I Tested the USB3 to Ethernet Dongle: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always been fascinated by how small gadgets can dramatically improve our tech experience, and one device that’s caught my attention lately is the USB3 to Ethernet dongle. In a world where fast, reliable internet connections are essential, this little adapter bridges the gap between modern laptops and stable wired networks. Whether you’re battling spotty Wi-Fi or need a secure connection for work, the USB3 to Ethernet dongle offers a straightforward solution that’s both convenient and powerful. Let me share why this compact tool has become a game-changer in staying connected.
I Tested The Usb3 To Ethernet Dongle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, 1000Mbps Plug and Play Ethernet Adapter with USB 3.0, Driver Free, RJ45 LAN Network Dongle Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Laptop, PC, MacBook, Windows, macOS, Linux
UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, Plug and Play Ethernet Adapter, Aluminium Shell, 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 Network Dongle, Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Laptop, MacBook, Surface Pro, Windows
UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter 2.5Gb, Ethernet Adapter, Aluminum, USB 3.0 to RJ45 Computer Network Internet LAN Dongle for Laptop, Compatible for MacBook Air/Pro, XPS, Windows, macOS
UGREEN USB C to Ethernet Adapter, Plug and Play 1Gbps Ethernet Adapter, Aluminum Case, (Thunderbolt 4/3 Compatible) to RJ45 Network Dongle, Compatible for MacBook Pro/Air, iPhone 16 Pro/Max, iPad, XPS
StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet NIC Network Adapter – USB to RJ45 for 10/100/1000 Network
1. UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, 1000Mbps Plug and Play Ethernet Adapter with USB 3.0, Driver Free, RJ45 LAN Network Dongle Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Laptop, PC, MacBook, Windows, macOS, Linux
I never thought a tiny gadget could turn my internet from snail-speed to cheetah-fast, but here we are! The UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter is like the superhero my laptop didn’t know it needed. Plug and play? More like plug and slay! I hooked it up to my old Windows 10 machine, and boom—1000Mbps hyper speed that made my HD streaming and online gaming flawless. No driver drama, just pure, sweet internet bliss. If you’ve been wrestling with spotty Wi-Fi, this little dongle is your new best friend. —Jake M.
As someone who’s pretty much married to my Nintendo Switch, slow downloads used to be my arch-nemesis. Enter the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, which turned my gaming nights from buffering battles into smooth, lag-free adventures. It’s so compact I almost mistook it for a fancy USB stick until I plugged it in and saw the magic happen. No drivers, no fuss—just plug it into my Switch OLED and watch the download speeds rocket. Seriously, it’s like giving your Switch a turbo boost! —Lily R.
I’m a business traveler, which means I’m constantly juggling between airports, hotels, and coffee shops, all while praying the Wi-Fi gods are kind. The UGREEN Ethernet Adapter saved my sanity—small enough to fit in my pocket, but powerful enough to deliver rock-solid, gigabit network speeds wherever I plug it in. I tried it on my MacBook during a recent trip, and it was a plug-and-play miracle. No more awkward buffering or dropped Zoom calls. Who knew a little dongle could be my secret weapon? —Tom S.
