Ubuntu compatible wireless cards (USB) – 5 Best in 2012

Couple months back I wrote a post on how to fix wireless problems in Ubuntu 12.04 LTS release. Although I listed a few good Ubuntu compatible wireless cards (USB) that work, several readers emailed me asking if I could a bit more detailed review. In this post, I am going do a basic review and compatibility check of best Ubuntu compatible wireless cards (USB cards). While there are numerous cards that may work in Ubuntu, covering all of them is beyond the scope of this review. I am going to concentrate on just 5 USB wireless adapters that I think are among the best of the currently available models. Listed below 5 Ubuntu compatible wireless cards (USB) that work on Ubuntu without the need for any configuration, compilation, driver-installation, etc. (plug-and-play). For best Mini PCIe Wifi cards that work on Linux, check this post.

Ubuntu Compatible Wireless Cards

AirLink101 AWLL6075 Wireless N Mini USB Adapter

I have had positive experience with this card and it is definitely one of the top Ubuntu compatible wireless cards. Just plugin, wait for a few seconds, and that is it; you are now ready to connect to your wireless network. Key features include:

• Standards IEEE 802.11b / g / n
• Interface: USB 2.0
• Transimitting: Up to 150Mbps
• Receiving: Up to 300Mbps
• Security: WPA2/WPA-PSK (AES, TKIP) WEP 64, 128-bit

Medialink - Wireless N USB Adapter - 802.11n

Another highly rated ubuntu-compatible USB wireless card. Key features include:

• 150Mbps data transfer rate
• USB 2.0
• Docking Station Included with Attached 3ft USB Extension Cable for Desktop Convenience
• Security Protocols: WPA/WPA2, 64/128/152-bit WEP

ASUS (USB-N13) Wireless-N USB Adapter

The second of only two 300 Mbps capable USB wireless adapter reviewed in this post. This is also one of the most purchased Ubuntu compatible wireless cards. Key features include:

• 300 Mbps
• Wireless N
• USB 2.0
• Security Protocols: WPA/WPA2, 64/128/152-bit WEP

Panda Mini Wifi (b/g/n) 150Mbps Card

Panda Mini Wifi works in the 2.4 GHz range is compatible all major OSes including Linux. Key features include:

• 802.11 b/g/n
• 150 Mbps
• USB 2.0
• Security: WEP 64/128bit, WPA and WPA2

TP-Link TL-WN722N 150Mbps High Gain Wireless USB Adapter

TP-Link has an omni-directional detachable external antenna that improves connectivity. Key features include:

• 150Mbps wireless transmission rate
• Compatible with 802.11b/g/n devices
• USB 2.0
• Security WEP 64/128bit, WPA and WPA2

Ubuntu Compatible Wireless Cards - Final Thoughts

Among the 5 Ubuntu compatible wireless cards (USB) listed above, only ASUS (USB-N13) Wireless-N USB Adapter and AirLink101 AWLL6075 Wireless N Mini USB Adapter support up to 300 Mbps. If this is a concern for you then you may choose one of these two cards. I hope this helps.