[Top-Rated] Best Kali Linux Wifi Adapter – Reviews In 2023

Kali Linux is a penetration testing and security auditing distribution of Linux, and it does not come with a built-in wireless adapter. However, it can be run on a wide variety of hardware, including laptops and desktops that have a compatible wireless adapter. Some popular wireless adapters that work well with Kali Linux include the Alfa AWUS036NHA, Alfa AWUS036NEH, and TP-Link TL-WN722N. These adapters are compatible with Kali Linux and have good range and performance.

Top Rated 8 best kali linux wifi adapter

1: BrosTrend Linux WiFi Adapter for Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Lubuntu, Xubuntu

The BrosTrend Linux WiFi Adapter for Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Lubuntu, and Xubuntu is a high-performance wireless adapter that is designed specifically for use with these Linux distributions. Some of its top features include:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 1200Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
2. Strong and stable signal: The adapter is equipped with an external high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. Wide compatibility: The adapter is compatible with a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Lubuntu, and Xubuntu.
5. Affordable and Portable: It’s affordable and small in size, easy to carry around.
6. Good customer support: BrosTrend provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.

2: BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps Supports Ubuntu, Mint, Kali

The BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter 1200Mbps supports Ubuntu, Mint, and Kali Linux. Here are some of the top features of the adapter:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 1200Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
2. Strong and stable signal: The adapter is equipped with an external high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. Wide compatibility: The adapter is compatible with a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Mint, and Kali Linux.
5. Affordable and Portable: It’s affordable and small in size, easy to carry around.
6. Good customer support: BrosTrend provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.
7. High Security: BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption, ensuring the security of your data and network.
8. Wide-Range compatibility: BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter is compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS X 10.9-10.15, Linux Ubuntu 18.04-20.04 LTS, Fedora, openSUSE, Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, etc.

3: ALFA Network AWUS036ACS Wide-Coverage Dual-Band AC600 USB Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter

The ALFA Network AWUS036ACS is a high-performance wireless adapter that is designed for use with a wide range of devices, including laptops and desktop computers. Here are some of the top features of this adapter:

1. Dual-band support: The adapter supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless bands, providing a wide coverage and faster data transfer speeds.
2. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports wireless speeds of up to 150Mbps on 2.4GHz and 433Mbps on 5GHz, making it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
3. Strong and stable signal: The adapter is equipped with an external high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
4. Good compatibility: The adapter is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
5. USB 3.0: The adapter supports USB 3.0, which provides faster data transfer speeds and better power management than USB 2.0.
6. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
7. Compact and portable: The adapter is small in size and easy to carry around.
8. Affordable: The adapter is affordable and offers great value for its performance.
9. Good customer support: ALFA Network provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.

4: BrosTrend 650Mbps Linux WiFi Adapter for Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, Lubuntu

The BrosTrend 650Mbps Linux WiFi Adapter is designed specifically for use with Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, and Lubuntu. Here are some of the top features of this adapter:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 650Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
2. Strong and stable signal: The adapter is equipped with an external high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. Wide compatibility: The adapter is compatible with a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Debian, Kubuntu, and Lubuntu.
5. Affordable and Portable: It’s affordable and small in size, easy to carry around.
6. Good customer support: BrosTrend provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.
7. High Security: BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption, ensuring the security of your data and network.
8. Wide-Range compatibility: BrosTrend Linux USB WiFi Adapter is compatible with Windows 10/8.1/8/7/XP, Mac OS X 10.9-10.15, Linux Ubuntu 18.04-20.04 LTS, Fedora, openSUSE, Debian, Ubuntu, Mint, Kali, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, etc.

