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Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Compatible with Windows and macOS, Black
Amazon Basics

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter

Bottom line: The Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter ($14.80 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Full 10/100/1000 Gigabit throughput over a single USB 3.0 port; main trade-off: explicitly unsupported on Smart TVs and consoles like Nintendo Switch.

$14.80

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Buy on Amazon — $14.80 Compare to similar retro networking cards

By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Full 10/100/1000 Gigabit throughput over a single USB 3.0 port
  • ✓ Wake-on-LAN support for remotely waking a sleeping machine
  • ✓ Checksum Offload Engine (COE) shifts IPv4/IPv6 packet work off the CPU
  • ✓ Native driver support on Windows 8.1+ and macOS, no install disc

Cons

  • ✗ Explicitly unsupported on Smart TVs and consoles like Nintendo Switch
  • ✗ No Windows 7 or Windows 8.0 support listed
  • ✗ USB 3.0 host port needed; USB 2.0 will cap it below Gigabit
  • ✗ Occupies a full-size USB-A port, so USB-C laptops need a dongle

Manufacturer description

The Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter is the cheapest reliable way to put a wired network port back on a machine that lost one, whether that's a modern ultrabook with no RJ45 or a retro build whose onboard NIC has died. It negotiates 10/100/1000 Mbps and hands your computer a full Gigabit link off any router, modem, or switch. That last detail matters on low-power hosts and older hardware where every cycle counts. Drivers are handled natively on Windows 8.1 or higher and on macOS, so most setups are plug-and-play with no download step. Note the hard limit before you order…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. Amazon Basics'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 Nintendo Switch or my smart TV?

No. Amazon states the adapter connects a USB 3.0 computer or laptop to a router, modem, or switch, and specifically does not support Smart TVs or gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch.

Do I need to install drivers?

It is listed as compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher and macOS, where driver support is built in. For older or non-listed operating systems, check the product listing for current driver availability.

Does it actually deliver full Gigabit speeds?

It supports 10/100/1000 Mbps, so it negotiates a full Gigabit link. Real-world throughput depends on your router, cabling, and having it plugged into a genuine USB 3.0 port rather than USB 2.0.

Can I use it to wake my PC over the network?

Yes. Wake-on-LAN is a supported feature, so you can wake a sleeping machine remotely, provided Wake-on-LAN is also enabled in your system BIOS and OS network settings.

Is it reliable enough for daily use?

It is a popular, widely bought accessory at an inexpensive price point, so there is a lot of real-world use behind it. Check the product listing for current warranty terms.

Key Features

  • Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
  • Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
  • Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
  • Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS

Full Specifications

BrandAmazon Basics
ColorBlack
Unit Count1.0 Count
ConnectivityUSB
Model NumberU3-GE-1P
CompatibilitySwitch, Mac
Built-In MediaUSB to RJ45 ethernet adapter
Mfr Part NumberU3-GE-1P
Compatible DevicesComputers, laptops
Data Link ProtocolEthernet, Gigabit Ethernet, USB
Data Transfer Rate1000 Megabits Per Second
Hardware InterfaceEthernet, USB
Item Dimensions L x W x H7.24"L x 0.94"W x 0.64"H
Global Trade Identification Number00841710101713, 00841710106510, 00841710158199
Full listing titleAmazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Compatible with Windows and macOS, Black

Ready to buy?

Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Compatible with Windows and macOS, Black 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.

Buy on Amazon — $14.80

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Internet Adapter, Compatible with Windows and macOS, Black
$14.80
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