Best USB to Ethernet Adapters in 2025 (Tested & Compared)

USB-to-Ethernet adapters remain crucial in 2025 for reliable, high-speed wired networking on devices lacking built-in ports. Many modern laptops, tablets, and ultrabooks (including MacBook Air/Pro models) omit RJ45 jacks, so a USB or Thunderbolt adapter is often the only way to connect to wired internet. Wired Ethernet still offers more stable, lower-latency connections than Wi-Fi for gaming, video conferencing, NAS backups and other data-intensive tasks. In our roundup, we surveyed lab tests and user reviews from BestReviews, technical blogs, and real-world users, focusing on throughput, OS support, driver ease, durability, and price. The result is this Top 10 list of adapters — each backed by testing or review sources — plus a quick-glance comparison table.

Evaluation Methodology: We prioritized adapters that achieved advertised speeds in real tests and broad compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.). We also checked driver support (plug‑and‑play vs. needing downloads), build quality (e.g. metal housings, cable strain relief), and price/value. Our sources include hands-on tests (e.g. Lon Seidman’s Plugable 5Gb review and Iljitsch’s Cable Matters 2.5Gb tests) and summary reviews (BestReviews, ServeTheHome). All claims of speed or stability are drawn from these sources, not guesswork.

Top 10 USB Ethernet Adapters (Tested & Reviewed)

1. Anker PowerExpand USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter – USB-A, 1 Gbps. A sturdy gigabit adapter praised by BestReviews for its solid 1 Gbps throughput and broad OS support. It uses a USB 3.0 Type-A interface and an aluminum housing.

• Pros: Reliable 1 Gbps performance on Apple, Windows, Chrome and other systems; LED link indicators; quality build.
• Cons: BestReviews notes it “may not work as well with certain devices” (some users report occasional connection hiccups).
• Use Case: Ideal for general laptop users who need a simple plug‑and‑play wired port. (Source: BestReviews).

 

2. TP-Link UE306 Gigabit Adapter – USB-A, 1 Gbps. TP-Link’s foldable USB 3.0 adapter offers full gigabit LAN speeds. BestReviews calls it “bang for the buck,” noting fast 1000 Mbps performance and driver-free install on Apple, Chrome OS, Windows, etc.

• Pros: Portable foldable design; stable gigabit speed; plug‑and‑play on most platforms.
• Cons: Does not support some consoles (e.g. Nintendo Switch, Wii); no USB-C port.
• Use Case: Budget travelers and students needing basic gigabit connectivity. (Source: BestReviews).

 

3. StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Adapter – USB-A, 1 Gbps. A business-class adapter packed with features. StarTech’s unit supports 10/100/1000 Mbps, jumbo frames, VLAN tagging and Wake-on-LAN. BestReviews highlights its robust feature set.

• Pros: Enterprise features (VLAN tagging, jumbo frames, auto-crossover) and broad OS support, including backward USB 2.0 mode.
• Cons: Slightly slower throughput in practice (reviewers noted it “may sometimes run slower”); larger footprint.
• Use Case: IT professionals and network admins needing advanced network features over USB. (Source: BestReviews).

 

4. ABLEWE USB 3.0 4-Port Hub with Ethernet – USB-A, 1 Gbps (plus 3× USB 3.0). This versatile adapter combines a gigabit port with a 3‑port USB hub. It was “Top Pick – Most Comprehensive” for its features.

• Pros: Includes three extra USB 3.0 ports plus 1 GbE RJ45, all in a lightweight aluminum case. Full gigabit speed with no driver neededbestreviews.com.
• Cons: Can interfere with nearby Bluetooth (BestReviews noted some reports of signal issues); larger block.
• Use Case: Users needing both wired network and extra USB ports in one dongle (e.g. laptop docking). (Source: BestReviews).

 

5. UGREEN 1 Gbps USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter – USB-A, 1 Gbps. A compact, driver-free USB 3.0 adapter. BestReviews highlights UGREEN’s broad compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, even Nintendo Switch) and plug‑and‑play convenience.

• Pros: 1000 Mbps speed on all major OS; also works on USB 2.0 ports (at 100 Mbps); light and travel-friendly.
• Cons: Speeds can be limited by USB 3.0 port (max ~950 Mbps) and “may not be fast enough for some users” if maximum bandwidth is needed.
• Use Case: Casual users who want simple gigabit Ethernet for laptops or media boxes. (Source: BestReviews).

 

6. VCOM USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter – USB-A, 1 Gbps ($16.99). A budget adapter with an aluminum shell. The manufacturer advertises “blazing 1000Mbps speeds” (actual tests show ~907 Mbps down, 890 Mbps up) and plug‑and‑play RTL8153 chipset.

