In the race to make the MacBooks look slim and elegant, Apple killed almost all the essential ports including MagSafe 2 charging port, HDMI port, SD card slot, Thunderbolt 2 port, and the USB-A port long ago in 2016. Though no one can argue the benefits of USB-C ports, they have forced everyone to live with dongles and adapters. Whether you find it ironic or just a long-awaited change that had to happen someday, adapters have become the need of the hour. I personally miss the Ethernet port as for certain tasks, the WiFi just doesn’t cut it. That’s why, we have rounded up the 10 best USB C to Ethernet adapters for MacBook which let you access ultra-high speed internet.
Best USB C to Ethernet Adapters for MacBook Pro/Air
Featuring pretty compact yet durable casing and strong cable, these USB C to Ethernet adapters are designed to take on wear and tear. Being lightweight, they can easily sneak into even in a tiny pocket. So, you can carry them anywhere without any hassle.
What’s more, USB-C to ethernet adapters supports data transfer speed of up to 5 Gbps. As a result, you can transfer tons of data, play online games, and access network storage devices with top-notch speeds.. Not to mention, they are readied to keep the plug-and-play convenience intact.
As for the compatibility, they work with both older and newer MacBook models. To be more precise, you can use these USB-C to Ethernet adapters with following models:
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2016 or later)
- MacBook Pro 15-inch (2016 or later)
- MacBook Pro 16-inch
- MacBook Air 13-inch (2018 or later)
- Apple MacBook (12-inch)
With all that said, let’s get started with the extensive lineup of the top USB-C to ethernet adapters designed to work with 12-inch MacBook, MacBook Pros, and MacBook Air.
- Anker
- Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
- AUKEY
- Lention
- FRETREE
- uoeos
- Syntech
- AmazonBasics
- Mokin
- UGREEN
1. Anker
When it comes to producing top-notch chargers and adapters, Anker is one of the best in the business. So, if you are looking for a highly efficient USB C to Ethernet adapter for your MacBook, do check it out.
The adapter is designed to be pretty lightweight and compact. Thus, you can comfortably carry it even in your tiny pocket. Notably, it can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps which is up to the mark for transferring data faster.
With the LED indicators, it also keeps you in the loop about whether it’s powered on or connected to the network or the Ethernet cable is connected. Overall, it’s a top-quality USB C to Ethernet adapter that can excel in most departments.
By from Amazon: $17.99
2. Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Both in terms of efficiency and high transfer speed, the Apple Thunderbolt to gigabit Ethernet adapter is right up there among the top. So, if you are in quest of a well-built USB C to Ethernet adapter that can transfer speed at a high speed, keep it in your mind.
Design-wise, Apple’s USB C to Ethernet adapter sports a simple design. It’s quite lightweight and portable. So, it can comfortably sneak even into a small pocket. Though it’s priced slightly higher at $28, you can bank on it to get the job done without any fuss.
By from Amazon: $27.99
3. AUKEY
Should you wish to get a highly-rated USB C to Ethernet adapter at a comparatively low price ($13), give serious consideration to this offering from AUKEY. Yeah, you read that right!
AUKEY USB C to Ethernet adapter for MacBook is pretty tiny but well-built. Even in terms of transferring data, it’s second to none. Thanks to the support for 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1Gbps network speed levels, it’s fully equipped to live up to the asking rate.
So, whether you want a USB C to Ethernet adapter for lag-free video streaming or fun-filled gaming, you can’t go wrong with AUKEY’s offering.
By from Amazon: $12.99
4. Lention
Just in case you want your USB C to Ethernet adapter to be a bit more functional, I would recommend you to take a close look at Lention’s offering. It’s incredibly lightweight but fully equipped to take on the assigned task.
What has caught my eyes in this Ethernet adapter is the uni-body design which is made of aluminum alloy with ionized finish. It complements the MacBook’s famed uni-body design.
Notably, it also features 3 USB 3.0 ports and one RJ-45 port. And with the ability to transfer data at 5 Gbps, it allows you to transfer files, stream video or play high-octane games without having to deal with buffering.
By from Amazon: $23.99
5. FRETREE
Another USB C to Ethernet adapter that packs a solid punch way above its weight is FRETREE. Despite being priced relatively low, it’s quite good in most aspects. For starters, it has a small form-factor for improved portability. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, it’s very durable and can resist shock with ease. So, you can trust this adapter to take on some on beating.
Beyond design, FRETREE comes with an upgraded chip that enables it to work with multiple operating systems including macOS and Windows. Besides, with support connection speed up to 1 Gbps and downward compatibility with 1Mbps/10Mbps/100Mbps speeds, it is surely one of the best Ethernet adapter on the market.
