Best Wi-Fi adapters compatible with Linux [USB Wireless]
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Key notes
- We use wireless connections every day, but to achieve the best performance, we need to use a proper wireless adapter.
- In today’s article, we’re going to show you the best Linux compatible WiFi adapters that you can buy.
- Are you interested in Linux? Check this dedicated Linux article for more useful information.
- Looking for more similar devices? Be sure to check our guides from our Network & Connectivity Hub.
Wi-Fi connections are great, especially if you want to keep your workspace neat, but in order to use a wireless connection, you need to have a Wi-Fi adapter.
Not all wireless adapters work on all platforms, and this is especially the case for Linux, so in today’s article, we’ll show you the best Linux compatible WiFi adapters.
What is the best Linux compatible WiFi adapter?
TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle
TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle is a USB Wi-Fi adapter, and it can provide you with transfer speeds up to 150Mbps which should be more than enough for basic needs.
The device has a high-gain antenna, so it will provide you with a stable connection and long range. The antenna can be detached, rotated, and adjusted as needed which will be quite handy.
It’s important to mention that the adapter supports both Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc methods. There’s also a WPS button available, so you can easily connect to a Wi-Fi network.
As for the compatibility, the device should work with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers right of the box.
Overall, TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle is a solid Wi-Fi adapter, and if you’re a Linux user, be sure to consider it.
- Up to 150Mbps transfer speed
- High-gain antenna
- WPS button
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Minor driver issues on some Linux computers
EDUP USB WiFi Adapter
This adapter uses a 2.4GHz connection and it can provide you with a transfer rate up to 150Mbps. Regarding the range, the device can cover up to 50-150 meters thanks to the high-gain antenna.
As for security, there’s support for 64/128/152bit WEP, WPA/WPA, TKIP, as well as IEEE 802. 1x. The device also supports Soft AP mode, but this feature is only available on Windows computers.
It’s worth mentioning that the adapter is incredibly simple to use, and you just need to install its driver first, and then connect the adapter to your computer and it should start working immediately.
As for the compatibility, it should work on all versions of Windows and Mac as well as on Linux.
EDUP USB WiFi Adapter is a great little Wi-Fi adapter, and since it’s so simple to use, it’s a perfect choice for Linux users.
- Uses 2.4GHz connection
- Up to 150Mbps transfer speed
- Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac OS
- High-gain antenna for long range
- The antenna isn’t rotatable
Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter
This is a dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi adapter, and it can provide you with up to 433Mbps on a 5GHz network and up to 200Mbps on a 2.4GHz network.
The device has a small form factor, so you can easily connect it to your PC or laptop and completely forget about it. Regarding the size, the device measures 0.79×0.59×0.31 inches.
Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter can also work in a Soft AP mode, and it can turn your PC into a Wi-Fi hotspot for other wireless devices.
The adapter comes with all the necessary drivers, and as for the compatibility, it should work with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
Cudy AC 650Mbps USB WiFi Adapter is a small but powerful adapter, and if you’re looking for a dual-band adapter for Linux, be sure to consider this model.
- Supports 802.11ac standard
- 433Mbps on 5GHz, 200Mbps on 2.4GHz network
- Small form factor
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Speed drops with increased distance for some users
Cudy WU1300S
Cudy WU1300S is an 802.11ac wireless adapter, and it can provide you with up 400Mbps on 2.4GHz and up to 867Mbps on 5GHz networks.
It’s worth mentioning that this is a USB 3.0 device, so if you want to achieve the maximum speed, it’s necessary to connect the device to a USB 3.0 port.
Cudy WU1300S is rather small, and it won’t block other ports on your computer. In fact, you should be able to connect it and completely forget about it due to its small size.
The adapter also supports Soft AP mode, so you can turn your PC into a hotspot with ease. Regarding the compatibility, this device works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
Cudy WU1300S is a great wireless adapter, and it offers amazing speed, small size, plus it’s compatible with Linux, so be sure to consider it.
- Support for 802.11ac standard
- Up to 867Mbps on 5GHz and up to 400Mbps on 2.4GHz network
- USB 3.0 device
- Small form factor
- Minor driver issues for some users
Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter
This Wi-Fi adapter comes with dual 5dBi high-gain antennas in order to provide you with a high range and stable signal at all times.
The adapter uses 802.11ac standard, and it will provide you with up to 867Mbps on 5GHz and up to 300Mbps on 2.4GHz wireless network.
Keep in mind that this is a USB 3.0 device, and in order to achieve the maximum speeds, you need to connect it to a USB 3.0 port.
The device can also work in Soft AP mode, and turn your PC into a wireless hotspot. Regarding the compatibility, this device works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
Nineplus Wireless USB WiFi Adapter offers great transfer speeds, and it’s a perfect device if you need a fast Wi-Fi adapter for your Linux computer.
- Support for 802.11ac standard
- Two high-gain 5dBi antennas
- Up to 867Mbps/300Mbps on 5GHz/2.4GHz connection
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Some installation issues for Mac users
Choosing the best Wi-Fi adapter for your Linux computer isn’t always easy, but we hope that you found our guide helpful and that you managed to find the right adapter for you.
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