In order to get the most out of your laptop, you need a good WiFi card. But with so many different models on the market, which one is right for you? Check out our list of the 5 best laptop WiFi cards to find out.
Whether you’re looking for high performance or just want something basic, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
What is A WiFi Card, and What Does It Do for Your Laptop?
A WiFi card is a device that allows your laptop to connect to wireless networks. It transfers data between the laptop and the network, allowing you to access the internet, email, and other online services.
Shapes and Sizes
WiFi cards come in many different shapes and sizes, but all of them perform essentially the same function. Some are internal cards that are built into the laptop motherboard, while others are external cards that can be plugged into the USB port.
- Compatible with major cable internet providers including Xfinity, Spectrum, Cox and more. NOT compatible...
- [Compatibility] 12V Power Supply Adapter Compatible with Netgear, Linksys, Asus,Motorola, Motorola/Arris...
Quality of Wi-Fi Card
The quality of a WiFi card can affect the speed and reliability of your internet connection. That’s why it’s important to choose a card that meets your needs and fits your budget.
Top 5 Laptop Wi-Fi Cards
Here are five of the best laptop WiFi cards available today along with their specifications –
1. Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260
The Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 is the first on the list!
Specs
It supports both the 802.11a and 802.11ac standards, making it compatible with a wide range of routers. It also has a fast data rate of up to 433 Mbps, ensuring that you’ll never have to wait long for pages to load.
Best For
This card is perfect for people who need a high-quality WiFi connection for online gaming or streaming video. It’s also great for business owners who need to access large files quickly and reliably.
This card comes at a price of around $50. So if you’re looking for an affordable but high-quality option, the Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 is a great choice.
2. Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230
The Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 is another excellent WiFi card. Read about it below!
Specs
It supports the 802.11b/g/n standards, making it compatible with most routers. It also has a data rate of up to 300 Mbps, so you can browse the internet and check your email quickly and easily.
Best For
This card is perfect for people who need an affordable but reliable WiFi connection. It’s also a good choice for business owners who don’t require the fastest data rate available.
Drawbacks
However, this card does have some drawbacks. It doesn’t support the newer 802.11ac standard, and it doesn’t have as fast a data rate as some of the more expensive cards on the market.
If you’re looking for a good, affordable WiFi card that will work with most routers, the Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6230 is a great choice.
3- D-Link DWA-171 AC600 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter
The D-Link DWA-171 AC600 Dual-Band WiFi Adapter is one of the newest cards on the market.
Features
It supports both the 802.11a/b/g/n standards, making it compatible with most routers. It has a data rate of up to 600 Mbps, making it one of the fastest cards available.
Target Audience
This card is perfect for people who need a fast and reliable WiFi connection. It’s great for gamers and HD video streamers, as well as business owners who need to access large files quickly and reliably.
Price
This card does come at a price of around $60. If you’re looking for the best performance possible, the D-Link DWA-171 AC600 Dual-Band WiFi Adapter is your best bet.
5- Tenda W311MI Wireless N150 Nano USB Adapter
The Tenda W311MI Wireless N150 Nano USB Adapter is an excellent choice for people who need an ultra-compact WiFi card.
Features
It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making it perfect for people who have limited space on their laptops.
This card supports the 802.11b/g/n standards, making it compatible with most routers. It also has a data rate of up to 150 Mbps, ensuring that you’ll never have to wait long for pages to load.
Target Audience
This is perfect for people who need an affordable (between $15 – $16) and compact WiFi card. It’s also a good choice for business owners who don’t require the fastest data rate available.
Drawbacks
It doesn’t support the newer 802.11ac standard, and it doesn’t have as fast a data rate as some other cards on the market.
If you’re looking for an affordable and compact WiFi card, the Tenda W311MI Wireless N150 Nano USB Adapter is a great choice.
The Benefits of Using A Laptop WiFi Card
There are a few benefits to using a laptop WiFi card instead of relying on the internal antenna.
Speed
The first is speed. Most cards have a data rate of either 300 Mbps or 600 Mbps, which is much faster than the 54 Mbps offered by most internal antennas.
Range
Many cards have a better range than internal antennas, making them ideal for people who need to connect to routers that are far away.
Bluetooth Support
Some cards come with additional features like Bluetooth support and USB ports.
How Do You Know if You Need A New Laptop WiFi Card?
If you’re not sure if you need a new WiFi card, there are a few things to check.
Slow Loading
The first thing to check is speed. Try loading a page on your laptop that’s hosted on a website with a lot of images. If it takes a long time for the page to load, or if some of the images don’t load at all, then you may need a new card.
Weak Signal
Second, check the range. Try connecting to your router from different parts of your house or office. If the signal is weak or nonexistent in certain areas, you may need an external antenna.
Compatibility
Finally, check the compatibility. Make sure the card supports the same standards as your router.
Buying Guide
When purchasing a new WiFi card, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Compatibility
Make sure the card supports the same standards as your router.
Speed
Most cards have a data rate of either 300 Mbps or 600 Mbps.
How Do I Install My Laptop WiFi Card?
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ew3GCx9S8U
Installing a new WiFi card is a relatively simple process. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take:
- Make sure your laptop is turned off and disconnected from the power supply. Next, remove the screws that hold the cover of the laptop in place.
- Once the cover has been removed, locate the WiFi card and remove it from its slot. Install the new card in its place, making sure to align the pins correctly, and reattach the cover.
- Lastly, reconnect your laptop to the power supply and turn it on. You should now be able to connect to your router using your new WiFi card.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a new WiFi card if my signal is weak?
A: Not necessarily. If your signal is weak, you may need an external antenna to boost the signal. However, you can also try moving your laptop closer to the router or changing the position of the router itself.
Q: How do I know if my laptop has a built-in WiFi card?
A: To check whether or not your laptop has a built-in WiFi card, open the Device Manager and look for an entry called Network Adapters. If the adapter is listed there, then your laptop has a built-in WiFi card.
Q: What is the difference between a WiFi card and a wireless adapter?
A: A WiFi card is an internal component of your laptop that allows you to connect to a wireless network. A wireless adapter is a separate device that you can use to connect your laptop to a wireless network.
Final Thoughts
A laptop WiFi card is a great way to improve your laptop’s connectivity. If you’re having trouble connecting to your router, or if you’re not getting the speeds you expect, consider upgrading to a new WiFi card.
Choosing the right laptop WiFi card can make a big difference in your online experience. If you’re looking for a card that offers fast speeds and great range, the options on this list will serve you well.
We hope this helps you find the best WiFi card for your laptop. Try one today!
