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Getting top-notch connectivity is a significant feature if we’re keen on using our devices most satisfyingly. If you’ve got no idea where to get the best m.2 WiFi cards, then there’s no read better than what you’re hooked onto right now!
It’s got the correct info you’ll need to achieve the finest, high-speed connections, hassle-free of course. Looking for a WiFi card ready to take your device to the next level? Check our complete reviews on the best WiFi 6 PCIe card for desktops and WiFi 6 cards for laptops!
You’ve got to know just more than what a product says on its packaging to make a fulfilling choice. You need details. And essential facts are what you’ll get here for a wireless card just right for you!
Top M.2 WiFi Cards and Bluetooth Cards in 2021
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
BEST WIFI 6 KIT  | WiFi 6 Desktop Kit AX200 WiFi Tech: WiFi 6 | 9.9 | Check on Amazon |
OUR TOP PICK  | OKN WiFi 6 AX200 802.11ax WiFi Tech: WiFi 6 | 9.8 | Check on Amazon |
BEST BUDGET PICK  | Dual-Band 8265NGW WiFi Tech: WiFi 5 | 9.4 | Check on Amazon |
BEST MAC PICK  | BCM94352Z M.2 NGFF Card WiFi Tech: WiFi 5 | 9.7 | Check on Amazon |
RUNNER UP  | XIAOMIN M.2 WiFi Card Size: 3.94×2.76×0.39″ | 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
EFFICIENT CARD  | Intel 7260 HMW Data Transfer Rate: 867 Mbps | 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
SMALL SIZE  | Intel AC 8260 IEEE OS: Linux, Windows 8, Windows 7 | 8.8 | Check on Amazon |
LOW CONSUMPTION  | Intel 7265 IEEE 802.11ac Hardware Platform: PC | 8.5 | Check on Amazon |
What’s an M.2 WiFi card?
An M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth card comes to aid improved internet connections with its high-tech built-in circuit. A set of pins make such cards easy to install on supported devices.
How to pick the right M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth card?
The best way to pick the ideal M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth card for a desktop machine is by going through all the specs of the selected choices, making sure your device is compatible.
With a proper look at a WiFi/Bluetooth card’s specs and prices, it’ll become much easier to identify a unit compatible with your device.
What are the wins of using an M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth Card?
WiFi/Bluetooth cards pack a lot of great features, and these specs help in providing:
Faster internet
If you’ve installed a greater WiFi/Bluetooth card on your device, you could get more than average rates of basic WiFi connections. In most cases, 802.11ac cards are capable of better internet connectivity, reducing time wasted, and maximizing your satisfaction.
If you’re looking for long-range solutions, then you might be interested in our reviews for the best WiFi antennas. On a second note, if you’re interested in taking your internet connection speed to the next level make sure you read our reviews for the best WiFi 6 routers and WiFi 6 laptops.
Better download/upload speeds
For download enthusiasts, break-neck download speeds provided by a top WiFi Card is second to none. So if you’re keen on boosting your connectivity to a lot of files in record time, a WiFi card’s the only option you’ve got!
Lower power consumption
If you’re totally poised to reduce the amount of power consumed by your devices when surfing the Web, getting an M.2 WLAN card could really do the job! It’ll provide brisker speeds and in turn, reduce the consumption of your power significantly.
Reduction in failed links
It’ll fast-track your access to the Web, and significantly increase your page-opening speeds. So don’t expect any failed connections with a top WiFi card in your device!
What to consider prior to your M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth card purchase?
Here’s what you need to take a closer look at:
Download and upload speed
You’ve got to take a detailed look at the down/up capabilities of any M.2 WiFi card you’ve got on your radar. The average speeds you should get must be from 70Mbps upwards and 6Mbps downwards.
Compatibility, pins and price
WiFi cards have different specs and may not work on some devices. Before placing an order for your network card, check out whether it’s a perfect fit for your device to avoid returns and other unpleasant events.
A WiFi Bluetooth card comes functional in personal computers, such as desktops and laptops as well as plenty of and connectivity devices.
The pins featured on network cards differ. It could be tasked to do, but you’ve got to assess your network card’s pins slot. When you’ve got this right, all features of your preferred network card will perform at its highest.
Striking the right price remains a major point to look at when you’re in the market for a WiFi or Bluetooth card.
Just as expected, there are budget choices that come with a multitude of quality features. There are also some higher-priced choices with equally impressive specs. When it comes to pricing, the choice is up to you and the assigned budget for the task. If you’re looking up budget solutions for laptops, you might want to read our reviews on budget laptops under $400 and budget laptops under $600.
