Investing in one of the best WiFi cards for laptops is essential for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and file sharing. When a laptop’s integrated WiFi card fails, Ethernet may be inconvenient and bulky, making the best WiFi cards for laptops a necessity to supercharge your laptop’s internet speed for an uninterrupted internet connection with a wide area coverage range.
| Image | Product | Details |
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Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E M.2 laptop Wireless Card | Check Price on Amazon |
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Wise Tiger AX210NGW Wi-Fi 6E Module | Check Price on Amazon |
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Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Wireless Card | Check Price on Amazon |
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Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi 5 Module | Check Price on Amazon |
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XDO AX1800M WiFi 6 USB Adapter | Check Price on Amazon |
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QGOO 1200Mbps USB 3.0 Wireless Network WiFi Dongle | Check Price on Amazon |
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Auscoumer USB WiFi Bluetooth Adapter AC600 | Check Price on Amazon |
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TP-Link Archer T2U Nano AC600 USB Wifi Adapter | Check Price on Amazon |
Thanks to the latest advances in Wi-Fi technology like Wi-Fi 7, WiFi 6E, and 802.11ax, you can expect high-performance WiFi cards for under $30. While there are several types to choose from, including PCIe wireless cards and PCMCIA WiFi adapters, which unfortunately don’t work with modern laptops, we’ve identified the two best options for laptops: Mini PCIe or M.2 Key A or E WiFi cards, and USB WiFi dongles. So if you’re on the hunt for a top-notch wireless card, look no further than our expertly chosen picks!
Top Best Wireless Cards for Laptop:
fastest wifi card for laptop
Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E M.2 laptop Wireless Card
best WiFi 6 card for gaming
Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Wireless Card
This list is all about finding the best WiFi cards for your laptop computer. Some of these cards fit snugly into your motherboard’s mini PCIe slot, while others are external USB dongles that plug into a USB port. Either way, you can rest assured that these mini cards provide both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, giving you the freedom to connect to the internet from anywhere without being tied down by wires or relying on someone else’s LAN connection. Say goodbye to the days of using your office’s Ethernet connection with your desktop and laptop computer, these WiFi cards have got you covered for a top-notch wireless internet upgrade for a few bucks.
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Best WiFi Cards for Laptops
At a Glance:
- Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E M.2 laptop Wireless Card
- Wise Tiger AX210NGW Wi-Fi 6E Module
- Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Wireless Card
- Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi 5 Module
- XDO AX1800M WiFi 6 USB Adapter
- QGOO 1200Mbps USB 3.0 Wireless Network WiFi Dongle
- Auscoumer USB WiFi Bluetooth Adapter AC600
- TP-Link Archer T2U Nano AC600 USB Wifi Adapter
Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E M.2 laptop Wireless Card
fastest wifi card for laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 6E plus Bluetooth 5.3 | Max Internet Speed: 2400 Mbps (2.4Gbps) | Module Type: M.2 Slot Key A or Key E |
Looking to take your laptop’s wireless capabilities to the next level? The Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E M.2 wireless card is the ultimate choice for those who demand the best in Wi-Fi 6E technology. Offering tri-band coverage and lightning speeds of up to 2.4Gbps, plus Bluetooth 5.3, this card will take your web browsing to new heights – all for an unbeatable price of $23.19!
We have experienced this wireless card and found it to be an incredibly versatile option that works with most laptops released after 2016, equipped with an M.2 slot or Key E socket. No matter what operating system you’re running on your After Effects laptop, from Mac to Windows, Linux to Chrome OS, Intel has got you covered with drivers available for all platforms on their website.
Boasting impressive features like MU-MIMO, gigabit-plus speeds, low latency, and solid reliability, the Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E will undoubtedly provide you with an exceptional network experience. What’s more, this M.2 2230 module is designed to save space by using your laptop’s internal motherboard slot, eliminating the need for ethernet cables and external Wi-Fi modules.
In short, if you want to future-proof your laptop’s wireless capabilities, the Intel AX210NGW WiFi 6E is the clear winner. With blazing-fast 6GHz coverage and lightning-fast internet speeds that rival even WiFi 7, this wireless card offers unbeatable value for its reliable performance and sweet price point.
