If you’re looking for the best 25GbE NICs for 2026 to boost your network speed, I recommend considering options with dual SFP28 ports or high-performance chipsets like Mellanox ConnectX-4 and Intel E810-XXVDA2. These cards support advanced protocols, virtualization, and high data transfer rates, making them perfect for data centers or enterprise use. Keep an eye on compatibility and features—if you continue exploring, you’ll find more insights to choose the right one.
Key Takeaways
- High compatibility with 25GbE speeds via dual SFP28 ports supporting fiber, copper, and hybrid cabling options.
- Advanced offloading features like RDMA, VM traffic management, and Jumbo Frames enhance network performance.
- Support for virtualization technologies (SR-IOV, DCB, NVGRE, VXLAN) improves efficiency in data center environments.
- Compatible with popular OS platforms such as Windows, Linux, VMware, and FreeBSD for versatile deployment.
- Designed for enterprise, HPC, and data centers, offering scalable, reliable, and energy-efficient networking solutions.
| 25GbE Network Card with ConnectX-4 Chipset |  | Enterprise Powerhouse | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Vogzone 25Gb PCIe Network Card with Dual SFP28 Ports |  | Data Center Leader | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 4.0 x8 or x16 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| GLOTRENDS 2-Port 25Gb SFP28 Network Card |  | High-Performance Virtualization | Ports: 2 ports (SFP28) | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RoCE, SR-IOV, DCB, NVGRE | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 25GbE Network Card with ConnectX-4 Dual SFP28 Ports |  | Versatile Compatibility | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo, RDMA | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 25GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 PCIe Adapter |  | Reliable Scalability | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Vogzone 25GbE PCIe NIC Card with Mellanox ConnectX-5 |  | Advanced Offloading | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Ethernet Network Card with SFP28 Ports and RDMA |  | Next-Gen Networking | Ports: 2 ports (SFP28) | Interface Type: PCIe 4.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Vogzone 25GbE PCIe Network Card with SFP28 Ports |  | Infiniband Ready | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Vogzone 25Gb PCIe NIC Network Card with Dual Ports |  | Broad Protocol Support | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| 10/25GbE PCIe Dual SFP28 Ethernet Adapter Card |  | Flexible Connectivity | Ports: Dual SFP28 ports | Interface Type: PCIe 3.0 x8 | Protocol Support: RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
More Details on Our Top Picks
25GbE Network Card with ConnectX-4 Chipset
If you’re seeking a reliable 25GbE network card for enterprise or data center use, the Mellanox ConnectX-4 chipset-based NIC stands out. It features dual SFP28 ports supporting 1/10/25 Gbps speeds, compatible with fiber and copper connections. The PCIe 3.0 x8 interface ensures high data transfer efficiency, while the low power dissipation of just 10.1W makes it energy-efficient. It supports a broad range of operating systems, including Windows and Ubuntu, and offers advanced features like virtualization, iSCSI, SR-IOV, and environmental monitoring. This card is designed for demanding environments, delivering high-speed, reliable connectivity for critical enterprise applications.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows/Linux/Ubuntu/Server
- Form Factor:Low-profile/Full-height
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Supports multiple network standards
- Additional Feature:LED port indicators
- Additional Feature:Broad OS compatibility
Vogzone 25Gb PCIe Network Card with Dual SFP28 Ports
The Vogzone 25Gb PCIe Network Card with Dual SFP28 Ports stands out as an excellent choice for data centers and enterprise environments that demand high-speed, reliable connectivity. It leverages the Intel E810-XXVDA2 controller to support up to 25GbE speeds across two SFP28 ports, compatible with various cables for flexible deployment. The card utilizes PCIe v4.0 lanes for maximum bandwidth and includes features like traffic management, load balancing, and offloading capabilities. Its extensive OS support, including Linux, Windows, and VMware, combined with advanced virtualization features, makes it a robust option for modern high-performance networks.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 4.0 x8 or x16
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows/Linux/VMware/FreeBSD
- Form Factor:Standard PCIe x8
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:PCIe v4.0 support
- Additional Feature:Built-in traffic management
- Additional Feature:Compatible with virtualization tech
GLOTRENDS 2-Port 25Gb SFP28 Network Card
For professionals aiming to maximize network efficiency in high-performance data centers, the GLOTRENDS 2-Port 25Gb SFP28 Network Card stands out with its support for RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE), enabling faster, low-latency data transfers. Equipped with the Broadcom BCM57414 controller, it supports SFP28/SFP+ modules, DAC, and AOC cables, and connects via PCIe 3.0 x8. It offers automatic negotiation for 25GbE, 10GbE, and 1GbE, with virtualization features like NPAR, SR-IOV, and RoCE on both physical and virtual functions. Its compatibility spans Windows, Linux, and VMware, making it versatile for modern, virtualized, and enterprise networks.
