Buy the Best Wireless Network Adapter for Wi-Fi Hacking in 2019 « Null Byte :: WonderHowTo

To hack a Wi-Fi network using Kali Linux, you needyour wireless cardto support monitor mode and packet injection. Not all wireless cards can do this, so I've rounded up this list of 2019's best wireless network adapters for hacking on Kali Linux to get you started hacking both WEP and WPA Wi-Fi networks.Wi-Fi Hacking for BeginnersKali Linux is by far the best supported hacking distro for beginners, and Wi-Fi hacking on Kali (previously called BackTrack) is where I started my own journey into hacking. In order to hack Wi-Fi, you will quickly learn that a wireless network adapter supporting packet injection and monitor mode is essential. Without one, many attacks are impossible, and the few that work can take days to succeed. Fortunately, there are several good adapters to choose from.Don't Miss:Select a Field-Tested Kali Linux Compatible Wireless AdapterA range of Kali Linux compatible network adapters.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteIf you're new to hacking Wi-Fi, Null Byte'sKali Pi hacking platformis a great way to get started hacking on Kali Linux for little investment. Any of the wireless network adapters on this list can be combined with a Raspberry Pi to build your own Wi-Fi hacking computer.A Raspberry Pi with a supported network is a powerful, low-cost Kali Linux hacking platform.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteDon't Miss:Set Up a Headless Raspberry Pi Hacking Platform Running KaliWhat's so great about wireless network adapters? By swapping out the antenna or adapter type, we can target different kinds of networks. We can even target far-away networks with the addition of special super long-range directional antennaslike the Yagi antenna($91.99).Chipsets Supported by Kali LinuxSo how do you pick the best wireless network adapter for hacking? If you're hacking on Kali, certain chipsets (the chip that controls the wireless adapter) will work without much or any configuration needed.Atheros AR9271 chipset inside the ALFA Network AWUS036NHA.Image by Maintenance script/WikidevChipsets that work with Kali include:Atheros AR9271Ralink RT3070Ralink RT3572Realtek 8187L (Wireless G adapters)Realtek RTL8812AU(newly in 2017)my research also suggests theRalink RT5370Nis compatibleIn 2017, Kali Linux began supporting drivers for theRTL8812AUwireless chipsets. These drivers are not part of the standard Linux kernel and have been modified to allow for injection. This is a big deal because this chipset is one of the first to support 802.11 AC, bringing injection-related wireless attacks to this standard.Kali Linux compatible adapters.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteAdapters That Use the Ralink RT3070 ChipsetThe Alfa AWUS036NH 2.4 GHz($31.99 on Amazon)The Alfa AWUS036NH is a b/g/n adapter with an absurd amount of range. This is amplified by the omnidirectional antenna and can be paired with aYagi($29.95) orPaddle($23.99) antenna to create a directional array.The AWUSO36NH.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteThe Alfa AWUS036NEH 2.4 GHz($29.99 on Amazon)If you're looking for a somewhat more compact wireless adapter that can be plugged in via USB, the Alfa AWUS036NEH is a powerful b/g/n adapter that's slim and doesn't require a USB cable to use.The AWUS036NEH, relatively compact with extreme range.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteThe Panda PAU05 2.4 GHz($13.99 on Amazon)Sometimes you need a stealthier option that's still powerful enough to pwn networks without making a big fuss about plugging in large, suspicious network adapters. Consider the g/n PAU05, affectionately nicknamed "El Stubbo" and a personal favorite both for its low profile and its aggressive performance in the short and medium range. Consider this if you need to gather network data without including everything within several blocks.A note on the Panda from one of our readers:The Panda PAUO5 on Amazon won't do packet injection. It seems they now ship with an unsupported chipset (RT5372), so make sure yours has the correct chipset!The PAU05, a super low-profile option that is one of my favorites.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteAdapters That Use the Atheros AR9271 ChipsetThe Alfa AWUS036NHA 2.4 GHz($37.69 on Amazon)The Alfa AWUS036NHA is my current long-range network adapter and the standard by which I judge other long-range adapters. For a long-range application, thispaired with a ridiculously big adapter($9.99) is a stable, fast, and well-supported b/g/n wireless network adapter.The AWUS036NHA, featuring great long-range performance.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteThe TP-LINK TL-WN722N 2.4 GHz($14.99 on Amazon)A favorite for newbies and experienced hackers alike, this compact b/g/n is among the cheapest but boasts surprisingly impressive performance. That being said,only v1 of this adapter will work with Kali Linux. The v2 version of this adapter is a different chipset, so make sure you check to see which yours is!WARNING: Only version ONE of this adapter will work with Kali.