Wise Tiger AX210NGW Wi-Fi 6E Module
best laptop wifi card for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 6E plus Bluetooth 5.3 | Max Internet Speed: 2400 Mbps (2.4Gbps) | Module Type: M.2 Slot Key A or Key E |
Wise Tiger continues to impress customers with their exceptional quality and services through their latest offering – the Wise Tiger AX210NGW Wi-Fi 6E module designed for laptop network upgrades. This internal network adapter provides lightning-fast 6GHz MU-MIMO tri-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.3 in a single combo, reaching top speeds in under a second.
For just a few bucks more than our top pick, you can now supercharge your laptop’s network with the high-performance Wise Tiger AX210NGW WiFi 6E card, priced at $27.99. You’ll enjoy reliable and robust connectivity that will last for the long haul. And the best part? Customer satisfaction speaks for itself, with a solid 4-star rating for reliability. Don’t settle for subpar WiFi – upgrade to Wise Tiger and never look back!
We’ve found this module to be reliable and equipped with the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which is perfect for upgrading your laptop for the Cricut Design Space workshop and other online designing software. Its tri-band technology is capable of delivering speeds of up to 2.4Gbps, and it features Bluetooth 5.3 onboard, which offers better performance than Bluetooth 5.1 in terms of low latency and long-range connectivity, reaching up to 32.8 feet or 10 meters.
Wise Tiger has been a trusted brand for WiFi cards for years and has earned the title of the best WiFi card for laptops due to their longevity and durability. This module is no exception, and installation is easy. Upgrading the WiFi drivers can be done manually from the Intel website or automatically through Windows OS updates.
Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Wireless Card
best WiFi 6 card for gaming
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 6 plus Bluetooth 5.2 | Max Internet Speed: Up to 2400 Mbps (2.4Gbps) | Module Type: M.2 Slot Key A or Key E |
The Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 (802.11ax) Wireless Card is a more trusted one than other options like MediaTek, and we’ve found it exceptional, but not the fastest in the competition. It is currently offering a good deal on this WiFi 6 card for just $19, which is a good price option for those on a tight budget.
If your own a good laptop with decent hardware, but the WiFi is not very strong, this card is a suitable choice for you for less than $20. You can quickly upgrade your internet to 802.11ax WiFi, which has a faster speed of 1.5 Gbps compared to the standard WiFi 5 speed of 1300 Mbps. Additionally, it’s a plug-and-play update, making it easy to install.
The M.2 Key E pins are designed to accommodate M.2 small PCIe boards, which ensures compatibility. This means that your laptop will easily accept this card, and you can enjoy the benefits of both Bluetooth 5.2 and WiFi 6 speeds with dual bands of 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
We’ve found that this card works well with major laptop brands such as Lenovo ThinkPads, HP EliteBooks, and Dell XPS. Investing in this card is a great way to extend the life of your old laptop and avoid frustration caused by poor internet connectivity. We give this Intel AX200NGW WiFi 6 (802.11ax) wireless card four and a half stars for its price-to-performance ratio. Let us know in the comments if you agree or disagree!
Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (802.11ac) Wi-Fi 5 Module
best budget Intel wifi card
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 5 plus Bluetooth 5.0 | Max Internet Speed: Up to 1800 Mbps (1.8Gbps) | Module Type: M.2 Slot Key A or Key E |
With Wi-Fi 5, the Intel Wireless-AC 9560 (802.11ac) wireless card is the most affordable M2 mini WiFi card to consider. While it may not be the fastest mini PCI-e Wi-Fi card available, the Intel Wireless AC 9560 boasts some unique features.
With speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps, this Wi-Fi card outperforms the Wi-Fi 4 card found in many older laptops. It is also highly power efficient, achieving speeds of up to 1800 Mbps at a channel width of 160 MHz. Its performance is comparable to that of the Intel Wireless-AC 9260 model.
However, it is important to note that there have been reports of driver incompatibility issues. To avoid these problems, be sure to visit the Intel website and download the most recent driver by entering the model number. After a fresh driver installation, we have found this Wi-Fi card to work flawlessly with macOS 16 and Windows 11 Home, Kali Linux, and Ubuntu. However, its compatibility with Chrome OS is uncertain.
This Intel AC 9560 Wi-Fi card is only $13 and is an excellent choice for improving your laptop’s wireless connectivity and making the most of the bandwidth on your internet router. This card, however, only supports a single contiguous 160 MHz channel width configuration, rather than two separate non-contiguous 80 MHz configurations.