• Pros: Full gigabit support; sturdy metal casing; true plug‑and‑play on Windows/Mac (no drivers needed).
• Cons: Lacks extra features (single port only); only USB-A.
• Use Case: Home or office users seeking an affordable gigabit adapter. (Specs from VCOM product page).

 

7. Plugable USBC-E5000 5 Gbps Ethernet Adapter – USB-C, 5 Gbps. A high-end multi-gig adapter. Lon Seidman (Lon.TV) tested this 5 Gb USB-C adapter and confirmed full 5 Gbps throughput when on a USB 3.2 10 Gbps port. It’s powered by a Realtek RTL8157 chip for cross-platform support.

• Pros: Real 5 Gb Ethernet speeds on Mac, Windows or Linux (Downsizable to 2.5/1 Gbps); compact plug with link lights; backed by U.S. support/warranty.
• Cons: Requires a 10 Gbps USB port (Thunderbolt 3/USB4 or USB 3.2 Gen 2) for full speed; higher price; Windows may need driver installation for best performance.
• Use Case: Power users and professionals wanting beyond-gigabit speeds (e.g. fast NAS backups, 4K uncompressed streaming). (Source: Lon.TV review).

 

8. Cable Matters USB 3.2 Gen1 to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter – USB-C (with USB-A dongle), 2.5 Gbps. A proven 2.5 GbE adapter based on Realtek. Tested by Iljitsch van Beijnum, it delivered ~2.35 Gbps throughput on Mac and PC, even without special. With the driver installed, advanced features (jumbo frames, offloads) become throughput on Mac and PC, even without special driversiljitsch.com. With the driver installed, advanced features (jumbo frames, offloads) become availableiljitsch.comiljitsch.com.

• Pros: True 2.5 Gb speeds using Cat5e cabling; MacOS plug-and-play (negotiates 2.5G link out of True 2.5 Gb speeds using Cat5e cabling; MacOS plug-and-play (negotiates 2.5G link out of boxiljitsch.com); low power draw.
• Cons: Uses USB-C (with supplied USB-A dongle); performance depends on host and cable; CPU usage higher if drivers not Uses USB-C (with supplied USB-A dongle); performance depends on host and cable; CPU usage higher if drivers not installediljitsch.com.
• Use Case: Users upgrading older gigabit networks to 2.5 GbE for faster LAN/NAS throughput. (Source: Iljitsch’s hands-on).

 

9. UGREEN USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter – USB-C, 2.5 Gbps. An inexpensive 2.5 GbE dongle using a Realtek chipset. ServeTheHome found it worked “dead simple” on Windows and even plugged straight into an Apple M1 Mac Mini with full 2.5 Gb link. Performance matched other Realtek USB 2.5 GbE NICs (within 3% of native PCIe speeds).

• Pros: Very affordable ($25 on sale) for 2.5 GbE; plug‑and‑play on Mac and PC; consumes only ~1–2 W.
• Cons: The product listing may overstate (some listings incorrectly mention Thunderbolt); like other USB Ethernet, performance can drop if chained through a busy hub.
• Use Case: Budget-conscious users and small offices wanting a cheap 2.5 Gb upgrade. (Source: ServeTheHome review).

 

10. Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub with 2.5Gb Ethernet – USB-C (hub), 2.5 Gbps. This aluminum-clad hub includes three 10 Gbps USB-C ports plus a 2.5 GbE port (no charging or video). AppleInsider praises its build quality and “consistent connection speeds”.

• Pros: Delivers 2.5 Gb network plus high-speed USB ports in one dongle; great build; ideal for MacBook/Windows laptops that need ports; consistent 2.5 Gb performance.
• Cons: No power delivery or HDMI; niche use-case; higher price (~$45).
• Use Case: Remote workers and creatives who need max data speed and multiple USB-C ports. (Source: AppleInsider review).

USB-C Adapters for MacBook and USB-C Devices

Many new laptops (MacBook, Dell XPS, etc.) only have USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. We highlight adapters designed for USB-C: Plugable’s 5 Gbps adapter and the Cable Matters or UGREEN 2.5 GbE units above (all work with macOS and Linux). For example, UGREEN’s USB-C 2.5GbE adapter worked “out-of-box” on an Apple M1 Mac. Cable Matters’ 2.5GbE adapter auto-negotiated 2.5Gb even without a Mac. Cable Matters’ 2.5GbE adapter auto-negotiated 2.5Gb even without a Mac driveriljitsch.com. For MacBook docks/hubs, the Satechi 4-in-1 offers 2.5GbE plus extra USB-C ports. (Apple also sells its own Thunderbolt 3 Gigabit Ethernet adapter.) In short, USB-C adapters can deliver full gigabit or multi-gig speeds on Macs, with plug‑and‑play support across modern OSes.

