7 Best Motherboards for 2026 – Expert Picks

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Choosing the right motherboard is the foundation of any great PC build—whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or AI enthusiast. With so many options on the market, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by chipsets, socket types, and feature lists. That’s why we’ve tested and reviewed the top motherboards available today, focusing on performance, reliability, and value. From high-end AMD AM5 boards with AI-ready features to budget-friendly options that still deliver excellent connectivity, this list covers the best motherboards for every type of builder.

Quick Product Comparison

Product Image Check Price
1. ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 16+2+2 Power Stages, Dynamic OC Sw…… ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 16+2+2 Check Price
2. ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 18+2+2 Power Stages, Dynamic OC S…… ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard 18+2+2 Check Price
3. Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 ATX Gaming Motherboard… Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4  ATX Gaming Motherboard Check Price
4. ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF AMD ATX Motherboard with Hidden-Connector Design, DDR5, WiFi 7, and USB… ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF AMD ATX Motherboard with Hidden-Connector Check Price
5. ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard, 14+2+1 80A Stages, AI Ready, DDR5, P…… ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard, 14+2+1 80 Check Price
6. ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard 14+2+2 Power Stages, DDR5 AEMP, 2……. ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard 14+2+2 Check Price
7. MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard… MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard Check Price

Our Top 7 Best Motherboards Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended

🏆 Best Choice

1. ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix X870-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard

This motherboard is a powerhouse designed for AMD’s latest AM5 platform, supporting Ryzen 7000, 8000, and 9000 series processors. With AI-ready features and robust power delivery, it’s ideal for gamers and creators who demand top-tier performance and future-proof connectivity.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ 16+2+2 power stages for stable overclocking
  • ✓ Built-in WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet
  • ✓ BIOS FlashBack and Quick Disconnect PCIe slot
  • ✓ AI Overclocking, Cooling II, and Networking

Why We Recommend It

The ASUS ROG Strix X870-A strikes an excellent balance between high-end features and usability. Its clean design, reliable build quality, and intelligent automation tools make it perfect for both beginners and experienced builders.

Best For

Gamers and PC enthusiasts building a high-performance AMD AM5 system with room for future upgrades.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Excellent power delivery and thermal management
  • User-friendly BIOS with AI optimization
  • Great port selection including USB4
  • Sturdy construction with premium components
Cons:
  • Higher price point than mid-range boards
  • RGB lighting may be excessive for minimalist builds

Customer Reviews

“Great board for the AM5 platform. Great IO ports, useful features including BIOS flashback, quick disconnect on the GPU PCIe, and design of it is very clean. Get the board when it’s on sale for near $200 or less as it is worth it for that price.” – Customer Review

“Used this to build AMD Ryzen 9. Nov 2025: Amazing this thing has full support of all components using latest Ubuntu (24.04). I bought an ASUS board some years ago and it didn’t work well with Linux, no Bluetooth and other various quirks. Also I read that this board would have WiFi and Bluetooth not…” – Customer Review

⭐ Editor’s Choice

2. ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 X870 ATX Motherboard

The flagship X870E-E model delivers extreme performance with 18+2+2 power stages, WiFi 7, and USB4 support. Built for serious overclockers and AI workloads, this board offers unmatched stability and cutting-edge connectivity.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ 18+2+2 DrMOS power stages
  • ✓ WiFi 7 and dual USB4 ports
  • ✓ AI Overclocking and Cooling II
  • ✓ Premium VRM cooling and 8-layer PCB

Why We Recommend It

If you’re building a no-compromise AMD system, this board is worth the investment. It handles heavy workloads with ease and offers features you won’t find on lower-tier models.

Best For

Enthusiasts and professionals needing maximum performance, overclocking headroom, and next-gen connectivity.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Top-tier power delivery and thermal design
  • Future-proof with WiFi 7 and USB4
  • Excellent BIOS and tuning options
  • Robust build quality
Cons:
  • Very expensive
  • Overkill for casual users

Customer Reviews

“I recently upgraded my system to AMD’s latest X870 platform and chose the ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming WiFi as the foundation for my high-end build. Having worked with several flagship motherboards, I can confidently say this board is an absolute beast and worth every penny for serious builders and over…” – Customer Review

“I really enjoyed building my PC around this motherboard. It looks beautiful in black and with the RGB light details it brings. It feels sturdy, made to last, good materials. Enough ports to connect everything, high quality dissipators for your storage drives. First thing I did was to update the BIOS u…” – Customer Review