XDO AX1800M WiFi 6 USB Adapter
best wifi and Bluetooth card for PC and laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 6 plus Bluetooth 5.2 | Max Internet Speed: Up to 1800 Mbps (1.8Gbps) | Module Type: External Wireless Card |
If you’re not comfortable taking apart your laptop, an external USB Wi-Fi adapter might be the most convenient option besides Ethernet. After thorough research, which included rankings, customer satisfaction, and personal recommendations, we’ve identified four great alternatives to internal WiFi cards for laptops, which we’ll discuss as a last resort in this article.
One of the best options is the XDO AX1800M external Wi-Fi adapter, which is just as effective as internal WiFi PCIe cards and is also cost-effective for enhancing your laptop’s connectivity. If you find opening up your laptop time-consuming, this external WiFi module for laptops is an excellent choice as it offers WiFi 6 speeds. It’s a highly reliable and feature-rich solution with dual-band connectivity (2.4GHz and 5GHz) that’s easy to use without the need to disassemble your laptop.
This adapter comes with a detachable USB interface and two wide-range antennas that can reach speeds of up to 1800Mbps. It performs better than its WiFi 5 counterparts and provides excellent value at a price point of $25. Additionally, this adapter can also be used with desktop computers if you want to use it alongside your laptop.
QGOO 1200Mbps USB 3.0 Wireless Network WiFi Dongle
best wireless adapter for laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 6 plus Bluetooth 5.2 | Max Internet Speed: Up to 1200 Mbps (1.2Gbps) | Module Type: External Wireless Card |
The QGOO 1200Mbps USB 3.0 Wireless Network WiFi Dongle is an excellent choice for those who need to connect laptops or desktops to the internet without built-in WiFi or WiFi card compatibility. It’s a sleek and compact dual-band 2.4G/5G 802.11ac solution that uses USB 3.0 technology for optimal throughput performance and a more stable internet connection.
Unlike a full-sized PCI-express WiFi card, this mini USB WiFi adapter is designed for external use and features a single 5dBi antenna, providing a stylish and power-saving alternative at an affordable price of just $20.99. Thanks to its USB 3.0 support, this 5GHz 802.11ac network offers faster internet speeds than those using USB 2.0.
To ensure the best internet performance, we recommend disabling the “USB selective suspend settings” from the Power Plan in Windows Control Panel. By doing so, you can enjoy consistent high-speed WiFi without interruptions, unaffected by your laptop’s battery-saving options. This tip can help you get the most out of your QGOO WiFi dongle.
Auscoumer USB WiFi Bluetooth Adapter AC600
best external wifi card for laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 5 plus Bluetooth 4.2 | Max Internet Speed: Up to 433Mbps | Module Type: External Wireless Card |
If you’re in search of a compact and discreet WiFi Bluetooth adapter, the Auscoumer USB WiFi Bluetooth Adapter AC600 is a great option. It’s small in size, making it highly portable and easy to carry around. Simply plug it into your laptop’s USB port, and you’re ready to go. The best part is that it doesn’t require any driver installation as it has embedded drivers that work seamlessly with both laptops and desktop PCs that have an external USB port.
In our research, we found that this adapter offers reliable wireless connectivity with WiFi 5, providing speeds of up to 433Mbps, even when power-saving mode is enabled. This dual-band network is a suitable option if you prefer a discreet appearance, are content with basic internet speeds, and don’t require intense gaming or high-speed internet beyond 433Mbps.
Another great feature of this adapter is the built-in Bluetooth 4.2, which is a bonus at an affordable price of just $17. With both WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, it’s a great deal for anyone looking for a simple and efficient solution to enhance their connectivity.
TP-Link Archer T2U Nano AC600 USB Wifi Adapter
best USB wifi adapter for small laptop
SPECIFICATIONS
WiFi Version: Wi-Fi 5 plus Bluetooth 4.2 | Max Internet Speed: Up to 433Mbps | Module Type: External Wireless Card |
The TP-Link Archer T2U Nano is a small and affordable USB WiFi adapter designed specifically for laptops. TP-Link, a well-respected brand known for its routers and DSL connections, has produced this tiny USB dongle. As satisfied owners of their products, we are confident that the Archer T2U Nano will deliver reliable, discreet, and speedy performance for laptops with outdated internet.
After experiencing the Archer T2U Nano’s performance, we were impressed with its ability to deliver high-speed internet. The adapter achieved download speeds of 130Mbps and upload speeds of 24Mbps at a distance of 30 feet using the 2.4GHz mode. In contrast, the 5GHz mode delivered excellent results, with maximum speeds of 433Mbps, comparable to top-tier USB WiFi adapters.
