TP-Link USB C to Ethernet Adapter (UE300C)
Bottom line: The TP-Link USB C to Ethernet Adapter ($10.92 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Full 10/100/1000 Mbps gigabit RJ45 over a single USB-C port; main trade-off: needs CAT6 or better cabling to actually reach 1 Gbps.
As an Amazon Associate, SpecPicks earns from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure →
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Full 10/100/1000 Mbps gigabit RJ45 over a single USB-C port
- ✓ USB-C 3.0 host interface, not a USB 2.0 bottleneck
- ✓ No drivers on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, macOS, Chrome OS, Ubuntu
- ✓ 2.8 x 1.0 x 0.6 in foldable body fits a jacket pocket
Cons
- ✗ Needs CAT6 or better cabling to actually reach 1 Gbps
- ✗ Occupies your only USB-C port on single-port ultrabooks
- ✗ No pass-through charging or extra USB ports like a hub
- ✗ Single RJ45 jack only, no HDMI or card reader
Manufacturer description
Bring fast, reliable wired connectivity to your USB-C devices with the TP-Link USB Type-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (UE300C). Designed for modern laptops, tablets, and desktops, this compact and portable adapter delivers network speeds of up to 1 Gbps — ideal for streaming HD videos, transferring large files, online gaming, and smooth video conferencing.With broad compatibility for Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux (Ubuntu), the UE300C offers effortless plug-and-play setup on most systems. Crafted with a foldable, lightweight design, it’s easy to carry and perfect for use at home, in…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored TP-Link USB C 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 UE300C need drivers?
No. TP-Link lists it as plug and play on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, and 7, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux (Ubuntu). You connect it and the wired link comes up without an install.
Will it work with my MacBook Pro?
Yes. TP-Link specifically lists MacBook Pro 2017-2020 and MacBook Air, along with iPad Pro, Dell XPS 13/15, Surface Laptop 3, Google Pixelbook, Chromebook, Asus ZenBook, and Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon and Yoga 720/910/920.
Can it really hit 1 Gbps speeds?
It supports 10/100/1000 Mbps and runs over USB-C 3.0, which has the bandwidth for gigabit. TP-Link notes you need a CAT6 or higher Ethernet cable to reach 1 Gbps; older CAT5 cabling will cap you lower.
How big is it and will it fit in a bag?
It measures 2.8 x 1.0 x 0.6 inches with a foldable design, so it slips into a laptop bag or pocket. TP-Link positions it for travel, remote work, and conference-room setups.
Does it charge my laptop or add USB ports?
No. The UE300C is a single-function adapter with one RJ45 Ethernet port. It does not include USB-C power pass-through, extra USB-A ports, or video output, so a multiport hub is the better fit if you need those.
Key Features
- 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡-𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Instantly transform your laptop or tablet’s USB-C port into a reliable wired connection with a 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port. Perfect for replacing unstable Wi-Fi in situations that require uninterrupted connectivity, such as online meetings, gaming, and media streaming.
- 𝐔𝐒𝐁-𝐂 𝟑.𝟎 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - Experience full Gigabit Ethernet performance over your laptop’s USB-C 3.0 port and elevate your browsing experience to transfer files, play games, video chat, and stream HD videos seamlessly. (To reach 1Gbps, please use CAT6 or up Ethernet cables.)
- 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐫𝐚-𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - At just 2.8 x 1.0 x 0.6 inches, the UE300C slips easily into your laptop bag or pocket. The lightweight yet durable build makes it perfect for travel, remote work, or quick setup in conference rooms.
- 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲- No driver required for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, macOS, Chrome OS, and Linux (Ubuntu). Simply connect and enjoy instant wired internet access without complicated setup.
- 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲- Works seamlessly with most USB-C devices, including MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro, Dell XPS, Surface Laptop, Chromebook, and more—making it a versatile network upgrade for home, office, or on-the-go use.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. This device is designed, built, and maintained, with advanced security as a core requirement.
