Best USB C Ethernet Adapter for MacBook and Windows Laptops
The Best USB C Ethernet Adapters to Get You Surfing in No Time
The number of ports on a laptop is diminishing and going with them is the computer's compatibility. A USB C ethernet adapter (EA) is what you will need if you wish to reap the benefits of a high-speed internet connection on your latest MacBook or Windows laptop.
What is USB C Ethernet Adapter?
USB C is the latest innovation of the USB-IF and is here to stay. It won't be long when USB C becomes a standard. And our present USB ports become vintage-like floppy disks or VGA ports.
Owing to the numerous benefits the USB C has to offer, many laptops now only have USB Type-C supported ports. But this port, while giving the computer a sleeker appearance, takes away its flexibility. Moreover, a USB C supported laptop, owing to the lack of ethernet port, often becomes unable to connect to high-speed internet.
You May Also Read: The Impact of USB C Hub on Your Work Productivity
Now, this is where the USB C ethernet adapter comes in. Although it's all in the name, the USB C ethernet adapter connects with the USB C port on your laptop and provides you with an ethernet port. It enables you to enjoy surfing the internet at supersonic speed (of course, that's an analogy!). While also enjoying the latest updates on your new laptop.
Why Do You Need A USB C Ethernet Adapter?
Imagine you get yourself a new upward of $1000 laptop. You take it with you to your workplace the next day. Visibly excited to start working on an advanced, ultra-modern machine, only to realize that it only has two USB C ports that won't allow you to connect to high-speed ethernet.
Now exasperated, you look over to your side to find your colleague sneering at you. He turns back to his workstation, plugs his laptop with a high-speed ethernet cable, sneers at you again, and gets back to work.
With the help of a USB C Ethernet Adapter, you can walk right past such a situation. While still sporting your new computer.
An ethernet adapter will enable you to download sizeable files and play online games without any complications. It will allow you to stream your favorite TV shows without buffering(nobody likes buffering right when Chandler is about to make a joke. We can be friends if you got the reference.)
Therefore, the USB C Ethernet adapter allows you to enjoy all aspects of high-speed internet while staying ahead of the curve with that latest laptop of yours.
Essential Tips Before You Buy A USB C EA
Even though buying an ethernet adapter is no rocket science. Yet there are a few things that you should think about before you get yourself the best ethernet adapter.
Most USB C ethernet adapters come with a small, usually only a few inches long cable. Therefore, gauge the distance between your ethernet connector and your workplace to get an adapter that may easily cover that distance for you.
Secondly, you may have to carry your ethernet adapter as you switch from your home to your office. Nobody wants to take an extra burden. Therefore, ensure that you get an ethernet adapter that is small and lightweight to fit right in your bag so that you can carry it easily with you wherever you go.
Furthermore, USB C ethernet adapters tend to generate heat. Therefore, do your research and find devices that come with heat dissipators or utilize suitable heat-insulating materials.
The Best USB C Ethernet Adaptors
USB C ethernet adaptor has become necessary for people sending and receiving large volumes of data, pro-gamers, and anyone who has a USB C device and needs high-speed internet. Here's a list of the best USB C adapters that are sure to sit correctly with your expectations
1. Anker USB C EA
Anker is a well-known name in the world of USB C hubs, dongles, and adapters. With 18 months warranty, Anker's USB C ethernet adapter comes for $24.99 and gives internet speed up to 1 Gbps.
This adaptor is small and lightweight and very travel friendly. Anker's ethernet adaptor has a 2.3" cable to connect with your USB C port. Probably one of its best extra features is the 3 LED lights that it has. The red one signifies power connection. The green light is for internet connection, and the blue light stays blinking while the network is in use.
2. Uni USB C to EA
Uni's USB C to ethernet adapters come at a price of around $13.54 and provide a high-speed internet connection that is quite reliable, unlike your usual Wi-Fi.
It has a plug and play feature that eliminates the hassle of downloading any drivers before using the device. It comes in an Aluminium casing for enhanced heat dissipation with a nylon covered cable for increased durability.
3. AUKEY USB C to EA
Getting a high-speed ethernet connector at a price as low as $13 is not a dream. AUKEY has turned it into a reality by launching its USB C to ethernet adaptor that provides 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps ethernet connection.
It has an Aluminium casing for better insulation from heat and an LED light for the users to ensure the adapter's connectivity.
4. Lention USB C to EA
Another candidate sporting the plug and play feature is Lention's USB C to ethernet adapter. It has an automatic driver installation feature. Priced at $14, it enables users to enjoy high-speed internet with up to 10Gbps internet speed.
This USB C ethernet adaptor also has LED lights to ensure proper connection and compatible with smaller devices such as an iPad pro.
5. Cable Creation USB C to Gigabit EA
Another one making its place in the affordable but capable range is Cable Creation's USB c to Ethernet adaptor with a price tag of no more than $12. It has a gold-plated interface and requires no driver installation while offering a 1000 Mbps internet connection.
Moreover, it has a two-year warranty so you can rest assured that Cable Creation has not made it to disappoint!
6. Langpai HRY-254 USB C to EA
Langpai is offering a wide range of various USB C hubs and docks. Some of its USB C hubs also double as ethernet adapters like its model HRY-254. This model has 1 RJ 45 1 Gbps ethernet connection port.
Moreover, it also sports 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 VGA, and 1 HDMI port while having a USB C/Thunderbolt 3 supported connector.
Therefore, if you are looking for a device that not only allows you to connect to high-speed internet but also makes your computer compatible with other peripherals, then Langpai's HRY-254 is just for you.
7. Cable Matters USB C to 2.5G EA
Cable matters' USB C ethernet adapter is slightly more expensive than any of its peers with a price of $34.99. however, it successfully justifies its cost by providing 2.5 Gbps internet speed than 1 Gbps of its competitors.
Moreover, it has a 12" long connecting cable with a USB C/Thunderbolt 3 supported connector, which adds to its flexibility. And to accelerate the heat dissipation, Cable matters' 2.5G ethernet adaptor has a perforated casing that lets the heat out.
However, it may require driver installation before use.
8. Belkin USB C to Gigabit
Belkin is famous for its USB C auxiliary accessories like hubs and docking stations. Its USB C ethernet port adaptor, priced at $34.99, labeled Amazon's Choice, provides an internet speed of up to 1000 Mbps.
All of Belkin's products have a 90-day return policy, and this ethernet adapter has a 24-month warranty with it.
Conclusion
Ethernet connection has lots of things that Wi-Fi doesn't. First of all, it's high speed. Ethernet connections can provide speed up to 10 Gbps while Wi-Fi maxes out even below 1 Gbps. Moreover, the Ethernet connection is safer for crucial data transfer as compared to Wi-Fi.
However, with many new laptops with only Type-C ports, you might have to use a USB C ethernet adaptor to connect your computer with a high-speed ethernet connection.
Buying a USB C ethernet adaptor is easy, and there are many options from which you can choose. If you want a device with other ports besides having the primary ethernet port, go for Langpai's HRY-254 USB C ethernet adaptor. However, if you are looking for a lightweight ethernet adaptor for your MacBook or Windows, consider getting Anker's USB C ethernet adaptor for iOS and Windows OS.
You May Also Read: A Detailed Review on the Best Type C Hub and Docks
