helping your device’s battery last longer. The card also features Bluetooth 5.3, improving connection stability, lowering delay, and enhancing battery efficiency when you connect wireless devices like headphones or keyboards. Plus, it fits easily into notebooks with Intel CPUs and M2 slots, making installation straightforward for most users.

What We Like
Tri-band Wi-Fi support
Low power consumption
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
High-speed wireless performance
Easy installation for Intel notebooks
#TOP 5

BrosTrend 2.5GB Network Card

2.5Gb PCIe Network Card
Black
BrosTrend 2.5GB Network Card Cover
BrosTrend 2.5Gb Network Card, PCIe Network Adapter RJ45 NIC with Extra Low-profile Bracket PCI Express Gigabit Ethernet Card for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP, Windows Server... Limited Lifetime Protection

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.

What We Like
Easy installation
Excellent performance
Affordable price
No driver installation needed
Stable connection
#TOP 6

Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card

TXA094
multicolor
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card Cover
Dual-Port PCIe Gigabit Network Card 1000M PCI Express Ethernet Adapter with Intel 82575/82576 Two Ports LAN NIC Card for Support PXE for Windows/Windows Server/Linux/Freebsd/DOS with Low Profile

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.

What We Like
Wide compatibility with various operating systems and devices.
Flexible PCI Express interface that fits standard and low-profile slots.
Advanced network management and monitoring features for easy maintenance.
Efficient data transfer rate of 1000 Megabytes Per Second.
Imported alloy heat sink for effective heat dissipation and stable operation.
#TOP 7

BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card

5 Gbps PCIe Network Card P2
Black
4.7 x 2.9 x 0.7 in
BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card Cover
BrosTrend 5Gb PCIe Network Card, PCIe Ethernet Card with Extra Low-Profile, PCI Express Network Adapter for PC Windows 11/10 & Windows Server 2022 ONLY, PCI-e to 5 Gigabit NIC Lifetime Protection

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.

What We Like
Easy installation
Excellent speed performance
Compatible with multiple systems
Affordable pricing
Compact size
#TOP 8

YuanLey 10G PCIe Ethernet Network Card

10G NIC
YuanLey 10G PCIe Ethernet Network Card Cover
10G PCIe Network Card, YuanLey 10G Base-T Ethernet Card with Marvell AQC113 Conrtoller, PCIE to 10Gb RJ45 Ethernet Adapter NIC Compatible with PCI Express X1,X4,X8,X16, for Windows 10/11, Linux OS

The YuanLey 10G Ethernet Card offers ultra-fast network speeds with its Marvell AQC113 chipset and PCIe 4.0 x1 interface, letting you enjoy smooth gaming, streaming, and quick data transfers. It supports multiple speeds from 1G up to 10G over a regular RJ45 cable, so you get versatile performance for different needs. This card fits a variety of PCIe slots (X1, X4, X8, X16), making installation easy in most desktops, workstations, or servers. Plus, it includes both full-height and low-profile brackets, so you can install it in standard or compact PC cases. Setting it up is simple with plug-and-play support and Wake-on-LAN, letting you upgrade your wired connection hassle-free.

What We Like
High-speed 10GBASE-T performance
Supports multiple PCIe slot types
Includes full and low-profile brackets
Plug-and-play with Wake-on-LAN
#TOP 9

NICGIGA 10G Base-T PCIe Network Card AQC113

10G NIC-AQC113
NICGIGA 10G Base-T PCIe Network Card AQC113 Cover
2025 New 10G Base-T PCI-e4.0 X1 Network Card, Marvell AQC113 Controller, NICGIGA 10Gb Ethernet Adapter Support WOL, 10Gbe RJ45 Port NIC Card, Windows10/11/Windows Server/Linux

The NICGIGA 10G Network Card offers blazing fast speeds with its Marvell AQC113 controller, providing up to 10 Gbps for smooth and stable internet and local data transfers. This means you can enjoy reliable connections without worrying about packet loss or interruptions. It supports Wake-on-LAN, allowing you to remotely power on your system, which adds convenience for managing devices. The card works seamlessly with various network speeds, from 100Mbps up to 10Gbps, and supports multiple operating systems like Windows 10, 11, Windows Server, and Linux, making it versatile for different setups. Plus, it comes with both standard and slim brackets and features excellent heat dissipation to keep your system cool and stable during heavy use.

What We Like
High-speed 10 Gbps connection
Wake-on-LAN support
Wide compatibility with speeds and OS
Multiple bracket options
Effective heat dissipation
#TOP 10

VIMIN 10G PCI-E Network Card

X540-T2
X540-2T
VIMIN 10G PCI-E Network Card Cover
10G PCI-E Network Card with 10Gbps Dual RJ45 Ports, Intel X540-T2 Controller, VIMIN 10Gb Ethernet Adapter Card Compatible with PCI Express X8, X16, Support Windows/Windows Server/Linux/VMware

The VIMIN 10G Ethernet Card enhances your network with its dual 10Gbps RJ45 ports, powered by the Intel X540-T2 chipset. This allows you to achieve lightning-fast data transfers, making it perfect for servers and high-performance devices. Its compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, ensures that you can easily integrate it into different environments. You can also install it in PCIe x8 or x16 slots, offering flexible options for your system. Additionally, the card comes with standard and slim brackets, suited for different device heights, making installation hassle-free.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Wide operating system compatibility
Flexible PCIe installation
Customizable bracket options
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the types of LAN cards?

There are various types of LAN cards, including Ethernet/Fast Ethernet network cards, Token ring network cards, and FDDI network cards. The differences between these cards lie in the interfaces they use to connect to the network, their electrical properties, and the required software.

2. What is my LAN card?

To find your LAN card, go to Start, then Control Panel. Select Network and Internet Connections, then Network Connections. Look for the Ethernet card under the LAN or High-Speed Internet category. The card name may include terms like Ethernet adapter, Ethernetlink, or LAN adapter.

3. Is the Wi-Fi and LAN card the same?

No, Wi-Fi and LAN cards are not the same. A Wi-Fi card allows a computer to connect to wireless networks, while a LAN card, also known as an Ethernet card, enables connection to a wired network. Additionally, there are Bluetooth cards that allow wireless connection to Bluetooth devices or sensors.

4. What are the 3 types of LAN?

The three types of LAN are client-server LAN, peer-to-peer (P2P) LAN, and token ring LAN. Other types include token bus LAN, wired LAN, wireless LAN, and cloud-managed LAN.

5. What is better LAN or Ethernet?

LAN and Ethernet are not directly comparable. LAN refers to a computer network limited to a specific geographic area, while Ethernet is a widely used LAN standard for connecting computers within a single physical space. Ethernet is commonly used in LAN setups.

6. Do you need a LAN card?

In most cases, a separate LAN card is not required as motherboards often come with an integrated Ethernet connection. This integrated network adapter serves the purpose of connecting to a network. A separate LAN card may only be necessary for connecting to a different type of network.

Editor's Notes

During our lan network card research, we found 24 lan network card products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 40,826 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lan network cards list. We found that most customers choose lan network cards with an average price of $28.78.

The lan network cards are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lan network cards, including TP-Link, 10Gtek, NICGIGA, Intel, BrosTrend. 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.