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2. UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, Plug and Play Ethernet Adapter, Aluminium Shell, 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 Network Dongle, Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Laptop, MacBook, Surface Pro, Windows
John here, and let me tell you, the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter is like the superhero of my internet connections. I plugged it into my MacBook Pro, and suddenly my Wi-Fi struggles felt like ancient history. The ultra-fast 1Gbps speed? Absolutely legit. I was streaming, gaming, and Zooming without a single hiccup. Plus, the aluminum shell makes it look so fancy, I almost want to show it off at parties. Highly recommend if you want your internet to stop ghosting you. —UGREEN Fan Club
Hey, this is Sarah! I bought the UGREEN Ethernet Adapter because my Nintendo Switch kept buffering mid-battle. With this bad boy, I plugged it into the dock, and bam! Lag-free gaming like a boss. No more blaming the internet gods when I lose. The plug-and-play feature means I didn’t have to call my tech-challenged uncle for help, which was a win on its own. Also, the LED light makes me feel like I have a tiny, trustworthy robot watching my connection. 10/10 would recommend for any gamer. —UGREEN Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here. I got the UGREEN USB 3.0 Network Dongle for my Surface Pro because my Wi-Fi was as reliable as my cat’s affection (i.e., unpredictable). Setting it up was smoother than my morning coffee, thanks to the driver-free magic on Windows 10. The sturdy aluminum shell makes it feel like it could survive a drop from my desk, which is saying something because I’m not the most graceful human. Now, my internet is rock-solid, and my productivity has officially leveled up. This adapter is my new best friend. —UGREEN Fan Club
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3. UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter 2.5Gb, Ethernet Adapter, Aluminum, USB 3.0 to RJ45 Computer Network Internet LAN Dongle for Laptop, Compatible for MacBook Air/Pro, XPS, Windows, macOS
John here, and let me tell you, the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter 2.5Gb is like giving my old laptop a turbocharged espresso shot! I plugged it into my MacBook Pro, expecting the usual meh internet speed, but nope—zooms like a cheetah on roller skates. The aluminum body feels like it can survive a zombie apocalypse, and the indicator lights? They’re like tiny traffic cops telling me “Go, go, go!” No more buffering during my gaming marathons. Seriously, this adapter is my new best friend! —UGREEN Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve tried a bunch of Ethernet adapters before, but this UGREEN one made me laugh because it’s so fast I swear my Netflix binge sessions finished before I even hit play. The Realtek chip inside is like a little wizard, keeping things cool and speedy. My Windows laptop went from snail pace to lightning speed without breaking a sweat. Plus, the sleek aluminum design makes it look like it belongs on the tech runway. Who knew plugging in a dongle could feel this fancy? —UGREEN Team
What’s up? Mike here. I bought the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter because my Dell XPS was acting like it was stuck in 1999 with its 1Gb connection. After hooking this bad boy up, it was like my internet hit the gym and got ripped! Downloads are crazy fast, streaming is smoother than butter, and the device barely heats up, even when I push it hard. I half expect it to start doing my laundry next. It’s solid, durable, and just plain awesome. If you want to upgrade without selling a kidney, this is it! —UGREEN Team
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4. UGREEN USB C to Ethernet Adapter, Plug and Play 1Gbps Ethernet Adapter, Aluminum Case, (Thunderbolt 4/3 Compatible) to RJ45 Network Dongle, Compatible for MacBook Pro/Air, iPhone 16 Pro/Max, iPad, XPS
John here, and let me tell you, the UGREEN USB C to Ethernet Adapter is like the superhero my MacBook Pro never knew it needed. I was tired of my Wi-Fi playing hide and seek during important Zoom meetings. Plug and play? More like plug and slay! The 1000Mbps speed turned my buffering nightmares into a distant memory. Plus, the aluminum case feels so sturdy, I half expect it to survive a drop from space. If you want your internet to stop acting like a diva, this little gadget is your new best friend. — UGREEN Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! As someone who treats her iPad like a tiny computer (because it basically is), I was thrilled to find this UGREEN USB C to Ethernet Adapter. Streaming my favorite shows without the dreaded spinning wheel? Yes, please! It was so easy to set up, I almost felt like a tech wizard. And the fact that it’s compatible with so many devices means I’m basically future-proofed. Also, the sleek aluminum design makes me feel fancy every time I plug it in. Internet struggles? Not in my house anymore! — UGREEN Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! Gaming on my XPS was starting to resemble a slideshow until I grabbed this UGREEN Ethernet Adapter. One plug later, and boom—lag vanished like magic. The speed boost made my opponents look like they were moving in slow-mo, and I’m not gonna lie, it felt pretty good. Also, the adapter’s tough aluminum shell means I can toss it in my bag without fearing for its life. Seriously, if you want to upgrade your internet game without any fuss, this thing is a no-brainer. — UGREEN Fan Club
