Best Wireless Adapter For Hacking in Kali Linux (2018 Review)
Last updated: Nov 19 2018
Today you'll learn which wireless adapter you should buy for hacking wifi networks using Kali Linux.
Before I begin, there's something you should know:
Not all wireless adapters are created equal and therefore compatible with Kali Linux. And the majority you'll find for sale aren't equipped with packet injection or monitor mode -- both of which are required for penetration testing wireless networks.
After doing some extensive research and reading via Kali Linux forums and other hacking-related communities. I went out and bought the top 3 most popular and most effective wifi adapters for Kali Linux.
Unlike most of the "best adapter" reviews you'll find online, I'll actually be sharing my experiences and what I've learned from using each adapter.
So without further ado..
The best and most effective wireless adapter specifically designed for hacking wifi are:
Rank | Adapter | Product | Chipset | Injection Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | TP-LINK TL-WN722N |  | Atheros AR9271 | ||
#2 | ALFA AWUS036NHA |  | Atheros AR9271 | ||
#3 | ALFA AWUS036NH |  | Ralink RT3070 |
Keep on reading to read my reviews about each one.
Chipsets That Support Packet Injection
Before you buy, check the chipset of the adapter.
The chipset is important as it will determine if it can support packet injection or monitor mode. If you're not sure what both modes are and why they're critical, I'll explain below please continue reading.
Here's a list of known chipsets that support monitor mode AND packet injection:
- Atheros AR9271
- Ralink RT3070
- Ralink RT3572
NOTE: If your network adapter supports packet injection then it should also support monitor mode. However, there are many adapters that support monitor mode but not packet injection.
Packet injection and Monitor Mode Explained
To put simply, monitor mode is what you use to "sniff" or capture (encrypted) data transmitted by wireless routers and devices nearby. While packet injection is what you use to transmit data to those networks.
What is Monitor Mode?
For listening/capturing.
Monitor mode allows you to capture data sent and received by wireless devices/networks nearby.
Without it, you can't see which devices are active and what's happening in a network.
What is Packet Injection?
For transmitting/attacking.
Packet injection allows you to craft and inject or send data to wireless devices/networks nearby.
Without it, you can't intercept or manipulate any activity from within any network.
How To Identify Wifi Adapter Chipset
If you already have an adapter but you're not sure if the chipset is compatible, here's how to find out what chipset it uses.
NOTE: You need to have Kali Linux installed to perform this test.
If you don't have it installed, follow my step-by-step guide on how to run Kali Linux on a bootable USB stick/drive (no installation required, literally).
- Install aircrack-ng suite (if you haven't already)
- Run airmon-ng
sudo apt-get install aircrack-ng
airmon-ng
The result:
PRO TIP: You can also use the "lsusb" command which displays information about your USB ports and the devices connect to them, as well as the chipset used by your network adapter.
Best Wifi Adapters Compatible With Kali Linux
ALFA AWUS036NHA (Atheros AR9271)
Specifications
Chipset
Atheros AR9271
Wireless Type
IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency
2.4GHz
Data Rate
150Mbps
Interface
Mini-USB 2.0
Antenna
Removable 5dBi antenna (RP-SMA connector)
OS Support
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux
Security
64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES
My Review: ALFA AWUS036NHA
The AWUS036NHA is the best ALFA network adapter for packet injection. Coupled with its exceptional range, it can successfully de-authenticate clients from afar.
I found that, by using a shorter cable, it's able to reach more access points and increase the success rate of injections.
I found that, by using a shorter cable, it's able to reach more access points and increase the success rate of injections.
On occasion, when left on for long periods (24hrs+), it will randomly stop working.
- Excellent at packet injection
- Superior range and AP detection
- Good signal strength
INJECTION SCORE
SCAN / RANGE SCORE
TP-LINK TL-WN722N V1 (Atheros AR9271)
Specifications
Chipset
Atheros AR9271 (v1)
RealTek 8188 (v2)
Wireless Type
IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency
2.4GHz
Data Rate
150Mbps
Interface
USB 2.0
Antenna
4dBi removable omni directional antenna
OS Support
Windows 2K, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Linux
Security
64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES, WPS
My Review: TP-LINK TL-WN722N
UPDATE (2017): Before buying the TPLINK TL-WN722N, ask the seller for the version and/or chipset of the adapter. The newer WN722N (V2) does NOT support packet injection or monitor mode.
The TP-LINK TL-WN722N is the #1 best adapter for Kali Linux. It outperforms all other adapters in terms of packet injection quality and success rate.
Its range is average; however, I was able to boost it by swapping the antenna with an Alfa antenna.
People report having issues with the WN722N on VirtualBox not being recognized. For me, it worked just fine. Also, this thing has a fat ass. It might not fit if your USB slots are close to each other (see image of it on my raspberry pi).
- Superior at packet injection
- Good range and AP detection
- Good signal strength
INJECTION SCORE
SCAN / RANGE SCORE
ALFA AWUS036NH (Ralink RT3070)
Specifications
Chipset
Ralink RT3070
Wireless Type
IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Frequency
2.4GHz
Data Rate
150Mbps
Interface
Mini-USB 2.0
Antenna
Removable 5dBi antenna (RP-SMA connector)
OS Support
Windows 7, 2K, XP, Vista, Linux 2.6, Mac 10.4/5/6
Security
64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2, TKIP, AES
My Review: ALFA AWUS036NH
The AWUS036NH (2000mW) is more powerful compared to the other two adapters. It also has the best range and can detect the most access points, making it my go-to adapter for wardriving.
Despite the power, it performed the worse in terms of packet injection. I tested it side by side with the AWUS036NHA (black one), and its range was the only advantage.
Due to the high power usage, it can generate a lot of heat if left on for hours.
- Good at packet injection
- Excellent range and AP detection
- Excellent signal strength
INJECTION SCORE
SCAN / RANGE SCORE
Final Test
As a final test, I wanted to see which adapter can successfully capture handshakes passively (without forcing a client to reconnect). So, I had all three adapters configured to listen in on the same channel and I left them airodump-ing for 24 hours.
The result?
As seen in the image above, the TL-WN722N was able to capture 6 while the AWUS036NHA captured 3.
If you're wondering why the AWUS036NH is not up there, it's because it wasn't able to capture any handshakes.
I'm currently running more tests, I'll keep you guys posted.
Verdict
Overall. The TP-LINK TL-WN722N is my preferred wifi adapter for hacking in Kali Linux.
My second best goes to the ALFA AWUS036NHA (the black one). After having tested both ALFA adapters side by side, it showed me the most results. Today, I only use the AWUS036NH for wardriving sessions.
Did you find this review helpful? Please let me know in the comments below!
What I learned from this test:
1. For effective wifi hacking, use multiple adapters, one specifically for listening and another for attacking.
2. When listening for handshakes, always specify the channel the target is on. If you're using airodump-ng, you can do this by adding "-c" then channel number (eg. airodump-ng wlan0 -c #).
3. Using an ALFA long-range antenna on the TL-WN722N will significantly improve its range and performance.
If you want to see how I'm using these adapters, check out my Instagram where I share quick video tips and tricks for Kali Linux users.
