Using a USB to adapter is a quick easy way to get a fast internet connection. While most usually go the a USB-to-Ethernet adapter has its place in any scenarios. Many times Ethernet is run when wireless just wont reach and simple setup is needed.
Other times a Ethernet card has gone bad in a laptop or desktop and using a converter is much more simple than doing a repair. Here is our picks for the best USB-to-Ethernet adapters. Be sure to read the reviews on Amazon or elsewhere to be sure it is a good fit for your setup. This small unit is a USB 2.0 to 10/100 GB Ethernet adapter. Has a max speed of 480 Mbps so it is not the fastest converter available.
While not the fastest it is low cost and would fit in good with a computer that only has USB 2.0 slots. USB 3.0 is backward compatible so it would also work in a new machine. It is also Mac or Windows compatible. Works as both a LAN connection and USB 3.0 HUB.
This can help if you have limited USB ports. The Ethernet converter itself runs Gigabit speeds with USB 3.0 which will max out most any home network. Since USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet is backward compatible it will also fit into a slower USB 2.0 10/100 network. For those looking for a fast USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet adapter this unit from SIIG give a nice streamlined unit. It is a low cost replacement for a Apple USB Ethernet adapter and is also Windows compatible.
?The Cable Matters Nano N-150 USB Adapter is the perfect solution for replacing a failed wireless card or for upgrading the wireless capability of your computer. Lightweight and low-profile adapter is portable for traveling and wont block adjacent ports on your laptop. The Cable Matters Wireless N300 USB Adapter with External High Gain Antenna is the perfect choice for increasing the wireless range of a computer or replacing a failed wireless card. The High Gain 2T2R antenna provides a WiFi connection up to 300 feet away.
It is also designed to fit into most any setup from a MacBook to a Surface. Summary Using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is a good way to get fast reliable speeds on the cheap. Most often they are used to replace a bad internal Ethernet card but can also be used to upgrade an existing system. Before buying a unit be sure which USB speeds your computer uses, if in doubt go with USB 3.0 as it is backward compatible. Be sure the unit also matches your operating system. The setup for USB-to-Ethernet is usually plug-and-play by connecting the unit up and ready to go. Sometimes drivers will need to be loaded depending on the operating system being used.
Dual-Band for Maximum Wireless Compatibility The Cable Matters Wireless AC600 Dual-Band USB Adapter connects to either the 2.4 or 5 GHz wireless bands so your laptop can connect to any available network. Upgrade the wireless capabilities of your laptop with this lightweight adapter that is designed for portability. It integrates perfectly with the latest 802.11ac wireless routers in your home or office while maintaining backwards compatibility with wireless b/g/a routers and wi-fi hotspots. Windows Companion Windows XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 compatible. No need to install the driver in Windows 10 since it is integrated with the OS.