Do you have a desktop computer in an inconvenient location and can't run an Ethernet cable? Did you receive a Raspberry Pi without wireless connectivity? Do you want to experiment with tools like Kali Linux and your integrated board isn't compatible? Don't worry, the market is full of small (though very powerful) USB WiFi adapters that we can connect to (almost) any system with a free port. Here are five suggestions.
It's hard to believe the level of miniaturization that WiFi technology has achieved. The concept of a WiFi adapter is not exactly new, since old Palm PDAs had fairly compact proprietary solutions, but with the advance of USB connectivity, today we find WiFi units smaller than a coin. Of course, there are issues of range, performance and compatibility that must be considered, however, it would be truly crazy to ignore the convenience these products offer, and the best part is that they are not expensive either. The most expensive option of the five we present below does not exceed 13 euros, so there are no excuses: WiFi via USB is simple, economical, and works. Let's see what's to choose.
TP-LINK TL-WN823N
The TP-LINK TL-WN823N appears on the Web as one of the most popular USB WiFi adapters from this company, and besides its size, we find several reasons that justify it: WiFi n support at 300 megabits per second, WPS button for quick configuration, guaranteed compatibility with Raspberry Pi, and a SoftAP mode that turns any computer into an access point. (9.50 euros)
CSL Mini Dongle 802.11n
We know well that size isn't everything, and in the case of WiFi adapters, some users prefer some additional flexibility. That advantage is what the CSL Mini Dongle 802.11n offers, with an SMA connector that allows the use of external antennas. Logically, the product comes with its own solution, but with so many homemade antenna designs on the Web, why not experiment a bit? (13 euros)
Edimax EW-7811UN
We quickly enter the territory of ultra-compact adapters, and the first of them is the Edimax EW-7811UN. Its maximum speed is limited to 150 megabits per second, but with good support and an almost non-existent profile, it's ideal for connecting to a Raspberry Pi, or to a laptop a couple of years old that has WiFi issues. (9 euros)
ASUS USB-N10 Nano
If for some particular reason you want the adapter to be backed by a slightly more well-known brand, the direct alternative to the aforementioned Edimax is the ASUS USB-N10 Nano. If I'm not mistaken, it uses the same Realtek chip as the TP-LINK option, so there shouldn't be compatibility problems, even on Linux distributions. Compatible with Raspberry Pi. (12 euros)
D-Link DWA-121
We always try to keep our lists fair, and that way we'll close with an option from the people at D-Link. As with the Edimax model, the DWA-121 sacrifices a bit of maximum speed in exchange for a very small profile. The official page shows drivers for Windows 8.1 at most, but we are convinced it won't have issues on Windows 10. (12 euros)
That's all for today. Corrections? Suggestions? Did I miss any adapter that absolutely must be in this article? Leave a comment. Good luck!
