13 Wireless USB Network Adapters Linux in 2024

Affordable and high-quality USB network adapters Linux

top 3 wireless usb network adapter linux

Compatibility issues have become commonplace for Linux users, many of which can’t run their favorite software because of this. Besides, the majority experiences discomfort due to driver error and endless software downloads. Most manufacturers keep taking Linux compatibility for granted and see the company as a weak player in the software market. Since most users can't find solution to cope with the connectivity problem, Linux is slightly behind its competitors in the rankings.

Top 13 USB Network Adapters Linux

  1. TP-Link TL-WN725N - Our Choice
  2. TP-Link TL-WN722N - Popular
  3. Panda 300Mbps - 300Mbps
  4. Cudy WU1300S - USB WiFi Dongle
  5. Nineplus USB - Dual 5Dbi Antennas
  6. Panda PAU09 - Dual Band
  7. QGOO 1200Mbps - High Gain
  8. Cudy AC 650Mbps - Affordable
  9. BrosTrend 1200Mbps - MULTI-OS
  10. EDUP USB - Budget
  11. Alfa AC1200 - Professional
  12. BrosTrend with External Antennas - 5dBi External Antennas
  13. Cudy WU1300 AC - Compact

If you, despite the described issues, remain a loyal Linux fan, our article is for you. We have described the best wireless USB network adapter Linux supported. These options also work great for Windows and Mac devices.

1. TP-Link TL-WN725N

Our Choice
tp-link tl-wn725n wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ Compact
  • ✚ Afforable
  • ✚ Easy to install
  • Low bandwidth
  • Non useful LED
Rating

The most recent release of the TP-Link TL-WN725N wireless USB network adapter for Linux operating system has been receiving a lot of attention for its innovative features and benefits. One of the most important benefits associated with using the latest TP-Link wireless network adapter is its availability of software that enables you to connect to several wireless networks. In fact, you can use the software to set up a whole range of networks ranging from simple home networks to business networks, from public to private networks and beyond.

This capability goes a long way in making the usage of such a device easy and effective. Another advantage that the software gives its users is the ability to manage their networks in such a way that all their computers become part of a single network. All the computers in the entire network will share the same wireless adapter and router thereby reducing the time involved in connectivity.

2. TP-Link TL-WN722N

Popular
tp-link tl-wn722n wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, USB, IEEE 802.11n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ Works for injection mode
  • ✚ Versatile and works with every OS
  • ✚ Plug and play
  • No built-in support in the kernel in RHEL or CentOS
Rating

The TL-WN722N wireless USB Linux network adapter is a product of TP-Link, a company known for its high-quality wired devices. The Linux-based device comes with many features that have been purposely made for wireless purposes. It offers basic Internet connectivity features such as wireless email, chat, and web browsing. This wireless connection has all the major features that a home user might need.

The USB wireless network adapter for Linux has several unique features, including wireless Direct-attachable card support, which allows users to quickly and easily connect their gadgets directly to the router. It also has the capacity to function as an access point, where it could be used as an access point to connect to the wireless network. Aside from these great features, the adapter also has several other good features, which makes it a good wireless USB for people who are looking for a good wireless device.

3. Panda 300Mbps

300Mbps
panda 300mbps wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Easy setup on modern systems
  • ✚ Good range
  • ✚ Great price
  • You may need to use the provided CD rom to install correctly
Rating

The Panda 300Mbps wireless usb network adapter for Linux is currently rated as the world's best wireless USB wireless adapter on the market today. It allows your network to be connected wirelessly both indoors and outdoors, giving you the versatility of connecting anywhere you want without any limitations.

This wireless adapter also has built in security features that allow you to protect your network from being accessed by unauthorized users, while keeping your device secure. Although you may need to use the provided CD rom to install correctly. Howewer the pros more then cons and includes facts that it has good range and affordable price, so if you looking for best wireless usb network adapter linux then the Panda 300Mbps is right choice for you.

4. Cudy WU1300S

USB WiFi Dongle
cudy wu1300s wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, USB, IEEE 802.11n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 3.0, USB 2.0

  • ✚ Is not super hard to install
  • ✚ Cheap
  • ✚ Convenient
  • ✚ Good compatibility
  • Sometimes the USB stick gets a little too hot
  • Limited functions
Rating

The Cudy WU1300S USB wireless adapter is a new wireless adapter that is a combination of an older model Linux wireless router and wireless USB adapters. It may not have all the features that you would want in your wireless network. For example, it does not support the WAP, and it only has one built-in connection port. You might consider buying one of the other two wireless routers from Atheros or Linksys, but most people will find the Cudy's affordable price to be its biggest advantage.

While the Cudy can be used with Linux, it is limited to USB 2.0 and does not have the wide range of features available on the other two wireless routers. Although the USB stick sometimes gets a little too hot, it is still very good choice if you looking for best wireless usb network adapter for Linux.

