The ultra-slim profile of the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air is truly impressive, but it has been achieved by ditching several ports from the device. MacBook users are well aware of the fact that their devices lack several useful ports and the Ethernet port is one of them.
Now, what if you want to connect your new MacBook like the latest M1-powered MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, to a wired LAN network for downloading large files or just need faster internet for work? The lack of an Ethernet port forces you to stick to a wireless connection even if there’s a good wired network available.
Fortunately, that’s not the end as there are several dedicated Ethernet adapters available today that would work perfectly with your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, as well as the latest Apple Silicon Macs. Moreover, there are several multi-function USB-C adapters that allow you to use memory cards, multiple USB drives, external displays, and even charge your MacBook, all at the same time.
The latest MacBook Pro comes with either two or four rotationally-symmetrical connector ports, depending upon the model. Also, the new MacBook Air comes with a pair of similar ports. But, it’s worth noting that all those ports are only of one type – Thunderbolt 3. These ports work well with USB-C devices, which have the same connector design. Therefore, you can easily plug a USB-C device into one of the Thunderbolt 3 ports of your MacBook. It’s worth noting that Thunderbolt 3 has greater performance when it comes to speed. Thunderbolt 3 port allows for connection speeds up to 40Gbps, whereas the USB-C port works at a maximum speed of 10Gbps.
We’ve come up with our roundup of the best Ethernet Adapters for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and M1-powered MacBooks that have Thunderbolt 3 ports. We’ve also included the USB hubs that come with multiple ports as well as the standalone USB C adapters with an Ethernet port. It’s worth knowing that many of the mentioned adapters are compatible with smartphones, iPads, Chromebooks, other laptops, and even the Nintendo Switch, therefore, make sure to check the complete list of the supported devices. Let’s get started with the list.
Best Ethernet Adapters for MacBook Pro and Macbook Air in 2021
1. UNI USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBook Pro (Late 2016 and above models), MacBook Air 2018 and newer models
The UNI Ethernet adapter is one of the most portable Ethernet adapters for the M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. The plug-and-play feature provides hassle-free access to the wired LAN network instantly, you just need to plug the adapter to your MacBook, and you’re sorted. No need for any driver installation or tinkering with network settings to get started. The adapter features a lightweight premium aluminum body construction with a braided nylon cable to withstand daily wear and tear. In terms of speed, the UNI USB-C to Ethernet Adapter claims to deliver a stable connection speed up to 1Gbps, provided you use CAT6 or above Ethernet cables. In addition, the adapter is equipped with a proper heat dissipation mechanism to avoid overheating issues and comes with a complimentary nylon pouch.
2. Belkin USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBook Pro 2016 and above models, MacBook Air 2018 and newer models, iPad Pro with USB Type C Port
Belkin is already popular for its reliable Apple accessories, and here we have its USB-C to Ethernet Adapter that offers a stable wired connection for MacBook with Thunderbolt 3 ports. The adapter comes with a hard 15cm/6inch cable and a USB-C connector that allows you to connect the adapter to your device in any direction. It doesn’t require any setup and offers a reliable connection instantly, thanks to the plug and play feature. This Ethernet adapter for M1-powered Macs is perfect for streaming movies, playing online games, and downloading large files. Also, the adapter comes with a 2-year warranty.
3. Anker USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port
The renowned brand Anker offers a sleek USB-C to Ethernet Adapter with a premium aluminum exterior that perfectly matches the gorgeous aesthetic of your Silver or Space Gray MacBook. This adapter looks similar to the Belkin model that we’ve mentioned above, but it’s lighter and slimmer heavier than its competitor. Therefore, the build quality is better and it can easily withstand daily wear and tear. It’s very convenient to carry the adapter wherever you go and it saves a lot of space too, shout-out to the ultra-slim profile. It doesn’t require any installation, just plug it to your device, and it will offer a stable and reliable Ethernet cable connection. The adapter houses a trio of LED lights to show the connection status and comes with an 18-month warranty.
It’s worth mentioning that for devices running Mac OS X 10.10 and above, an installer patch is provided to prevent the adapter from disconnecting when your computer goes into the sleep mode.
4. LENTION USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C port or Thunderbolt 3 port
The LENTION USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter features unibody aluminum alloy casing paired with a 5.29 inch/13.44 cm reinforced braided nylon cable and a non-slip connector for easy plugging. It offers up to 1000Mbps Ethernet connection and is backward compatible with the 10Mbps/100Mbps network. The adapter comes with built-in drivers for auto-installation for MacBooks. Besides, it consumes low power and is equipped with heat dissipation mechanisms to prevent overheating.
The anti-fracture cable design and Ethernet port LEDs make it a very useful accessory for any MacBook, including the latest M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. This MacBook Ethernet adapter is compatible with
the latest iPad Pro 2020 and comes in Rose Gold, Silver, and Space Gray finish.
