StarTech.com
StarTech 3ft USB 3.0 to eSATA Adapter, 6Gbps, HDD/SSD/ODD (USB3S2ESATA3)
Bottom line: The StarTech.com StarTech 3ft USB 3.0 to eSATA Adapter ($28.79 on Amazon as of 2026-10-20 16:19 UTC): Revives eSATA HDDs, SSDs, and ODDs on any USB 3.0 laptop or desktop; main trade-off: data-only eSATA, not eSATAp: drive must supply its own power.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Revives eSATA HDDs, SSDs, and ODDs on any USB 3.0 laptop or desktop
- ✓ Compatible with SATA revision I, II, and III drives
- ✓ Up to 5Gbps host transfer over USB 3.0
- ✓ OS independent: no drivers, plug-and-play, hot-swap compatible
- ✓ 3ft/1m compact cable form factor packs into a laptop bag
Cons
- ✗ Data-only eSATA, not eSATAp: drive must supply its own power
- ✗ 5Gbps USB 3.0 host link caps a 6Gbps SATA III drive
- ✗ Connects only to eSATA or eSATAp ports, not bare internal SATA
- ✗ 3ft length limits how far the drive can sit from the host
Manufacturer description
The StarTech.com USB3S2ESATA3 is a 3ft (1m) USB 3.0 to eSATA adapter cable that gives any USB-equipped machine an eSATA data port. If your laptop or small-form-factor desktop dropped eSATA years ago, this StarTech adapter is how you keep an existing eSATA hard drive, SSD, or optical drive in service without rebuilding the enclosure. It supports SATA revisions I/II/III, so a 6Gbps drive still negotiates its native link speed on the drive side, while the host connection moves data at up to 5Gbps over USB 3.0. There is no driver install and no configuration screen. The cable is OS independent…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored StarTech.com StarTech 3ft USB 3.0 to eSATA Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the expansion cards category. StarTech.com's expansion 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 expansion 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
Does this adapter power an external eSATA drive?
No. StarTech notes this is an eSATA data-only cable, not eSATAp, so your drive or enclosure needs its own power supply.
Will it work with a SATA III 6Gbps SSD?
Yes. It is compatible with SATA revisions I, II, and III, though the USB 3.0 host side supports transfer rates up to 5Gbps.
Do I need to install drivers?
No. The USB3S2ESATA3 is OS independent and plug-and-play, and it supports hot-swapping drives without a reboot.
Can I connect a Blu-ray or DVD drive with it?
Yes. StarTech lists support for Blu-ray, DVD, and CD ATAPI/ODD drives alongside large-capacity HDDs and SSDs.
Key Features
- ADD AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE: This 3ft / 1m USB 3.0 to eSATA adapter lets you connect any external eSATA hard drive (HDD), solid state drive (SSD), or optical disc drive (ODD) through the USB 3.0 port on your laptop or desktop
- MAXIMUM COMPATIBILITY: Easily connect your USB-enabled computer or laptop, such as your Dell OptiPlex or MacBook to an eSATA drive using this eSATA HDD cable.
- COMPACT DESIGN: This hard drive adapter cable features a compact, portable form factor design that fits perfect in your laptop bag, making it ideal for professionals on the go
- HIGH TRANSFER SPEEDS: For fast access to external storage, this USB to eSATA converter cable supports transfer rates up to 5Gbps using USB 3.0
- NOTE: Connects to an eSATA or eSATAp port only; Please ensure eSATA drive/device has its own power as this is an eSATA (data-only) cable, not eSATAp (eSATA + power); OS Independent; Plug-and-play and hot-swap compatible
Full Specifications
| Brand | StarTech.com |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Finish | Matte |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Item Length | 1 meters |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | USB3S2ESATA3 |
| Input Voltage | 5 volts |
| Built-In Media | 1 - USB 3.0 to eSATA Adapter Cable, 1 - Installation guide |
| Connector Type | eSATA/USB |
| Item Type Name | Data Transfer Cable |
| Item Dimensions | 35.8 x 0.9 x 0.4 inches |
| Mfr Part Number | USB3S2ESATA3 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Number of Ports | 1 |
| Power Plug Type | No Plug |
| Compatible Devices | Compatible with USB 3.0-enabled computer systems such as Dell Optiplex & Apple Mac & MacBook and eSATA hard drives solid state drives and optical drives |
| HIGH TRANSFER SPEEDS | For fast access to external storage, this USB to eSATA converter cable supports transfer rates up to 5Gbps using USB 3.0 |
| Warranty Description | 2 Year |
| MAXIMUM COMPATIBILITY | Easily connect your USB-enabled computer or laptop, such as your Dell OptiPlex or MacBook to an eSATA drive using this eSATA HDD cable. |
Ready to buy?
StarTech 3ft USB 3.0 to eSATA Adapter, 6Gbps, HDD/SSD/ODD (USB3S2ESATA3) 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 2026-10-20. Price and availability subject to change.
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