Best Wi-Fi Adapter for Hacking in 2024 (and How to Configure It) Link to heading
This post aims to be straightforward and to the point. I’ll be sharing my top picks for wireless cards used in Wi-Fi hacking, based on personal experience and real-world application. That said, the wireless card I utilize most often is the built-in one on my laptop, which typically supports monitor mode and functions flawlessly.
I usually have 3 different Wi-Fi Adapter in use. Usually 2 external and the computer’s own when running Linux directly or booting from USB.
Table Of Contents
Wireless Cards Link to heading
Top Personal Picks for 2024 Link to heading
If I were to purchase a wireless card today, I would opt for one of the following options since they are relatively similar in price and offer support for 6GHz, ensuring they are future-proof.
| Wireless Card | Image | Protocols | Wi-Fi Bands | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa AWUS036AXML |  |
a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz | €50 - €60 | Amazon ES Amazon US |
| Alfa AWUS036AXM |  |
a/b/g/n/ac/ax | 2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz | €30 - €40 | Amazon ES Amazon US |
Reliable Alternatives Link to heading
For those who don’t need the latest Wi-Fi 6E technology but still want reliable performance:
| Wireless Card | Image | Protocols | Wi-Fi Bands | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa AWUS036ACM |  |
a/b/g/n/ac | 2.4GHz, 5GHz | €30 - €40 | Amazon ES Amazon US |
| Panda PAU09 N600 |  |
a/b/g/n/ac | 2.4GHz, 5GHz | €60 - €80 | Amazon ES Amazon US |
Directional Antenna Link to heading
Using a directional antenna can extend your range and improve results.
| Directional Antenna | Image | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfa APA-M25 |  |
€15 - €25 | Amazon ES / Amazon US |
Installing Drivers in Kali Linux Link to heading
This guide is based on Kali Linux 2024.1.
Enabling USB 3.1 in Your VM Link to heading
Ensure USB 3.1 is enabled in your virtual machine settings:
- VMware:
- VirtualBox: First, install the VirtualBox Extension Pack .
Then, enable USB 3.1:
Installing Drivers Link to heading
Alfa AWUS036AXML Link to heading
- Driver: MT7921AU
- Manufacturer: Mediatek
This device should be plug-and-play. If Kali fails to detect it, run the following commands:
sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r`
reboot
Alfa AWUS036AXM Link to heading
- Driver: MT7921U
- Manufacturer: Mediatek
This device should also be plug-and-play. If Kali does not detect it, follow the same steps as for the AWUS036AXML.
Alfa AWUS036ACH Link to heading
- Driver: rtl8812au
- Manufacturer: Realtek
Install the drivers using apt:
sudo apt-get install linux-headers-`uname -r`
sudo apt-get install dkms
sudo apt-get install realtek-rtl88xxau-dkms
reboot
Now, the system should detect the device:
Verify packet injection:
Alternatively, you can install the driver manually from the aircrack-ng repository:
sudo apt install dkms
git clone -b v5.6.4.2 https://github.com/aircrack-ng/rtl8812au.git
cd rtl*
make
sudo make install
Panda PAU09 N600 Link to heading
- Driver: RT5572
- Manufacturer: Ralink
This device should be truly plug-and-play.
Using Airodump to Scan Link to heading
Set Monitor Mode Link to heading
# Stop network manager
systemctl stop networking.service
# Set monitor mode
sudo ip link set wlan0 down
sudo iw wlan0 set monitor control
sudo ip link set wlan0 up
Monitor 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bands Link to heading
sudo airodump-ng -a --band ag wlan0 -w scan
Monitor 6GHz Band Link to heading
This only works with AWUS036AXML and AWUS036AXM. Note that 6GHz is not widely used yet, so results may be sparse.
sudo airodump-ng -a -C 5935-7115 wlan0 -w scan
GPS for Wardriving Link to heading
For wardriving, the easiest method is using your mobile phone equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, like the WiGLE APP . For a more powerful setup, use an external antenna with a USB GPS module or connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth.
| GPS USB | Image | Price Range | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| GlobalSat BU-353-S4 |  |
€40 - €50 | Amazon ES / Amazon US |
| U-blox7 |  |
€10 - €15 | Amazon ES / Amazon US |
Do Not Recommend List Link to heading
- Alfa AWUS1900: Unstable
- Alfa AWUS036NHA: 2.4GHz only
- Alfa AWUS036NH: 2.4GHz only
- Alfa AWUS036ACH: Non-VIF capable chipsets
References Link to heading
For further information and resources, visit:
- Aircrack-ng - Newbie Guide
- Aircrack-ng - Compatibility Drivers
- Airgeddon - Wiki-Cards and Chipsets
- Aircrack-ng - Add ‘band 6’ to airodump-ng for Wi-Fi 6E 6GHz Channels
Changelog Link to heading
- 23/11/2024: Updated list and add AWUS036ACH to blacklist