Top 10 Best linux check network cards in 2025

Introduction

Looking for a reliable linux check network cards in 2025? You’re not alone. With so many models available today, it’s easy to get lost—especially when descriptions are vague or customer reviews are all over the place. That’s why we decided to sort things out. Not by claiming to know everything, but by analyzing what sells well, what real users say, and what’s worth your attention both on paper and in practice. Our goal isn’t to drown you in technical details, but to guide you toward the best possible choices—without wasting hours comparing on your own. In short, a practical and hopefully useful guide.

See the full ranking

Our Top 3

PromoN° 1
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux
  • 2.5 Gbps PCIe Network Card: With the 2.5G Base-T Technology, TX201 delivers high-speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, which is 2.5x faster than typical Gigabit adapters, guaranteeing smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions
  • Versatile Compatibility – The Ethernet Network Adapter is backwards compatible with multiple data rates(2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps Base-T connectivity). The 2.5G Ethernet port automatically negotiates between higher and lower speed connection.
  • QoS: Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
  • Wake on LAN – Remotely power on or off your computer with WOL, helps to manage your devices more easily
  • Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets: In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
N° 2
[Upgrade] PCIe Ethernet Card Nic 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit PCI-Express Network Card (WIN10/11 Driver-Free) RJ45 Network LAN Card Wake On LAN Adapter Internal Computer Desktop PC for Win/Linux/Mac 1 PCS
  • This pcie network card, compatible with PCI-Express X1,X4,X8,X16. Cannot support PCI slot.
  • [Features]PCI-Express 10/100/1000Mbps network card for pc Support PXE function an Wake on LAN,Transmission is more efficient and takes up less memory,Support Wake On LAN,Achieve remote control of all computers and reduce the trouble of frequent operations.Applied in internal computer Gigabit NIC network cards
  • [Compatible systems]Widely used in industrial computer, embedded computer, single board computer, digital multimedia and other network equipment. Compatible with various operating systems DOS/MAC OS/ ROS/Linux/2016/2012/2008/Sever 2003/Vista /Win11/ Win10 / Win8/XP, Win7/2000/ME/98SE,If your system is not the latest, please scan the QR code on the product to download the driver. (win10/win11 driver-free).
  • [About the old equipment upgrade]We suggest to insert PCI3.0 motherboard slot or pcie16x slot, because pcie1x some old motherboards can't reach gigabit. And your router and fiber optic cat should also be replaced with gigabit cable, use our complimentary cat6 cable, sometimes the rate is not reached because your device itself does not support gigabit hardware.
  • [Accessories]Gigabit PCI-E network card*1 pcs,12cm chassis bezel *1 pcs (applicable to conventional chassis),8cm chassis bezel *1 pcs (applicable to 2U chassis), Special screwdriver for NIC *1 pcs(Easy to replace the network card).cat6 ethernet cable 3 ft *1 pcs(The measured rate can pass 1000Mbps).
N° 3
BrosTrend 2.5GB Linux Compatible NIC, PCIe Network Adapter for Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Mint, Kali, Windows etc. PCIe Ethernet Card with Extra Low-Profile Bracket Supports All Linux Architectures
  • Ultimate Speeds: Embrace lightning-fast 2.5Gbps speeds on Linux devices with this 2.5GB PCIe network card. The advanced 2.5GBase-T tech redefines connections for smooth experiences on your Linux PCs, workstations and servers. 2.5x faster than a Gigabit Ethernet card Linux
  • Exceptional Linux Compatibility: This PCIe network card works out of the box in ALL Linux distributions with kernel 5.9 or later. Supported distros include: Deb-based (Debian, Ubuntu...), Pacman-based (ArchLinux, Manjaro...), RPM-based (RHEL, Fedora, openSUSE...), Slackware-based, Android-based, Source-based (Gentoo, NixOS...) and MORE systems
  • With Linux Support Ticket: We can also guide you to upgrade Ubuntu Focal 20.04 to kernel 5.15, Debian Buster 10 to kernel 5.10, to work with this PCIe network adapter
  • Reliable for Any Application: This PCIe network card for pc delivers dependable connectivity for demanding tasks. Enjoy unstoppable 4K streaming, quick loading from the cloud and instant local data transfer
  • Metal Shielding: Advanced shielding technology minimizes electromagnetic interference for a solid connection. Supports QoS and Wake on LAN

How to choose a good linux check network cards?