- Ports:2 ports (SFP28)
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RoCE, SR-IOV, DCB, NVGRE
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware
- Form Factor:Full-height/Low-profile
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:RDMA over Converged Ethernet
- Additional Feature:Virtualization (NPAR, SR-IOV)
- Additional Feature:Supports Linux KVM multiqueue
25GbE Network Card with ConnectX-4 Dual SFP28 Ports
Designed for high-performance networking, the GbE Network Card with ConnectX-4 and dual SFP28 ports stands out as an ideal choice for data centers and enterprise environments that demand reliable, high-speed connections. It features the Mellanox ConnectX-4 chipset, supporting 1/10/25GbE speeds through two SFP28 ports, ensuring flexible and scalable Ethernet connectivity. With a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, it’s compatible with various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and VMware, making deployment straightforward. This card also supports advanced protocols such as RDMA, FCoE, and Jumbo Frames, enabling high-throughput, low-latency data transfer essential for modern data center workloads.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo, RDMA
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware, CentOS
- Form Factor:Full-height/Low-profile
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Supports advanced protocols
- Additional Feature:Low-profile and full-height brackets
- Additional Feature:Environmental robustness
25GbE Network Card with Mellanox ConnectX-4 PCIe Adapter
If you’re seeking a high-performance Ethernet solution capable of handling demanding data center workloads, the Mellanox ConnectX-4 PCIe adapter stands out. It features a 25GbE NIC with dual SFP28 ports, supporting 1G, 10G, and 25G connections. Built on the Mellanox ConnectX-4 controller, it uses a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface for fast data transfer. This card improves virtualization performance, reduces cabling complexity, and manages VM traffic efficiently with features like RDMA, Jumbo Frames, and network traffic encapsulation. Plus, it comes with 24/7 support, a 1-year warranty, and lifetime technical assistance, making it ideal for high-bandwidth data centers.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware
- Form Factor:Standard PCIe x8
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Reduces host CPU load
- Additional Feature:Supports network encapsulation
- Additional Feature:Optimized for virtualization
Vogzone 25GbE PCIe NIC Card with Mellanox ConnectX-5
The Vogzone 25GbE PCIe NIC Card with Mellanox ConnectX-5 stands out as a top choice for data centers seeking high-performance and versatile network connectivity. It features a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface with dual SFP28 ports supporting 1GbE, 10GbE, and 25GbE speeds, ensuring flexible deployment. Equipped with Mellanox’s ConnectX-5 controller, it delivers high packet rates, throughput, and reduced CPU load through advanced offload features. Compatibility extends across Windows, Linux, VMware, Citrix, and FreeBSD, making it ideal for diverse environments. Its support for RDMA, Jumbo Frames, and virtualization technologies further boosts efficiency, making it a powerful upgrade for demanding data center networks.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware, FreeBSD
- Form Factor:Low-profile/Full-height
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Supports Infiniband tech
- Additional Feature:Compatible with DPDK, VMDq
- Additional Feature:I/O virtualization features
Ethernet Network Card with SFP28 Ports and RDMA
For data centers and high-performance computing environments seeking low-latency, high-throughput networking, Ethernet network cards with SFP28 ports and RDMA support stand out as essential tools. This 25GbE NIC features two SFP28 ports, supporting flexible optics and DACs, with PCIe 4.0 x8 for rapid data transfer up to 16 GT/s per lane. It supports RDMA (iWARP, RoCEv2), SR-IOV, PXE boot, and DPDK, making it ideal for high-speed, low-latency applications. Compatible with various operating systems and server configurations, it’s a versatile choice for boosting network performance in demanding data center and HPC environments.
