7 Best USB to Ethernet Adapters for Laptops and MacBooks

Ethernet is the most reliable way to connect to the internet. While you can use Wi-Fi for a wire-free experience, ethernet offers better stability, and your browsing experience will be marred by lesser disconnections too. Unfortunately, laptop manufacturers have seemingly given up on the ethernet port in a bid to make sleeker notebooks. But, fret not. If you’re a power user who is vying for a reliable internet connection, follow our recommendation for the best USB to ethernet adapters.

Ethernet adapters can be used with both USB-A or USB-C ports. So, whether you have an old Windows laptop or the latest MacBook, there’s an Ethernet adapter for everyone. Apart from servicing your ethernet needs, some adapters come with additional ports or SD card slots as well. That said, here are some USB-A and USB-C to ethernet adapters for your MacBook and Windows computers.

Before that –

• Learn how to choose the right Wi-Fi router for your home or office.
• If you want an uninterrupted gaming experience, consider getting a budget Wi-Fi router for gaming.
• Keep your router up and running during an outage by using a power bank for your Wi-Fi router.

1. Uni Ethernet Adapter

• Connector: USB-A
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet

Of course, using the Uni adapter with a 2.0 port would affect the Internet speeds. However, most users have said the speeds are consistent which makes it a reliable adapter.

Despite being affordable, the Uni ethernet dongle for laptops has a braided cable making it durable. There’s even an LED indicator to tell you the connection status, which is great.

2. Ablewe RJ45 Adapter With USB Hub

• Connector: USB-A
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-A

Think of the Ablewe RJ45 adapter as a multi-purpose hub. Along with giving you stable internet connectivity, it also lets you connect three additional devices. So, if your laptop has limited USB-A ports and the dongle itself occupies one port, you should consider getting the Ablewe adapter.

You can connect flash drives, external hard disks, and numerous peripherals to the USB hub. With over 12,000 reviews, users seem to be happy with the way the Ablewe adapter has held up. It performs well and delivers stable internet speeds.

3. Anker PowerExpand Gigabit Adapter

• Connector: USB-C
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet

A handful of MacBooks and Windows laptops don’t have a USB-A port. In such a case, it’s best to get a USB-C to ethernet adapter. For those wondering, a USB-C ethernet dongle will be able to facilitate the same gigabit internet speeds as USB-A adapters.

As per the reviews, one of the best features of the Anker adapter is that the ethernet cable locks into place when it’s plugged in. As such, you won’t dislodge the cable if you accidentally tug on it.

4. UGREEN Multiport USB dongle

• Connector: USB-C
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-C

We wish UGREEN also included one USB-C port along with the USB-A ports on the adapter. This would have provided users with the option to connect modern accessories like SSDs or even charging cables.

You can still use the USB-A ports to connect mouse/keyboard dongles, flash drives, etc. UGREEN is a reputed brand that makes high-quality accessories so you don’t have to worry about the longevity of the dongle either. The cable is also braided which makes it sturdy.

5. Ablewe 8-in-1 Hub

• Connector: USB-C
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x USB-C, 1 x microSD, 1 x SD Card

A dongle is necessary to connect external devices and it is a quintessential accessory for MacBook users. If you don’t have an existing dongle, consider getting the Ablewe 8-in-1 adapter. Not only do you get a gigabit ethernet port but you also get an array of other connectors too.

For starters, there’s an HDMI port to connect external displays. Then, you get two SD card slots of different sizes for creators. The unit even has a USB-C port, which should make up for the one that it occupies on your laptop. It’s also surprisingly inexpensive for what it offers. Some users have reported that the Ablewe dongle gets hot to the touch, but that’s the case with most adapters.

6. Belkin Ethernet + Charge Adapter

• Connector: USB-C
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet, 1 x USB-C

Belkin’s LAN adapter is somewhat expensive for what it offers. Nevertheless, you’re paying for the reliability and the ability to charge your Mac using the dongle’s USB-C port. Note that the Power Delivery is limited to 60W so if you have a MacBook Pro 16, you won’t be able to charge it at the max speed.

Users cite that the Belkin dongle works well with iPads and phones too, so you use an ethernet cable with the aforementioned devices if you please.

7. Plugable Dual Ethernet Adapter

• Connector: USB-C, USB-A
• Ports: 1 x Ethernet

Given how Plugable’s dongle is compliant with a host of devices, it only makes us wonder why other brands haven’t followed the company’s suit.

Not just that, Plugable also gives you speeds of up to 2.5Gbps which is more than twice the standard 1Gbps connection. This makes it the fastest adapter for gaming and streaming on the list. On the flip side, the dongle doesn’t feature any other ports. What’s more, the Plugable adapter is slightly expensive. That said, the dongle’s versatile nature and support for faster Internet speeds somewhat make up for it’s pricey MRP.

FAQs for USB to Ethernet Adapters

Say Goodbye to Random Disconnections

A Wi-Fi connection — albeit convenient — is prone to random disconnections. An ethernet connection, on the other hand, is a stable alternative. We’ve strived to enlist the best USB to ethernet adapters for your Mac or Windows laptop in the aforementioned guide. All of these adapters should help you establish a stable internet connection. You can pick any of the above-mentioned accessories depending on whether you only want an ethernet port or a multipurpose dongle.