Buying Guide
The Best Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapters for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk
We looked at 6 cable matters USB-C ethernet adapters side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.
By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher
8 min read6 products evaluated
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5G with 140W charging, and 5Gb with 140W charging, all built around Realtek controllers with detailed real-world performance documentation.
We mapped the current lineup from 1GbE through 5GbE and separated the PD-charging variants, since Cable Matters' Gigabit model uniquely adds Wake-on-LAN, PXE, and MAC cloning, features most of its own higher-speed siblings don't mention.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best 5GbE
Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter
buyers prioritizing 5000mbps ethernet, requires usb 3.2 gen 2+
Our take Check price for Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best 2.5GbE
Cable Matters USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter
buyers prioritizing 2.5gbps ethernet
Our take Check price for Cable Matters USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best 2.5GbE with 140W Charging
Cable Matters USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet with 140W Charging
buyers prioritizing 2.5gbps ethernet + 140w pd 3.1
Our take Check price for Cable Matters USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet with 140W Charging (opens in a new tab)
Best Gigabit (WoL + PXE)
Cable Matters USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter
Buyers prioritizing gigabit ethernet with wol, pxe, mac cloning
Our take Check price for Cable Matters USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter (opens in a new tab)
Best Gigabit with 140W Charging
Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapter with 140W Charging
Buyers prioritizing gigabit ethernet + 140w pd (28v/5a)
Our take Check price for Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapter with 140W Charging (opens in a new tab)
Best 5GbE with 140W Charging
Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet with 140W Charging
Buyers prioritizing 5gbps ethernet + 140w pd
Our take Check price for Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet with 140W Charging (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Best 5GbE1 of 6
Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port or higher to achieve the full 5Gbps.
Best for
- buyers prioritizing 5000mbps ethernet, requires usb 3.2 gen 2+
Why we like it
Supports USB-C, USB4, Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 devices, though explicitly does not support Android. Recommends the Realtek RTL8157 driver on older Windows or certain Linux kernels.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5000Mbps Ethernet, requires USB 3.2 Gen 2+
- Aluminum housing, braided pigtail cable
- Wide Thunderbolt 3/4/5 + USB4 support
Pros
- Full plug-and-play on latest macOS and Windows
- Wide Thunderbolt generation support (3, 4, and 5)
- Aluminum housing with braided cable for durability
- Works with NAS systems, routers, and network switches directly
Cons
- Does not support Android devices
- Requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port to reach the full 5Gbps
Best 2.5GbE2 of 6
Cable Matters USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
5Gbps adapter with aluminum housing and braided pigtail cable for durability, working out of the box with plug-and-play installation on most systems.
Best for
- buyers prioritizing 2.5gbps ethernet
Why we like it
5G Ethernet Controller driver on older operating systems or certain Linux kernels for best speed, and notes it does not support Android devices.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet
- Aluminum housing, braided pigtail cable
- Supports Wake-on-LAN
Pros
- Plug-and-play on most current systems without manual driver install
- Aluminum housing with braided cable for long-term durability
- Wide compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and IOS
- Reasonable price for a 2.5Gbps adapter from an established brand
Cons
- Does not support Android devices
- Older OS versions or certain Linux kernels need a manual driver for best speed
Best 2.5GbE with 140W Charging3 of 6
Cable Matters USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet with 140W Charging on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
1 charging, specifically calling out MacBook Pro 16" compatibility for high-wattage charging needs.
Best for
- buyers prioritizing 2.5gbps ethernet + 140w pd 3.1
Why we like it
5G Ethernet Controller driver on older OS versions or certain Linux kernels, with wide compatibility across MacBook, iMac, Dell XPS, iPad Pro, Surface, NAS systems, routers, and switches.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2.5Gbps Ethernet + 140W PD 3.1
- Explicit MacBook Pro 16" charging compatibility
- Aluminum housing, braided pigtail cable
Pros
- 140W PD 3.1 charging explicitly validated for MacBook Pro 16"
- 2.5Gbps is a solid middle ground between 1G and 5G/10G pricing
- Aluminum housing and braided cable for long-term durability
- Wide compatibility across Thunderbolt 3/4/5 and USB4 hosts
Cons
- Requires a separately-purchased 140W-capable charger to use full PD
- 2.5Gbps ceiling, no path to 5G without buying a different model
Best Gigabit (WoL + PXE)4 of 6
Cable Matters USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
A straightforward Gigabit adapter supporting Wake-on-LAN, PXE booting, and MAC address cloning, genuine enterprise manageability features rarely found on budget adapters.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing gigabit ethernet with wol, pxe, mac cloning
Why we like it
Aluminum housing with braided pigtail cable, works across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and IOS. Explicitly not for Nintendo Switch.