- Ports:2 ports (SFP28)
- Interface Type:PCIe 4.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware, Kylin
- Form Factor:Low-profile/Full-height
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Supports jumbo frames
- Additional Feature:Remote boot options
- Additional Feature:Supports multiple OS
Vogzone 25GbE PCIe Network Card with SFP28 Ports
Vogzone’s 25GbE PCIe Network Card with SFP28 ports stands out as an excellent choice for data centers and enterprise environments that demand high-speed, reliable connectivity. It’s built around the Mellanox ConnectX-4 Lx chipset, supporting dual SFP28 ports for 25GbE, 10GbE, or 1GbE connections. Compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, VMware, and FreeBSD, it offers robust virtualization features like SR-IOV and high scalability. The card’s PCIe 3.0 x8 interface guarantees fast data transfer, low latency, and efficient offloading with RDMA, Jumbo Frames, and advanced network management capabilities—making it a versatile, high-performance network solution.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware, FreeBSD
- Form Factor:Low-profile/Full-height
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:NVIDIA ASAP² offload
- Additional Feature:Supports high packet rates
- Additional Feature:Virtualization (SR-IOV, VirtIO)
Vogzone 25Gb PCIe NIC Network Card with Dual Ports
Looking for a reliable 25GbE NIC that can handle demanding data center tasks? The Vogzone 25Gb PCIe NIC with dual ports is a solid choice. It features the Broadcom BCM57414B controller, supporting high data rates and intelligent offloads for stability. With dual SFP28 ports, it offers versatile connectivity—1GbE, 10GbE, or 25GbE—making it adaptable to various network setups. Its PCIe v3.0 interface ensures fast data transfer, and it’s compatible with major operating systems like Windows, Linux, and VMware. Whether upgrading existing infrastructure or building a new one, this card provides reliable, scalable performance for high-speed networking.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware, SCO
- Form Factor:Low-profile/Full-height
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Supports large send offload
- Additional Feature:Broad system support
- Additional Feature:PCI-SIG SR-IOV enabled
10/25GbE PCIe Dual SFP28 Ethernet Adapter Card
The 25GbE PCIe Dual SFP28 Ethernet Adapter Card stands out as an ideal choice for professionals and data center operators seeking flexible high-speed connectivity. Equipped with the Mellanox ConnectX-4 chipset, it supports RDMA, offloading CPU tasks, and managing traffic with end-to-end QoS. Its dual 25Gbps ports auto-negotiate down to 10Gbps or 1Gbps, offering versatile speeds. Compatible with PCIe 3.0 x8/x16 slots, it supports various cabling options like SFP28 transceivers, DAC, and AOC. Designed for diverse environments—from enterprise data centers to high-performance computing—it’s a reliable, high-throughput solution for demanding network setups.
- Ports:Dual SFP28 ports
- Interface Type:PCIe 3.0 x8
- Protocol Support:RDMA, iSCSI, FCoE, Jumbo
- Compatibility:Windows, Linux, VMware, Ubuntu
- Form Factor:Standard PCIe x8
- Speed Support:1/10/25GbE
- Additional Feature:Supports multiple media types
- Additional Feature:Firmware update via QR code
- Additional Feature:Designed for high-performance environments
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 25GbE NIC
Choosing the right 25GbE NIC depends on several key factors that can impact performance and compatibility. I’ll walk you through considerations like system compatibility, network speeds, port options, virtualization features, and ease of setup. Let’s explore what matters most to guarantee you select the best match for your needs.
Compatibility With Systems
Ensuring compatibility with your system is essential when selecting a 25GbE NIC, as it directly affects driver support, performance, and seamless integration. First, verify that the NIC supports your operating system—whether Windows, Linux, or VMware—to guarantee proper drivers are available. Next, check that the NIC matches your system’s PCIe slot version, like PCIe 3.0 or 4.0, for ideal performance. Also, consider the form factor—full-height or low-profile—to confirm it fits your server or workstation chassis. Additionally, confirm support for key protocols and features such as RDMA or SR-IOV, which might be necessary for your network setup. Finally, ensure that transceivers and cables, like SFP28 modules or DACs, are compatible with your existing hardware for smooth integration.
Supported Network Speeds
When selecting a 25GbE NIC, verifying that it supports the necessary network speeds is essential to meet your infrastructure requirements. Confirm the NIC delivers at least 25GbE to match your current setup, but also check if it’s backward compatible with lower speeds like 10GbE or 1GbE, which adds flexibility and future-proofing. Examine whether the transceiver modules and cabling options—such as SFP28, DAC, or AOC—support your desired data rates. Compatibility with your switches and network devices is key to maximize throughput at 25GbE. Additionally, consider if the NIC supports multi-speed operation, allowing it to adapt to different network environments and scalability needs. Supporting the right network speeds ensures your hardware delivers peak performance and longevity.
