StarTech.com USB-C to Ethernet Adapter, NIC, 100W PD Pass-Through, USB 3.0 Type-C 1Gbps Multi Speed Network Adapter, Thunderbolt Compatible, Windows & Mac

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

For £27 ex-VAT, this StarTech USB‑C to Ethernet adapter is the definition of “buy it when you actually need it.” If you’re a UK office worker who’s sick of flaky Wi‑Fi, or you travel with a laptop that has no reliable network port, a simple 1GbE dongle like this is great value. The 100W power pass‑through is the real practical win: it lets you keep charging your laptop over USB‑C while you plug into wired Ethernet—so you’re not juggling chargers and extra cables. It’s also a sensible pick for Windows and Mac users who just want dependable internet for day-to-day work (video calls, file transfers, remote desktops) without paying dock money.

That said, I wouldn’t oversell it as a “portable docking station” replacement. It’s a single-purpose NIC adapter—so if you need multiple outputs (extra USB, HDMI/DP, SD card, etc.) you’ll be disappointed and end up paying for a proper dock anyway. Also, if you’re expecting advanced network features or a major speed upgrade beyond standard wired 1GbE, don’t—this is about stability, not performance miracles. For its price, though, I’d happily recommend it to anyone who wants a cheap, robust wired fallback for laptops.