By from Amazon: $11.99
6. uoeos
Though uoeos may not be as popular as some of the noted names mentioned in this lineup, it has come up with a top-quality USB C to Ethernet adapter for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. Probably the best part of this adapter is the design and durability.
With the impressive aluminum casing, it has a good-looking profile. And with the presence of strong braided nylon cable, it has also got the needed durability to survive the wear and tear.
Design aside, uoeos USB C to Ethernet adapter delivers connection speeds up to 1 Gbps. Additionally, it’s also backward compatible with 100Mbps/10Mbps/1Mbps, which further enhances its usability.
By from Amazon: $12.99
7. Syntech
Sporting a rugged construction, Syntech is a compact yet exceptionally durable USB C to Ethernet adapter for MacBook. Made of high-grade zinc alloy, the casing is shock-resistant. And with the nylon braided cable, it’s a long-lasting companion for your notebook.
Impact-resistant construction aside, Syntech is equally efficient when it comes to transferring data at a rapid speed. It doesn’t feature an LED indicator to ensure there is no distraction. Priced at $16, it’s also among the cheapest USB C to Ethernet adapters for MacBook in the market right now.
By from Amazon: $15.99
8. AmazonBasics
For more than one reason, this offering from AmazonBasics has looked top-notch to me. What makes this USB 3.1 Type C to Ethernet adapter a strong contender is the ability to offer access to fast network speeds.
You can use it to transfer files with speed up to 5 Gbps, which is more than enough to take on large files. Furthermore, it’s also backward compatible with 10M/100Mbps networks, which is yet another plus from a usability perspective.
Beyond speed, AmazonBasics adapter is also among the most durable USB C to Ethernet adapters thanks to a compact yet rugged construction that can fight out shock with ease.
By from Amazon: $19.16
9. Mokin
Mokin USB C to Ethernet adapter is designed to take on various tasks with the desired efficiency. Boasting 5 Gbps data transfer speed and 1 Gbps network speed, it can let you transfer HD movies or stream 4K content on YouTube without a hitch. Thus, you will be able to simply plug and play without having to deal with the lagging or buffering issues.
Talking about the design, it has an impact-resistant aluminum body that not only enhances the look but also strengthens the casing. Moreover, the presence of multiple ports offers you the needed flexibility to enhance multitasking. Lastly, Mokin comes in two color variants such as silver and space gray and comes at $18.
By from Amazon: $17.88
10. UGREEN
There is a lot to like in UGREEN USB C to Ethernet adapter for MacBook. First and foremost, it has got a modern-looking design that can get along nicely with your notebook. The solid casing coupled with the strong cable makes it a reliable companion.
Design aside, UGREEN USB C to Ethernet adapter is equipped to transfer data with a top speed of up to 5 Gbps. That means you won’t have to deal with buffering while streaming action flicks, binge-watching your favorite shows, or transferring tons of data.
Keeping in mind these qualities, the $12 price tag puts it among the cheapest yet very efficient USB C to ethernet adapters for MacBook.
By from Amazon: $11.99
Choose the Top USB C to Ethernet Adapters for MacBook for Seamless Plug-N-Play
So, these are the top USB C to ethernet adapters for MacBook Pro and Air. Both in terms of durability and efficiency, they are ahead of the curve. So, choosing a high-quality ethernet adapter that can take on your demanding tasks shouldn’t be a big deal.
Have we missed out on any notable ethernet adapter? If yes, feel free to let us know in the comments below. Also, tell us about the adapters that are going to work with your MacBook.
The Apple one is WRONG. Why would that even be on this list? I’m not even sure why that adapter exists and definitely not within the context of this article.
Simon, I don’t really understand what you mean with “the slot for both is the same”? They aren’t. Jon is right, its a Thunderbolt 1/2 – Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, it’s not Thunderbolt 3 (which is USB-C).
However I understand your point. If you want to stick with Apple, then Apple’s Thunderbolt 2 (!) – Gigabit Ethernet Adapter can be a good choice, but you also have to buy Apple’s USB-C – Thunderbolt (1/2) adapter, if you want to use it as a “USB-C Ethernet Adapter”.
I think, Jon is right. The article statement “a well-built USB C to Ethernet adapter” in this context (without additional information) isn’t correct.
Jon is right, that’s a Thunderbolt 1/2 > Gigabit Ethernet adapter, it’s not Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C).
Of course you are right, but there is no practical difference; the slot for both is the same, and Apple don’t offer a ubs-c option, so if you want to stick with Apple, this is the only option. It would have been counter intuitive to leave it off the list.
Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter is NOT a usb-c adapter, that does not belong on this list.