Differentiating factors among M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth Cards
Here are the key factors that make the difference among network cards:
- Connection speeds
- Design
- Form factors
- Size
- Presence/Absence of antenna
- Bandwidth per stream capacity
Most efficient ways of using a M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth card
The steps below should guide you in installing the card properly:
- Open the compartment which houses your old WiFi card
- Remove the old card and inspect the compartment to ensure it’s clean
- Compare the old network card with the new one side-by-side to ascertain their pin similarities
- Insert the new card and cover up the compartment
- Boot your device
Safety Measures to Use a WiFi/Bluetooth Card
If you’re keen on protecting your wireless card, here’s what you need to avoid:
- Installing or removing the card while your device is switched on
- Using your device in very hot conditions missing proper ventilation
- Making modifications to your factory-packaged card
1. Intel WiFi 6 (Gig+) – Best M.2 Desktop Kit
When it comes to desktop solutions for WiFi 6 connectivity, using the M.2, a kit is the only reasonable solution, including the necessary antennas and mounting brackets.
By far, the best WiFi kit for desktop comes from Intel.
Built on Intel’s AX200 chipset, the WiFi 6 (Gig+) Desktop Kit delivers top-notch performance with transfer speeds up to 2400 Mbps.
Compared to our top overall choice, listed second in our article, this Desktop WiFi 6 Kit lacks Bluetooth 5.1 support, but Bluetooth 5.0 is not far off in terms of range and performance. One aspect of performance that the Desktop Kit shines at is latency.
Due to improved technology and antennas, customers can expect up to 75% improvements in WiFi latency, which is essential for gamers.- Fast transfer speeds up to 2400 Mbps
- Support for WiFi 6 with 75% reduced latency
- Kit includes everything you need to upgrade to WiFi 6
- Bluetooth 5.0 offers improved connectivity and range
- Issues with AMD motherboards. Full compatibility only with Intel systems
- Windows 10 64-Bit only
2. OKN WiFi 6 AX200 – Best M.2 WiFi Card
Testing a variety of WiFi 6/Bluetooth cards was a long and challenging process.
While going through hundreds of devices, one model from OKN just stood above everything we tested in terms of performance, features, and value.
The OKN WiFi 6 AX 200 802.11ax WiFi card is our best overall M.2 WiFi 6/Bluetooth card currently available on the market.
Based on Intel’s AX200 chipset with transfer speeds of up to 2400 Mbps (2.4 Gbps) and support for the latest WiFi 6 standard, OKN is marketing an M.2 card that can bring your desktop or laptop computer into the world of blazing-fast network speeds.
Finally, we found the driver installation to be a breeze. WiFi/Bluetooth cards are notorious for causing driver issues, and the fact that you can scan a QR code on the box of the OKN card and reach a download link for the correct drivers is something that all manufacturers should use.
- Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1
- Blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 2.4 Gbps
- Easy driver update with QR code scanning
- Fantastic value
- Windows only
3. Dual-Band Wireless AC – Budget Pick M.2 WiFi Card
WiFi 6 is an excellent wireless networking standard, but most think that the technology is not mature yet, and the expensive upgrade is not worth it.
If you want to improve your wireless performance now and get the best value for your buck, the Dual-Band Wireless AC 8265 NGFF WiFi 6 card is the way to go.
WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 are gone, replaced by WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. Still, the 867 Mbps transfer speeds should satisfy even the most bandwidth-hungry applications and games. As long as you are not using wireless devices that need extreme range, Bluetooth 4.2 should be more than enough.
It is hard to beat the value of this device if future-proofing is not your concern.
- Great value
- WiFi 5 provides solid transfer speeds
- Plenty of connectivity options with Bluetooth 4.2
- Performance suffers on crowded networks
4. macOS BCM94352Z – Best macOS M.2 WiFi Card
Upgrading a WiFi card in an old Mac or building a Hackintosh that needs one, has always been a tough challenge.
Apple is very picky in terms of what hardware they support and rarely offer WiFi upgrades because they want customers to purchase new devices.
On our search to find the best 100% macOS compatible WiFi card, we ran into M.2 WiFi Card for macOS BCM93452Z NGFF.
Although more expensive than some entries on this list, BCM94352Z delivers reliable performance and supports all Apple technologies such as Continuity, AirDrop, Handoff, and Instant Hotspot. It is a solid performer, offering 1200 Mbps transfer speeds and Bluetooth 4.0 for device connectivity.