5. Cable Matters USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port
The Cable Matters USB-C to Ethernet Adapter is an affordable way to instantly add wired network connectivity to your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, as well as Apple Silicon Macs for fast streaming and secure file transfers. The adapter features a USB-C connector, which can be plugged into your MacBook in any direction. Also, it supports plug-and-play connectivity. This MacBook Type-C to Ethernet adapter also supports USB 3.1 data transfer rate up to 5Gbps for 1000 Base-T network performance and is backward compatible with 10/100Mbps networks. As an added bonus, the adapter comes with diagnostic LED indicators and support for Windows, Linux, Android, and ChromeOS.
6. UGreen USB C Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port, iPad Pro
Here comes a multi-function USB-C hub that offers a convenient way to add multiple ports to your new MacBooks like the M1 MacBook Air or M1 MacBook Pro. The UGreen Type C hub is equipped with 3x USB 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet, and a Micro USB charging port to deal with power-hungry devices such as a USB hard drive. The three extra USB 3.0 ports allow the users to connect accessories like a mouse, keyboard, external drive, a thumb drive with USB A port, or any other USB devices. This USB C hub supports USB 3.0 data sync up to 5Gbps, which allows you to transfer an HD movie in seconds. Plus, the Ethernet port provides stable and reliable wired network access at up to 1Gbps. The UGreen hub comes with the plug and play feature and is Thunderbolt 3 compatible as well.
The hub has a compact design with a stylish space gray aluminum casing for enhanced heat dissipation. Also, it offers stable performance and is equipped with overvoltage, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection mechanisms. It also supports various Windows and Linux devices.
7. Powlaken 11-in-1 USB Adapter with Ethernet
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port, iPad Pro
If you’re looking for an all-in-one connectivity station for your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or the M1-powered Macs, look no further than the USB Type-C Powlaken 11-in-1 USB adapter. It allows you to take full advantage of the Thunderbolt 3 ports on your MacBooks. The best part is the adapter supports Power Delivery charging at max 87 watts while providing power to each external device. Also, it fast charges your laptop at 60W power output. The hub comes with the following ports:
- 1x VGA port
- HDMI port
- PD USB C charging port
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 1x SD card slot
- Micro SD card slot
- 1x 3.5mm Audio/Mic 2-in-1 jack
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
The USB 2.0 ports support data transfer rate up to 480Mbps and you can connect a mouse, keyboard, or any other low data rate devices using these ports. The USB 3.0 ports offer 4.5 watts power output and data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. You can mirror/extend your display using the HDMI port and stream 4K/1080p video to HDTV, monitors, or projectors. The Ethernet port allows instant and stable access to a wired network with the connection speed up to 1Gbps. You can also transfer files from Universal SD and Micro SD memory cards at speeds of 5Gbps.
8. Belkin USB-C Hub with Tethered Cable
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port
For someone who’s looking for the most reliable USB hub to connect multiple devices with your M1 powered Macs, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, the Belkin USB-C Hub is worth checking out. This hub is equipped with a 1Gbps ethernet port that keeps you sorted with a stable and reliable internet connection. Apart from the Ethernet port, the hub provides you the following five additional ports to connect other devices at the same time:
- 2x USB A 3.0
- 1x USB C
- HDMI (4K at 30Hz)
- 1x SD card reader
One of the main highlights of this hub is the support for pass-through charging up to 60W. Therefore, you don’t need to compromise on either power or port expansion, which is a great help for MacBooks with a single or double USB-C port. The hub supports up to
5Gbps data transfer rate between your laptop and the connected devices. It has a sturdy, compact, and portable design, and comes with a tethered 6.8-inch/ 17.2 cm USB C cable to create your minimalistic power station. Additionally, this multi-function hub comes with a 2-year warranty and is compatible with Windows devices.
If you have the budget then make sure to check out Belkin’s Thunderbolt 3 certified docks for speeds up to 40Gbps and multiple 4K displays support:
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini
9. CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Here we have a Thunderbolt 3 certified hub from Caldigit with both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity merged into a single device. This dock offers you 10 ports for connectivity:
- 1x Thunderbolt 3 (compatible with USB-C ports)
- 2x Display port 1.2 for connecting two 4K@60Hz monitors
- 3 x USB 3.2 Type-A (5Gb/s)
- 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s Data Only)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- UHS-II SD Card Slot (SD 4.0)
- 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
The hub features a clean and minimal all-aluminum design with a proper arrangement to connect multiple cables neatly. It comes with a 150 watts power supply and can deliver 85 watts pass-through charging to the connected device. The hub includes a power adapter and a 27inch/0.7m Thunderbolt 3 cable right into the box. This hub is also compatible with USB-A laptops, but with limited functionality. This is the perfect MacBook accessory for content creators and professionals.
10. Anker PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C Hub
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 3 port
Here comes the affordable PowerExpand 4-in-1 hub from the renowned and trusted brand Anker. The hub offers you 1 Ethernet port, paired up with three USB 3.0 ports to connect other devices. You can instantly connect to the available LAN internet and it offers you a connection speed of up to 1Gbps. Plus, you get to transfer movies, music, and other files at a blazing data transfer speed of 5Gbps. It features a compact and portable build, backed up by an 18-month warranty. However, it’s worth mentioning that this hub does not support charging, which means you cannot power-up your MacBook using this hub.