5: L-Link USB WiFi Adapter AC1300Mbps 3.0 Fast Connection for Desktop PC and Laptop

The L-Link USB WiFi Adapter AC1300Mbps 3.0 is a high-performance wireless adapter that is designed for use with desktop PCs and laptops. Here are some of the top features of this adapter:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 1300Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
2. Strong and stable signal: The adapter is equipped with an external high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. USB 3.0: The adapter supports USB 3.0, which provides faster data transfer speeds and better power management than USB 2.0.
5. Good compatibility: The adapter is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
6. Compact and portable: The adapter is small in size and easy to carry around.
7. High Security: L-Link USB WiFi Adapter supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption, ensuring the security of your data and network.
8. Affordable: The adapter is affordable and offers great value for its performance.
9. Good customer support: L-Link provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.

6: WAVLINK USB3.0 WiFi Adapter, AC1300Mbps Wireless Network Adapter for Desktop PC

The WAVLINK USB3.0 WiFi Adapter, AC1300Mbps is a high-performance wireless adapter designed for use with desktop PCs. Here are some of the top features of this adapter:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 1300Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
2. Strong and stable signal: The adapter is equipped with an external high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. USB 3.0: The adapter supports USB 3.0, which provides faster data transfer speeds and better power management than USB 2.0.
5. Good compatibility: The adapter is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
6. Compact and portable: The adapter is small in size and easy to carry around.
7. High Security: WAVLINK USB3.0 WiFi Adapter supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption, ensuring the security of your data and network.
8. Affordable: The adapter is affordable and offers great value for its performance.
9. Good customer support: WAVLINK provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.
10. Long-Range coverage: The external high-gain antenna allows for a wider coverage and stronger signals, which makes it perfect for larger spaces.

7: Panda Wireless PAU06 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter – w/ High Gain Antenna

The Panda Wireless PAU06 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter is a high-performance wireless adapter designed for use with a wide range of devices, including laptops and desktop computers. Here are some of the top features of this adapter:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports wireless speeds of up to 300Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming video and gaming.
2. High-Gain Antenna: The adapter comes with a high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. Good compatibility: The adapter is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
5. Compact and portable: The adapter is small in size and easy to carry around.
6. Affordable: The adapter is affordable and offers great value for its performance.
7. High Security: Panda Wireless PAU06 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter supports WPA/WPA2 encryption, ensuring the security of your data and network.
8. Good customer support: Panda Wireless provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.
9. Long-Range coverage: The high-gain antenna allows for a wider coverage and stronger signals, which makes it perfect for larger spaces.

8: Panda Wireless® PAU0D AC1200 Wireless AC USB Adapter with High Gain Antennas

The Panda Wireless PAU0D AC1200 Wireless AC USB Adapter is a high-performance wireless adapter designed for use with a wide range of devices, including laptops and desktop computers. Here are some of the top features of this adapter:

1. High-speed data transfer: The adapter supports dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 1200Mbps, which makes it ideal for streaming high-definition video and gaming.
2. High-Gain Antennas: The adapter comes with dual high-gain antenna that provides a stronger and more stable signal than internal adapters.
3. Easy to install: The adapter is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. Good compatibility: The adapter is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems.
5. Compact and portable: The adapter is small in size and easy to carry around.
6. Affordable: The adapter is affordable and offers great value for its performance.
7. High Security: Panda Wireless PAU0D AC1200 Wireless AC USB Adapter supports WPA/WPA2/WPA3 encryption, ensuring the security of your data and network.
8. Good customer support: Panda Wireless provides a customer support service to help with any issues or questions you may have with the adapter.
9. Long-Range coverage: The high-gain antenna allows for a wider coverage and stronger signals, which makes it perfect for larger spaces.
10. Wireless AC: It allows for faster connection to new generation wireless AC routers and better performance compared to previous wireless standards.