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteAdapters That Use the Ralink RT5370N ChipsetThe Detroit DIY Electronics Wifi Antenna For Raspberry Pi($11.99 on Amazon)While I haven't tested this IEEE 802.11n compatible adapter personally, the chipset is supported in Kali and it supports monitor mode. For an extremely compact adapter with an external antenna mount for swapping different types of antennas, the Detroit DIY Electronics Wifi Antenna For Raspberry Pi is a good starter option.Compact option from Detroit Electronics.Image viaDetroit ElectronicsAdapters That Use the Realtek RTL8812AU Chipset (New)The Alfa AWUS036ACH 802.11ac AC1200 Wide-Range USB 3.0 Wireless Adapter with External Antenna($59.99 on Amazon)Newly supported in 2017, the Alfa AWUS036ACH is a beast, with dual antennas and 2.4 GHz 300 Mbps/5 GHz 867 Mbps – 802.11ac and a, b, g, n compatibility. This is the newest offering I've found that's compatible with Kali, so if you're looking for the fastest and longest range, this would be the adapter to start with.To use this, you may need to first run the following.apt updateapt install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkmsThis will install the needed drivers, and you should be good to go.The Alfa AWUS036ACH, ready to hack on 802.11ac.Image viaAlfa WebsiteOther OptionsDuring my research, I also came across the following adapters with supported chipsets, but only anecdotal evidence of packet injection and monitor mode. If you're feeling adventurous, you can pick up one of the following supported adapters mention in the comments how it works for you.TheWiFi Module 4($27.95) by Hard Kernel uses the supported Ralink RT5572 chipset, which adds 5 GHz capabilities, and also works in 2.4 GHz.An ultra-compact option is also theWiFi Module 0($7.95), also by Hard Kernel, based on Ralink RT5370N chipset.Some of the top wireless network adapters for hacking.Image by SADMIN/Null ByteThat completes my roundup of wireless network adapters for hacking in 2019. Got a favorite I didn't list? Leave a comment and link us to it.Don't Miss:How to Select a Field-Tested Kali Linux Compatible Wireless AdapterFollow Null Byte onTwitter,Flipboard, andYouTubeSign up forNull Byte's weekly newsletterFollow WonderHowTo onFacebook,Twitter,Pinterest, andFlipboardWant to start making money as a white hat hacker?Jump-start your hacking career with our2020 Premium Ethical Hacking Certification Training Bundlefrom the newNull Byte Shopand get over 60 hours of training from cybersecurity professionals.Buy Now (90% off) >Other worthwhile deals to check out:97% off The Ultimate 2021 White Hat Hacker Certification Bundle99% off The 2021 All-in-One Data Scientist Mega Bundle98% off The 2021 Premium Learn To Code Certification Bundle62% off MindMaster Mind Mapping Software: Perpetual LicenseCover photo and screenshots by SADMIN/Null ByteRelatedHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Choosing a Wireless Adapter for HackingHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Get Anyone's Wi-Fi Password Without Cracking Using WifiphisherHow To:Check if Your Wireless Network Adapter Supports Monitor Mode & Packet InjectionHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Getting Started with the Aircrack-Ng Suite of Wi-Fi Hacking ToolsHow To:Hack 5 GHz Wi-Fi Networks with an Alfa Wi-Fi AdapterHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Breaking a WPS PIN to Get the Password with BullyHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Selecting a Good Wi-Fi Hacking StrategyHow To:Spy on Network Relationships with Airgraph-NgHow To:Hack Wi-Fi Networks with BettercapHow To:Automate Wi-Fi Hacking with Wifite2How To:Extend a (Hacked)Router's Range with a Wireless Adapter.How to Hack Wi-Fi:Cracking WPA2-PSK Passwords Using Aircrack-NgHow To:Hunt Down Wi-Fi Devices with a Directional AntennaHow To:Pick an Antenna for Wi-Fi HackingHow To:Share Wi-Fi Adapters Across a Network with Airserv-NgHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Cracking WPA2 Passwords Using the New PMKID Hashcat AttackHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Disabling Security Cameras on Any Wireless Network with Aireplay-NgHow To:Build a Pumpkin Pi — The Rogue AP & MITM Framework That Fits in Your PocketHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Cracking WEP Passwords with Aircrack-NgHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Cracking WPA2-PSK Passwords with CowpattyNews:The Best Black Friday 2019 Deals for iPhone & Android ChargersHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Hunting Down & Cracking WEP NetworksHow To:Select a Field-Tested Kali Linux Compatible Wireless AdapterBuyer's Guide:Top 20 Hacker Holiday Gifts for Christmas 2017How to Hack Wi-Fi:Creating an Invisible Rogue Access Point to Siphon Off Data UndetectedHow To:Hack WiFi Using a WPS Pixie Dust AttackHow To:Hack Wi-Fi & Networks More Easily with Lazy ScriptHow To:Use Kismet to Watch Wi-Fi User Activity Through WallsHow To:Intercept Images from a Security Camera Using WiresharkHow To:Hack WPA & WPA2 Wi-Fi Passwords with a Pixie-Dust Attack Using AirgeddonHow to Hack Wi-Fi:Getting Started with Terms & TechnologiesHow To:Crack WPA & WPA2 Wi-Fi Passwords with PyritHacking Android:How to Create a Lab for Android Penetration TestingHacking Gear:10 Essential Gadgets Every Hacker Should TryHow To:Crack Wi-Fi Passwords—For Beginners!How To:Find Saved WiFi Passwords in WindowsHow To:Load Kali Linux on the Raspberry Pi 4 for the Ultimate Miniature Hacking StationHow To:Enable Monitor Mode & Packet Injection on the Raspberry PiHow To:Hack Your Neighbor with a Post-It Note, Part 1 (Performing Recon)News:Secure Your Wireless Network from Pillage and Plunder in 8 Easy Steps