5. Nineplus USB

Dual 5Dbi Antennas
nineplus usb wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ MU-MIMO technology for two simultaneous data streaming.
  • ✚ Very inexpensive
  • ✚ Strong signal transmission
  • High latency makes extra bandwidth inoperable
Rating

NinePlus USB wireless Linux network adapter is the latest and greatest addition to the world of wireless USB adapters. It has become increasingly popular because its very easy to use and has a lot of great features. NinePlus, however, also has some unique advantages that set it apart. For example, MU-MIMO technology for two simultaneous data streaming.

The pros of the NinePlus USB wireless networking adapter are pretty obvious, if you're a person who wants wireless networking in the open-air office or at a public internet cafe. Simply put, this type of wireless networking device will allow you to stay connected wherever you are, even if you don't have an air card or if your laptop's wireless networking card doesn't have an Ethernet port. Main con is high latency that makes extra bandwidth inoperable.

6. Panda PAU09

Dual Band
panda pau09 wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Dual antennas
  • ✚ Very nice stand
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • Not reliable
Rating

Panda PAU09 is a wireless usb network adapter for Linux. It can be used to connect your laptop or notebook into the Internet with wireless. This is not only for personal computing but also for business purposes. One of the things that it has that other wireless adapters don't have is very nice stand. It doesn't matter whether you are using Internet for work or for play, this Panda PAU will be able to give you everything you need.

One of the best features is it allows you to easily turn it off and on. You don't have to get up from your desk. No more fussing with wires. Although, some consumers received that it is not reliable its still good choice if you looking for best wireless usb network adapter for Linux.

7. QGOO 1200Mbps

High Gain
qgoo 1200mbps wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Affordable
  • ✚ Dual band
  • ✚ Ultra-fast speed WiFi
  • ✚ Stable and safe wireless signal
  • Not reliable
Rating

If you're looking to buy a wireless USB Ethernet adapter for your laptop, you might be interested to find out about the QGOO 1200Mbps wireless USB Linux network adapter. It is one of the newest products that are designed by QGOO, a company that has been around since 1999. This company is very well known for making wireless products, including wireless phone networks and other types of wireless devices. When you purchase one of their products, you get a standard warranty that is good on most products, including the wireless USB network adapter.

One of the pros about the wireless USB Ethernet adapter for Linux that this company offers is the compatibility with Windows XP, Vista, and 7. The wireless USB network adapter also features a low latency which guarantees that the user will have good internet connections wherever they go.

8. Cudy AC 650Mbps

Affordable
cudy ac 650mbps wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ High performance
  • ✚ Portable
  • ✚ Easy to set up
  • Mediocre connectivity
Rating

We are going to take a look at the pros and cons of the Cudy AC 650Mbps wireless USB network adapter for Linux operating system. The first advantage that we are going to look at is the fact that the wireless network adapter in the Cudy Air can connect to a Linux computer through a USB port. This is a very nice feature that comes with this wireless network adapter. This USB port can also be used to connect the Cudy Air to a laptop or personal computer.

The next advantage that we are going to look at is the fact that this wireless adapter will work with any type of wireless network and not have to use WEP. Many people already know that they need to change their WEP password every time they switch networks. WEP is an outdated method of securing wireless networks in many homes.

9. BrosTrend 1200Mbps

MULTI-OS
brostrend 1200mbps wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Long range connectivity
  • ✚ Comes with USB 3.0 cradle
  • ✚ Five feet cable extension
  • Some users experience random disconnects
Rating

Recently the BrosTrend 1200Mbps wireless USB Linux network adapter has been good appreciated by most of the leading computer magazines in the UK. This is one of the top wireless connection available in the market as of today.

In our opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons when talking about the BrosTrend's feature and benefits. This wireless network adapter connects quickly, is very reliable and compatible with most Linux operating systems. The cons do exist when you compare pricing; wireless network connectivity is much more expensive than a wired broadband connection but wireless USB networking adapter is definitely cheaper in the long run. Also some users experience random disconnects, howewer, if you looking for best wireless usb network adapter linux then the BrosTrend 1200Mbps is right choice for you.

10. EDUP USB

Budget
edup usb wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: IEEE 802. 1x | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 2.0

  • ✚ Cheap
  • ✚ Stylish
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • Your device needs to be able to read CDs
Rating

EDUP USB wireless network adapter for Linux is the latest in a long line of USB wireless solutions. The wireless networking community has been greatly benefited by this wireless technology, and it is used in most of the latest wireless phones as well as home wireless network systems. It is a good product to look at if you are looking for one or more of the features: price and design. Howewer your computre or laptop needs to be able to read CDsto install adapter.

EDUP USB wireless network adapter supports both WEP and CCNA in their security suites. It is therefore very convenient to use this network adapter in any of your work computers at home or at the office. Since it can use most of the available wireless networks and connect to the internet anywhere within the range of 10 meters or so, you can leave it set up to automatically connect to the internet when you need it.

