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TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter, Foldable USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP for Desktop Laptop Apple MacBook Linux (UE300)
TP-Link

TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter

Bottom line: The TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter ($7.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Full 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit over USB 3.0, not a 100Mbps bottleneck; main trade-off: no Nintendo Switch, Wii U, or Wii support.

$7.99

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Buy on Amazon — $7.99 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 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit over USB 3.0, not a 100Mbps bottleneck
  • ✓ Driver-free on Windows XP-11, macOS 10.9+, Chrome OS, and Linux
  • ✓ Foldable connector lies flat for laptop-bag travel
  • ✓ 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet plus a 24-month TP-Link warranty

Cons

  • ✗ No Nintendo Switch, Wii U, or Wii support
  • ✗ macOS 10.6-10.8 requires a manual driver download from TP-Link
  • ✗ USB-A only, so USB-C laptops need a separate adapter
  • ✗ Occupies a full-size USB 3.0 port with no passthrough or extra ports

Manufacturer description

The TP-Link UE300 turns a single USB 3.0 port into a full Gigabit Ethernet connection, which makes it a practical bridge between modern laptops and older wired networks. It supports IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3ab, plus 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet to cut idle power draw, and it stays backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 hosts if your machine predates USB 3.0. Installation is driver-free on Windows XP through Windows 11, macOS 10.9 and later, Chrome OS, and Linux; only macOS 10.6 through 10.8 needs a driver download from TP-Link. The connector folds flat against the housing, so…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. TP-Link'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

Does the TP-Link UE300 work with the Nintendo Switch?

No. TP-Link explicitly lists the Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Wii as unsupported for the UE300. Consoles are the main compatibility gap in an otherwise broad device list.

Do I need to install drivers for the UE300?

Not for most systems. Installation is driver-free on Windows XP and later, macOS 10.9 and later, Chrome OS, and Linux. Only macOS 10.6 through 10.8 requires a driver download from the TP-Link website.

Will it reach real Gigabit speeds?

Yes, when plugged into a USB 3.0 port. The UE300 supports full 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet and complies with IEEE 802.3ab. On a USB 2.0 or 1.1 port it still works, but the USB bus becomes the limiting factor.

Is it compatible with a MacBook or Chromebook?

Yes. TP-Link lists MacBook, iMac, Chromebook, Surface, Windows PCs, Linux PCs, and Dell Inspiron among supported devices. The port is USB-A, so USB-C-only machines need a hub or USB-C adapter.

What warranty and support does TP-Link provide?

The UE300 comes with a 24-month warranty and free lifetime 24/7 technical support from TP-Link. Check the product listing for the terms that apply in your region.

Key Features

  • 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: UE300 is a Gigabit Ethernet Adapter that enables you to turn your laptop's USB port into an RJ45 Ethernet port. Switch from an unstable wireless connection to a stable high-speed Ethernet connection
  • 𝐆𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬: Take your speed to the next level with the UE300 Ethernet adapter. Experience full 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet performance over your laptop's USB 3.0 port and elevate your browsing experience
  • 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: does not support Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii. Compatible with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3U, IEEE 802.3ab. Supports IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet). backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.2
  • 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 & 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲: Driver-free installation for Windows XP and later version, macOS 10. 9 and later version, Chrome OS and Linux OS. (Note: for Mac OS 10. 6-10. 8, a driver is required and needs to be downloaded from TP-Link website)
  • 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: the UE300 conveniently folds down and is extremely portable, enabling you to take it with you wherever you go
  • 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: industry leading 24-month and free lifetime 7/24 technical support

Full Specifications

BrandTP-Link
ColorWhite
ConnectivityWireless, USB
Model NumberUE300
CompatibilityPC, Switch, Mac, Linux
Built-In MediaQuick Installation Guide, USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter
Item Type NameUSB to Ethernet Adapter
Connection TypeWireless
Mfr Part NumberUE300
Compatible DevicesMacBook, iMac, Chromebook, Surface, Windows PC, Linux PC, Dell inspiron, etc
Data Link ProtocolUSB
Data Transfer Rate1000 Megabits Per Second
Hardware InterfaceUSB 3.0
Warranty Description2 year manufacturer
Item Dimensions L x W x H2.8"L x 2.8"W x 0.64"H
Global Trade Identification Number00845973091743
𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬MacBook, iMac, Chromebook, Surface, Windows PC, Linux PC, Dell inspiron, etc
𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭industry leading 24-month and free lifetime 7/24 technical support
𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 & 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧the UE300 conveniently folds down and is extremely portable, enabling you to take it with you wherever you go
Full listing titleTP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter, Foldable USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP for Desktop Laptop Apple MacBook Linux (UE300)

Ready to buy?

TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter, Foldable USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP for Desktop Laptop Apple MacBook Linux (UE300) 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 — $7.99

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

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TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter, Foldable USB 3.0 to 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP for Desktop Laptop Apple MacBook Linux (UE300)
$7.99
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