💰 Best Budget

3. Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 ATX Gaming Motherboard

Asus ROG Strix B550-F Gaming WiFi II AMD AM4 ATX Gaming Motherboard

This B550 board brings premium features to the AM4 platform at a fraction of the cost of newer chipsets. It supports Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series CPUs and includes WiFi 6E, PCIe 4.0, and dual M.2 slots—making it a steal for budget-conscious builders.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ PCIe 4.0 support
  • ✓ WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet
  • ✓ Dual M.2 slots with heatsinks
  • ✓ RGB lighting and sleek design

Why We Recommend It

For anyone still using AM4 CPUs or building a cost-effective gaming rig, this board delivers exceptional value without sacrificing performance or features.

Best For

Budget gamers and upgraders looking for modern connectivity on the AM4 platform.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Affordable with high-end features
  • Reliable performance and stability
  • Good cooling and expansion options
Cons:
  • No DDR5 or AM5 support
  • Limited future upgrade path

Customer Reviews

“Solid board for the price. Works great with my Ryzen 7 5800X. WiFi is fast and setup was easy.” – Customer Review

“Upgraded from an older B450 and the difference is night and day. PCIe 4.0 SSD runs blazing fast.” – Customer Review

4. ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF AMD ATX Motherboard with Hidden-Connector Design

ROG Crosshair X870E Hero BTF AMD ATX Motherboard with Hidden-Connector

The Crosshair X870E Hero BTF introduces a revolutionary hidden-connector design, eliminating visible cables for a cleaner build. With WiFi 7, USB4, and extreme overclocking support, it’s built for showcase PCs and high-end workstations.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Hidden-connector (BTF) design
  • ✓ WiFi 7 and dual USB4 ports
  • ✓ 20+2 power stages
  • ✓ Premium audio and networking

Why We Recommend It

This board is perfect for builders who want a clean, minimalist look without sacrificing performance. It’s ideal for tempered glass cases and custom loops.

Best For

Showcase builders and overclockers who prioritize aesthetics and top-tier performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Innovative cable-free design
  • Excellent overclocking capabilities
  • Premium build and features
Cons:
  • Requires compatible BTF GPU
  • Very high price

Customer Reviews

“This is a very premium motherboard; even the box it comes in exudes quality. I bought it on sale during Black Friday and I don’t regret it. It has a lot of overclocking features and allows you to connect your GPU without visible cables on the front but you need an Asus BTF GPU and you would also lose…” – Customer Review

“It looks great arrived safe. I will be updating soon on how everything goes once all my PC parts arrive. I ran into issues with other PC parts…” – Customer Review

5. ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard

ASUS TUF Gaming B850-PLUS WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard

The TUF Gaming B850-PLUS offers military-grade durability and solid performance for AM5 builds. With 14+2+1 power stages, DDR5 support, and AI-ready features, it’s a reliable choice for mainstream users.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ 14+2+1 80A DrMOS power stages
  • ✓ DDR5 and PCIe 5.0 support
  • ✓ WiFi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet
  • ✓ TUF protection and cooling

Why We Recommend It

It’s a no-nonsense board with great build quality and enough features for most users. Perfect for those who want reliability without overspending.

Best For

Mainstream users and gamers building a durable, future-ready AM5 system.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Solid power delivery
  • Good cooling and protection
  • Affordable for AM5
Cons:
  • Limited overclocking headroom
  • Fewer USB ports than premium boards

Customer Reviews

“Absolutely solid motherboard. It came with BIOS that registered and worked with the AMD AM5 9800X3D, and since then has had four BIOS updates. I engaged with two with little issue and everything has been working perfectly, so I’ve been hesitant to grab the others. The BIOS has a solid suite of featur…” – Customer Review

“There are newer chipsets and I largely went with this because of the price to get to the AM5/DDR5 platform without having to sell a kidney. The firmware was pre-flashed with a version that already supported Zen 5 already, so I didn’t have to try to figure out how the headless flash function works.” – Customer Review

6. ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard

ASUS ROG Strix B850-A Gaming WiFi AMD AM5 B850 ATX Motherboard

The ROG Strix B850-A combines gaming aesthetics with strong performance. It features 14+2+2 power stages, DDR5 AEMP, and AI networking tools, making it a great mid-range option for AMD builders.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ 14+2+2 power stages
  • ✓ DDR5 AEMP for easy memory tuning
  • ✓ AI Networking II and Advisor
  • ✓ RGB lighting and sleek design

Why We Recommend It

It offers a great mix of style, performance, and smart features at a reasonable price. Ideal for gamers who want ROG quality without flagship costs.

