Last updated on April 3rd, 2024 at 04:38 pm
Our devices are becoming more compact day by day. Manufacturers are getting rid of all the unnecessary ports that are hardly used in today’s modern world. An Ethernet port is one of them. Nowadays, wireless Wi-Fi networks have taken over the connectivity domain. But still, when Wi-Fi doesn’t work, people go to Ethernet cables.
But if your laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, a USB to Ethernet adapter will do the trick. There are two types of USB connections available in this adapter. One is USB 3.0, and another is USB-C. Let’s take a look at some of the best USB-to-Ethernet adapters in the market.
“Our top picks on USB to Ethernet adapters“
| Cable Matters USB 3.0 to Ethernet | Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet | UGREEN USB 3.0 to Ethernet | Amazon Basics USB to Ethernet Internet | UGREEN USB-C to Ethernet | Anker USB-C to Ethernet | BENFEI USB-C to Ethernet | |
| Click the image to buy |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Price | $15.99 | $22.99 | $14.99 | $13.47 | $14.99 | $22.99 | $13.99 |
| Color | Black | Grey | Black | Black | Grey | Grey | Black |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 2.8 x 0.65 in | 2.05 x 0.94 x 0.55 in | 1.34 x 4.09 x 4.09 in | 0.94 x 5.31 x 5.28 in | 4.72 x 7.09 x 1.18 in | 2.05 x 0.94 x 0.55 in | 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 in |
| USB Type | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 A | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Maximum Data transfer rate | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 480 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps | 1000 Mbps |
| Nylon braided cable | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch compatible | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
UGREEN USB 3.0 to ethernet adapter
Size: 1.34 x 4.09 x 4.09 in
Color: Black
This adapter has the same design as Cable Matters USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter. The only difference is this one has a shiny black finish, while the Cable Matters one has a matte finish. It establishes a fast and stable connection of 10/100/1000 Mbps. Unlike the first two adapters, this one is perfectly compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch Oled.
This adapter requires driver installation for Windows XP, 7, Vista, and Linux, but it can be used directly in other operating systems such as MAC OS, Chrome OS, Windows 8, 8.1, 10, and 11. This adapter has two LED indicators, of which one indicates data transfer and the other indicates power. UGREEN also uses a high-performance chip that keeps the network connection stable.
Amazon basics USB 2.0 A ethernet internet adapter
Size: 0.94 x 5.31 x 5.28 in
Color: Black
This is one of the most widely used USB 2.0 A to Ethernet adapters. It is the cheapest among all the adapters on our list. It has a shorter cable than its competitors. It can support a maximum network speed of 480 Mbps. The adapter supports both full-duplex and half-duplex operations along with suspend mode and remote wakeup via link-up and magic packet.
It also supports the IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce CPU loading. It has two indicator LEDs, one each for network detection and data transfer. This adapter is not compatible with Chrome OS.
UGREEN USB-C to ethernet adapter
Size: 4.72 x 7.09 x 1.18 in
Color: Grey
This adapter made it to our list because of the love it receives from its customers. UGREEN makes sure to deliver only quality products so that customers come back for more. This adapter makes wired internet connection easy with all modern devices. You simply have to plug in the adapter to your device and connect the Ethernet cable.
No need to install any external drivers for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, macOS, Chrome OS, iPad OS, and Android, but others might need it. It supports a network speed of up to 1000 Mbps. It has wide compatibility including Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch Oled. It uses the AX88179A chip which ensures wide compatibility and high performance.
The adapter itself is strong and has a sturdy aluminum casing which provides a better cooling effect. The reinforced connection ensures breakage is avoided. Just like most other adapters, this one also has two LED indicators. The green one indicates power and the yellow one indicates data transfer.
Cable Matters USB 3.0 to ethernet adapter
Size: 5.5 x 2.8 x 0.65 in
Color: Black
This is a USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter that you can directly plug into your computer and enjoy high-speed internet. It supports an Ethernet network of up to 1000 Mbps. It has an auto sensor that allows you to use any network of 10/100/1000 Mbps with this adapter. Since this is a plug-and-play type of adapter, there is no need to install any drivers.
It is a great alternative to a Wi-Fi connection. It supports IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. It has 3 diagnostic indicators, one for power detection, one for network detection, and one for data status.
It also supports important performance features such as Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) Ethernet, Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX), Preboot Execution Environment (PXE), and MAC address pass-through (MAC clone) with the Cable Matters EZ-Dock utility software (Windows). This adapter weighs only 0.6 oz hence you can easily carry it around with you.
Anker USB 3.0 to ethernet adapter
Size: 2.05 x 0.94 x 0.55 in
Color: Grey
Warranty: 18 months
This elegant USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter from Anker is made of aluminum and has rounded edges. The aluminum casing makes sure the adapter doesn’t overheat while in use, and the rounded edges keep you from getting hurt over the sharp edges. The braided nylon cable protects the wires and establishes a strong connection.
This Ethernet adapter provides a fast and stable connection and supports a network of 1 Gbps. It gives a more consistent and reliable connection than a wireless Wi-Fi network. Simply plug the adapter into your laptop and enjoy high-speed internet. This has 2 indicator LEDs.
One indicates a connection between the adapter and cable, and the other indicates an Ethernet network connection. This adapter is even smaller than your credit card, which makes carrying it around super easy.
Anker USB-C to ethernet adapter
Size: 2.05 x 0.94 x 0.55 in
Color: Grey
Warranty: 18 months
This adapter has all the features that Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter has. The only major difference is this one has a USB-C connector. The premium aluminum casing for a cooling effect, nylon braided cable for strength, compact size, stable connection, network speed of up to 1000 Mbps, 2 LED indicators, plug, and play type, everything is the same between the two adapters.
This leaves you with an option to choose between USB 3.0 and USB-C. You can pick any for the same price.
Benfei USB-C to ethernet adapter
Size: 0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 in
Color: Black
Warranty: 18 months
This is another amazing USB-C to Ethernet adapter. It is highly rated for its functionality by many users. It supports a network speed of up to 1000 Mbps. It provides a more stable wired connection as compared to wireless networks. It is a plug-and-play type adapter for Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, Chrome OS, and macOS, but for others, you need to install external drivers.
It also has an aluminum alloy shell to avoid overheating. The nylon braided cable gives more strength to the cable and allows it to handle the wear of everyday use. The USB-C connector is plated with nickel which gives it better connectivity and performance.
The adapter uses a smart chip that ensures signal transmission at higher efficiency. It has adopted the advanced PCBA solution. There are two indicator LEDs to detect signal and connection.
Conclusion – Best USB to ethernet adapters
With these adapters, you can make your device Ethernet-capable. We have tried to include most types of Ethernet adapters, so you have the option of picking the one that suits you best. All of the adapters on our list are tried and tested and recommended by our experts. They are carefully chosen from the plethora of adapters available in the market just for you.
