10 Best USB to Ethernet Adapter For Connecting Laptops to The Internet in 2024

Agreed laptops have become slimmer and more advanced in the last decade. But at the same time, they have also lost quite a few features.

Back when laptops were first introduced, they had Ethernet ports for you to connect your device to a Wi-Fi modem or router. But with time, the number of ports was reduced and Ethernet ports were the first ones to go.

Without Ethernet ports, you cannot connect your laptop directly to the router and enjoy faster speeds. This is where the need for the Best USB to ethernet adapter comes in. Since laptop/computer companies are not going to include Ethernet ports on their devices, this is the best solution you can get.

These adapters feature an Ethernet port on one end and a USB plug on the other. With this, you regain the ability to connect your laptop to your router. 

Besides laptops, these adapters are also used for mobile phones. We also have USB network adapters that connect your computer to a wireless network. These types of adapters are good for PCs without a built-in Wi-Fi card.

If you are looking for the best USB to ethernet adapter, we have some of the top choices in store for you. We have reviewed 10 of these products to make your buying process easier.

10 Best USB to Ethernet Adapter Review

We have handpicked some of the best USB to ethernet adapters that you can use to enjoy a fast and reliable connection. Go through the details and select the one that is most appropriate for you.

#1. Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter: Top Pick

The Cable Matters USB to ethernet adapter is our top pick. If you are looking for a single-use USB network adapter, this could be the ideal choice for you.

Why is it Unique?

This is a pocket-friendly adapter that terminates into a gigabit Ethernet port. The LED on the top of the adapter lights up when you plug it in. Besides that, it has two more LEDs, one indicating the availability of a network, and the other indicating data transfer.

It is an easy-to-use adapter that can be set up without needing any external software drivers. All you need to do is connect it to an Ethernet network and you are good to go.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers dig for this product because it is lightweight and portable. It can be carried easily in a backpack. It is ideal for people who travel a lot and can be used in homes, hotels, and offices.

It can be used with a laptop with a USB 3.0 port. It supports data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.

Best Fit For

This Ethernet adapter is specifically designed for older computers. However, you can also use it with new notebooks and laptops without an Ethernet port. It instantly adds network connectivity to a laptop/computer with USB 3.0 for faster speeds.

#2. TP-Link USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter: Best Choice

The TP-Link USB 3.0 ethernet adapter is a popular choice among buyers. It is a decent USB network adapter with 3 USB 3.0 ports.

Why is it Unique?

The TP-Link UE330 adapter comes with 3 USB 3.0 ports along with 1 extra Gigabit Ethernet port. This is a versatile adapter that can be used with a large variety of devices such as MacBook, Surface Pro, Desktops, Notebooks, Mobile HDD, and more.

It is 10 times faster than older USB 2.0 standards. With this adapter, you can achieve speeds of up to 5Gbps.

Buyer’s Experience

Using this adapter, users can easily turn their laptop’s USB port into an RJ45 Ethernet and enjoy a stable network connection. This is one of the biggest reasons why they have voted highly for this product.

You can instantly add any compatible device and enjoy a faster data transfer speed. It is also backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 devices.

Best Fit For

You can use this adapter with devices running Windows, Mac, and Linux Chrome operating systems.

#3. Plugable USB to Ethernet Adapter: Best Speed

The Plugable USB3-E1000 USB to ethernet adapter is the best when it comes to speed. If you need a USB adapter for HD streaming and online gaming sessions, then this is the best choice for you.

Why it is Unique?

This is one of the fastest USB network adapters you will find in the market. With this adapter, you can upgrade to Gigabit speeds via USB. It is powered by the ASIX AX88179 chipset for greater stability and performance than most Wi-Fi networks.

It provides speeds over 700Mbps on Gigabit and USB 3.0 networks. It also comes with an automatic driver installation via Windows Update on Windows PC.

Buyer’s Experience

First of all, it comes with a 2-year warranty which makes it a risk-free choice for buyers. Buyers also like this product because it is easy to set up and use.

It gives you wired gigabit network support to Ultrabooks, Windows, or Notebooks without an Ethernet connection.

Best Fit For

This adapter is ideal for gaming, HD video streaming, network access, web browsing, and more. It is a perfect travel companion due to its compact design.

#4. Amazon Basics USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter: Best Features

This Amazon Basics USB to Ethernet Adapter comes with additional features that make it stand out from the other adapters in the market. It is designed to support both half-duplex and full-duplex operations.

Why is it Unique?

With this adapter, you can easily connect your laptop to a modem, router, or network switch. It gives you high-speed Ethernet to your network.

The USB 2.0 male A to RJ45 female adapter supports 10/100 Ethernet at 480 Mbps, which is faster than most wireless connections. Other features that are worth mentioning include the Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010, and Wake-on-LAN function.