So, is this the right option for you? We believe it’s a no-brainer because it’s small and unobtrusive, and you can use it without having to disassemble your laptop. The plug-and-play design of this adapter is available at a reasonable price of $14, making it a risk-free investment for anyone looking for a high-quality discreet WiFi solution for slim laptops. The Archer T2U Nano is our five-star recommendation, and it’s an affordable choice for anyone who wants a reliable and fast USB WiFi adapter.
Buying Guide of WiFi Cards for Laptops
It is worth upgrading the Wi-Fi card on my laptop?
Upgrading your Wi-Fi card can significantly improve the overall performance of your laptop. You will experience faster internet speeds, stronger and more reliable connections, and better overall network performance. Additionally, upgrading your Wi-Fi card can help extend the lifespan of your laptop, particularly if you have an older laptop that is struggling to keep up with modern Wi-Fi standards.
How do I know if my laptop’s Wi-Fi card is upgradable?
Not all laptops have upgradable Wi-Fi cards, so it’s important to check your laptop’s specifications before attempting to upgrade. You can usually find this information on the manufacturer’s website or by consulting your laptop’s user manual. If your laptop has a removable Wi-Fi card, it will typically be located on the motherboard and connected through a mini PCIe interface, also known as M.2 Key E or A.
When it comes to choosing a laptop, it’s worth keeping in mind that many of the high-performance models out there can be upgraded down the line – including the WiFi card. However, if you’re a cybersecurity professional in need of the raw power and speed of a desktop computer, our list of the best laptops for pentesting has you covered. These options are dependable, lightning-fast, and capable of handling any cybersecurity tasks, regardless of whether you connect via wired or wireless internet devices. So, if you want to break through firewalls and work as an ethical hacker, look no further than our top picks.
Can I upgrade my laptop’s Wi-Fi card myself?
Yes, upgrading your laptop’s Wi-Fi card is a relatively simple process that can be done by most users. However, if you’re not comfortable with opening up your laptop and replacing components, it’s best to leave the job to a professional. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and be sure to ground yourself before handling any internal components on the motherboard.
If you’re thinking about a new laptop that runs fast internet without having to replace the Wi-Fi card, you can check out our research on the best laptops for Kali Linux. These laptops are perfect for both work and play, and won’t break the bank. Plus, with high-speed internet already built-in, you won’t need to worry about any additional upgrades, and what’s more interesting, they can handle any operating system of choice.
What factors should I consider when choosing a Wi-Fi card for my laptop?
When choosing a Wi-Fi card for your laptop, there are several factors to consider, including the wireless standard (802.11g, 802.11n, or 802.11ac), the number of antennas, the compatibility with your laptop’s operating system, and the price. It’s important to choose a card that is compatible with your laptop’s hardware, and that meets your specific performance needs and budget.
Pros and Cons of Laptop’s WiFi Card
Do I need to install new drivers after upgrading my Wi-Fi card?
In most cases, yes. After installing a new Wi-Fi card, you will need to download and install the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website. This will ensure that the new card is recognized by your laptop’s operating system and that it functions properly. However, the most modern operating systems can install compatible WiFi drivers through regular updates.
Can upgrading my Wi-Fi card void my laptop’s warranty?
It’s possible that upgrading your laptop’s Wi-Fi card could void your warranty, depending on the terms and conditions of your warranty agreement. If you’re unsure, it’s best to check with the manufacturer or consult your warranty documentation before attempting to upgrade any internal components.
WiFi Card Upgrade Vs External USB WiFi Card for Laptops
Conclusion
Upgrading your laptop’s Wi-Fi card can be a great way to improve its overall performance and extend its lifespan. By choosing a compatible and high-quality Wi-Fi card and following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, you can enjoy faster internet speeds and stronger, more reliable connections. However, it’s important to do your research and make sure that upgrading your Wi-Fi card is the right choice for you and your laptop.
Choosing a WiFi card for your laptop or desktop is entirely dependent on your needs and budget. However, if you are willing to unscrew your laptop, we recommend that you go with the WiFi6E top-of-the-line WiFi card for its high-speed internet speeds, while if you do not want to pay the courage, we recommend that you go with a USB-powered external Wifi adapter.
