Kali Linux is possibly the greatest software ever for wireless penetration testing but most built-in internal wireless chipsets do not support wireless pen testing with Kali.
While Kali Linux is more then great, only certain compatible wireless USB adapters / Dongles with the correct chipset can be used when wirelessly hacking. There is some debate on which is the best and opinions vary. There are forums titled “The best possible adapter for Kali Linux” where anyone can go and argue over which is the best, but the main thing to focus on is a adapter that works for you, is Kali Linux compatible, and fits your budget.
Whatever you do don’t buy a wireless G only USB adapter. Wireless G is useless unless you are only targeting wireless G routers and devices. Wireless N is backward compatible so it can be used on wireless G or N. Most routers and devices now are setup with wireless N.
When you are looking for an adapter to work with Kali and do wireless penetration it is the chipset of the adapter that controls whether it is compatible with Kali or not. Many of these chipsets are installed in different adapters and sold. So if you come across a name brand adapter that has a kali Linux compatible chipset and then see the same chipset in another generic USB adapter most likely it will work.
It is better to focus more on the chipset rather than the vendor model name.
Another thing to keep in mind is the range the adapter will have. Small USB adapters are great for staying low profile but thier range is limited compared to an adapter with a larger 5 dbi or 9 dbi antenna.
Here are the two most common chipsets used with Kali Linux. Any USB adapter that uses these two chipsets will most likely work with Kali.
Atheros AR9271
Ralink RT3070
Here are the top Kali Linux compatible wireless USB adapters with links to Amazon to read the reviews.
Adapters that use the Ralink RT3070 Chipset
Alfa AWUSO36NH High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Rang WiFi Network Adapter
1000mW 1W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Rang WiFi Network Adapter – Also works with Viewsonic vmp75
Panda 300Mbps Wireless N USB Adapter – Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Mint, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, CentOS, Lubuntu, Zorin, Kali Linux and Raspbian Wheezy
Adapters that use the Atheros AR9271 Chipset
Alfa AWUS036NHA Wireless B/G/N USB Adaptor – 802.11n – 150 Mbps – 2.4 GHz – 5 dBi Antenna – Long Range – Atheros Chipset – Windows XP/Vista 64-Bit/128-Bit Windows 7 Compatible
TP-Link N150 Wireless High Gain USB Adapter (TL-WN722N)
Hello i am using TP-LINK TL-WN7200ND Wireless N150 High Power USB Adapter, 500mw, 5dBi High Gain Detachable Antenna, 802.1b/g/n, WEP, WPA/WPA2 , Works on Kali , works on Backtrack 5 , and also in Ubuntu , Debian , You will Need No driver on LIVE sesion , also is cheap and has a 1 KM / 1 Mile good conection , for example you try to connect to a AP that is 1 KM away , with this you can , also makes injections in kali , and backtrack ..
Hi,
I am interested to buy TL-WN7200ND one because it cheaper than any Alfa network products.
I will try to crack Wifi password 500 meter away, do you think it will work?
i read in some internet forum if that TL-WN7200ND doesnt good to crack wifi pass.
Any suggest i would like to hear.
Thanks
I am using tp link wn727 adapter
Realtek chipset
would it work?
I just bought Netgear Wireless Router G54/N150 (WNR1000) but it’s not connecting in kali linux what would I do on Vm ware
What about tp link TL-WN727N ?!
Does it works with kali linux ?! like wn722 !…
Looks like there are four versions of the WN727. To see is its compatible look the the chipset of the version you are using. https://wikidevi.com/wiki/TP-LINK_TL-WN727N_v3
Hi Admin, I am a newbie noob here. Going to boot kali linux but I am having difficulty finding a good wireless adapter. Since I am in a rural area, there is not much option. The model here is TL-WN727N version 4.1, D-link DWA-132 verison 4.01, TP-link WN725N. I am sorry for my terrible grammar.
i am purchased tp link do you no it”s work in windows 8.1 pro in vmware
Is the alfa Awus052nh(orange one) compatible with kali linux?
This is a interesting adapter. I am unsure how well it works with Kali but I may order one just to find out.
Any new with this Awus052nh?
I tried it out and it didn’t work with Pen Testing for me, so I returned it. I didn’t try it with Kali 2.0
For future reference. The 052NH orange card has been plug and play with Kali 1.1 and 2.0 for me. The only thing I’ve had problems with is WPS Pixie attack. It works, just not right for that application. It has the best range and signal strength of all my USB cards (TP-Link W72N, Alfa AWUS051NH and macbook air), and is the fastest.
It works great for sniffing and can MITM 5ghz, which my other cards can’t do. I haven’t ever tried WEP replay with it. It easily the fastest card I own. If it’s your first or only pentest card, I suggest something else. The TP Link wn72, dollar-for-dollar is the most reliable of all the cards I know of today. Alfa has made several versions of the 051NH(x) and if you get a good one (that also supports b/g, they’re strong and reliable, but you can buy two TP-Links for the cost of a good Alfa these days.
Which chip-set did your 052NH come with? I had problems with it and Kali 1.0. May reorder one if it is working with Kali 2.0.
hello friends ,
yesterday i purchased tplink tl-wn822n v3 wifi adapter it is only working with windows
how can i use it with backtrack r3 please help me
Are you booting Backtrack with VMware? If so boot from a Backtrack live DVD or Flash drive and see if the problem follows.
Is TP Link wn822n compatible for monitoring and injecting ?
Most likely there is a problem with the install of Windows/VMware, or driver problem. Start by checking the driver with Device Manager.
I used wmware and Win 7 and it will not show the chipset after aimon-ng command.
Is the adapter working in Windows before running Kali / VMware? Windows may be having a problem with the driver. A simple way to check is to bypass Windows/ VMware by booting from a Kali Linux boot DVD and than checking the adapter.
It works when booting from Kali Live DVD any idea why?
I received the TP-LINK TL-WN722N today and can not get it to work with Kali. PLEASE HELP!
How are you running Kali Linux? VMware, DVD, hardrive?
The Alfa AWUS036H is a wireless G adapter your friend likely has a wireless N router. Any of the adapters listed above will help you.
I have a Alfa AWUS036h and have used it a few times on my router and Kali. When I tried to test a friends router the it doesn’t work and can not find it. would one these help or am I doing something wrong.
I cracked my own router with the Alfa AWUS036NHA with Reaver. I can definitely vouch for this adapter.
Great list I started with a Sabrent wireless G dongle moved on to the AWUS036NH and now am using the Alfa AWUS036NHA both work awesome with Kali Linux. Alfa is the best!
Hallo,
I have motorolla mz601 tablet.
The wifi button on it doesn’t work.
Do you have any idea how to connect with usb wifi adapter?
Thank you.
Best Regards
You need to purchase an OTG USB cable. You could then hook a wifi adapter to the OTG cable and the OTG cable to your tablet, and use the USB wifi dongle. Hope this helps.