Best 2.0 USB Network Adapters of 2025

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2.0 USB Network Adapters are a convenient and affordable solution for those who need to connect their computer or laptop to a wired network. These adapters are easy to install and provide fast and reliable internet connection. They are compatible with most operating systems and can be used with a variety of devices, including gaming consoles and smart TVs. With 2.0 USB Network Adapters, users can enjoy faster download and upload speeds, smoother streaming, and better online gaming experiences. They are a must-have for anyone who needs a stable and secure internet connection.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 2.0 USB Network Adapters
Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter
The Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter provides a fast wired network interface to your system. It is compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8.x, 7, Vista and XP, Linux, ChromeOS, and some Android devices. The ASIX AX88772 chipset ensures the widest possible compatibility. This adapter is easy to install with automatic driver installation via Windows update and offers full 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet performance over USB 2.0's 480Mbps bus. It is faster than most wireless connections.
Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter
The Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter connects your computer or Raspberry Pi 3 to a router, modem, or network switch for a Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) network connection. It is a cost-effective USB network adapter that is portable and weighs less than 1 ounce. This feature-filled USB to network adapter supports Preboot Execution Environment (PXE), Wake-on-Lan (WoL), Full-Duplex (FDX) and Half-Duplex (HDX) Ethernet, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction (Auto MDIX), and MAC address pass-through (MAC clone) with the Cable Matters EZ-Dock utility software (Windows). The driver-free simple installation USB to RJ45 adapter is compatible with most computers and OS including Windows, MacOS, Chrome OS, and Linux for kernels up to 4.15.
NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Mini Adapter
The NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Mini Adapter allows you to easily upgrade your existing desktop or laptop computer's WiFi to high-performance WiFi with Dual Band AC WiFi Speed up to 1200Mbps. This adapter works with 802.11 a/b/g/n and ac WiFi routers, and features Multi-User MIMO for faster data transfer with all capable routers. It is compatible with Windows OS or Mac OS computers and USB1.1/USB2.0 compatible.
TRENDnet USB 2.0 to Fast Ethernet Adapter
The TRENDnet USB 2.0 to Fast Ethernet Adapter offers a simple and fast way to connect your USB-enabled device to a 10/100 Mbps network. With its compact size, it delivers Full Duplex 200 Mbps Ethernet speeds, making it an ideal choice for sharing data, music, movies, and other network resources. It features an attached flexible 10.5 cm USB cable that accommodates most installation scenarios. Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems, this USB Ethernet adapter is easy to set up and includes 2 years of TRENDnet manufacturer protection.
USB Ethernet Network Adapter by Mobi Lock
The USB Ethernet adapter by Mobi Lock connects your Laptop, Computers and all USB 2.0 supported Devices to Ethernet networks. It is compact, lightweight and offers an instant wired Ethernet connection for faster internet, file transfers, video conferencing, streaming and gaming. This easy to use USB bus-powered device supports plug and play and provides over-current protection into the ports. You can use it to replace your broken LAN port or enhance your existing computer's networking capability.
USB 2.0 to Ethernet Adapter for Window/Mac OS
This USB 2.0 to RJ45 Ethernet adapter offers a reliable and fast network connection for your Ultrabook, notebook, or MacBook Air. With its full 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet performance over USB 2.0, it is faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. It is widely compatible with Windows, Mac OSX, Linux Kernel, and chrome OS. The adapter is USB powered, making it a convenient solution for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter
The BENFEI USB Adapter is a compact and portable solution for connecting your computer or tablet to a network. With its built-in advanced IC chip, it offers superior stability and supports important performance features such as Wake-on-Lan, Full-Duplex Ethernet, and Auto-Correction. This adapter provides incredible performance with full 10/100/1000Mbps gigabit ethernet speed, making it faster and more reliable than most wireless connections. It is compatible with various operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux, and requires no external power. With its broad compatibility and 18-month warranty, the BENFEI USB Adapter is a reliable choice for file transferring, video conferencing, gaming, and HD video streaming.
Tccmebius USB Ethernet Adapter
The Tccmebius Ethernet Adapter is a convenient and efficient solution for expanding the network port on your devices. Whether your device doesn't have a network port or it's damaged, this USB 2.0 adapter can solve the problem. With the built-in RTL8152B chip, it allows for a stable and efficient data transmission speed of up to 100Mbps. This means you can enjoy smooth online gaming and video streaming without the common issues of WiFi connection. The adapter is compatible with a wide range of devices, including desktop computers, notebooks, TV boxes, and projectors. It's also portable and compact, making it ideal for travel, school, and business office use.
Belkin USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter
The Belkin Ethernet Adapter allows you to easily connect to a network using a USB port. This means you can enjoy a stable internet connection without the hassle of complicated setups. It is especially useful for devices that lack a built-in Ethernet port, providing a simple solution for a reliable connection. With this adapter, you can enhance your online experience, whether you're working from home or streaming your favorite shows. Its user-friendly design ensures that you can get connected quickly and efficiently.
Plugable USB 2.0 Wireless N 150Mbps Nano WiFi Adapter
The Plugable USB 2.0 Wireless N 150Mbps Nano WiFi Adapter is a compact solution to upgrade an older computer or bypass a broken wireless card, providing 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) Wireless N network connectivity at up to 150Mbps. It uses the Realtek RTL8188EUS chipset and is compatible with Windows 10, 8.x, and 7, as well as backwards compatible with Wireless G and B networks and USB 1.1 ports. However, it does not support 5GHz WiFi and Ad-hoc network creation on Windows 10 and 8.x.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a USB 2.0 network adapter?
USB 2.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter This adapter is fully backwards compatible with the USB specification 1.0 and 1.1 and works with all USB 3.0 enabled computers at USB 2.0 speeds. Its compact and highly portable design makes this adapter the perfect companion for a notebook or ultrabook computer.
2. Will a USB 3.0 Ethernet adapter work in a USB 2.0 port?
You can plug a USB 2.0 device into a USB 3.0 port and it will always work, but it will only run at the speed of the USB 2.0 technology. So, if you plug a USB 3.0 flash drive into a USB 2.0 port, it would only run as quickly as the USB 2.0 port can transfer data and vice versa.
3. Is USB 2.0 fast enough for WiFi?
USB 2.0 ports have a theoretical max speed of 480Mbps, but due to protocol overhead and hardware inefficiencies, you won't ever hit that value. For best results, you should get a dongle that's USB 3.
4. Which is faster USB 2.0 or Ethernet?
The theoretical throughput of a usb 2.0 connection is 480 mbps or 60 MB/sec and the theoretical throughput of gigabit Ethernet is 1000 mbps or 125 MB/sec. Therefore Fast Ethernet is 100 mbps or 12.5 MB/sec.
During our 2.0 usb network adapter research, we found 24 2.0 usb network adapter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 141,787 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 2.0 usb network adapters list. We found that most customers choose 2.0 usb network adapters with an average price of $14.34.
The 2.0 usb network adapters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 2.0 usb network adapters, including Plugable, Cable Matters, NETGEAR, TRENDnet, Mobi Lock. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 563 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.