Why You should need a best kali linux wifi adapter

There are several reasons why you may need a high-performance wireless adapter when using Kali Linux:

1. Improved wireless capabilities: A high-performance wireless adapter will allow you to take full advantage of the wireless capabilities of your Kali Linux system, including faster data transfer speeds and a stronger and more stable signal.
2. Better penetration testing: Kali Linux is a popular distribution for penetration testing and ethical hacking, and a high-performance wireless adapter will allow you to more effectively test the security of wireless networks.
3. Better support for wireless tools: Kali Linux includes a wide range of wireless tools, such as aircrack-ng and wireless-tools, that are designed to help you analyze and troubleshoot wireless networks. A high-performance wireless adapter will allow you to use these tools more effectively.
4. Better compatibility: Some wireless adapters are better compatible with Linux systems than others, and a high-performance wireless adapter that is specifically designed for use with Kali Linux will ensure better compatibility and performance.
5. Better security: A good wireless adapter that support advanced security features like WPA3 can help you to secure your wireless network and protect it from hacking and other malicious attacks.
6. Better flexibility: Some high-performance wireless adapters support multiple operating systems, so you can use them not only with Kali Linux but also with other systems like Windows, MacOS, etc.
7. Better performance: High-performance wireless adapters provide faster data transfer speeds, wider coverage and stronger signal, which makes them perfect for streaming, gaming and other high-bandwidth applications.

How to choose a kali linux wifi adapter

When choosing a wireless adapter for use with Kali Linux, there are several factors to consider:

1. Compatibility: Make sure that the wireless adapter is compatible with Kali Linux, and that the necessary drivers and software are available.
2. Wireless standards: Choose an adapter that supports the latest wireless standards such as 802.11ac and WPA3 for better performance and security.
3. Data transfer speeds: Look for an adapter that supports high data transfer speeds, such as dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless speeds of up to 1200Mbps or more.
4. Antenna: If you are looking for a stronger and more stable signal, look for an adapter that comes with an external high-gain antenna.
5. Plug-and-play: Look for an adapter that is plug-and-play, which means that it can be easily installed without the need for additional software or drivers.
6. Size: Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to consider the size and portability of the adapter.
7. Price: Compare the prices of different adapters and choose one that offers good value for its performance.
8. Brand reputation: Consider the brand reputation and customer support of the adapter to ensure that you have the best possible experience.
9. Linux support: Make sure the adapter is supported in Linux kernel and Linux drivers are updated.
10. Extra features: Some wireless adapters come with extra features such as software to manage and monitor the network, these additional features can be useful depending on your needs and preferences.

Read more about networking laptop reviews.

How to use a kali linux wifi adapter

Here are the general steps for using a wireless adapter with Kali Linux:

1. Connect the wireless adapter to your computer.
2. Open a terminal window and enter the command “lsusb” to check if the adapter is detected by the system.
3. If the adapter is not automatically recognized, you may need to install the necessary drivers and software. This can usually be done by downloading and running the installation package from the manufacturer’s website.
4. Once the adapter is recognized and the necessary drivers are installed, you can use the command “ifconfig” to check if the adapter is up and running.
5. To scan for available wireless networks, you can use the command “iwlist wlan0 scan” (assuming that the adapter is identified as wlan0). This will show a list of available networks and their details.
6. To connect to a wireless network, use the command “iwconfig wlan0 essid [network name]” (assuming that the adapter is identified as wlan0 and the network name is [network name]).
7. To verify that the connection is successful, you can use the command “iwconfig” to check the status of the adapter.
8. To acquire an IP address and access the internet, you can use the command “dhclient wlan0” (assuming that the adapter is identified as wlan0).
9. To disconnect from the network, you can use the command “ifconfig wlan0 down” (assuming that the adapter is identified as wlan0).
10. To monitor and troubleshoot the wireless connection, you can use tools such as iwconfig, iwlist, and wireless-tools.

