Buying Guide
The Best Sabrent USB-C Ethernet Adapters for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk
We looked at 2 sabrent 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
6 min read2 products evaluated
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Sabrent currently sells two verified standalone Ethernet adapters, a 5GbE model that auto-negotiates down to Gigabit, and a true 10GbE adapter that explicitly requires Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or USB4, both built around Realtek controllers with honest driver troubleshooting documentation.
We're upfront that this is a small, two-product brand comparison; for a deeper 5G or 10G product pool across multiple brands, our dedicated 5GbE and 10GbE cluster guides cover more current options.
Quick Picks
Our 2 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Best 5GbE
Sabrent USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter (NT-C5GA)
buyers prioritizing 5gbe via rtl8157cg, 802.3bz compliant
Our take Check price for Sabrent USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter (NT-C5GA) (opens in a new tab)
Best 10GbE (TB3/4/5 or USB4 Required)
Sabrent Thunderbolt & USB4 10GbE Adapter (NT-P10G)
Buyers prioritizing true 10gbe, requires thunderbolt 3/4/5 or usb4
Our take Check price for Sabrent Thunderbolt & USB4 10GbE Adapter (NT-P10G) (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| buyers prioritizing 5gbe via rtl8157cg, 802.3bz compliant | 5GbE via RTL8157CG, 802.3bz compliant | Check price for Sabrent USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter (NT-C5GA) (opens in a new tab) |
| Buyers prioritizing true 10gbe, requires thunderbolt 3/4/5 or usb4 | True 10GbE, requires Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or USB4 | Check price for Sabrent Thunderbolt & USB4 10GbE Adapter (NT-P10G) (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best 5GbE1 of 2
Sabrent USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter (NT-C5GA) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
5GbE, 1GbE, and 100Mbps, built around the Realtek RTL8157CG controller in a rugged aluminum housing that doubles as a heatsink.
Best for
- buyers prioritizing 5gbe via rtl8157cg, 802.3bz compliant
Why we like it
5Gbps instead, still a real jump over standard Gigabit, and gives clear driver troubleshooting steps if the link doesn't appear.
Key dimensions & specs
- 5GbE via RTL8157CG, 802.3bz compliant
- ~2.5Gbps on USB 3.0/3.1 ports (vs 5Gbps on Gen 2)
- Wired only, requires data-capable USB-C port
Pros
- Detailed, honest documentation of speed on different USB generations rather than one blanket claim
- 802.3bz/5GBASE-T standards compliance for broad network gear compatibility
- Clear driver troubleshooting steps published for no-connection issues
- Aluminum housing doubles as a heatsink for stable performance
Cons
- Will not work on power-only (charge-only) USB-C ports
- Full 5Gbps specifically requires a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port, not just any USB-C
Best 10GbE (TB3/4/5 or USB4 Required)2 of 2
Sabrent Thunderbolt & USB4 10GbE Adapter (NT-P10G) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The aluminum housing doubles as a heatsink and runs warm during sustained transfers, which Sabrent says is normal for 10GbE.
Best for
- Buyers prioritizing true 10gbe, requires thunderbolt 3/4/5 or usb4
Why we like it
Supports Wake-on-LAN and PXE boot, with jumbo frames and receive-buffer tuning available for maximum throughput.
Key dimensions & specs
- True 10GbE, requires Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or USB4
- Aluminum heatsink housing
- WoL + PXE boot support
Pros
- Genuine 10GbE with WoL and PXE boot for IT/pro environments
- Aluminum housing doubles as a heatsink for sustained transfers
- Auto-negotiates cleanly down through 5G/2.5G/1G/100M
- Bus-powered, no separate power brick needed
Cons
- Will not work at all on standard USB-C or USB 3.x-only ports, Thunderbolt/USB4 required
- Windows/Linux need the separate Marvell AQC113 driver
How We Chose These Sabrent 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 Sabrent 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 Sabrent USB-C Ethernet Adapter
5GbE vs 10GbE: Host Requirements Differ
| 2 Gen 2 (10Gbps) port | NT-C5GA 5GbE adapter, reaches full 5Gbps |
|---|---|
| Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or USB4 only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do both Sabrent adapters need the same host port type?
The 5GbE NT-C5GA works on any data-capable USB-C port (with reduced speed on older USB generations), while the 10GbE NT-P10G explicitly requires Thunderbolt 3/4/5 or USB4 and will not function on a standard USB-C port at all.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Sabrent USB-C to 5Gb Ethernet Adapter (NT-C5GA) — best 5gbe pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all sabrent usb-c ethernet adapters on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.