- Fully compatible with macOS and Apple devices like Magic Keyboard and Mouse
- Reliable WiFI performance up to 1200 Mbps
- Support for Apple technologies such as Handoff, Continuity, AirDrop, and Instant Hotspot
- A bit pricey compared to other cards from our list
5. XIAOMIN Dual Band – Runner Up M.2 WiFi Card
If you’re in need of the right M.2 wireless card, you could make this your choice. It comes with a sturdy build that assures smoother connections.
Also, it doesn’t require antennas to achieve maximum functionality.
It’s an ideal choice for WiFi enthusiasts who don’t need any extra weight lying around.
And aside from these, there’s much more! Intel Smart Connect is included in this card for greater speed and connectivity. An Intel Hotspot Assistant is also added to this WiFi card for much sharper connections across a vast area.
It’s also got a very reasonable price, so you’re assured you’ll get more value for money! Should you make this dual-band wireless-ac card your choice, you’ll be thrilled to know it comes with Bluetooth 4.0 compatibility.
- High-speed connectivity
- Bluetooth compatible
- Wireless design
- Easy installation
- Sturdy design
- Shipping could have some delays
6. Intel 7260 HMW – Efficient M.2 WiFi/Bluetooth Card
The Intel Dual Band Wireless packs many helpful features capable of boosting your WiFi connection.
It also comes with the dual-band wireless feature, boosting your connecting speed to the internet much more.
And as if there aren’t enough interesting specs from this card, there’s much more!
The WiFi card also has something in store for you when you need a high down/up data transfer speed. With this card, you’ll be able to experience data-transfer down in excess of 79Mbps and transfer up to 6Mbps.
This M.2 WLAN syncs with your PC seamlessly as it’s compatible with Windows 7/8/10, Linux, and other operating systems.
It features a high connection capability with an 802.11g WiFi build. This build improves your access to the Web with an M.2 wireless card inbuilt.- High connectivity
- Affordable
- Quality design
- Vast down/up data transfer potential
- Large compatibility potential
- Some faulty cards have been reported
7. Intel AC 8260 IEEE – Small Size M.2 WiFi Card
If you’re keen on a quality WiFi connection at all times, getting this M.2 Bluetooth will certainly prove to be a great acquisition!
It boasts a wireless and Bluetooth build, making it ideal for greater connectivity potential.
It’s got a very simple design that boosts internet linking further with its Microsoft Instant-Go Tech for quicker data transfer. Also, this feature reduces power consumption from your PC when you’re installing updates.
When speeds are in play, this WiFi card is a sure stand-out choice! It comes capable of speeds up to 867Mbps. This ensures a much better bandwidth per stream for a wide range of devices.
And to boost this card’s quality, it comes at a fascinatingly affordable price! So there’s no chance of shaking your budget for the sake of WiFi.
- Fast internet connections
- Affordable
- Sleek design
- Instant-Go Technology
- High down/up speeds
- Its requirements may not be ideal for some users
8. Intel 7265 802.11ac – Energy Efficient M.2 WiFi Card
If you’ve got a need for the finest connections from your device, consider getting such a card. It comes with a fascinating design that is easy to handle and lightweight.
For greater connectivity, this wireless card comes with a mini-card (NGFF).
It’s easy to use this card directly on your PC by connecting it with a USB 9pin in your product’s packaging.
Also, this card comes with a Bluetooth combo design similar to 7260 cards. And there’s fascinating stuff from this card!
It comes able to support WiFi and Bluetooth connections simultaneously! With such a feature, you’ll be able to link your devices together with greater ease. And don’t forget the brisk connection you’ll get to the internet at all times.
- Easy conversion from NGFF to USB
- Simultaneous WiFi/Bluetooth connection
- Lightweight (1.6oz)
- Antenna included for greater connectivity
- Bonus features added for more comfortable installation
- Not compatible with non-Intel boards and processors
To conclude – What’s the Best M.2 WiFi Card?
If you’re keen on getting a clear-cut leader of the pack, then the OKN WiFi 6 AX200 is definitely the clear winner of the best M.2 WiFi card contest.
When this product is placed side-by-side with other options, it’s got the advantage over them when it comes to compatibility, speeds, wireless protocol, easy installation, and of course the friendly price tag.
It’s got a great data transfer speed at 867Mbps. Based on its USB connectivity, it’s functional on a large spectrum of devices. Also, it’s got a reasonable price and is very safe to use. These make the NGFF Wireless card a great choice to boost your devices’ connectivity potential!
