We select and review products independently. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. Learn more.

The Best Network Cards For Your Wired Connection

two different network cards side by side
Rosewill/TP-Link

If you need a wired network over a wireless one, you may want to consider investing money to buy a network card. Network cards allow your computer to support a strong Ethernet connection which will give you the speed required for even data-intensive activities.

Here’s what we recommend.

A Few General Considerations Before Buying a Network Card

It’s important to make sure the network card will be compatible with the rest of your computer’s hardware. The difficulty of the set up is also a consideration to make if you aren’t as familiar with computer components. Network cards come with a variety of specifications, but almost all network cards give you an end result of a better, wired connection.

Best Overall: TRENDnet Copper Gigabit PCI Adapter

green TRENDnet PCI Adapter network card
TRENDnet

This PCI adapter will give you the boost you need in your wired network. It supports 32-bit PCI Local Bus Master and has a maximum of 2,000Mbps in its Full-Duplex Mode, which doubles the network data rate. It has a wide range of compatibility with Windows software, as it’s able to work with anything after Windows 2000.

Best Overall

Best For Budget: TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express

green TP-Link PCI Express network card
TP-Link

This network card from TP-Link is a great, low-cost option for you. It’s a low-profile bracket, which can fit in smaller computers. It’s compatible with most Windows operating systems and supports Full-Duplex mode and Half-Duplex Mode.

Best For Budget

TP-Link 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet PCI Express Network Card (TG-3468), PCIE Network Adapter, Network Card, Ethernet Card for PC, Win10/11 supported

This network card is a low-cost option that will certainly provide you with a boost in your network. It has a wide range of compatibility and can fit inside smaller computers.

Most Popular: Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Adapter

dark green Intel PCI-E network adapter card
Intel

Intel is known for its reliability in its products, and this network adapter is no exception to that. This card can prioritize between transmitting and receiving data. With its low power consumption, it makes for a highly efficient network card.

Most Popular

Intel Gigabit CT PCI-E Network Adapter EXPI9301CTBLK

This network card from Intel is a high-quality option for you. It's designed for efficiency in performance and power consumption.

Also Consider: Rosewill Network Adapter Card

black Rosewill network adapter card
Rosewill

This network adapter card comes with many features you won’t want to miss out on. It has flow control for Full-Duplex and Half-Duplex modes, 2,000Mbps speed, and meets the standard PCI Express, making it usable in most common computers.

Jonah Chin Jonah Chin
Jonah Chin is a freelance writer for LifeSavvy where he's able to openly share his thorough product considerations, critiques, and recommendations for you to benefit from. When he's away from the keyboard, he enjoys competing in sports like wrestling and playing instruments like the guitar. Read Full Bio »
LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Want to know more?