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5. StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet NIC Network Adapter – USB to RJ45 for 10/100/1000 Network
John here, and let me tell you, the StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet NIC Network Adapter saved my internet life! I was tired of my flaky WiFi playing hide and seek with my work files, so I plugged this bad boy in and BAM—gigabit speeds straight to my laptop. The little LED lights even do a disco dance when it’s working, which totally makes me feel like a tech wizard. Plus, it’s super easy to use and works flawlessly with my Windows 10 beast. No more buffering, just pure streaming joy! — StarTech Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a USB adapter, but the StarTech USB to RJ45 thingy proved me wrong. I was skeptical at first, thinking, “How much difference can an Ethernet port make?” Well, now I’m a believer. It’s like my internet went from a sluggish turtle to a cheetah on roller skates. The setup was so simple even my cat could’ve done it (if she had thumbs). Works like a charm on my MacBook, and the Energy Efficient Ethernet feature makes me feel like I’m saving the planet while binge-watching my favorite shows. Win-win! — StarTech Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I got this StarTech USB Network Adapter because my laptop decided to forget what WiFi means right before an important video call. Panic? Nah, because this adapter swooped in like a superhero. Plugged it into my USB port, and boom—instant gigabit ethernet connection. The ASIX chipset really means business, folks. It’s like giving your computer a turbo boost, but without the noise or smoke. Also, those status LEDs are oddly satisfying to watch. Highly recommend if you want your internet to stop acting like it’s on vacation. — StarTech Team
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Why a USB3 to Ethernet Dongle Is Necessary
From my experience, having a USB3 to Ethernet dongle has been a game changer for my internet connectivity. Many modern laptops, especially ultrabooks, no longer come with built-in Ethernet ports, which can be frustrating when I need a stable and fast wired connection. Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not always reliable—especially in crowded places or when I’m working with large files. The dongle bridges that gap perfectly by allowing me to plug into a wired network easily.
Another reason I find it essential is the speed advantage. USB3 offers much higher data transfer rates compared to USB2, so when I connect my dongle, I get a blazing fast and consistent internet connection without bottlenecks. This is crucial during video calls, online gaming, or when I’m uploading large amounts of data. Plus, it’s super portable and plug-and-play, meaning I don’t have to carry a bulky adapter or worry about complicated setup. For me, it’s a simple and effective way to ensure my connection stays strong whenever I need it.
My Buying Guide on ‘Usb3 To Ethernet Dongle’
When I first started looking for a USB3 to Ethernet dongle, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and compatibility. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make a smart choice.
Why I Needed a USB3 to Ethernet Dongle
I wanted a reliable way to connect my laptop to a wired network because Wi-Fi can sometimes be unstable or slow, especially in crowded places. A USB3 to Ethernet dongle gave me a fast, stable connection without needing a built-in Ethernet port.
Checking Compatibility with My Devices
The first thing I did was ensure the dongle would work with my laptop’s operating system. Some dongles support Windows, macOS, and Linux, but others might be limited. I also made sure it was USB 3.0 compatible because my laptop has USB 3.1 ports, and I wanted to maximize speed.
Speed and Performance Considerations
USB3 supports transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, which is great, but the Ethernet port speed matters too. I looked for dongles with Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps) to make sure I wasn’t bottlenecked by slower connections. Some cheaper models offer only 100 Mbps, which wasn’t suitable for my needs.
Build Quality and Portability
Since I travel a lot, I preferred a compact and sturdy dongle that I could easily carry in my laptop bag without worrying about damage. Some dongles come with braided cables or aluminum casings, which feel more durable.
Driver Installation and Ease of Use
I checked whether the dongle was plug-and-play or required installing drivers. I personally prefer plug-and-play devices to avoid hassle, especially if I need to connect quickly or use it on multiple computers.
Additional Features I Found Useful
Some dongles have extra USB ports or support Power over Ethernet (PoE), but for my basic needs, a simple, reliable dongle was best. However, if you want to expand connectivity or power devices through Ethernet, those features might be worth considering.
Price vs. Quality
I didn’t want to overspend, but I learned that very cheap dongles often compromise on speed or build quality. Investing a bit more ensured I got a dongle that lasted and performed well. Reading user reviews helped me avoid unreliable brands.
Summary of What to Look For
- Compatibility with your OS and USB version
- Gigabit Ethernet support for faster speeds
- Durable, portable design
- Plug-and-play installation if possible
- Trusted brand with good reviews
- Reasonable price balancing quality and cost
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect USB3 to Ethernet dongle for your setup!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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