A compact network accessory that adds Gigabit wired connectivity to USB 3.0 laptops and PCs, promising a steadier connection than Wi‑Fi. Peace of mind for anyone who needs reliable transfers or smoother video calls. Is the Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter the right fix for flaky wireless?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Connection Speed: USB 3.0 interface delivers Gigabit Ethernet network connectivity
- • Best for: Laptop and PC users needing stable wired networking for transfers and calls
- • Not ideal for: Smart TVs and gaming consoles such as Nintendo Switch, which are not supported
Plugs into a USB 3.0 port to supply 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet and supports Wake-on-LAN and Green Ethernet. Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher and Mac OS, with IPv4/IPv6 checksum offload to lower CPU load.
Stable wired performance, with USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet bridging
USB 3.0 connection links the host computer to the RJ45 socket, enabling Gigabit Ethernet network access over the USB interface. The Gigabit link reduces variability introduced by wireless connections and sustains higher transfer rates.
Consistent throughput is useful for large file copies, network backups and smoother video calls where Wi‑Fi can be unreliable.
Lower processor overhead, with IPv4/IPv6 checksum offload
The adapter supports packet checksum offload for both IPv4 and IPv6, moving checksum calculations from the CPU to the network engine. Offloading reduces CPU cycles during heavy network activity.
Frees processing power during sustained transfers, which helps on older or busy laptops when multitasking.
Energy-aware networking and remote wake, with Green Ethernet and Wake-on-LAN
Supported features include Wake-on-LAN and IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet), allowing the network interface to operate efficiently and to wake a machine remotely. Power saving occurs during idle periods under the Green Ethernet standard.
Useful for office environments and maintenance tasks where devices need to be woken remotely and left with reduced idle power draw.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Amazon Basics USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
- Plug-and-play USB 3.0 - Immediate connection without driver installation on many systems
- Gigabit RJ45 interface - Sustained wired throughput for large file transfers and streaming
- IPv4/IPv6 checksum offload - Reduces CPU load during heavy network transfers and backups
- Wake-on-LAN and Energy Efficient Ethernet - Allows remote wake and lowers idle power consumption
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Personal Computer accessory
- Interface: USB 3.0
- Network Standard: 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
- Supported Speeds: 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Compatible OS: Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a driver required to use the adapter?
A: Many users report plug-and-play operation with no drivers required, and the adapter is listed as compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher and Mac OS.
Q: Will it work with my smart TV or Nintendo Switch?
A: No, smart TVs and gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch are not supported according to the product description.
Q: Does the adapter support Wake-on-LAN and energy-saving standards?
A: Yes, Wake-on-LAN is supported and the adapter complies with Green Ethernet, including IEEE 802.3az-2010 for energy efficiency.
🏆 Our Verdict
Best suited to laptop and PC users who regularly need a reliable wired connection for file transfers, backups and video conferencing. The combination of Gigabit Ethernet over USB 3.0, checksum offload and Wake-on-LAN makes it a practical tool for stable networking and modest power savings. While cost-conscious buyers may favour built-in Ethernet or alternative dongles, broad OS compatibility and useful features deliver solid long-term value.
