Best Usb Wifi Adapter for Raspberry Pi 3 – Since the the operating systems that run on the Raspberry Pi are based on Linux most USB adapters that run with Linux are also RasPi compatible.
Keep in mind that the operating system being used can effect the dongle in some cases. While most driver libraries are simply loaded into most distributions there can be compatibility issues in some scenarios.
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1.CanaKit Raspberry Pi
Pros & Cons
- Wireless N speed up to 150Mbps, ideal for internet surfing and on-line gaming.
- Complies with IEEE 802.11n (Draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b standards.
- Quick secure setup, complies with WPS for worry free wireless security.
- Supports wireless roaming technology for high-efficient wireless connections.
- Ralink 5370 Chipset
Wireless N speed up to 150Mbps, ideal for internet surfing and on-line gaming. Complies with IEEE 802.11n (Draft 2.0), IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11b standards.
Quick secure setup, complies with WPS for worry free wireless security. Supports wireless roaming technology for high-efficient wireless connections. Ralink 5370 Chipset
2.EDUP USB WiFi
Pros & Cons
- Fast install.The trick to Just make sure you install the software FIRST,then plugging the wireless adapter in. The wifi dongle works perfectly with any 2.4Ghz wireless b/g/n routers
- Data rates: up to 300Mbps,the wifi dongle guarantees a reliable and safe protection USB2.0 interface
- High-Strength Antenna for Strongest Signal - the wifi adapter Signal transmission distance of more than 100 meters.Come with a driver disk that make the installation painless,If have not a convenient place to set it up with an Ethernet cable. this is an inexpensive quick and convenient solution that just what you need!
- Backs up LIFETIME Warranty.You Will Get a New One If You're not Satisfied
Supports 150 Mbps 802.11n Wireless data rate – the latest wireless standard. Permits users to have the farthest range with the widest coverage. (Up to 6 times the speed and 3 times the coverage of 802.11b.).
Power Saving designed to support smart transmit power control and auto-idle state adjustment. Supports WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) Standard so that you can let different types of data have higher priority. It would allows better streaming of real-time data such as Video, Music, Skype etc. Includes multi-language EZmax setup wizard
3.TP-Link USB WiFi Adapter
Pros & Cons
- USB Wi-Fi Adapter: Upgrade your Wi-Fi speeds up to 150 Mbps for lag free video streaming and Internet calls
- Stronger Wi Fi Coverage: 2.4GHz band Wi Fi covers your house everywhere
- Mini Design: allows you to plug it in and forget it is even there; Wireless modes ad hoc/ infrastructure mode; Wireless security supports 64/128 WEP, WPA/WPA2, WPA psk/WPA2 psk (TKIP/AES), supports IEEE 802.1x
- Industry leading support: 2 Year and Free 24/7 technical support
- Compatibility: Compatible with Windows (XP/7/8/8.1/10/11) Mac OS (10.9 - 10.15) Linux Kernel (2.6.18 - 4.4.3)
- Driver installation may be required, Please go to TP-Link website for the latest driver for your operating system
- Please note that TL-WN725N is 2.4GHz only and does not support 5G
Since the TP-Link is a nano adapter, it only measures 0.73 x 0.58 x 0.27 inches (LWH). This makes it a great portable device that doesn’t jut out from the USB port. It’s great if you need to stick it in a laptop on the go, or if you’re limited on USB port plugs like all-in-one PC desktops tend to be.
While most of its size is ideal, I did run into one minor issue when trying to remove it from my Eluktronics laptop. Because it’s so tiny, getting a firm grip to remove it is a real pain. This isn’t a big deal if you’re planning on keeping it there indefinitely, but if you’re using a portable device that requires you to unplug and reinsert the adapter with some frequency, it’s definitely something you might want to consider.
4.NETGEAR Wi-Fi
Pros & Cons
- EXTENDED WIRELESS COVERAGE: Adds Wi-Fi range coverage up to 1000 sq ft, and connects up to 15 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more.
- AC750 WI-FI SPEED: Provides up to 750Mbps performance using dual-band and patented FastLane(TM) technology.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with Wi-Fi.
- WIRED ETHERNET PORT: Simply plug in game consoles, streaming players, or other nearby wired devices using the one 10/100M port for maximum speed.
- SAFE & SECURE: Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
- SIMPLE TO SETUP: Press the WPS button to connect to your router. Use the NETGEAR WiFi Analyzer app for optimal location.
