Cable Matters 4-in-1 USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet | 10/100/1000Mbps Network, 3x 5Gbps USBA Ports, Black
Bottom line: The Cable Matters 4-in-1 USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet: Adds Gigabit Ethernet plus 3 USB-A ports from one host USB 3.0 port; main trade-off: no USB-C host plug, so newer laptops need a separate adapter.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Adds Gigabit Ethernet plus 3 USB-A ports from one host USB 3.0 port
- ✓ 5Gbps USB 3.0 throughput handles flash drives, not just keyboard and mouse
- ✓ Driver-free on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS
- ✓ Bus-powered with no wall adapter, under 2 oz for laptop bags
- ✓ LED indicators show link and data activity at a glance
Cons
- ✗ No USB-C host plug, so newer laptops need a separate adapter
- ✗ Bus power is shared, limiting high-draw USB devices
- ✗ Only 3 USB ports, all USB-A, with no card reader or video out
- ✗ Short fixed cable tail cannot be swapped or extended
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Cable Matters 4-in-1 USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. Cable Matters'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.
Key Features
- Dual-function USB 3.0 hub transforms a single USB port into a 3 port hub with USB network adapter; Connect a keyboard, mouse, flash drive or other USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 peripheral; Add Gigabit Ethernet capability to a computer without an RJ45 network port with this USB Ethernet adapter
- Lightweight and portable USB hub adapter weighs less than 2 Ouncess with a short cable tail that folds neatly beside the hub for convenient storage or traveling in a laptop sleeve; The USB 3 to Ethernet adapter with USB reduces wear and tear on the USB port of your valuable computer from frequent unplugging
- Wireless alternative Gigabit Ethernet adapter for laptop provides an option in locations with Wi-Fi dead zones; Stream large video files or download a software upgrade through a wired home or office LAN; USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter provides better security than most wireless connections and a fast data transfer rate up to 5 Gbps
- Driver free installation with no external software drivers required; Bus-powered USB 3 hub requires no external power; Diagnostic LED indicators on the Ethernet to USB adapter verify the network connection and data transfer status
- Universal compatibility with Chrome, Linux, Mac, and Windows operating systems; Ideal USB hub Ethernet adapter for the road warrior with multiple OS computers who needs to connect to a wired Ethernet network and transfer data from USB peripherals
Full Specifications
| Brand | Cable Matters |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | Wireless, USB, WiFi |
| Model Number | 202026-BLK-E |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Mfr Part Number | 202026-BLK-E |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Keyboard, Laptop, Mouse |
| Data Link Protocol | Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, USB |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 gigabits_per_second |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, USB |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 3.5"L x 1"W x 0.8"H |
Ready to buy?
Cable Matters 4-in-1 USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet | 10/100/1000Mbps Network, 3x 5Gbps USBA Ports, 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.
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