Key dimensions & specs
- Gigabit Ethernet with WoL, PXE, MAC cloning
- Aluminum housing, braided pigtail cable
- Not for Nintendo Switch
Pros
- Supports Wake-on-LAN, PXE booting, and MAC address cloning, real IT-manageability features
- Plug-and-play with no drivers needed for standard use
- Aluminum housing with braided cable for durability
- Works across five major operating systems including IOS
Cons
- Explicitly not compatible with Nintendo Switch
- No PD charging on this specific model
Best Gigabit with 140W Charging5 of 6
Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapter with 140W Charging on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Pairs full Gigabit Ethernet with a substantial 140W (28V/5A) Power Delivery passthrough, enough to charge high-performance laptops like the MacBook Pro or Dell XPS through the same port.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing gigabit ethernet + 140w pd (28v/5a)
Why we like it
Notably also compatible with Chromecast with Google TV (2020+) for a wired connection up to 480Mbps, a use case few competitors mention. Lightweight aluminum housing with a flexible braided pigtail cable.
Key dimensions & specs
- Gigabit Ethernet + 140W PD (28V/5A)
- Chromecast with Google TV compatible
- Aluminum housing, braided pigtail cable
Pros
- 140W Power Delivery is enough for high-performance laptop charging
- Explicit Chromecast with Google TV compatibility
- Works across Windows, macOS, iPadOS, ChromeOS, and Linux
- Aluminum housing with flexible braided pigtail cable
Cons
- 140W charging requires a compatible high-wattage charger, sold separately
- Higher price than basic Gigabit-only adapters
Best 5GbE with 140W Charging6 of 6
Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet with 140W Charging on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Combines 5Gbps Ethernet with a substantial 140W USB-C Power Delivery passthrough, ideal for desk setups and travel where you want both fast wired networking and high-wattage charging from one port.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing 5gbps ethernet + 140w pd
Why we like it
2 Gen 2 (10Gbps)+ for full speed and 5GbE network equipment. MacOS is driver-free; Windows or certain Linux kernels may need the RTL8157 driver.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5Gbps Ethernet + 140W PD
- Aluminum housing, braided pigtail cable
- Requires USB 3.2 Gen 2+ for full 5Gbps
Pros
- 140W PD charging alongside genuine 5Gbps Ethernet
- Rugged aluminum housing with braided cable for strain relief
- Wide Thunderbolt 3/4/5 and USB4 compatibility
- Not limited to Android exclusion issues seen on Cable Matters' non-PD models
Cons
- Highest price of any 5GbE adapter in this cluster
- 140W charging requires a separately-purchased compatible charger
How We Chose These Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapters
Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- 5G/5G/10G) and, where published, the specific Realtek, Marvell, or other controller chip driving it, rather than assuming USB-C connector shape implies a speed tier.
- 2 Gen 2 vs Thunderbolt/USB4) and confirmed OS support, since several products in this cluster have real exclusions (Android, Nintendo Switch, older Apple silicon).
- Favored listings that publish honest real-world throughput or explicit host-speed caveats over ones that only quote the theoretical link rate.
- Weighed braided cable construction, aluminum housing, and reinforced connectors, since these adapters see frequent plug/unplug cycles in daily use.
- Prioritized real differences like Wake-on-LAN, PXE boot, PD passthrough wattage, and multiport expansion over marketing language that repeats across nearly identical adapters.
What to Look for in a Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapter
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
USB-C is a connector, not a speed
A USB-C port can carry anywhere from 1Gbps to 10Gbps of Ethernet depending on the adapter's chipset and your host's actual USB generation. Check the exact Ethernet speed and required USB mode before assuming any USB-C adapter matches your needs.
Multi-gig speeds need a fast enough USB port
0 (5Gbps) port will not reach its rated Ethernet speed. 2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port or Thunderbolt/USB4 host.
Check OS and driver requirements before buying
Most Gigabit adapters are driver-free on Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS, but multi-gig adapters often need a manufacturer driver on Windows or specific Linux kernel versions, and some models exclude older Apple silicon chips entirely.
Confirm your specific device isn't excluded
Several adapters in this cluster explicitly do not work with Nintendo Switch, Android, or specific Mac chip generations. Read the compatibility list carefully rather than assuming a USB-C connector guarantees your device will work.
A CAT6 cable matters as much as the adapter
Even a genuine Gigabit-capable adapter will fall back to slower speeds over an old CAT5 cable. Use CAT6 or better for Gigabit, and CAT6A for 5G/10G speeds, to actually realize the adapter's rated performance.
PD passthrough wattage isn't automatically usable
An adapter rated for 100W or 140W Power Delivery passthrough only delivers that much power if you also supply a charger and cable rated for it. The adapter's rating is a ceiling, not a guarantee, without the matching charger.
How to Choose a Cable Matters USB-C Ethernet Adapter
A Current Cable Matters Model Map
| Chromecast with Google TV compatible | ||
| MacBook Pro 16in charging validated | ||
| Highest speed plus highest charging in this brand lineup |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does only the Gigabit model support Wake-on-LAN and PXE?
5G and 5G models don't mention WoL/PXE support in their published specs, so don't assume the higher-speed models include them.
Do any Cable Matters adapters work with Android?
5G and 5G adapters do not support Android devices. Check a different brand if Android compatibility at multi-gig speeds is required.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Cable Matters USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter — best 5gbe pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all cable matters usb-c ethernet adapters on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.