Extended wireless coverage: Adds WiFi range coverage up to 1000 square feet, and connects up to 15 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more
AC750 WIFI speed: Provides up to 750Mbps performance using dual band and patented FastLane technology
Universal compatibility: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with wifi. The product may not be compatible with routers or gateways with firmware that has been altered, is based on open source programs, or is non standard or outdated
Wired ethernet port: Simply plug in game consoles, streaming players, or other nearby wired devices using the one 10/100M port for maximum speed
5.LoveRPi 2.4GHz
Pros & Cons
- USB 2.0 2.4GHz 150Mbps WiFi with Builtin Micro Antenna (72Mb with 20MHz Channel, 150Mb with 40MHz Channel)
- 802.11 B/G/N, WEP/WPA/WPA2, AP Mode Support, 1T1R
- Latest Realtek 802.11N 2.4GHz RTL8188EU Chipset with Windows 10 IoT Support
- Native Support in Raspbian, Armbian, LibreELEC, Ubuntu, Debian, OSMC, OpenELEC, Linux Kernel 3.12+ and Many More!
- Eco Packaging, Dongle Only
USB 2.0 2.4GHz 150Mbps WiFi with Builtin Micro Antenna (72Mb with 20MHz Channel, 150Mb with 40MHz Channel). 802.11 B/G/N, WEP/WPA/WPA2, AP Mode Support, 1T1R
Latest Realtek 802.11N 2.4GHz RTL8188EU Chipset with Windows 10 IoT Support. Native Support in Raspbian, Armbian, LibreELEC, Ubuntu, Debian, OSMC, OpenELEC, Linux Kernel 3.12+ and Many More! Eco Packaging, Dongle Only
6.MakerSpot 4-Port
Pros & Cons
- 9-in-1 Essential Accessories Kit for Raspberry Pi Zero, RASPBERRY PI ZERO IS NOT INCLUDED
- A Form Fitting 4-Port Stackable USB Hub HAT for Raspberry Pi Zero v1.3 (with Camera Connector)
- Transparent Acrylic Case together with nylon bolts, imprinted with GPIO pins guides you the correct connection.
- 150Mbps Wireless N WiFi USB Nano Adapter, Mini HDMI Connector, 3x20 Pin Header Set, All Gold Plated.
- 16GB Micro SD Card and preloaded with the latest version of NOOBS installer.
4-Port USB 2.0 Plug-and-Play Hub. Compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 devices. USB 2.0 High Speed, transfer rate up to 480Mbps. Gold-plated and low-resistance spring-loaded pogo pins. Bus-powered from Pi Zero, or powered externally via the Hub’s micro-USB port. Support maximum 2.3A current if powered by external USB charger
Over current protection and LED indication if power rail draws more than 2.3A. 2-way back-power protection circuitry on Pi Zero connection path
7.BrosTrend 650Mbps Linux
Pros & Cons
- MULTI-OS SUPPORTED: Compatible with Linux Kernels up to 5.18, Ubuntu 22.04 ~ 16.04, Debian 11/10/9/8, Linux Mint 20/19/18, LMDE 4/3/2/1, Kali Linux, Pop!_OS, Raspberry Pi OS (Raspbian) 11/10/9/8, MATE, GNOME, Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Xubuntu, Ubuntu Studio, Budgie, Kylin, MX Linux, Elementary OS, Zorin OS, KDE neon, antiX Linux, Q4OS, Parrot OS, PureOS, Bodhi, deepin, Linux Lite, SparkyLinux, Peppermint OS, Devuan; Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7;
- ULTIMATE WI-FI SPEED: Get 433Mbps Wireless Speed on 5GHz WiFi Band or 200Mbps Speed on 2.4GHz, Excellent for Online 4K Video Streaming, Gaming and so on by Using this WiFi Adapter Linux
- BOOST YOUR WIRELESS RANGE: Comes with 5dBi Long Range WiFi Antenna, Ensures Range Extended WiFi Connection and Superior Stability on Your Desktop, Laptop, PC; this USB Linux WiFi Adapter Antenna can be Rotated and Adjusted 180 Degrees
- DUAL BAND LINUX USB WIFI ADAPTER WORKS WITH ALL WIFI ROUTERS: Works with the Latest Dual Band AC WiFi Router to Take Best Advantage of the Latest WiFi Technology, and Also Compatible with your Previous Wireless N/G/B/A Routers
- ADVANCED WPA3 SECURITY: Secure Your Devices and Network Privacy by Supporting the Latest Wireless Encryption: WPA3-SAE, WPA2/WPA/WEP, AES/PSK/TKIP, 802.1x. *Unsupported Distributions: RHEL, CentOS, openSUSE, OpenWrt, Guix, Puppy, Tails, Endless OS
Using with Linux Mint 20.1 for about 5 weeks now. The only small wrinkle is the drivers provided with the adapter were not correct for the one I got, but the company provided the correct driver via email immediately.
I didn’t have to contact them, it just happened as part of the purchase. Really good, proactive customer service.
WRAP UP
Best Usb Wifi Adapter for Raspberry Pi 3 – Setting up a Raspberry Pi with wireless is easy enough with the right USB WiFi dongle. Not just any dongle will work since the Chipset must be compatible.
Common Chipsets are RTL8188CUS, RTL8187, and the Ralink RT5370 and others.
There are other compatibility issues when it comes to the Pi mainly the power supplied to run the dongle.
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