If you're looking to upgrade your wired or wireless network speed and internet connection with a Plugable USB network adapter, you’ll want to make sure you pick the right one for your setup. The three key factors to consider are:
- The type of network you are connecting to: Wired or Wireless (Wi-Fi)
- The type of USB port on your computer (USB-A, USB-C, or Thunderbolt)
- The Ethernet speed you need (Gigabit, 2.5 Gigabit, 5Gbps, or Wi-Fi)
This guide will help you quickly determine which Plugable adapter best fits your needs.
Step 1: Identify Your USB Port Type
Different Plugable adapters are designed for different USB connections. Here's how to find out what type of USB port your computer has:
- USB-A Port (Rectangular Shape) – Found on most older and some newer PCs and laptops. If your device has standard USB ports, you'll want an adapter with a USB-A connector.
- USB-C Port (Small, Oval Shape) – Found on modern laptops, tablets, and some desktops. If your computer has a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 port, a USB-C adapter is a better choice.
- Thunderbolt 3 or 4 – Thunderbolt ports support USB-C accessories, so any Plugable USB-C Ethernet adapter will work.
💡 Not sure which ports your computer has? Check the manufacturer's website or look for an icon next to the port: a Lightning bolt indicates Thunderbolt ( or charging ) while a USB logo will indicate the USB version.
Step 2: Determine the Ethernet Speed You Need
Your network speed is influenced by both your internet plan and the devices on your network. Choose an adapter based on the speed you want to achieve:
| Network Speed | Best Use Cases | Recommended Plugable Adapter |
|---|---|---|
| 100Mbps (Fast Ethernet) | Basic browsing, emails, and light streaming | USB2-E (USB-A, 100Mbps) |
| 1Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) | Streaming, gaming, and large file transfers |
USB3-E1000 (USB-A, 1Gbps) or USBC-E1000 (USB-C, 1Gbps) |
| 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps (Multi-Gig Ethernet) | High-speed networks, NAS, 4K+ streaming |
USBC-E2500 (USB-C, 2.5Gbps) or USBC-E5000 (USB-C, 5Gbps) |
| Wi-Fi (802.11N or Wi-Fi 4) | Adding Wi-Fi 4 to older notebook and desktop computers | USB-WIFINT (USB-A Wi-Fi 4 150Mbps) |
💡 Check your router’s specifications to see if it supports higher speeds like 2.5Gbps before choosing a multi-gig adapter.
Step 3: Choose the Right Adapter for Your System
Now that you know your USB port type and Ethernet speed requirements, here’s a quick guide to help you select the right Plugable adapter. The best bet is to meet or exceed the internet service provider’s rated speed, or for local file transfers the speed of the other systems on the network. For example, say your ISP provides a 2Gbps internet connection, then a 2.5Gbps or 5Gbps Ethernet adapter will be a good fit, while a 1Gbps adapter will still enable internet connectivity, the maximum data rate would be limited to 50% that of the rated internet speed.
For USB-A Computers
✅ Need basic 100Mbps Ethernet? → Choose the USB2-E100
✅ Need Gigabit speeds? → Choose the USB3-E1000
✅ Need Wireless Connectivity → Choose the USB-WIFINT
For USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 Computers
✅ Need Gigabit speeds? → Choose the USBC-E1000
✅ Need 2.5Gbps speeds? → Choose the USBC-E2500
✅ Need 5Gbps speeds? → Choose the USBC-E5000
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter in a USB 2.0 port?
A: Yes, but it will be limited to USB 2.0 speeds, which may affect performance.
Q: Will these adapters work with macOS, Windows, and Linux?
A: For the most part yes, except for our USB-WIFINT relies on proprietary drivers and is not recommended for macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS systems
Q: Does a faster Ethernet adapter make my internet speed faster?
A: Only if your internet service provider (ISP) plan supports higher speeds. A 2.5Gbps adapter won’t improve speeds on a 1Gbps internet connection.
Q: Can I use a USB-C adapter with a USB-A computer using an adapter?
A: It depends. Some USB-C to USB-A adapters may work, but some are limited to USB 2.0 data rates and can affect the network performance. When possible we recommend using a native USB-A Ethernet adapter for most reliable performance.
Conclusion
Picking the right Plugable USB to Ethernet adapter comes down to knowing your USB port type and the speed you need. Whether you’re looking for a basic 100Mbps connection or blazing-fast 5Gbps speeds, Plugable has an adapter to keep you connected.
Still have questions? Reach out to Plugable’s support team via email at support@plugable.com for help choosing the best adapter for your setup!
