WiFi adapter requirement after full Kali installation

m4lw4re · April 14, 2025, 8:39am

Hi everyone

I’m planning to install Kali Linux on my laptop soon, mainly to learn about wireless penetration testing and network security.

Before I go ahead, I wanted to ask: will I need an external WiFi adapter after installing Kali, or can I use my laptop’s built-in WiFi card? I’m not sure if it supports monitor mode or packet injection, and I’ve heard that many built-in cards don’t.

Any advice or recommendations for compatible USB WiFi adapters would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance!

denartha · April 14, 2025, 10:54am

The Alfa range of wireless adapters have good support in Kali.

I would highly recommend getting an external adapter, because you can add external antennas.

Edit: One thing though, make sure the adapter has an Atheros not a realtek, as the Atheros is fully supported, often out of the box, the RealTek is more finicky.

barry99705 · April 15, 2025, 5:59pm

Atheros and Mediatek chipsets are good.

github.com/morrownr/USB-WiFi

home/Recommended_Adapters_for_Kali_Linux.md

main

## Recommended Adapters for Kali Linux

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.

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