Buyer’s Experience

Users can use this adapter to connect a USB 3.0 laptop or computer to a router, modem, or network switch. It supports different operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS with the latest system updates. 

Many users have claimed that it is easy to install and therefore, they find it convenient to use.

Best Fit For

This adapter provides you with a fast gigabit Ethernet network. You can use it with computers, tablets, and laptops.

#5. UGREEN USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter: Best Budget

Not everyone can afford expensive USB adapters. If you are on a tight budget, you should consider opting for the UGREEN USB to ethernet adapter. It provides the reliable and faster network that you need.

Why is it Unique?

With this adapter, you can enjoy data transfer speeds up to 100Mbps with a USB 2.0 port. The good thing about this adapter is that it is compatible with most USB A devices.

Due to its compact and portable design, you can easily carry it with you. Plus, it can be very effective when it comes to extending a network port for your devices. It will work even if your device has no network port.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers love this adapter because it delivers high speeds. Compared to other adapters within this price range, it provides more network stability and better performance.

Another great thing about this USB adapter is that it can be used with a large number of devices such as Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, Laptops, Computers, TV boxes, and other USB A devices.

Best Fit For

With this adapter, you can enjoy faster speeds which are ideal for streaming HD videos and playing games. It’s also good for avoiding Wi-Fi privacy and interference issues.

#6. TECKNET Aluminum 3-Port USB Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: Best Design

TECKNET Aluminum 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub is one of the best available network adapters out there. This product is ideal for users who want more from their adapters.

Why is it Unique? 

This product is a unique combination of a USB adapter and hub. It instantly adds a Gigabit Ethernet port to meet your fast network needs.

It comes with 3 USB 3.0 ports that allow you to connect more devices at once, without compromising on speed.

Buyer’s Experience 

This is a lightweight and compact adapter that can be used at both the office and at home. Most users like it because they can carry it with them wherever they go.

The Tecknet USB 3.0 hub provides an uncluttered and neat arrangement of all connections. It ensures that the cables and plugs do not interfere with each other.

Best Fit For

If you want a USB adapter to connect Notebooks, tablets, or Ultrabooks, then this could be the ideal choice for you. It supports IPv4/IPv6 protocols and has a dual-channel transfer mode.

#7. StarTech.com USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter: Best Quality

If you want the best quality and performance, then look no further because you have the StarTech USB31000S USB adapter. It is the ultimate adapter that is built for performance.

Why is it Unique?

This adapter can be used both at home and office due to its high flexibility. It adds a single RJ45 Ethernet port to a USB-enabled device. It also has support for Gigabit network connections at full bandwidth.

It is also backward compatible with USB 2.0/1.x computer systems. This makes it a suitable choice for laptop accessories or a replacement network adapter.

Buyer’s Experience

This is a feature-rich adapter with VLAN tagging, Jumbo Frames, and Wake on LAN. It serves as a versatile Gigabit network solution for businesses and homes. It is because of these reasons that buyers have voted in favor of this product.

With this adapter, you can enjoy optimal connectivity. It also has the Crossover Detection and auto-correction feature that ensures a reliable connection.

Best Fit For

This can be treated as a good travel-friendly adapter. You can use it with various devices both at home and office.

#8. QGeeM USB Ethernet Gigabit Adapter: Best For Stable Connection

If you are looking for a USB to ethernet adapter for a stable connection, then the QGeeM USB Type C to ethernet gigabit adapter could be the best fit for you. It is specifically designed for establishing a stable connection between wired devices and USB-C devices.

Why it is Unique?

With this USB network adapter, you cannot only enjoy a stable connection but also faster speeds. It is a high-quality adapter with a plug-and-play design, which means it requires no driver or software installation.

Using this adapter, you can obtain stable connection speeds up to 1 Gbps. It is also downward compatible with 100Mbps/10Mbps/1Mbps. It serves as an ideal solution for buffer-free HD streaming, online gaming, and data transferring.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers prefer this product due to its wide compatibility. This adapter can be used with USB-C devices like MacBook Pro 2020, MacBook Air 2020, Dell XPS 13/15, Pixelbook, Chromebook, Asus ZenBook, Samsung Tablet Tab A 10.5, Pixel, and the list goes on.

It also features a user-friendly non-slip design for extra durability. Besides that, it has a premium aluminum casing for better heat insulation and to avoid external signal interference.

Best Fit For

This USB adapter is ideal for buffer-free movie streaming, video chatting, online gaming, and data transferring. It fits perfectly with the USB-C ports on your devices and promotes better signal transfer protection.

#9. TP-Link USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter: Best Design

The next best product we have is from TP-Link. As you already know TP-Link is one of the leading brands in the market. It has gained quite a reputation in the WLAN market because of its high-quality products. This USB adapter is popular because of its foldable design.

Why is it Unique?

