TRENDnet
TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (TU3-ETG)
Bottom line: The TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter ($14.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): USB bus powered, no external adapter or second cable to carry; main trade-off: USB-A only, so USB-C laptops need a separate hub or adapter.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ USB bus powered, no external adapter or second cable to carry
- ✓ Backward compatible with older USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports on legacy machines
- ✓ 2-year TRENDnet Manufacturer Protection included
- ✓ NDAA compliant for US and Canada government procurement
Cons
- ✗ USB-A only, so USB-C laptops need a separate hub or adapter
- ✗ Vendor macOS support list stops at 10.15 Catalina
- ✗ No Linux or Chrome OS support listed by TRENDnet
- ✗ Attached 5 in. cable is fixed length and not replaceable
Manufacturer description
The TRENDnet TU3-ETG solves a problem that shows up constantly on thin notebooks and older desktops: no working RJ45 port. This compact USB-A adapter adds a Gigabit Ethernet port in minutes, drawing all its power from the USB bus so there is no wall wart to carry. Riding a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connection, it supports Full Duplex 2Gbps transfer speeds (up to 1Gbps in each direction), and it still works when plugged into older USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports if that is all your machine offers. TRENDnet lists compatibility with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, plus macOS 10.6 through 10.15, which makes the…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. TRENDnet's retro networking cards 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 retro networking cards 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with a USB 2.0 port on an older PC?
Yes. TRENDnet lists the TU3-ETG as compatible with older USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports, though full Gigabit throughput requires a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port.
Does the TU3-ETG need a separate power supply?
No. The adapter is powered entirely through the USB port it plugs into, so there is no wall adapter or second cable involved.
What operating systems does it support?
TRENDnet lists Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, plus Mac OS 10.6 through 10.15. Other systems are not on the vendor compatibility list.
How fast is it, really?
It is a Gigabit adapter: up to 1Gbps per direction, which TRENDnet markets as Full Duplex 2Gbps combined throughput over USB 3.0.
Is it covered by a warranty?
TRENDnet backs the TU3-ETG with 2 years of Manufacturer Protection. Check the product listing for current terms in your region.
Key Features
- PROVIDE FAST ETHERNET SPEEDS: Connect your USB 3.0 enabled desktop, MacBook, notebook PC, or device at fast Gigabit speeds
- MANUFACTURER PROTECTION: We stand by the quality of our products.The TU3-ETG USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter is backed and supported with 2 years of TRENDnet Manufacturer Protection.
- NDAA COMPLIANT: With our NDAA compliant USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, you can plan and install networking solutions that Government customers demand today (U.S. and Canada Only)
- RELIABLE TECH SUPPORT: Our team of advisors, support and tech experts are English speaking, and available for all your needs during normal business hours. We take pride in being there for our customers.
- ADD, PROTECT & REPLACE AN RJ45 ETHERNET PORT: Quickly add a Gigabit Ethernet port to a Windows or Mac computer. A SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port supports Full Duplex 2 Gbps transfer speeds. The TU3-ETG is compatible with older USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports
- SUPPORTED OS AND COMPATABILITY: This USB Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Mac OS 10.15, 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6
Full Specifications
| Brand | TRENDnet |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| USB POWERED | The USB Ethernet adapter is powered via the USB port |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | TU3-ETG |
| Compatibility | PC, Mac |
| Built-In Media | CD-ROM (Drivers), Quick Installation Guide, TU3-ETG |
| GIGABIT SPEEDS | Experience Full Duplex 2Gbps Ethernet speeds with this compact USB to gigabit Ethernet adapter. |
| Mfr Part Number | TU3-ETG |
| EASY INSTALLATION | Simple setup; the USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter installs in minutes |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Data Link Protocol | USB |
| Data Transfer Rate | 2 Gigabits Per Second |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year Warranty |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2.8"L x 1"W x 0.6"H |
| PROVIDE FAST ETHERNET SPEEDS | Connect your USB 3.0 enabled desktop, MacBook, notebook PC, or device at fast Gigabit speeds |
| SUPPORTED OS AND COMPATABILITY | This USB Ethernet adapter is compatible with Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Mac OS 10.15, 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00549677903332, 00710931302387, 07044447786182, 07109313023874 |
| Full listing title | TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, Full Duplex 2Gbps Ethernet Speeds, Up to 1Gbps, USB to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, USB-A, Windows Compatible, USB Powered, Black, TU3-ETG |
Ready to buy?
TRENDnet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, Full Duplex 2Gbps Ethernet Speeds, Up to 1Gbps, USB to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, USB-A, Windows Compatible, USB Powered, Black, TU3-ETG 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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