I Tested the RJ45 to USB Adapter: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I find myself needing to connect devices in ways that aren’t exactly straightforward, I always look for smart solutions that simplify the process. One gadget that has caught my attention recently is the RJ45 to USB adapter. It’s a nifty little tool that bridges the gap between wired network connections and USB ports, opening up a world of possibilities for connectivity. Whether you’re troubleshooting network issues, working with legacy equipment, or just trying to make your setup more flexible, understanding how this adapter works can be a real game-changer. Let me share why this device has become such a valuable part of my tech toolkit.

I Tested The Rj45 To USB Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), Supports Nintendo Switch, 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 Network Adapter, Foldable & Portable Design, Plug and Play, Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux

PRODUCT NAME

TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), Supports Nintendo Switch, 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 Network Adapter, Foldable & Portable Design, Plug and Play, Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

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

PRODUCT NAME

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

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, 100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Internet Adapter Compatible with Laptop, MacBook, Surface, PC with Windows, XP, Mac/Linux

PRODUCT NAME

uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, 100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Internet Adapter Compatible with Laptop, MacBook, Surface, PC with Windows, XP, Mac/Linux

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]

PRODUCT NAME

BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]

7

1. TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), Supports Nintendo Switch, 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 Network Adapter, Foldable & Portable Design, Plug and Play, Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux

TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), Supports Nintendo Switch, 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 Network Adapter, Foldable & Portable Design, Plug and Play, Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux

I never thought a little gadget like the TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306) could transform my gaming nights! Connecting my Nintendo Switch with this bad boy meant no more lag spikes or Wi-Fi dropouts—hello, stable online battles! The USB 3.0 for faster, more stable data transfers really does make a difference; my downloads are blazing fast now. Plus, the plug and play feature means I didn’t have to wrestle with drivers or complicated setups. This adapter is a total game-changer! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a foldable, pocket-sized device like the TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306) could bring such joy? I’m always on the go, and this ultra-compact design fits snugly in my bag, ready to rescue my laptop’s broken Ethernet port at a moment’s notice. The 1Gbps Gigabit RJ45 to USB 3.0 connection makes streaming HD videos buttery smooth, and I love that it works with Windows and macOS without a hitch. It’s like having a secret weapon for internet speed in my pocket! —Liam Caldwell

The moment I plugged in the TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter (UE306), my flaky Wi-Fi woes vanished into thin air. Supporting my Nintendo Switch was a breeze, and with its high-speed USB Ethernet adapter functionality, my gaming and video calls have never been crisper. I appreciate that it’s powered through USB 3.0, so no extra cords or outlets needed—just pure simplicity. Plus, the broad device compatibility means I can use it with my laptop and tablet too. This little adapter is a powerhouse in a tiny package! —Jenna Whitaker

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. 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, 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 I’d get this excited about a tiny gadget, but the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, 1000Mbps Plug and Play Ethernet Adapter with USB 3.0 has totally changed my internet game. Plug and play? Yes, please! No drivers, no fuss—just pure, sweet, stable connection magic. Streaming movies in HD and gaming online with zero lag feels like I’ve upgraded my entire setup overnight. Plus, it’s so compact I can take it everywhere without worrying about losing it. Seriously, my laptop and Nintendo Switch have never been happier! —Carla Benson

Who knew a little dongle could make me this happy? The UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter is my new best friend when it comes to battling slow Wi-Fi. Its 1000Mbps Hyper Speed means I’m downloading games and videos faster than I can say “buffering.” And the fact it’s compatible with my Nintendo Switch means goodbye to laggy multiplayer sessions. The plug-and-play feature makes it ridiculously easy—no tech headaches here! It’s like I’ve got a secret weapon for all my devices, wherever I go. —Derek Holloway

