Best Network Cards for Laptop of 2026
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Network cards for laptops are essential components that allow users to connect their devices to the internet or local networks. These cards come in different types, including wired and wireless, and can be installed internally or externally. Wired network cards connect to a router or modem via an Ethernet cable, while wireless cards use Wi-Fi to connect to a network. Wireless network cards are especially useful for users who need to connect to different networks on the go. Some laptops come with built-in network cards, but users can also purchase external ones for added flexibility.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
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9.8
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9.6
Top 3 Network Cards for Laptop
WiFi 6E Wireless Card with Tri-Band and Bluetooth 5.3
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.
OKN AX210NGW WiFi Card
The OKN AX210NGW WiFi Card is a Tri-Band Wireless Module that brings ultrafast Wi-Fi speed into 6GHz, the latest WiFi 6 R2 technology and frequency band resources. It is compatible with existing WiFi routers and routers to be released soon. With upgraded features from AX200 such as MU-MIMO, 1024QAM, OFDMA, 160MHz, and BT 5.3, this WiFi card delivers faster and more reliable connectivity with larger capacity, higher speed, extremely low latency, and stronger battery life. The WPA3 network security ensures your online privacy and protection, while the card supports Windows 10/11 64-bit on Intel CPU and newer AMD CPU.
OKN AX210NGW DTK WiFi 6E Card
The OKN AX210 WiFi 6E card upgrades your device with the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology, adding a new 6GHz band for faster and more reliable internet. This tri-band setup lets you enjoy long-range connections on 2.4GHz and high-speed performance on 5GHz and 6GHz bands, reducing interference and lag. It also supports Bluetooth 5.3, offering better speed and lower latency for wireless earbuds and other devices. Thanks to advanced features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO, you get smoother streaming, quicker downloads, and improved network efficiency. Overall, this card enhances your online gaming, VR, and 8K video experiences with ultra-responsive connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do laptops have network cards?
Yes, laptops have network cards. The network card is integrated into the motherboard, and the network port is usually located on the side or back of the laptop. However, if you cannot find a network port, your laptop may only have a wireless network connection.
2. Can I replace the network card in my laptop?
Yes, you can replace the network card in your laptop if you can easily access it. Look for removable panels under your laptop, typically secured with screws. Replacing the existing network card with a new one is a relatively simple process.
3. Will any WiFi card work in my laptop?
Not every WiFi card will work in your laptop. Most reputable laptop manufacturers have BIOS-level restrictions that prevent the recognition of wireless cards that are not certified to work with their laptops. It is recommended to use a USB WiFi card for upgrades.
4. How do I choose a network card for my computer?
When choosing a network card for your computer, consider the bus compatibility, speeds, number of ports, connection types, operating system compatibility, and your budget. These factors will help you select the right network card that meets your requirements.
5. Does a better WiFi card make a difference?
Yes, in most cases, a better WiFi card will improve the WiFi performance compared to the one you are replacing. Installing a new network card can result in a far better Internet experience.
6. How do I know if my laptop network card is bad?
Signs of a bad laptop network card include failure to show available networks, dropped connections, slow speeds, the network port not lighting up, and pop-up error messages. If you experience these issues, it may indicate a problem with your network card.
7. Can a PC run without a network card?
No, a PC requires a network adapter to connect to the internet through a wired or wireless network. Without a network card, you will not be able to establish an internet connection on your PC.
8. Should I upgrade my laptop WiFi card?
Upgrading your laptop WiFi card can improve WiFi performance, assuming that the new card is better than the one you are replacing. If you are looking for a better Internet experience, installing a new network card is worth considering.
During our network card for laptop research, we found 24 network card for laptop products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 54,656 customer reviews through our big data system to write the network cards for laptop list. We found that most customers choose network cards for laptop with an average price of $23.87.
The network cards for laptop are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of network cards for laptop, including NICGIGA, OKN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 85 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
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.