Best 2.0 USB Network Adapters of 2025

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 5, 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

Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter Cover #TOP 1
Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter Cover #TOP 2
Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Mini Adapter Cover #TOP 3
NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Mini Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 2.0 USB Network Adapters

#TOP 1

Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter

USB2-E100
Black
Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter Cover
Plugable USB 2.0 to Ethernet Fast 10/100 LAN Wired Network Adapter - Driverless and Compatible with Chromebook, Windows, Linux

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.

What We Like
Easy to install with automatic driver installation via Windows update
Full 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet performance over USB 2.0's 480Mbps bus
Compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS devices
#TOP 2

Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter

202023-BLACK
Black
1-Pack
Cable Matters USB to Ethernet Adapter Cover
Cable Matters Plug & Play USB to Ethernet Adapter with PXE, MAC Address Clone Support (Ethernet to USB 2.0 Adapter, Ethernet Adapter for Laptop) Supporting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network

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.

What We Like
Cost-effective USB network adapter
Feature-filled adapter with PXE, WoL, FDX, HDX, Crossover Detection, Backpressure Routing, Auto-Correction, and MAC address pass-through support
Driver-free simple installation for most computers with diagnostic LEDs

NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Mini Adapter

A6150-100PAS
AC1200 Compact USB
NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB Mini Adapter Cover
NETGEAR AC1200 Wi-Fi USB 2.0 Mini Adapter for Desktop PC | Dual Band WiFi Stick for Wireless Internet (A6150-100PAS)

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.

What We Like
Easy upgrade to high-performance WiFi
Dual Band AC WiFi Speed up to 1200Mbps
Works with various WiFi routers and features Multi-User MIMO for faster data transfer
#TOP 4

TRENDnet USB 2.0 to Fast Ethernet Adapter

TU2-ET100
Black
USB 2.0
TRENDnet USB 2.0 to Fast Ethernet Adapter Cover
TRENDnet USB 2.0 to 10/100 Fast Ethernet LAN Wired Network Adapter for MacBook, TU2-ET100, ChromeBook, Windows 8.1 and Earlier, Linux, and Specific Android Tablets, ASIX AX88772A Chipset

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.

What We Like
Compact size and flexible cable for easy installation
Full Duplex 200 Mbps Ethernet speeds for faster data transfer
Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems
#TOP 5

USB Ethernet Network Adapter by Mobi Lock

MOL-MAC-ALL-ACC-MAC-USB-ETH-WHI
White
USB Ethernet
USB Ethernet Network Adapter by Mobi Lock Cover
USB Ethernet (LAN) Network Adapter Compatible with Laptops, Computers, and All USB 2.0 Compatible Devices Including Windows 7 to 11, Vista, All Mac OS X, and macOS - 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.

What We Like
Provides instant wired Ethernet connection for faster internet, file transfers, video conferencing, streaming, and gaming.
Compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel.
Easy to use due to its plug and play feature.
#TOP 6

USB 2.0 to Ethernet Adapter for Window/Mac OS

Black
1 pack
USB 2.0 to Ethernet Adapter for Window/Mac OS Cover
USB 2.0 to ethernet Adapter USB to RJ45 Supporting 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Network for Window/Mac OS, Surface Pro/Linux

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.

What We Like
Fast and reliable Ethernet performance
Widely compatible with various operating systems
USB powered, no external power required
#TOP 7

BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter

000317grey-2p
Gray
2 Stück
BENFEI USB to Ethernet Adapter Cover
BENFEI USB Ethernet Adapter 1000 Mbps, Pack of 2 USB to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter Compatible with MacBook Surface Pro Notebook PC with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS

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.

What We Like
Compact Design
Superior Stability
Incredible Performance
#TOP 8

Tccmebius USB Ethernet Adapter

TCC-S20A
Black
Tccmebius USB Ethernet Adapter Cover
Tccmebius USB Ethernet Adapter, USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet LAN Network Wired Adapter for MacBook, Surface Pro, Notebook PC, Compatible with Windows7/8/10, Mac OS, Android, Chrome OS, Linux (TCC-S20A)

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.

What We Like
Convenient to use
Efficient and stable performance
Wide compatibility
#TOP 9

Belkin USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter

F4U047bt
Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Belkin USB 2.0 Ethernet Adapter Cover
Belkin USB 2.0 ETHERNET Adapter - Network 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.

What We Like
Easy network connections
USB compatibility
Reliable internet access
User-friendly design
#TOP 10

Plugable USB 2.0 Wireless N 150Mbps Nano WiFi Adapter

USB-WIFINT
Black
Plugable USB 2.0 Wireless N 150Mbps Nano WiFi Adapter Cover
Plugable USB 2.0 Wireless N 802.11n 150 Mbps Nano WiFi Network Adapter (Realtek RTL8188EUS Chipset) Driverless Plug and Play for Windows

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.

What We Like
Compact and easy to use
Windows compatible with driver downloads provided
Backwards compatible with Wireless G and B networks and USB 1.1 ports
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

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.