Full Specifications
| Brand | TP-Link |
|---|---|
| Color | White |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 1.0 x 0.6 inch |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Connectivity | USB-C, WiFi |
| Model Number | UE300C |
| Compatibility | Mac, Linux |
| Built-In Media | 1 x USB Type-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter UE300C, 1 x User Guide |
| Item Type Name | USB-C to Ethernet Adapter |
| Connection Type | Wired |
| Mfr Part Number | UE300C |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Data Link Protocol | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1 gigabits_per_second |
| Hardware Interface | USB Type C |
| Warranty Description | 2 year manufacturer |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2.8"L x 1"W x 0.6"H |
| Full listing title | TP-Link USB C to Ethernet Adapter(UE300C), RJ45 to USB C Type-C Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook Pro 2017-2020, MacBook Air, Surface, Dell XPS and More |
Ready to buy?
TP-Link USB C to Ethernet Adapter(UE300C), RJ45 to USB C Type-C Gigabit Ethernet LAN Network Adapter, Compatible with MacBook Pro 2017-2020, MacBook Air, Surface, Dell XPS and More 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.
Related Retro Networking Cards
More guides & deep dives from the SpecPicks archive
Browse all articles & guides →- Best Budget Gaming PC Build 2026 — ~$1,000 ($800 on Sale)
- Best Retro Handhelds in 2026 — From $35 to $500
- Best 1440p Gaming GPUs in 2026
- How to Build a Windows 98 Retro PC in 2026
- Emulation Hardware in 2026: FPGA, Software, and Cart-Reader Ecosystems
- The Complete Voodoo5 5500 AGP Driver Guide (2026 Edition)
- RTX 4070 Super vs RX 7800 XT — Which to Buy in 2026
More reviews from the SpecPicks archive
Browse all reviews →- GLM-5.2 for Local Agents: Can a 12GB RTX 3060 Run Long-Horizon Tasks?
- Qwen3.6-27B vs Coder-Next: Local Code Accuracy and VRAM on AMD Rigs
- Resident Evil Code: Veronica on a CRT — Why It Still Hits Different
- Best NVMe SSD for Local LLM Model Storage in 2026
- Gemma 3 12B vs Qwen2.5 14B on a 12 GB RTX 3060: Which Fits, Which Is Faster
- This DIY 'Steam Controller Puck' Emulates Xbox, Switch & PS Pads
- A 2007 Samsung UMPC Becomes a Wii U Gamepad
- Can a Raspberry Pi 4 Run the Oomwoo Open-Source Robot Vacuum Brain?
- Best Budget PC Gaming Upgrades Under $200 in 2026
- Best CPU Cooler for Ryzen 7 5800X Heavy Workloads (2026)
- Gemma 4 26B-A4B NVFP4 vs Qwen 3.6 27B Q4_K_M: Single-GPU Local Inference Benchmarked
- Cloudflare CEO: The Web's Future Is 'Pay to Crawl' as Bots Overtake Humans
- Single vs. Dual Channel Memory: Intel Core Ultra 7 270K
- How to run DeepSeek-R1 32B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090
- Best Quiet CPU Cooler for Ryzen 7 3700X Silent Builds in 2026
- Best GPU for Running Llama 3.1 8B Locally on a Budget (2026)
- Best USB Microphone for a Raspberry Pi Project YouTube Channel (2026)
- Headset Mic vs USB Mic for Discord and Twitch: Recon 50 vs Blue Yeti
- Best Controller for PC Emulation and Retro Gaming in 2026
- Alienware AW3426DW Review: QD-OLED Ultrawide Gaming at $699
- Do you need a shifter for sim racing? Logitech G29 + Thrustmaster TH8A
- Linux 7.3: 'Flatten the Pick' Scheduler Gains for Gaming
- GLM-5.2 vs DeepSeek V4 on a 12GB RTX 3060: Which Open-Weights Model Wins?
- Best NVMe SSD for Gaming PCs in 2026
Earliest SpecPicks reviews
Browse full archive →- Best GPU for Llama 3.1 8B (2026)
- Best GPU for Qwen 3 14B (2026)
- Best GPU for Qwen 3 32B (2026)
- Best GPU for Llama 3.1 70B (2026)
- Best GPU for DeepSeek-R1 32B (2026)
- Best GPU for Llama 3.1 405B (2026)
- How to run Llama 3.1 8B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Qwen 3 14B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Qwen 3 32B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Llama 3.1 70B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run DeepSeek-R1 32B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090
- How to run Llama 3.1 8B on NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090