StarTech.com StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter ($35.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Adds Gigabit RJ45 plus a USB 3.0 pass-through port, so you keep the host port usable; main trade-off: USB-A connector needs a dongle or hub on USB-C-only laptops.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Adds Gigabit RJ45 plus a USB 3.0 pass-through port, so you keep the host port usable
- ✓ Full 10/100/1000 Mbps throughput over USB 3.0's 5 Gbps bus, not capped at Fast Ethernet
- ✓ IEEE 802.3i/u/ab compliant, so it negotiates with standard switches and routers
- ✓ Backward compatible with USB 2.0 laptops when no USB 3.0 port is free
- ✓ Compact bus-powered design aimed at MacBooks and Ultrabooks with no built-in Ethernet
Cons
- ✗ USB-A connector needs a dongle or hub on USB-C-only laptops
- ✗ White plastic housing stands out against darker laptops and docks
- ✗ Single pass-through port only, so a multi-device setup still needs a separate hub
Manufacturer description
The USB31000SPTW USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter lets you add a Gigabit network port to your Macbook or Ultrabook computer through a USB 3.0 port, and features an integrated USB 3.0 pass-through port that keeps your USB port available for use with other peripherals. The RJ45 port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet and is fully compatible with IEEE 802.3i/u/ab standards.An ideal replacement LAN adapter or laptop accessory, this compact USB 3.0 NIC leverages the 5 Gbps speed of USB 3.0 to provide full gigabit bandwidth and also offers backward compatibility with USB 2.0 systems (speed…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. StarTech.com's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Key Features
- Add a Gigabit Ethernet port and a USB 3.0 pass-through port to your laptop through a single USB 3.0 port
- USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter with USB Port (White)
- 10/100/1000 Mbps USB 3.0 LAN Adapter
- External USB Network Card
- USB 3.0 to Gigabit NIC Network Adapter
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | White |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | USB31000SPTW |
| Mfr Part Number | USB31000SPTW |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, USB |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Megabits Per Second |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year warranty |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00065030851909 |
| Full listing title | StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, USB 3.0 NIC (USB31000SPTW) | 10/100/1000Mbps USB 3.0 LAN Adapter, With USB Port (White) |
Ready to buy?
StarTech USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, USB 3.0 NIC (USB31000SPTW) | 10/100/1000Mbps USB 3.0 LAN Adapter, With USB Port (White) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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