Kali and other distros used for pen testing, security analysis and other monitor mode work need usb wifi adapters that have drivers that do an excellent job of supporting monitor mode. This list of adapters is based on many conversations and a lot of testing. There are other adapters that may work but this list is designed to be a list of the best adapters that are available for purchase new at this time at reasonable prices.
Note: The adapter that best meets your needs can depend on exactly what you plan to do so asking questions is a good idea.
Note: Specific Realtek WiFi 5 based adapters will likely be added to this list over the next few months as testing is completed. This will likely include adapters based on the Realtek rtl8812au, rtl8821/11au (kernel 6.14) chips and the rtl8814au (kernel 6.15) chip. This is possible due to standards compliant drivers being added to the rtw88 driver series with kernels 6.14 and 6.15.
Note: All listed adapters are 1) single-state (no Windows driver onboard), 2) single-function (wifi only) and 3) use Linux standards-compliant, in-kernel drivers. These 3 characteristics contribute to the adapters being stable, reliable and easy to use.
| Adapter | Chipset | Class | Bands | USB Version | WPA3 | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALFA AWUS036ACS [1] [4] | rtl8811au | AC600 | 2.4, 5 | 2 | Yes | Medium |
| ALFA AWUS036ACHM [1] [2] | mt7610u | AC600 | 2.4, 5 | 2 | Yes | Very Long |
| Panda PAU0B [1] [2] | mt7610u | AC600 | 2.4, 5 | 2 | Yes | Long |
| ASUS USB-AC51 [2] | mt7610u | AC600 | 2.4, 5 | 2 | Yes | Medium |
| ALFA AWUS036ACH [1] [4] | rtl8812au | AC1200 | 2.4, 5 | 3 | Yes | Very Long |
| ALFA AWUS036ACM [1] [2] | mt7612u | AC1200 | 2.4, 5 | 3 | Yes | Long |
| Panda PAU0D [2] | mt7612u | AC1200 | 2.4, 5 | 3 | Yes | Long |
| EDUP EP-AX1673 [1] [3] | mt7921au | AXE3000 | 2.4, 5, 6 | 3 | Yes | Medium |
| EDUP EP-AX1672 [1] [3] | mt7921au | AXE3000 | 2.4, 5, 6 | 3 | Yes | Long |
| Panda PAU0F [3] | mt7921au | AXE3000 | 2.4, 5, 6 | 3 | Yes | Long |
| Netgear A8000 [3] | mt7921au | AXE3000 | 2.4, 5, 6 | 3 | Yes | Medium |
Note: Information about and links to most of the above adapters can be found in the Plug and Play List.
[1] I have first hand experience with this adapter.
[2] Supports Active Monitor Mode.
[3] Monitor mode works well, very well, but Active Monitor Mode appears to be broken for now (2024-09-15). Active Monitor Mode is a feature within Monitor Mode that only select users need so it may not be an issue for you. Edit on 2025-01-15: I am seeing some reports that Active Monitor mode is now working on the mt7921au chip with kernel 6.12 and later. I have not confirmed this myself so further user reports would be helpful.
[4] Support for the rtl8812au and rtl8821/11au chipsets was merged into kernels 6.13 and 6.14, therefore, kernel 6.14 is needed to use this chipset unless you are willing to compile and install a driver. If you are willing to compile and install a driver that is based on the same source as the in-kernel driver, go to the following repo and follow the instructions:
https://github.com/lwfinger/rtw88
Note: Your input to maintain this list is welcome. Please report the results of your testing in issues.