We compared two gigabit USB-C to Ethernet adapters: the TP-Link UE300C USB-C Ethernet Adapter and the UGREEN USB-C to Ethernet Adapter.
What we looked at
Build, driver support, portability, speed, and price.
The verdict
If you want a light, foldable gigabit adapter with preloaded drivers for the lowest price, the TP-Link UE300C is the pick at £9.99. If you would rather pay £2.91 more for an aluminium-bodied adapter, the UGREEN is the alternative, at £12.90.
A £9.99 20g foldable USB 3.0 gigabit adapter.
A £12.90 aluminium gigabit USB-C adapter.
TP-Link UE300C Gigabit USB-C to Ethernet Adapter — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as a gigabit USB 3.0 USB-C to Ethernet adapter with up to 1Gbps speeds, preloaded drivers for Windows 11 and 10, macOS 10.9 and later, Chrome OS and Linux, and a foldable, ultra-light design of about 20g, for laptops, tablets, MacBooks, Chromebooks and the Nintendo Switch. Carries 4.5 stars from 16.1K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the UGREEN on these listings, at £9.99
- Foldable and about 20g
- Preloaded drivers for Windows, macOS, Chrome OS and Linux
- Very large review history (16.1K ratings)
Worth knowing
- Lightweight plastic body rather than aluminium
- Slightly lower star rating than the UGREEN (4.5 vs 4.6)
Best for
- Buyers who want the lowest price
- Anyone who wants a very light travel adapter
- Those who use a Nintendo Switch
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want a metal body
- Anyone who wants the highest-rated option
UGREEN USB-C to Ethernet Adapter, Gigabit, Aluminium — Aluminium Build
Intended for: Marketed as an aluminium USB-C to RJ45 gigabit Ethernet adapter, Thunderbolt 3 compatible, with speeds up to 1Gbps and backward compatibility with 100Mbps and 10Mbps networks, driverless plug and play on Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 8, macOS and iOS, for MacBooks, iPads and the Steam Deck. Carries 4.6 stars from 10.8K ratings on this listing.
What we liked
- Aluminium body per the listing
- Driverless plug and play across Windows, macOS and iOS
- Backward compatible with 100Mbps and 10Mbps networks
- Slightly higher star rating than the TP-Link (4.6 vs 4.5)
Worth knowing
- Costs £2.91 more than the TP-Link on these listings
- Smaller review history than the TP-Link (10.8K vs 16.1K ratings)
Best for
- Buyers who prefer a metal adapter
- Anyone with a MacBook or iPad
- Those who use a Steam Deck
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a foldable design