On the surface, choosing a linux check network cards seems simple. But once you dig in, it gets more complicated. Between technical differences, unfamiliar brands, and unclear features, it’s better to ask the right questions:

  • Usage: Will you use it daily or only occasionally? That heavily influences the right model.
  • Budget: No need to go for the most expensive one right away. What matters is the value for money.
  • Key factors:
    • Durability, build quality, lifespan
    • Truly useful features (not just marketing buzz)
    • User reviews, especially after weeks or months
    • Availability of customer service in case of issues

We’ve cross-checked multiple sources: Amazon data, detailed reviews, search trends… and a bit of intuition too—because numbers don’t tell the whole story. This mix allows us to build our ranking, which we update regularly. The goal isn’t to just list names but to guide you toward what truly works.

Our Top 10 Best linux check network cards

PromoN° 1
TP-Link 2.5GB PCIe Network Card (TX201) – PCIe to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux
  • 2.5 Gbps PCIe Network Card: With the 2.5G Base-T Technology, TX201 delivers high-speeds of up to 2.5 Gbps, which is 2.5x faster than typical Gigabit adapters, guaranteeing smooth data transmissions for both internet access and local data transmissions
  • Versatile Compatibility – The Ethernet Network Adapter is backwards compatible with multiple data rates(2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, 100 Mbps Base-T connectivity). The 2.5G Ethernet port automatically negotiates between higher and lower speed connection.
  • QoS: Quality of Service technology delivers prioritized performance for gamers and ensures to avoid network congestion for PC gaming
  • Wake on LAN – Remotely power on or off your computer with WOL, helps to manage your devices more easily
  • Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets: In addition to the standard bracket, a low-profile bracket is provided for mini tower computer cases
N° 2
[Upgrade] PCIe Ethernet Card Nic 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit PCI-Express Network Card (WIN10/11 Driver-Free) RJ45 Network LAN Card Wake On LAN Adapter Internal Computer Desktop PC for Win/Linux/Mac 1 PCS
  • This pcie network card, compatible with PCI-Express X1,X4,X8,X16. Cannot support PCI slot.
  • [Features]PCI-Express 10/100/1000Mbps network card for pc Support PXE function an Wake on LAN,Transmission is more efficient and takes up less memory,Support Wake On LAN,Achieve remote control of all computers and reduce the trouble of frequent operations.Applied in internal computer Gigabit NIC network cards
  • [Compatible systems]Widely used in industrial computer, embedded computer, single board computer, digital multimedia and other network equipment. Compatible with various operating systems DOS/MAC OS/ ROS/Linux/2016/2012/2008/Sever 2003/Vista /Win11/ Win10 / Win8/XP, Win7/2000/ME/98SE,If your system is not the latest, please scan the QR code on the product to download the driver. (win10/win11 driver-free).
  • [About the old equipment upgrade]We suggest to insert PCI3.0 motherboard slot or pcie16x slot, because pcie1x some old motherboards can't reach gigabit. And your router and fiber optic cat should also be replaced with gigabit cable, use our complimentary cat6 cable, sometimes the rate is not reached because your device itself does not support gigabit hardware.
  • [Accessories]Gigabit PCI-E network card*1 pcs,12cm chassis bezel *1 pcs (applicable to conventional chassis),8cm chassis bezel *1 pcs (applicable to 2U chassis), Special screwdriver for NIC *1 pcs(Easy to replace the network card).cat6 ethernet cable 3 ft *1 pcs(The measured rate can pass 1000Mbps).
N° 3
BrosTrend 2.5GB Linux Compatible NIC, PCIe Network Adapter for Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, Mint, Kali, Windows etc. PCIe Ethernet Card with Extra Low-Profile Bracket Supports All Linux Architectures
  • Ultimate Speeds: Embrace lightning-fast 2.5Gbps speeds on Linux devices with this 2.5GB PCIe network card. The advanced 2.5GBase-T tech redefines connections for smooth experiences on your Linux PCs, workstations and servers. 2.5x faster than a Gigabit Ethernet card Linux
  • Exceptional Linux Compatibility: This PCIe network card works out of the box in ALL Linux distributions with kernel 5.9 or later. Supported distros include: Deb-based (Debian, Ubuntu...), Pacman-based (ArchLinux, Manjaro...), RPM-based (RHEL, Fedora, openSUSE...), Slackware-based, Android-based, Source-based (Gentoo, NixOS...) and MORE systems
  • With Linux Support Ticket: We can also guide you to upgrade Ubuntu Focal 20.04 to kernel 5.15, Debian Buster 10 to kernel 5.10, to work with this PCIe network adapter
