When it comes to connecting your computer to the internet, one of the most reliable ways to do it is through a USB to Ethernet adapter. These adapters are designed to convert a USB connection into an Ethernet connection, allowing you to plug your computer into a router or modem and access the internet. With so many different USB to Ethernet adapters on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. In this article, we’ll be reviewing some of the top USB to Ethernet adapters available, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right one for you. We’ll be looking at the TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), the USB to Ethernet Adapter from uni, the USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter from ABLEWE, the BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter, and the Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, PowerExpand. We’ll also be providing a buyer’s guide and FAQs to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Comparison Chart
Best USB to Ethernet Adapter
TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter
The TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306) is the perfect accessory for getting the most out of your network connection. It’s a foldable USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Laptop Network Adapter, with support for Nintendo Switch, Windows, Linux, and Apple MacBook OS 10.11-10.15 as well as Surface. With it, you can easily upgrade your laptop connection to a high-speed gigabit connection.
The UE306 is plug and play and requires no manual driver installation when used with the Nintendo Switch, Windows 11/10/8.1, and Linux OS. Plus, the simple LED indicator lets you know the network status at a glance. It also features a USB-powered design, so there’s no need to worry about an external power source.
For file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming, this adapter is a great choice. It will provide you with a reliable wired Internet connection for your laptop and USB devices. Plus, the UE306 can replace a broken Ethernet port, so you don’t have to worry about finding a replacement.
Finally, the UE306 has an upgrade in the form of a longer cable. This gives you more flexibility in terms of where you can plug it into, allowing you to plug it into the rear USB 3.0 port of the Nintendo Switch dock for even more convenient usage.
Pros
- Compatible with Windows and Linux operating systems
- Foldable USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Laptop Network Adapter
- Supports Nintendo Switch, Windows, Linux, Apple MacBook OS 10.11-10.15, and Surface
- Plug-n-play ready on many devices
- Immediately provides high download speeds
Cons
- Can experience constant disconnects and adapter powers off
- Not compatible with Fire Stick 4K Max
- Windows not treating both connections equally
- Interferes with Logitech M185 wireless mouse
- Limited to 300mbps and not 1Gbps
uni Driver Free USB 3.0 to 100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter
The USB to Ethernet Adapter, uni Driver Free USB 3.0 is the perfect solution for people looking for a reliable and secure connection for their USB 3.0 devices. It’s plug and play, so no driver or software installation is required. This adapter supports 10/100/1000 Mbps at fast USB 3.0 speeds and is also backward compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. It’s also compatible with features like Wake-On-Lan, Crossover Detection, timing recovery, and IEEE 802. 3az Energy Efficient Ethernet. Plus, with its unique design, built-in intelligent chip RTL8153, and a premium aluminum case for better heat dissipation, you can be sure that your connection will be secure and stable. It’s also compatible with a variety of systems, including Windows XP and later versions, macOS 10.9 and later versions, Chrome OS, and Linux OS. However, it’s not compatible with Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, Wii Mini, or TV. So if you’re looking for a reliable and secure connection for your USB 3.0 device, the uni Driver Free USB 3.0 to 100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter is the perfect solution. Plus, with an 18-month warranty and 24-hour customer service, you can be sure that this adapter is a great purchase.
Pros
- Works as an Ethernet adapter
- Plug and play, no driver needed
- Compatible with Mac, Surface, Notebook PC, Windows, XP, Vista, Linux
- Easy to use
- Keeps the connection from dropping
Cons
- Not always compatible with PXE features
- Some may receive a version with a limited speed of 100Mbit
- Can introduce too much buffer bloat
- Slower than Wi-Fi speeds
- Can fail within days
ABLEWE 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with RJ45 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
The USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, ABLEWE 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub is a great choice for those who need to expand their laptop’s capabilities. This 4-in-1 USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter offers a 1000 Mbps RJ45 gigabit port, three USB 3.0 ports, and is capable of transferring data up to 5 Gbps. It’s also designed to be plug-and-play with no extra driver installation needed, making it incredibly easy to use. Its universal compatibility with Chrome OS, Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows operating systems makes it a great choice for almost any device. And, its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for travel. This adapter is also power efficient, drawing its power directly from the laptop’s USB port so you don’t have to worry about extra power cords. All in all, the USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, ABLEWE 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, reliable adapter to expand the capabilities of their laptop.
