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In the modern age, internet connectivity has become an essential aspect of our lives, and with the increasing number of devices connecting to Wi-Fi networks, the security of wireless networks has become a growing concern.

Whether you are a hobbyist or a cybersecurity engineer, you will need a Wi-Fi adapter that supports monitor mode if you want to get into Wi-Fi hacking.

Monitor mode allows a device to capture and analyze all network traffic passing through a wireless network. You might often encounter many Wi-Fi adapters that do not support monitor mode.  One needs a compatible Wi-Fi adapter that supports monitor mode to take advantage of this feature.

In 2023, the market is flooded with a variety of Wi-Fi adapters that claim to support monitor mode. However, not all of them live up to the expectations. In this context, it's essential to know about the best Wi-Fi adapters that support monitor mode in 2023. These adapters offer compatibility with monitor mode and provide superior performance, reliability, and range.

Our Recommendation

Alfa AWUS036ACHM WiFi USB Adapter

  1. Supported Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
  2. Supported Standards: IEEE 802.11ac/a/b/g/n
  3. Interface: Mini USB; Antenna Connector: RP-SMA female;
  4. Antenna Type: High-gain detachable antenna
  5. Chipset: MediaTek MT7612U
  6. Monitor Mode and Packet Injection Support: Yes
  7. Kali and Parrot Support: Yes
  8. Price: $39.99
View

Best Performance Option

ASUS USB-AC68

  1. Supported Frequency: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  2. Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  3. Interface: USB 3.0
  4. Antennae tYPE: External Foldable
  5. Chipset: Realtek RTL8814AU
  6. Monitor Mode and Packet Injection Support: Yes
  7. Kali and Parrot Support: Yes (Drivers Required).
  8. Price: $89.99
View

The ASUS USB-AC68 provides an unparalleled performance providing fast data rates of up to 1900Mbps. It also has a great design that makes it look modern and flashy. It features the RTL88xxAU chipset, which supports monitor mode and packet injection. However, installing drivers on Kali Linux and Parrot Security may require you.

Best Budget Option

Alfa AWUS036ACS

  1. Supported Frequency: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  2. Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  3. Interface: USB
  4. Antennae Type: Dual-Band External
  5. Chipset: Realtek RTL8811AU
  6. Monitor Mode and Packet Injection Support: Yes
  7. Kali and Parrot Support: Yes
  8. Price: $29.99
View

The Alfa AWUS036ACS is an affordable option that delivers performance and compatibility with modern Linux systems. It features a Realtek RTL8811AU chipset capable of handling 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at an affordable price range of around$ 30.

Best Minimalistic Option

PANDA PAU05

  1. Supported Frequency: 2.4GHz ONLY!!
  2. Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n
  3. Interface: USB
  4. Antennae Type: None
  5. Chipset: Realtek Ralink RT3070
  6. Monitor Mode and Packet Injection Support: Yes
  7. Kali and Parrot Support: Yes
  8. Price: $64.99
View

If you are looking for a minimalistic option that delivers both features and compatibility, the PANDA PAU05 is the card for you. It provides a simplistic design that resembles a regular USB Flash driver making it a perfect choice for use in public areas.

No one wants to be the guy/girl in the café with a laptop and an extra Wi-Fi adapter holstering a massive antenna pair.

Since the card does not feature any antennae, it has a drawback as it supports only 2.4GHz and can support speeds of up to 300Mbs.

Best Full Fledged

Alfa AWUS1900

  1. Supported Frequency: 2.4GHz and 5GHz
  2. Supported Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
  3. Interface: USB 3.0
  4. Antennae Type: 4 Dual-Band External
  5. Chipset: Realtek Realtek RTL8814AU
  6. Monitor Mode and Packet Injection Support: Yes
  7. Kali and Parrot Support: Yes (drivers required).
  8. Price: $64.99
View

The Alfa AWUS1900 is a high-performance dual-band Wi-Fi USB adapter that offers exceptional wireless connectivity for users who require fast and reliable internet speeds.

It includes support for Dual-Band Connectivity, allowing you to access both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands.

It is also equipped with high-gain antennas with its four detachable high-gain antennae; the AWUS1900 can provide maximum wireless coverage and signal strength.

The adapter is designed with a USB 3.0 interface, allowing for high-speed data transfer rates of up to 1900Mbps.

How to Choose

I think deciding which option to go for heavily depends on what you most value. If you like a good performance with a minimalistic design, you can pick the ones that fit that bill. However, if you are looking for one that forgoes the designs and puts all the efforts into performance?

The most important thing is finding one that provides all the necessary features and compatible monitor mode and packet injection.

Using this post, we provided you with some excellent adapters that can fit your requirements.


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