  • Reliable for Any Application: This PCIe network card for pc delivers dependable connectivity for demanding tasks. Enjoy unstoppable 4K streaming, quick loading from the cloud and instant local data transfer
  • Metal Shielding: Advanced shielding technology minimizes electromagnetic interference for a solid connection. Supports QoS and Wake on LAN
N° 4
IO CREST 5.0GB PCIe Network Card – PCIe to 5.0 Gigabit Ethernet Network Card, Supports Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, Win Server 2022/2019/2016, Linux
  • With this PCIe Card, you can add a 10/100/1000M/2.5G/5G Ethernet port to any PC through a PCIe slot.Fits any PCI Express x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 socket; Additional 8cm Low-profile bracket provides the option for installation in small size HTPC case.
  • This PCI-based 10/100/1000M/2.5G/5G 5 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter Card provides a simple connection to a 5 Gigabit Ethernet network, and is fully compatible with 802.1Q Virtual LAN (VLAN) Tag. And Ethernet card which is compliant to IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u & IEEE802.3ab.
  • The high quality PCIe 5 Gigabit NIC with 12cm profile bracket and Additional 8cm Profile Bracket that makes it easy to install the card in a small form factor/low profile computer case/server.
  • Gigabit network card Compatible with a broad range of operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, Linux, macOS 10.7
  • What You Get: IO Crest 5 Gigabit PCI-E Network Card x1, Driver Disk x1, 8cm Low-profile Bracket x1. Backed by Syba 3 Year Hassle-free Warranty and Lifetime Customer Service. Important Note: Only work with PCI-E slot, Not for PCI Slot.
PromoN° 5
ipolex 10Gb Network Card Intel X540-T2 PCIE NIC Ethernet Card, Dual RJ45 Port, Intel X540-AT2 Controller, 10G Converged Network LAN Adapter, Support Windows/Linux/Vmware/ESX/Freebsd Server
  • Comprehensive System Support— Compatible with Windows Server 2003/ 2008/ 2012, Windows7/8/Visa, Linux, ESX/ESXi6/7. (Note that this card can be used with Windows 11, but it needs to be manually set up. If you buy it for Windows 11, please contact us for installation guide before using.)
  • Ultra-Fast Connectivity— Supports 100M/1G/10G, not support 2.5G/5G; Dual copper RJ45 port connect to Category-5 and up to 100m for meeting the demands of data center environments. PCI Express* 2.1. 5.0 G T/s X8 Lane is suitable for both PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots.
  • Reliable Performance— Features the genuine Intel X540-AT2 Ethernet controller to minimize packet loss and enhance server stability for dependable network operations
  • High-Performance Network Card— Supports Intel VT-c for enhanced virtualization, intelligent offloads, on-chip QoS and traffic management, flexible port partitioning, and VMDq for efficient multi-VM environments. PCI-SIG SR-IOV compatibility ensures robust 10GbE network connectivity.
  • Low-Profile and Full-Height Brackets— Low profile and standard profile bracket inside works with both standard and mini size computer case/server.
N° 6
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
  • Ultra-Fast: 10/100/1000Mbps PCIe Adapter upgrade your Ethernet speed to Gigabit
  • Automation: Wake-on-LAN supporting Auto-Negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX
  • Supports: IEEE802.3x Flow Control for Full-duplex Mode and backpressure for Half-duplex Mode; 4k Bytes Port: 1x 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Network Media
  • Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP
  • Dual Bracket: Low profile and standard profile bracket inside works with both mini and standard size PCs.
N° 7
FebSmart Wireless N 2.4GHz 300Mbps PCIE Wireless Network Adapter for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP (32/64bit), Windows Server and Linux PCs, PCIE WiFi Card, PCIE WiFi Adapter (FS-N300)
  • 1. FS-N300 allow users add wireless N 2.4GHz 300Mbps max speed WiFi connection on office and home desktop PCs for internet surfing, file downloading, online phone calls, online video calls and video streaming.
  • 2. Operation Frequency 2.4.12-2.4835 GHz; Major Chipset: Qualcomm Atheros network adapter AR928X; Max Speed: 2.4GHz 300Mbps; WiFi Standard: IEEE 802.11N; Compatible Hardware Platform: ARM, INTEL, and AMD PCs.
  • 3. Added power amplifiers on each antena chain and equipped 2X 3dBi external detachable dual band WiFi antennas will make sure WiFi receiving or transmitting in long range. Users will get a super stable and long reception range WiFi signal than before.
  • 4. System Requirements: Plug and Play on Windows 11, 10, 8.x (32/64bit) and Windows Server 2012, 2012R2, 2016, 2019, 2022. Need to Install Driver on Windows XP, 7 (32/64bit) and Windows Server 2003, 2003R2, 2008, 2008R2 (32/64bit). NOT for Windows Vista. Linux driver ATH9K.