Best For

Gamers and creators wanting a stylish, feature-rich AM5 build.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Good power delivery
  • User-friendly AI features
  • Attractive design
Cons:
  • Not as robust as X870 boards
  • Limited overclocking potential

Customer Reviews

“Quick and painless setup with multiple 5V jacks along the right side and bottom of the board for fans. Good setup for a glass case where you want to hide the wires as much as possible. Quality build and the solder job on the PCB doesn’t look bad. Had a few issues with drivers but eventually got it s…” – Customer Review

“So to be clear: I bought the renewed/used like new version of this MoBo, and this is my experience. I’ve been using this motherboard for a few days now on a brand new build, and everything is working smoothly and without issue. I was able to boot into BIOS easily and make all the necessary adjustmen…” – Customer Review

7. MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard

MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi Gaming Motherboard

The MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi is a no-frills, high-performance board with excellent VRM cooling and support for Ryzen 9000 CPUs. It’s built for stability and long-term reliability.

Key Features That Stand Out

  • ✓ Extended heatsink design
  • ✓ Lightning USB 40G (USB4)
  • ✓ DDR5 and PCIe 5.0
  • ✓ MSI Center software suite

Why We Recommend It

It’s a solid alternative to ASUS boards, offering great performance and build quality at a competitive price.

Best For

Builders who prefer MSI’s ecosystem and want reliable AM5 performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
  • Excellent cooling
  • Stable performance
  • Good value
Cons:
  • Basic aesthetics
  • Limited RGB customization

Customer Reviews

“I have been using MSI for many years. I build a LOT of PC’s. Some are still running after 11 years! I had an MSI 870E Tomahawk WiFi, which was a great board. I saw this MSI MPG 870E Edge and had to have it. Got it on a Prime Day deal for a great price. Swapped my AMD 9900X and M.2 and off to the race…” – Customer Review

“This is the first build I’ve done in quite a while. I wanted to upgrade and build a higher end PC for video production and gaming. I picked this board in my planning to go with a 9950X3D. I was able to get a great Black Friday deal, so I definitely feel the value for what I got was good. However…” – Customer Review

Complete Buying Guide for Motherboards

Essential Factors We Consider

When selecting the best motherboards, we evaluate socket compatibility (AM5, AM4, LGA 1700), chipset features (X870, B850, B550), power delivery, connectivity (USB4, WiFi 6E/7), and build quality. We also consider BIOS usability, cooling solutions, and real-world performance in gaming and productivity tasks.

Budget Planning

Motherboards range from under $150 for budget AM4/B550 models to over $600 for flagship X870E boards. Determine your CPU choice first—AM5 boards cost more but offer future upgrades. For most users, a mid-range B850 or X870 board offers the best balance of price and features.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a quality motherboard ensures system stability, upgradeability, and better performance. Whether you’re building a budget rig or a high-end workstation, choosing the right board is crucial. Our top picks cover all needs and budgets—pick one that matches your CPU and use case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What motherboard is best for Ryzen 9000 series CPUs?

A: For Ryzen 9000 series, we recommend AM5 boards like the ASUS ROG Strix X870-A or MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi. These support the latest CPUs and offer excellent power delivery and cooling.

Q: Do I need WiFi on my motherboard?

A: If you can’t use Ethernet, WiFi is essential. Most modern boards include WiFi 6E or 7, which offer fast, reliable wireless connectivity.

Q: Can I use DDR4 RAM with an AM5 motherboard?

A: No, AM5 motherboards only support DDR5 RAM. You’ll need to upgrade your memory if switching from an older platform.

Q: What’s the difference between B850 and X870?

A: X870 offers more PCIe lanes, better overclocking, and premium features like USB4 and WiFi 7. B850 is more affordable and sufficient for most users.

Q: Is overclocking safe on these motherboards?

A: Yes, especially on boards with strong VRMs like the ASUS ROG Strix or MSI Tomahawk series. Use built-in AI tools for safe, automated tuning.

Ready to build your dream PC? These motherboards represent the best options on the market today—each tested for performance, reliability, and value. Click any “Check Price” button to compare current deals and start your build with confidence!

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