6 Best Laptop WiFi Cards
Laptops are the most popular computers in the world. There are many reasons for that, but one of the most prominent is their convenience. They are easy to carry, simple to move around, and, more importantly, extremely portable. You can bring them just about anywhere, which is why so many people use them for both work and play.
In today’s modern age, that portability comes in handy in all sorts of situations. However, it doesn’t mean much without proper WiFi accessibility. A laptop needs to be able to easily access the internet at all times. That is why a WiFi card is so important.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best so you can make sure you’re always connected wherever you go.
Who Should Get This
If you want to keep up with the recent advances in WiFi technology, you need a WiFi card that’s built to expand with your machine. As technology keeps improving, your current laptop may eventually fall behind.
If you’re looking for a cheap, easy way to improve your computer’s WiFi performance and keep up with other trends, the following cards will give you great results.
The cards in this article can also improve aspects beyond browsing and download speeds. They can increase Bluetooth connectivity and turn your laptop into a WiFi hotspot.
The cards you’ll see here all work with Windows and/or Linux based operating systems that let you upgrade your WiFi card. If you have an Apple laptop, you will be stuck with whatever it comes with out of the box.
Best WiFi Card for Laptop: Our Picks
This section analyzes each top laptop WiFi card by looking at its traits and the niche it fills in the larger market.
1. Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Wi-Fi 6 technology. 2.4 Gbps of throughput. Supports Bluetooth 5.1. Low latency. Good gamer option.
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth, Ethernet
- Operating System: Windows 10, Linux
- Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, Ethernet
When it comes to WiFi cards of any kind, it’s hard to do better than the Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650. The model, fully outfitted with WiFi 6 technology and 2.4 Gbps of throughput, supports Bluetooth 5.1. It also gets high marks due to its low latency and strong reliability.
With this option, you also get the unique Killer Intelligence Engine, which automatically detects your network connection and gives extra insight on how you can best connect to the network. The speeds are incredibly fast as well.
The only drawbacks you’ll experience here is that it’s not compatible with systems that have BIOS lock. It also requires a WiFi 6 access point, but if you have that you’ll have a great experience.
2. OKN WiFi 6 AX200
- Best For: Connectivity
- Key Features: TWT technology. Bluetooth 5.1 connection support and compatible with WiFi 6. Affordable.
- Hardware Interface: 802.11 ac/b/g/n
- Operating System: Linux, Chrome, Windows 10
- Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 6
The OKN AX200 is an excellent WiFi card if you’re after something that provides you with extra options. Based on the Intel AX200 chip, it’s extremely fast, supports a wide range of different connections, and works without missing a beat. Perfect for Windows and Linux systems.
The chip supports both WiFi 6 and 802.11ax technology. It works with Bluetooth 5.1 too. Add on the TWT technology as well as the sheer upgradability, and you get a strong chip that offers a lot of versatility. It’s on the more affordable side too.
Just know that, as great as it is, the card won’t work until you download the right driver. As such, there’s a bit of extra setup than with similar models. It requires a WiFi 6 access point as well.
3. Wise Tiger Authentic Intel
- Best For: Speed
- Key Features: Supports Bluetooth 5.1 and 5.0. Quick speed. Great coverage. MU-MIMO technology for connectivity.
- Color: Intel AX200NGW(3000Mbps WiFi + Bluetooth 5.0)
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth
The Authentic Intel from Wise Tiger is an extremely fast card that will deliver amazing WiFi speed in a range of different scenarios. The built-in technology goes a long way, not just towards responsiveness, but for general coverage as well.
On top of that, it supports 802.11ax and WiFi6 and utilizes MU-MIMO technology to increase the range of compatible devices. It’s a strong card with a good build that will likely last you a long, long time.
The only downside to this chip is that it’s very focused. It only works with Windows 10 64-bit systems. Once you meet that requirement, however, it’s hard to find a faster option for such systems.
4. Siren 9560AC
- Best For: Usability
- Key Features: Great add-on options. Easy installation. Snap in functionality. Solid transfer rate. Quick and reliable.
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth, USB, PCI
- Operating System: Chrome OS, Windows 10
- Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth, USB
For some people, WiFi cards can be a little intimidating. If you’re not particularly technologically savvy or are worried about using the devices, the Siren eases a lot of that stress. Made to simply snap into place, the easy-to-use card has some of the simplest installation on the market.
It creates a reliable and long-lasting connection too. With a data transfer rate of 1730 megabits per second and many hardware interface options, you’re never going to get anything but great results. It supports a range of different operating systems too.
When getting this card, know that it won’t work for AMD processors. As long as you stick to Intel, however, it’s going to give you amazing connectivity.
5. Intel Wireless AC 9260
- Best For: Versatility
- Key Features: Bluetooth 5 compatibility. Extremely fast with WiFi 6. Speeds up to 1.73Gbps. MU-MIMO support.
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth 5
- Operating System: Windows 10, 64-bit, Linux, Chrome OS
- Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth
The Intel Wireless WiFi card is a well-rounded device that comes with plenty of options. Supporting Windows 10, Linux, and Chrome OS operating systems and supporting speeds up to 1.73 Gbps, it’s a strong card that can be used with a range of different devices.
Adding to that is the quick, efficient installation as well as the blazing speeds with WiFi 6 technology. There’s even MU-MIMO support, a feature that further increases what the card is capable of doing. It can handle a large workload no matter what you like to run.
The only downside is that the antennae you need to use with it are a bit tricky to get together. Once you do, it’s smooth sailing.
6. Netely M2 2230
- Best For: Windows
- Key Features: Dual-band wireless support. Low power consumption technology. Strong and fast. Easy to install.
- Hardware Interface: Bluetooth
- Operating System: Windows 10
- Data Link Protocol: Bluetooth
The Netely M2 is a Windows exclusive WiFi card that works extremely well for all such devices. Coming with full Intel Dual Band compatibility, the small device is easy to install and works beautifully with Bluetooth 4.2 for any mobile devices like mouses, headsets, and keyboards.
Beyond the inherent versatility and unmatched reliability, the WiFi card also makes the list due to the special advanced low power consumption. Unlike other models, it actively works to extend your PCs working time and won’t be an active drain.
Of course, this card’s niche nature can also be a downside for some. You’re going to need a Windows device to use it. If you don’t, go with something else. If you do, it’s extremely useful.
How to Choose a Laptop WiFi Card
Compatibility
The first thing you want to consider when looking for a WiFi card is if it’s actually compatible with your computer. You don’t want to end up with a card that doesn’t fit into your laptop. Make sure it’s the right size, and check that your computer allows for exchanges or upgrades. Your laptop manufacturer will be able to answer such questions.
Wifi 5 or Wifi 6 Technology
You also need to consider what sort of WiFi technology is built into the card you choose. Wifi 6 is the latest and greatest technology that will provide you with the best speeds and other ideal features. However, your computer might not be compatible with this technology. If it’s not, don’t be afraid to look for cards that work with WiFi 6.
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth connection is another thing to look into when shopping for a laptop WiFi card. You don’t want to end up with a card that doesn’t have that feature. Always check that the model you’re looking at comes with several different connectivity options for maximum versatility.
Additional Tips
As mentioned earlier in this guide, you need to make sure your computer is compatible with an upgraded WiFi card before you purchase it.
Always check the card’s specs and compare them to your laptop beforehand. If you’re putting the card in, check out this quick video explaining how to get everything set up properly.
We help you solve daily tech problems by using software tools. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.