Best Budget USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapters

For cost-conscious buyers, several adapters deliver solid performance for under $20–$25. TP-Link’s foldable Gigabit adapter and UGREEN’s 1 Gbps USB 3.0 dongle are frequently recommended as budget picks. Both work on Windows, Mac and Linux without drivers.

VCOM’s $16.99 adapter (above) is another value choice, boasting ~900 Mbps speeds and a metal shell. These budget adapters do sacrifice higher speeds (no 2.5/5 GbE), but they reliably replace or expand a missing Ethernet port. In practice, they deliver “blazing” gigabit throughput (>900 Mbps) so long as you use a USB 3.0 port. (Reviews confirm they will max out typical home gigabit lines, making them ideal for laptops on the go.)

Comparison Table

Adapter Model	Port Type	Speed	OS Compatibility	Price Tier	Ideal For
Anker PowerExpand USB 3.0 Gigabit Adapter	USB-A (3.0)	1 Gbps	Win, macOS, ChromeOS	Mid ($30)	General use, laptops
TP-Link UE306 USB 3.0 Gigabit Adapter	USB-A (3.0)	1 Gbps	Win, macOS, ChromeOS	Low ($15)	Travel/portable
StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Adapter	USB-A (3.0)	1 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux	Mid ($35)	IT pros (VLAN/WoL, etc.)
ABLEWE USB 3.0 Hub + Gigabit Adapter	USB-A (3.0)	1 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux	Mid ($30)	Multi-device docking
UGREEN USB 3.0 Gigabit Adapter	USB-A (3.0)	1 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, Switch	Low ($15)	General use, multi-OS
VCOM USB 3.0 Gigabit Adapter	USB-A (3.0)	1 Gbps	Win, macOS (plug&play)	Low ($17)	Budget home office
Plugable USB-C 5Gbps Ethernet (USBC-E5000)	USB-C	5 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux	High ($50)	Pros/creators needing max speed
Cable Matters USB-C 2.5Gbps Adapter	USB-C (w/ A dongle)	2.5 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux	Mid ($35)	Heavy data users, NAS backups
UGREEN USB-C 2.5Gbps Adapter	USB-C	2.5 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux	Mid ($25)	Small office, cost-efficient
Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub (2.5GbE)	USB-C (hub)	2.5 Gbps	Win, macOS, Linux	Mid ($45)	Remote workers/creatives

(Sources: see citations in text. Speed ratings from test results; OS lists from product specs and reviews.)

Conclusion: Who Should Buy Which Adapter?

• Home/Office Users: If you mostly need a single extra Ethernet port, a simple USB‑A adapter (like TP-Link, UGREEN, or the VCOM) offers great value. These deliver full 1 Gbps speeds on modern routers with minimal fuss. Most people will find these adequate for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
• Power/Business Users: IT professionals and heavy users should consider multi-gig adapters. For example, the Plugable 5Gbps dongle and Cable Matters 2.5Gbps adapters enable backups and file transfers well beyond 1 Gbps. As one expert notes, a quality USB 2.5GbE adapter is “very nice” and can signal “the Gigabit Ethernet era is coming to a close”. Enterprises may also prefer StarTech’s feature-rich adapter for VLAN tagging and Wake-on-LAN.
• Mobile Workers/Travelers: If you’re on the go with a MacBook or ultrabook, a compact USB-C hub or adapter is ideal. The Satechi 4-in-1 hub is tailored for remote workers and creatives who need extra ports plus a fast link. MacBook users will appreciate that many USB-C adapters (like UGREEN’s or Cable Matters’) “work out-of-box” on, avoiding driver hassles.
• Budget Shoppers: Those on a budget should look at the TP-Link or UGREEN 1 Gbps adapters. Tests and reviews show they reliably deliver near-gigabit performance for under $20. The VCOM adapter is another low-cost pick with a metal build and advertised ~900 Mbps speeds.

In summary, USB-to-Ethernet adapters are still relevant in 2025 whenever speed, stability or older hardware necessitates wired networking. Our ranked top 10 above cover a range of needs – from simple plug‑and‑play gigabit dongles for casual use, to advanced multi-gig adapters for pros. All claims here are backed by real test data and user reviews, so you can choose the right adapter for your setup with confidence.

Sources: Recommendations are based on product testing and reviews by BestReviews, ServeTheHome, Lon.TV (Plugable), John’s Tech Blog (Hagensieker), AppleInsider, manufacturer specs, and extensive user feedback. Each adapter listing includes a link to its test or review source as noted.