In the end, all the Panda is, is just a USB wireless antenna, so definitely not useless. You could still use it if you have a wifi connection in your house, it doesn't *have* to be related to hacking. Or yeah, throw it up on ebay/craigslist/offerup for 5-10 bucks less than what a new one costs on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Panda-Wireless-PAU09-Adapter-Antennas/dp/B01LY35HGO
I would recommend Panda Wireless PAUO9 N600 Dual Band (2.4GHz and 5GHZ) Wireless N USB Adapter. Works great out of the box with no additional dependencies and supports 5GHz. Alfa adapters usually have issues with drivers as you mentioned.
If you're specifically looking into wireless pentesting, I would also recommend you move off of Kali due to driver issues. From a few wireless CTFs (wctf.us) I've been to the people running them suggest Pentoo but personally I like Parrot.
Panda Wireless PAU09 N600 Dual Band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) Wireless N USB Adapter W/Dual 5dBi Antennas