Port Configuration Options
Port configuration options are essential in determining how well a 25GbE NIC will integrate into your network. Whether you choose a single-port or multi-port model depends on your bandwidth needs and redundancy goals. Multi-port NICs boost total throughput and provide flexibility for load balancing, link aggregation, and connecting to multiple switches or network segments. They also enhance network resilience by offering redundancy. Conversely, single-port NICs are ideal for simpler setups focused on maximizing throughput per connection without complexity. When selecting a port configuration, consider your network’s scalability and redundancy requirements. If you need high availability and future expansion, multi-port options make sense. For straightforward, high-throughput tasks, a single-port NIC may be sufficient. The right choice depends on your specific network architecture and growth plans.
Advanced Virtualization Features
Choosing a 25GbE NIC with advanced virtualization features is crucial for optimizing virtual machine performance and network efficiency. I look for NICs supporting SR-IOV, which creates multiple virtual functions, allowing virtual machines to share I/O resources efficiently. I also ensure the NIC offers virtualization technologies like NVGRE, VXLAN, or Geneve to encapsulate traffic, improving network segmentation and scalability. Features such as Data Center Bridging (DCB) help prioritize traffic and maintain quality of service in crowded virtual environments. Offloading capabilities like Virtual Machine Device Queues (VMDq) are essential to reduce CPU overhead during virtualization tasks. Additionally, I verify that the NIC seamlessly integrates with hypervisors like VMware, KVM, or Hyper-V to maximize performance and simplify deployment.
Ease of Installation
Selecting a 25GbE NIC that’s easy to install can save you time and prevent headaches during setup. First, check that the card includes compatible brackets—low-profile or full-height—to fit your server or workstation. Make sure the installation interface, like PCIe 3.0 x8 or PCIe 4.0 x8, matches your motherboard’s available slots. Confirm that driver support is straightforward and compatible with your operating system, which can simplify setup. Also, verify the card’s physical dimensions and connector types—such as SFP28, DAC, or AOC—to ensure they match your cabling and network infrastructure. Finally, consider whether any additional hardware or firmware updates are necessary for a smooth installation. These factors can make a significant difference in how quickly and easily you get your network running.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do 25GBE NICS Impact Overall Network Latency?
I’ve found that 25GbE NICs considerably reduce overall network latency. They handle data packets faster, which streamlines communication between devices. This means I experience quicker data transfers and more responsive applications. By upgrading to a 25GbE NIC, I notice less lag, improved performance, and smoother workflows, especially in demanding environments like data centers or high-performance workstations. It’s a game-changer for reducing delays and boosting efficiency.
Are 25GBE NICS Compatible With Existing 10GBE Infrastructure?
Yes, 25GbE NICs are generally compatible with existing 10GbE infrastructure, but you’ll need the right switches and cabling. Many 25GbE cards support backward compatibility via auto-negotiation, allowing them to work at 10GbE speeds if needed. However, for peak performance, upgrading your switches and cabling to match 25GbE standards is recommended. Always check device specifications to guarantee compatibility before upgrading.
What Are the Power Consumption Differences Among These NICS?
Power consumption varies among 25GbE NICs, but generally, newer models are more energy-efficient. I’ve found that high-end NICs tend to use slightly more power, around 10-15 watts, compared to lower-end options which can use as little as 5-8 watts. When choosing, I recommend checking the specifications to balance performance needs with power efficiency, especially if you’re deploying multiple cards or working within power-constrained environments.
Can These NICS Be Used in Virtualized Server Environments?
Think of these NICs as skilled sailors steering a busy digital sea. Yes, they’re perfect for virtualized server environments, seamlessly handling multiple data streams like a captain managing various ships. Their advanced architecture ensures stability and performance, even under heavy loads. I’ve found they integrate smoothly with virtualization platforms, making them ideal for boosting network efficiency in complex server setups. You’ll enjoy reliable, high-speed connectivity with these NICs onboard.
How Do Driver and Firmware Updates Affect NIC Performance?
Driver and firmware updates are essential because they directly impact NIC performance. I notice that updates often fix bugs, improve stability, and optimize data handling, which boosts speed and reduces latency. Keeping my NIC’s driver and firmware current ensures compatibility with the latest hardware and software standards, helping me get the best network throughput and reliability. I recommend regular updates to maintain peak performance and security.
Conclusion
If you’re serious about turbocharging your network in 2026, these 25GbE NICs are game-changers. They’ll transform your setup faster than you can blink, making slow connections a thing of the past. Whether you need dual ports or top-tier chipsets, these options deliver unmatched speed and reliability. Don’t settle for less—equip yourself with the best, and watch your network soar to new heights. Your data deserves nothing less than lightning-fast performance!