  • 5. Designed on IEEE 802.11N standard, will compatible ax/ ac/ n/ g/ b/ a WiFi router and AP (Access Point). Compatible with WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, TKIP/AES WiFi encryption, will protect users WiFi network privacy.
N° 8
5G USB 3.2 Ethernet Adapter with RTL8157, 2-in-1 USB-A/Type-C to 5Gbps Network Card RJ45 LAN Converter for PC Laptop Windows Mac OS Linux(5Gbps Need Type-C > 3.2)
  • USB 3.2 to 5Gbps Ethernet Adapter:Experience ultra-fast network speeds of up to 5000Mbps (5Gbps), five times faster than traditional Gigabit Ethernet adapters. Backward compatible with 10/100/1000/2500Mbps networks, this adapter ensures faster file transfers, smoother video conferences, and seamless media streaming. Perfect for demanding network environments
  • High-Performance Standards:Compliant with IEEE 802.3bz (2500/5000Mbps) and USB 3.2 standards, this adapter delivers optimal performance for various network needs. For maximum speed, connect to a USB 3.2 or higher port, as USB 2.0/3.0 may limit performance. Ideal for high-speed internet and data-intensive tasks.
  • Requirements for 5G Speeds:Broadband speed exceeds 5Gbps;Modem/Router supports 5G network output;Use a CAT6A or higher Ethernet cable;Connect to a USB 3.2 or higher port on your laptop;Don’t forget to download and install the required driver software for optimal performance.
  • Wide Compatibility:Windows 10/Win11/Linux/MacOS 10.7 or later / for QNAP QTS*/Proxmox VE (PVE)*(Note: Drivers provided for Realtek for Windows 7 & 10 have been tested to be unstable and we do not recommend using them. Windows only for Windows 11 is recommended.)
  • Lightweight and Durable Design:Featuring a high-quality aluminum alloy casing and advanced heat dissipation, this adapter is built for durability and stability during long-term use. Its compact, lightweight design makes it ideal for home, office, or on-the-go setups, optimizing space and portability
PromoN° 9
10Gtek 10Gb Dual RJ45 Port Network Card with X540 Controller, PCIe Ethernet LAN Adapter for Windows/Linux/ESX Servers, Compare to Intel X540-T2
  • Equipped with original Intel X540 controller chip which supports Intelligent Offloads and make the servers more stable.
  • Compatible with Windows Server 2003/ 2008/ 2012, Windows7/8/10*/Visa, Linux, ESX/ESXi*. Storage over Ethernet: iSCSI, FCoE, NFS. (Note that this card can be used with Windows 11, but it needs to be manually set up. If you buy it for Windows 11, please contact us for installation guide before using.)
  • Dual copper RJ45 ports let you connect to Category-6A and up to 100m((Category-6 up to 55 m) for meeting the demands of data center environments. PCI Express* 2.1. 5.0 G T/s X8 Lane is suitable for both PCI-E X8 and PCI-E X16 slots.
  • With profile bracket and additional low profile bracket that makes it easy to install the card in a small form factor/low profile computer case/server.NOT support hot swaping.
  • What You Get: 10Gtek 10GbE PCI-E X8 Network Card X540-10G-2T (compare to Intel X540-T2) x1, Low-profile Bracket x1. Backed by 10Gtek 30 Days Free-returned, 3 Year Free Warranty and Lifetime Technology Support.
N° 10
Intel Dual Band Wirless- MQUPIN Intel 7260.HMW Dual Band Wireless Card-AC 7260 Network Adapter+Bluetooth 4.0 USE for Intel AC Half Mini Pcie Card 802.11 b/a/g/n/ac(1 Pack)
  • Only use for HALF MINI PCI-E Interface,Supported Windows 10, 32-bit*, Windows 10, 64-bit*, Windows 8.1, 32-bit*, Windows 8.1, 64-bit*, Windows 8, 32-bit*, Windows 8, 64-bit*, Windows 7, 32-bit*, Windows 7, 64-bit*,this wifi card not compact with IBM/Thinkpad/Lenovo and HP version laptops;If you are not sure please contact us in advance
  • Important Notice: Please must check and confirm your computer's motherboard whether open USB bus before purchase, because this card is going Bluetooth USB bus, if the motherboard does not open the USB bus, then it's unable to use Bluetooth function, also in the device manager cannot identify the new USB Bluetooth hardware
  • Wide Range Of Uses: Living in rapid development, now an ordinary electrical appliance can have wireless WIFI function, this network card can be used in laptops, desktop computers, small consoles, all-in-ones, advertising machines and other common equipment, but It should be noted that he must have a mini pcie interface to use
  • Supported Operating Systems: Win7, Win8, Win10, Linux Root4.2.0+, but XP system does not support.Delivers dramatically faster Wi-Fi speeds (up to 867 Mbps1) than 802.11n, with more bandwidth per stream 433 Mbps), more capacity for more users (extended channel bonding 80MHz), broader coverage and better battery life (more data transmit efficiencies reduce power consumption)
  • Lightweight And Convenient: High-quality circuit module board with mini body, efficiently avoid from corrosion and abrasion, durable and portable to use