Pros
- Comes with 3 USB ports, allowing for multiple devices to be connected
- Fast and reliable Ethernet connection
- Compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, Mac OS, Surface Pro, Linux, and Chromebook
- Supports Gigabit Ethernet
Cons
- Ethernet port does not always work with some laptops
- Not always fast enough for downloads
- USB ports may not work when Ethernet port is used
- Software updates may not be from a trusted source
BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter
The BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter is a quick and compact Ethernet solution for laptops, cellphones, and tablets. It’s easy to use, plugging into a USB port for installation and providing a female Ethernet port for connection. The adapter supports speeds of up to 1000M, with actual speed dependent on the device and Ethernet speed. It also features plug-and-play technology and is compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, and IEEE 802.3ab. The BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter is compatible with Windows 8.1/8/7/Vista/XP, Mac OSX 10.6/10.7/10.8/10.9/10.10/10.11/10.12, Linux kernel 3.x/2.6, and Chrome OS (not compatible with Windows RT or Android). It is USB powered, with no external power required, and comes with an 18-month warranty. The adapter also contains a flash with drivers installed for each operating system, so if the OS blocks the automatic installation, there is a disk included in the package or the driver can be downloaded from the BENFEI website. Overall, the BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter is an ideal choice for adding Ethernet connectivity to devices.
Pros
- Compatible with a variety of systems including Windows7/8/10, XP, Vista, and Mac
- Works well with Xfinity Internet, yielding 900MPBS
- Easy to set up and install
- Works great on Chromebooks
Cons
- Produces too much buffer bloat
- Loses connection at random
- Not compatible with Nintendo Switch
- Poor quality USB connection to the adapter
- Poor instruction on installation
Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter
The Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter is a great way to get a fast and reliable internet connection for your laptop. It’s a lightweight and compact adapter with a sleek aluminum exterior and braided-nylon cable, designed to fit into virtually any laptop with a USB-A port. It also features PowerExpand USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, making it compatible with MacBook Pro 2015, MacBook Air 2017, and more.
The adapter is plug-and-play, requiring no installation, so you can get connected to the internet instantly with connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps. It also has wide compatibility, working with Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and other operating systems. Additionally, the space-saving and portable design measures just over half an inch thick and weighs about the same as a AA battery, which makes it perfect for carrying around.
Overall, the Anker USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter is an excellent tool if you’re looking to get a fast and reliable internet connection for your laptop. It’s lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around, and is compatible with a wide range of operating systems. With its PowerExpand USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, you can connect to the Internet quickly with connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
Pros
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Compact design for easy portability
- USB 3.0 connection is fast and reliable
- Compatible with a variety of devices including MacBook Pro 2015, MacBook Air 2017, and more
- Can deliver up to 900 Mbps upload speed
Cons
- Can only deliver up to 500 Mbps download speed
- Can sometimes report the link as disconnected
- Requires a driver installation for MacOS
- Some users have reported their device arrived dead on arrival
- Some users have reported the sound volume is too low
Buyer’s Guide
When looking for the best USB to Ethernet adapter, there are several factors to consider. First, you’ll want to think about the type of connection you need. If you’re looking for a fast connection, you may want to consider a USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapter, as it offers faster transfer speeds than previous versions. If you’re using an older device, a USB 2.0 to Ethernet adapter may be a better option.
You’ll also want to consider the type of device the adapter is compatible with. Many USB to Ethernet adapters are compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, while others are designed specifically for certain devices. For example, some adapters may be designed to work with a laptop, while others may be designed to work with a desktop.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the features of the adapter. Many adapters come with optional features such as portability, multiple ports, and extra security. Some adapters may even come with a built-in Ethernet switch, which allows multiple devices to be connected to the same Ethernet port.
When deciding which adapter to purchase, it’s important to take your time and make an informed decision. By considering the type of connection you need, the compatibility of the adapter, and the features it offers, you can ensure that you get the best USB to Ethernet adapter for your needs. In addition, taking the time to read reviews and compare prices can help you find the best deal.
FAQ
When it comes to choosing the right USB to Ethernet adapter, there are a few things to consider. The most important factor is the compatibility of the adapter with your device. To ensure you get the best performance, it is important to make sure that the adapter you choose is compatible with your device and the operating system you are using. Additionally, you should also consider the speed of the adapter and whether it is capable of achieving the speeds you need.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the adapter. If you are looking for a more portable option, you should opt for a smaller adapter. USB to Ethernet adapters come in a variety of sizes and shapes so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
Finally, the price of the adapter should be taken into consideration. While there are more expensive options available, you may be able to find an adapter that fits your budget. It is important to remember that the cheapest solution may not always be the best option.
The most important thing to remember when shopping for an adapter is that it needs to be compatible with your device. With a wide range of USB to Ethernet adapters available, you should be able to find one that meets your needs.
Conclusion
The conclusion of this article is that the best USB to Ethernet adapter depends on the device, operating system, and the specific requirements of the user. While TP-Link UE306, the uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, ABLEWE USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, and BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter are all great alternatives, Anker PowerExpand USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter is the best overall option due to its aluminum case, USB-A connection, and its compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems. With the right adapter, users can experience fast and reliable internet connections with their laptops and other devices. Ultimately, the choice of the best USB to Ethernet adapter is up to the user and the requirements of their device.