Latest Wi-Fi Adapters for Desktops in 2025: Overview of Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, and Wi-Fi 7 Technologies
**Top Wi-Fi 7 Adapters for Desktops and Laptops: A Comparative Review**
In the ever-evolving world of technology, Wi-Fi 7 promises faster and more efficient wireless connectivity. For those seeking to upgrade their devices with this cutting-edge technology, we've compiled a list of the best Wi-Fi 7 PCIe adapters currently available on the market.
**For Desktop PCIe Slot Users**
The Gigabyte Aorus GC-WIFI7 (BE5800) and TP-Link Archer TBE550E are the leading contenders for desktop users. The Gigabyte Aorus offers up to 5800 Mbps with Bluetooth 5.3, but it requires Windows 11 for full support. The TP-Link Archer TBE550E provides a slightly higher aggregate speed with the newest Bluetooth 5.4 standard, making it more future-proof.
**For Laptop Users**
For laptop users who allow card upgrades, the GigaPlus and Teday BE200 Wi-Fi 7 cards are top choices. Both feature tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for stable connections, though they have some hardware compatibility limits and require careful driver installation.
**The Importance of Compatibility**
To fully benefit from Wi-Fi 7 speeds, you need a compatible Wi-Fi 7 router and an environment that supports wide 320MHz channels mostly on the 6 GHz band. However, due to wall interference, the range may be limited compared to Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E.
**Performance Highlights**
The MSI BE6500, a USB-based Wi-Fi 7 adapter, nipped at the heels of the PCIe-based competition in all throughput tests, achieving 1989 Mbps at close range with uncongested traffic on the 6 GHz band, 1534 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and 149 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band.
On the other hand, the OKN AX5400 falters at 25-foot distances on the 5 GHz band, but it performs well at close range, particularly on the 6 GHz band.
**Affordable Options**
For those on a budget, the MSI AXE5400 is a USB Wi-Fi 6E adapter that uses the Wi-Fi 6E standard and achieves Gig+ speeds, making it a suitable option for most home users. The Cudy AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 adapter, using an Intel AX200 NGFF 2230 M.2 card and a standard PCIe adapter card, offers strong performance among the Wi-Fi 6 competition at a price of $26.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, if you want a top PCIe Wi-Fi 7 adapter with solid performance today, the Gigabyte Aorus GC-WIFI7 and TP-Link Archer TBE550E are the best desktop options currently available, with the latter offering the latest Bluetooth version and higher theoretical throughput. For laptop users, the GigaPlus and Teday BE200 Wi-Fi 7 cards are reliable choices, though they have some hardware compatibility limits and require careful driver installation.
To enhance their home-and-garden lifestyle by embracing modern technologies, homeowners might consider the Gigabyte Aorus GC-WIFI7 (BE5800) or TP-Link Archer TBE550E Wi-Fi 7 PCIe adapters for their desktops. For laptop users who seek to upgrade, the GigaPlus and Teday BE200 Wi-Fi 7 cards are suitable options, offering tri-band Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for sturdy connections, albeit with some hardware compatibility limits and careful driver installation.