11. Plugable 2.5G USB-C and USB A to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 2.5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: USB-C, USB 3.0, or Thunderbolt 3 ports
For all the users who are planning to go beyond standard Gigabit Ethernet speeds, get yourself the Plugable 2.5Gbps USB Ethernet adapter. It can double up the performance of the traditional Gigabit Ethernet when used with the routers or switches capable of 2.5Gbps. This Ethernet adapter is equipped with a USB-C port for the devices which use USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports. Plus, there’s an attached USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter that works well with the computers having only the standard USB 3.0 ports. The adapter comes with the plug and play feature, but initially, you’ll need to install the right drivers for 2.5Gbps link rate and jumbo frames. The Plugable adapter works perfectly with the existing Cat 5e cables and comes with a 24-month warranty.
12. TechNet USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Ports
Here we have another option to add an Ethernet port to your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, the M1-powered MacBooks. The TechNet USB-C to Ethernet Adapter offers a reliable connection to the Gigabit Ethernet, without any lag or buffer issues. It features a lightweight and portable design, which makes it travel friendly. The adapter comes with a hard 4.5-inch/11.43 cm cable and a reversible USB-C connector. The TechNet adapter does not require any external power or drivers to work with your MacBook. Moreover, it supports the USB 3.1 data transfer rate of up to 5Gbps for 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet networks.
13. NOV8Tech USB-C to Ethernet Hub
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Ports
Here comes a feature-packed and stylish Ethernet hub for M1 powered Macs, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro that allows you to connect multiple essential devices at the same time. The NOV8Tech USB-C features a clean and sturdy design with an aluminum alloy casing and beautiful color options to perfectly complement the gorgeous aesthetic of your MacBook. There’s a 1Gbps ethernet port that allows you to connect to a stable wired LAN network. Besides, the hub packs the following ports to deliver maximum connectivity for your MacBook:
- HDMI 4K Ultra HD
- 2x USB3.0
- SD Card reader
- MicroSD Card reader
- USB Type-C Data
- Thunderbolt 3
The Thunderbolt 3 port supports Power Delivery charging and data transfer speeds of up to 40Gbps. This makes the NOV8Tech a must-have Ethernet hub for all MacBooks users who don’t want to make a choice between port expansion and power. You can grab this ethernet hub in Gold, Silver, and Space Gray color options.
It’s worth mentioning that the NOV8Tech USB-C to Ethernet Hub is also compatible with the latest M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models.
Also read: Best Apps for M1 powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
14. TP-Link USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Ports
Here comes a reliable way to experience high-speed ethernet performance on your MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. The TP-Link USB-C to Ethernet Adapter is an all-important accessory for all MacBook users who want to enjoy faster downloads, large file transfers, and improved streaming and gaming experience on their devices. The ultra-compact and foldable design makes it very easy to carry this ethernet adapter wherever you go. Apart from MacBooks, this ethernet adapter is compatible with various other devices, including iPad Pro, Microsoft Surface laptop, Google Pixelbook, Chromebook, Lenovo laptops, and more.
It’s worth mentioning that to enjoy a connection speed of up to 1Gbps, you must use CAT6 or Up ethernet cables.
15. Mokin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Hub
Connection speed: up to 1Gbps
Data transfer speed: up to 5Gbps
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 Ports
Looking for an ethernet adapter for your office or home entertainment system? Here comes an amazing option for you.
Mokin USB-C to Ethernet Hub features a compact and portable design with a long-lasting aluminum casing paired with an 8.14-inch hard-wearing cable and durable connectors for easy plugging.
There’s a high-speed ethernet port that offers access to superfast network speeds. In addition, there are three USB 3.0 ports that offer amazing data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps. Therefore, you can easily connect your hard drive, keyboard, mouse, printer, thumb drive, and other devices to your MacBook.
The adapter offers plug and play connectivity with the installer patch provided for macOS. The premium construction and pocket-friendly design make the Mokin an all-important ethernet adapter for MacBook users who prefer compact and stylish accessories for their devices. The Mokin USB-C to Ethernet Hub is compatible with a wide range of devices, including
iPad Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, Samsung Chromebooks, Lenovo laptops, Surface laptops, and many others (make sure to check the complete list of compatible devices).
Looking for the best HDMI Adapters for MacBook Pro or MacBook Air? Don’t forget to browse through our selection.
That was all for our roundup for the best Ethernet Adapters for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in 2021. The standalone adapters help you to save a lot of desk space and provide a reliable internet connection. On the other hand, the multi-function hubs allow the users to set up a complete workstation by connecting multiple devices at a time. Plus, these hubs help you to replace multiple adapters and offer great help while you’re traveling. Don’t forget to share this article with all the MacBook users you know.