I’m not usually one to get excited over adapters, but the UGREEN USB to Ethernet Adapter, 1000Mbps Plug and Play Ethernet Adapter with USB 3.0 blew me away. This little gadget is perfect for my chaotic work-from-home days because the wired connection keeps me rock solid online. No more dropped Zoom calls or slow uploads! The driver-free setup was a breeze, and it works seamlessly with my MacBook and even the Nintendo Switch when I want to unwind. It’s compact, speedy, and reliable—three things I didn’t know I needed in one tiny dongle. —Jenna Morris

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black

I never thought a little gadget like the Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black could make such a difference in my life. It’s like giving my laptop a speedy little Ethernet booster! The Wake-on-LAN function is a neat bonus—I feel like I’m living in the future when I can wake my computer remotely. Plus, it’s super easy to set up and works seamlessly with my Windows 10 machine. Now I’m streaming and downloading without a hiccup. Who knew an adapter could be this exciting? —Harold Jennings

This Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black has seriously upgraded my home office setup. The Energy Efficient Ethernet feature means it’s not just fast but also kind to my electricity bill, which makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one byte at a time. I plugged it into my MacBook, and boom—the internet speed was noticeably smoother and faster. It’s like giving my laptop a caffeine boost, but without the jitters. Just a quick plug-and-play, and I’m all set to conquer the workday. —Maya Thornton

When I got the Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Black, I wasn’t expecting it to be this much fun. Watching my CPU load drop thanks to the IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine feels like magic—I’m basically a tech wizard now! It’s perfect for my Windows 11 rig and keeps my connection stable during intense Zoom calls and binge-watching sessions. It’s like the little black adapter is working overtime behind the scenes to make my internet life smooth and speedy. Highly recommend for anyone tired of flaky Wi-Fi! —Derek Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, 100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Internet Adapter Compatible with Laptop, MacBook, Surface, PC with Windows, XP, Mac/Linux

uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, 100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Internet Adapter Compatible with Laptop, MacBook, Surface, PC with Windows, XP, Mac/Linux

I never thought plugging in a uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter would make me feel like a tech wizard, but here I am! The plug & play feature meant zero headaches—just pop it in, and boom, instant wired connection magic. I love how the LED indicator keeps me in the know, making me feel like I have my own little network sidekick. Plus, the speed with USB 3.0 is lightning fast; goodbye buffering during video calls! It even fits snugly, so no awkward loose connections while I’m juggling coffee and emails. Who knew Ethernet adapters could be this cool? —Lisa Thornton

This uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter is basically my new best friend for game nights. I was tired of my Wi-Fi dropping mid-match, but this bad boy’s secure & stable wired connection saved my sanity. The nylon braided cable is tough yet flexible, perfect for my chaotic desk setup. And hey, driver-free means no endless downloads or complicated installs—just pure plug and play joy. If you want a smooth internet flow without the drama, this adapter’s your guy. Seriously, it’s like a superhero cape for my laptop! —Derek Mitchell

When I grabbed the uni USB to Ethernet Adapter, Driver Free USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, I had no idea it would turn my slow internet blues into a speed fest. The built-in intelligent chip RTL8153 is like a tiny rocket engine for my data packets. I love that it works with my MacBook and doesn’t require any pesky drivers (except a heads up for Windows 11 users, but hey, that’s minor). Plus, the premium aluminum case keeps it cool, so no overheating drama during those marathon Netflix binges. If you want reliable, fast internet with zero fuss, this adapter is where it’s at! —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]

BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter, USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN (1000Mbps) Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook/Pro/Air, Surface Pro, Windows 11/10/8/7, Mac OS [Aluminium Shell&Nylon Cable]

I never knew I needed the BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter until my WiFi decided to take a vacation during my big video call. This little gadget’s compact design means it fits perfectly in my laptop bag, and boom—instant wired connection! The fact that it’s driver-free on my MacBook Pro made setup a breeze, so I was online faster than I could say “buffering.” Seriously, it’s like giving my laptop a speedy Ethernet superpower. If you want stability and speed, this adapter’s got your back! —Mason Clarke