11. Alfa AC1200

Professional
alfa ac1200 wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ 160+Mbps wireless (USB 3.0)
  • ✚ Monitor Mode works perfectly
  • ✚ Packet Injection is working perfectly
  • It tends to disconnect every so-often
Rating

The Alfa AC 1200 wireless USB network adapter is one of many wireless devices that work via Linux. You might find the wireless network connection slower than if you use Windows. Some people compare the speeds of the two operating systems, but they have different pros and cons. So, you can see why some people prefer to go with Linux over Windows.

One of the best things about the Alcafra AC 1200 wireless USB Linux adapter is that it is cheap. This affordable price is one of the main reasons people are choosing to use Linux over other options out there. As you might know, Windows works great on a computer, but it does not work well if you do not have wireless Internet or a wireless router around. If you do not need wireless Internet to use your wireless network, then this wireless USB networking device should work for you.

12. BrosTrend with External Antennas

5dBi External Antennas
brostrend with external antennas wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: 802.11b/g/n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz + 5GHz | Interface: USB 3.0

  • ✚ Modular design
  • ✚ Mostly platform agnostic
  • ✚ Both standard speeds
  • Requires a 3rd party driver for Linux
  • Does not support OSX distributions older than 10.6
Rating

The wireless network USB adapter for Linux from Bros Trend is very easy to use in many different applications. The wireless device works with Linux operating system, which is one of the more popular operating systems used today. One of the best features of this wireless device is that it works with Windows too. With the wireless network USB adapter from Bros Trend, the user can transfer files, folders, videos and any other type of file to any location at any time via network.

The wireless device also allows internet connection for the computer that is used to set up the wireless connection. The cons includes facts that it requires a 3rd party driver for Linux which requires a bit of expertise to set up and it does not support OSX 10.13 or OSX distributions older than 10.6.

13. Cudy WU1300 AC

Compact
cudy wu1300 ac wireless usb network adapter linux

Standard: IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, USB, IEEE 802.11n | Frequencies: 2.4GHz | Interface: USB 3.0, USB 2.0

  • ✚ Works with any router
  • ✚ Excellent transmission speed up to 1300Mbps
  • ✚ Easy to use and install
  • Periodically disconnects
Rating

Cudy WU1300 AC wireless USB Linux adapter has received a lot of attention from the tech media. This is because of its cool looking and high performing abilities. The wireless networking is an important feature, since it will allow people to stay connected to each other even if they are on the move. In addition to this feature, the WU1300 also offers a data backup.

There are some people that might consider these features a little gimmicky, but if you have ever had to set up a wireless network at your home or office, you know that they can be pretty easy to set up. Furthermore, there are several other functions that this wireless adapter can take care of. The Pro version is going to be a little bit more expensive, but it has additional features that the standard version does not have.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
tp-link tl-wn725n wireless usb network adapter linux
TP-Link TL-WN725N
Our Choice
  • Compact
  • Afforable
CHECK PRICE
tp-link tl-wn722n wireless usb network adapter linux
TP-Link TL-WN722N
Popular
  • Works for injection mode
  • Versatile and works with every OS
CHECK PRICE
panda 300mbps wireless usb network adapter linux
Panda 300Mbps
300Mbps
  • Easy setup on modern systems
  • Good range
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the USB Network Adapters Linux?

Follow the tips described in the article to find the best wireless USB network adapter Linux. Due to a wide range of options, you can choose the one that works best for your needs.

how to choose the wireless usb network adapter linux

Compatibility

We will cover devices that support a wide range of OS, including Linux. Keep in mind that some drivers are still not compatible with multiple platforms, including PS3, Roku, and digital video recorders. After examining the article, you’ll learn all possible nuances to make the right decision. Besides, if you want to use the extensions with other software in the future, you will have a better understanding of the capabilities and functionality.

Dual Band

If you're looking for a 2.4GHz standard, then 802.11b and 802.11g are your options. While standards for 5 GHz are 802.11a and 802.11ac, 802.11n works fine for both values. However, the “n” indicator isn’t a guarantee that an adapter is compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. When looking for the best wireless USB network adapter Linux, we recommend consulting a specialist to select a device that matches two bands at a time. The only obvious clue for you is the "a" indicator, which works only for 5 GHz standards.

how to choose the wireless usb network adapter linux

Power Consumption

When choosing an adapter, remember that it should work as smoothly as possible. Typically, most models come with an energy-saving option that you can customize to suit your needs. Keep in mind, a power-saving mode may reduce the performance of a device.

Space

We do not recommend choosing a large USB drive, as it will take up a lot of desktop space. Despite the advantages of adapters with long antennae (they catch weak signals better), they don't work for users who strive for mobility. In this case, the more compact the device, the better.

Speed and Compatible USB Types

Since your main goal is to get high performance, we recommend opting for a fast device that supports your OS. Although the USB 3.0 port delivers high speed, reducing network signal congestion, it is only compatible with some versions of Linux (Kernel 2.6 35 or newer). While USB 2.0 works fine with all Linux versions with no exceptions.

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