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best linux check network cards?
It depends on your needs, but the top 3 products are generally the most balanced options.

How do I maintain it properly?
It varies by model. The best approach is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (yes, reading the manual is worth it).

Where to buy it with confidence?
Amazon remains a solid choice: wide selection, easy returns, and tons of user reviews—hard to beat.

Do I need a big-name brand?
Not necessarily. Lesser-known brands can be surprisingly good, with well-designed products that rival top names—at a lower cost. Don’t overlook them just because the name is unfamiliar.

What are the most common pitfalls?
A super low price might be tempting but could signal major compromises (build quality, reliability, nonexistent support…). Also beware of product pages with no reviews or vague comments. Spend a few minutes reading real feedback—this is often where the most valuable info is.

How is our ranking built?

We don’t claim to have a magic formula. In reality, it’s a blend of data—ratings, sales volume, review frequency—and observation. We watch for recurring themes in reviews, compare search trends, and yes, sometimes rely on our gut feeling. A great product isn’t just numbers. Our ranking aims to balance all of that: data, common sense, and a lot of time spent checking.

We analyze scores, sales frequency, genuine reviews (not just stars), and current search trends. Each model is rated using a consistent set of criteria. While it’s not perfect, it helps us stay fair and consistent. And we update our lists often, because products evolve—and so do we.

Why trust Topelio?

Topelio is an independent website—we don’t sell these products and we’re not tied to any brand. What drives us is clarity and usefulness. We aim to produce practical, readable, honest content. Our rankings are based on public data, complemented by our own experience. No shady partnerships or biased recommendations—just a genuine effort to save you time, and maybe money too.

See all linux check network cards on Amazon

Conclusion

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide. Choosing a linux check network cards might seem trivial, but it’s often more complicated than expected. Too many options, unclear product pages, and marketing promises that don’t help… That’s why we aimed to create a simple but solid comparison. With practical info, useful tips, and most importantly—a ranking based on reality. Take time to compare, read more reviews if needed, and choose based on your own priorities. What works for someone else might not be ideal for you. If this guide helped you, feel free to explore our other articles. We always try to add real value—without wasting your time. See you soon on Topelio.

Leave a Comment