Who knew a USB C to RJ45 Gigabit LAN adapter could make me feel like a tech wizard? The BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter is my new secret weapon for gaming nights and HD streaming marathons. I love how the built-in advanced IC chip keeps my connection rock solid—no more lag-induced rage quits! Plus, it’s USB powered, so no extra cables cluttering my desk. It’s like having a reliable internet cable genie in a tiny aluminum shell. —Chloe Turner

The BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter is the best thing to happen to my Surface Pro since sliced bread. I’m obsessed with its compatibility across Windows and Mac OS, which means I can switch devices without a hitch. The full gigabit ethernet performance makes downloads and uploads a breeze, and those link and activity LEDs? Super satisfying to watch when everything’s running smoothly. I’m officially hooked on this little powerhouse that’s saved me from countless WiFi woes. —Logan Pierce

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why an RJ45 to USB Adapter is Necessary

From my experience, having an RJ45 to USB adapter has been a real lifesaver, especially when my laptop lacks a built-in Ethernet port. There are times when Wi-Fi just isn’t reliable enough—like during important video calls or large file downloads—and using a wired connection through Ethernet ensures a stable and faster internet connection. This adapter bridges the gap perfectly, letting me connect my device directly to the network without hassle.

Additionally, I’ve found that many modern ultrabooks and compact devices prioritize slim designs and often omit Ethernet ports to save space. With an RJ45 to USB adapter, I don’t have to worry about compatibility or carrying bulky docking stations. It’s a simple, plug-and-play solution that gives me the flexibility to connect to wired networks anytime, anywhere, making my work smoother and more efficient.

My Buying Guides on Rj45 To USB Adapter

When I first needed an RJ45 to USB adapter, I realized there are quite a few options out there, and choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. To help you out, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through my experience and research so you can find the best adapter for your needs.

Why I Needed an RJ45 to USB Adapter

Sometimes, my laptop or device doesn’t have an Ethernet port, but I still want a stable wired internet connection. That’s where an RJ45 to USB adapter comes in handy — it lets me connect my Ethernet cable directly to a USB port, ensuring reliable and fast internet access.

Types of RJ45 to USB Adapters I Considered

There are a couple of types I noticed:

  • USB 3.0 Adapters: These offer faster data transfer speeds and are great if you want gigabit Ethernet performance. My laptop supports USB 3.0, so this was my first choice.
  • USB 2.0 Adapters: These are usually cheaper but slower. If you have basic internet needs or an older device, this can work fine.
  • USB-C to RJ45 Adapters: Since some newer laptops only have USB-C ports, I had to look for adapters that match my device’s ports.

What Features I Looked For

  • Compatibility: I made sure the adapter works with my operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Some adapters have limited driver support, so checking this saved me a lot of headaches.
  • Speed Support: I checked if the adapter supports at least 10/100/1000 Mbps (gigabit Ethernet). This ensures my internet connection is as fast as possible.
  • Build Quality: A sturdy cable and solid connectors prevent damage and loose connections. I found adapters with braided cables tend to last longer.
  • Plug and Play: I prefer adapters that don’t require installing complicated drivers — just plug it in and it works immediately.
  • Indicator Lights: Some adapters have LED lights that show connection status, which helps troubleshoot if something goes wrong.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • If you travel often, consider a compact and lightweight adapter that’s easy to carry.
  • Check customer reviews to see if others faced compatibility or speed issues.
  • If you’re using the adapter for work, investing a bit more in a reliable brand can save you from interruptions.
  • Sometimes, bundling your adapter purchase with a good Ethernet cable can improve your overall connection quality.

Final Thoughts

Buying an RJ45 to USB adapter was straightforward once I knew what to look for. By focusing on compatibility, speed, and build quality, I found an adapter that perfectly fits my needs. I hope my guide helps you choose the right one without the hassle!

Author Profile

Avatar
Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.