Top features of a best kali linux wifi adapter

Here are some of the top features to look for in a wireless adapter for use with Kali Linux:

1. High-performance: Look for an adapter that supports high data transfer speeds and the latest wireless standards such as 802.11ac and WPA3 for better performance and security.
2. External high-gain antenna: An external high-gain antenna will provide stronger and more stable signal which is important for wireless penetration testing and other tasks that require a strong wireless connection.
3. Plug-and-play: Look for an adapter that is easy to install and use without the need for additional software or drivers.
4. Linux compatibility: Make sure that the wireless adapter is compatible with Kali Linux and that the necessary drivers and software are available.
5. Dual-band support: Dual-band support allows the adapter to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, offering more flexibility and faster data transfer speeds.
6. USB 3.0 support: USB 3.0 support provides faster data transfer speeds and more bandwidth for high-bandwidth applications.
7. Brand reputation: Look for a wireless adapter from a reputable brand to ensure good performance and customer support.
8. Additional features: Some wireless adapters come with additional features such as software to manage and monitor the network, these additional features can be useful depending on your needs and preferences.
9. Support for advanced security features like WPA3 will help you to secure your wireless network and protect it from hacking and other malicious attacks.
10. Size and portability: Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to consider the size and portability of the adapter.

Read more about networking laptop reviews.

FAQ

How to setup WiFi adapter in Kali Linux?

To set up a WiFi adapter in Kali Linux, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Connect the WiFi adapter to your computer.
2. Open a terminal window and run the command “lsusb” to check if the adapter is recognized by the system.
3. Run the command “iwconfig” to check if the adapter is configured correctly and is in the managed mode.
4. Run the command “ifconfig” to check if the adapter has been assigned an IP address.
5. If the adapter is not assigned an IP address, you can use the command “dhclient” to obtain one.
6. Run the command “iwlist” to check for the available wireless networks in the vicinity.
7. To connect to a specific network, use the command “iwconfig [interface name] essid [network name]”
8. Use the command “ifconfig [interface name] up” to activate the interface.
9. Run the command “iwconfig” again to check the status of the interface and the connection.
10. You can use the command “ping” to check if you have internet connectivity.

Note: The commands and the interface name may vary depending on your wireless adapter and the version of Kali Linux you are using.

How to install external WiFi adapter in Kali Linux?

To install an external WiFi adapter in Kali Linux, you will need to first ensure that the adapter is compatible with the operating system and that it is plugged into your computer. Next, open a terminal window and enter the following command to list your currently connected network interfaces: “ifconfig -a” . This will show you a list of all of your connected interfaces, including your WiFi adapter.

Next, you will need to install the necessary drivers for your adapter. You can do this by visiting the website of the adapter’s manufacturer and downloading the Linux drivers for your specific adapter. Once you have the drivers, you will need to install them by following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

You can also use the command “apt-get install firmware-<driver name>” to install the driver package from kali linux repos.

After you have installed the drivers, you will need to configure your adapter to connect to your network. To do this, you can use the command “iwconfig <interface name> essid <network name> key <password>” to connect to your network. Once you have entered this command, your adapter should connect to your network and you should be able to access the internet.

Can we hack WiFi without WiFi adapter in Kali Linux?

It is possible to perform some WiFi hacking techniques without a WiFi adapter, but many of the most advanced techniques require a wireless adapter that supports “monitor mode” or “promiscuous mode.” This allows the adapter to capture all wireless traffic in the area, not just the traffic that is intended for the adapter’s own device. Without a wireless adapter that supports monitor mode, you may be limited in your ability to perform advanced WiFi hacking techniques.

How to download WiFi driver for Kali Linux?

To download a WiFi driver for Kali Linux, you will first need to determine the make and model of your wireless adapter. You can do this by running the command “lspci -nn | grep 0280” in the terminal.

Once you have the make and model of your wireless adapter, you can search for the appropriate driver on the internet. Some popular sources for Linux drivers include the website of the adapter’s manufacturer and the Linux Wireless website.

Once you have downloaded the driver, you will need to install it on your system. The process for installing a driver will vary depending on the driver and the version of Kali Linux you are using. However, it typically involves uncompressing the driver package and running the “make” and “make install” commands in the terminal.

It’s also important to mention that hacking WiFi is illegal, and it’s not recommended to engage in any illegal activities with Kali Linux or any other software.