This is a foldable ethernet to USB adapter, which has pretty much all the features that you would want in a high-quality adapter. But at the same time, it is a bit expensive. If you are willing to spare the budget, then this could be the ideal choice for you.

The TP-Link UE300 Adapter is not just about the best design. It is built to provide more stable connections. With the help of this adapter, you can easily turn your laptop’s USB port into an RJ45 Ethernet port. It allows you to shift from an unstable connection to a stable connection and enjoy faster speeds.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers who have already used this product have given it positive reviews. With this USB adapter, you can experience full 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet performance and also enhance your browsing experience.

The best thing about this adapter is that it is compatible with most devices. Not only that, but it is also backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 standards.

Best Fit For

This adapter is best suited for online streaming, video conferencing, and gaming. It can also be used to transfer data quickly.

#10. Belkin Network Adapter Ethernet: Best For Mac

If you are looking for a suitable USB to the network adapter that will work seamlessly with your Mac device, then you should go for the Belkin Network Adapter Ethernet. This is probably the only adapter that is considered best for Mac devices.

Why is it Unique?

With this USB adapter, you can enjoy a reliable and stable connection. It is designed to give you fast data transfer speeds on your Mac device. It allows you to connect seamlessly and get your work done efficiently.

Due to its fast speed, it can support even the largest downloads without any interruption. It provides Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and supports Supports 10/100/1000BASE-T.

Buyer’s Experience 

This adapter is suitable for Mac owners. Buyers get the confidence to invest in this product as it is backed with a 2-year limited warranty.

Buyers also claim that the adapter provides a stable connection.

Best Fit For

You can use this adapter with Mac devices. It is ideal for video conferencing and downloading large files in less possible time.

Buying Guide For The Best USB to Ethernet Adapter

The market is scattered with different brands of USB to ethernet adapters. But you must look for the one that is right for you. However, this is much easier said than done.

Certain important factors matter the most when it comes to buying a good USB to ethernet adapter. If you have less or no idea, read the pointers below.

1. Compatibility

Not all adapters are compatible with every operating system. While choosing an adapter make sure it supports the operating system of your desktop, especially if you are Linux or Mac.

Apart from that, you must also check whether the adapter is a USB 3.0 unit. In case, the unit is not USB 3.0, you won’t be able to enjoy full speed potential.

2. Capacity

The next important factor is the capacity of the adapter. Buying a USB adapter with a higher capacity will allow you to enjoy the fastest network access.

If you use a cable connection to access the Internet, it can only reach a maximum speed of up to 25 Mbps. In this case, there’s no point in getting an expensive adapter capable. The rule is to buy an adapter that has more capacity than the speed of your network.

3. Speed

One of the main reasons to get a USB to ethernet adapter is to boost your PC’s internet speed. This is an important factor you must look into when buying a USB adapter.

Look for adapters with Gigabit Ethernet ports that can support the speed of 5Gbps. These types of adapters are fast enough to download heavy video games, stream 4K videos, video chat, and surf the web without worry.

4. Port Type

Even the port type matters when you want a quality Ethernet to USB adapter. If your device has both USB type C and type A, you must look for the same USB type adapter.

5. Wired and Wireless

USB network adapters can be both wired and wireless. The wired one can be plugged into your computer and a cable modem or router. The other one is like an antenna that can send and receive Wi-Fi signals.

6. Size

Next comes the size of the adapter. Along with every other thing, you must also consider the size, especially if you are going to carry it with you all the time. Look for adapters that are portable and pocket-friendly. In case, you are going to use it in one place, you can use a larger hub with more ports.

7. Extra Ports

Lastly, you should also consider the number of ports that the adapter has. You will find USB adapters that are bundled into a “hub,” featuring different types of ports. Hubs are not only more beneficial, but they also add functionality to laptops and computers. With the help of hubs, you can connect more external accessories such as SD cards and flash drives to your laptop at once.

How to Use Ethernet to USB Adapter?

People use Ethernet to USB adapters to connect their laptops and computers directly to their cable modems or routers. This allows them to enjoy a faster internet connection.

Setting up a USB adapter is very easy and it can be done by anyone, including people with zero technical knowledge. At first, you turn off the Wi-Fi and then plug one end of the USB adapter into the device, while the other end is connected to the Ethernet cable.

Now plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into a router, modem, or network switch. That’s all you need to do to complete the setup.

Most systems use Wi-Fi over Ethernet by default. Also, it may allow you to edit network connection priority. In that case, you can turn off the Wi-Fi while the Ethernet is in use.

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Final Words

Having a quality USB to ethernet adapter makes your life easier. You can use it to connect your laptop or computer with the router or modem even without Ethernet ports. With the help of a USB adapter, you can enjoy faster speeds that are needed for HD streaming, downloading stuff, gaming, etc. If you are planning to get a high-performance USB adapter, then you should consider choosing a product from our list. We have included only the best products for you.

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