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The Best 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapters for MacBook Pro (Real‑World Tested, Ranked by Price)

If you own a modern MacBook Pro, you already know Apple’s Wi‑Fi implementation is excellent. Depending on the model, you get Wi‑Fi 6E or Wi‑Fi 7, with theoretical maximum speeds of 9.6Gbps for Wi‑Fi 6E and 46Gbps for Wi‑Fi 7. Those numbers look impressive, but real‑world Wi‑Fi performance um… well different. You can still end up in that strange dead zone in your home where the signal drops for no obvious reason, or you might be dealing with interference from neighbors, or someone else in the house streaming, gaming, or video‑calling, or the 6GHz band’s shorter range causing inconsistent speeds as you move around. This is why I prefer wired networking and if, like me, you’ve upgraded your home or office network to 2.5GbE, the usual crop of gigabit‑only dongles are not enough.

This guide covers the best 2.5Gb Ethernet options for MacBook users, ranked from cheapest to most expensive, based on my own real ownership and hands‑on ownership and use.

Cable Matters USB‑C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter

Cable Matters has been doing networking accessories for years, and this adapter is exactly what it claims to be: a compact, single‑purpose USB‑C to 2.5GbE adapter. No HDMI, no SD card reader, no extras. This is great if you already have an expensive hub and just want to plug in 2.5GbE ethernet. At under US$25, it’s also hard to complain about the price. If you are not on a MacMini, they have an even cheaper $13 dock 2.5GbE adapter but it loses the braided cable and has random compatibility issues.

Ports

USB‑C input
2.5Gb Ethernet output

What’s Good

Solid aluminum housing
Braided cable (always my preference) that holds up over time
Plug‑and‑play on macOS
Consistent full‑speed 2.5GbE performance
Mac and Windows compatible

What’s Not

No passthrough power, so requires a spare USB C port, may not be great for MacBook Air owners
No additional ports (wave bye bye to a USB C port), unless you pay for their $35 pass through version.
USB C only, which works for me as I have a MacBook Pro and use my right-hand port

Real‑World Notes

This is the adapter I use all the time on my MacBook Pro, alongside my (old) Hyperdrive Duo Pro that I switch between my MacBook Pro and my work MacBook Air (I opt out of 2.5GbE on my work Air). You can set this as a priority ethernet in macOS network settings (see the end of this post) so it’s OK if you still have another ethernet cable connected to your main hub. The Cable Matters tiny, reliable, and consistently hits full 2.5GbE speeds. If all you want is fast wired 2.5GbE networking without turning your Mac into a cable octopus, this is the one.

ORICO 6‑in‑1 USB‑C Docking Station with 2.5GbE

ORICO’s 6‑in‑1 hub is the sweet spot for people who want 2.5GbE but also need a few extra ports without committing to a full desktop dock. I hadn’t heard of the brand, found it when trying to find an all-in-one 2.5GbE dongle. The Orico one of those mini hubs and while it’s US$30, you can often find it with an on-page coupon, and the price will be closer to US$22! This makes it a line ball decision between the Cable Matters standalone cable. If you’re wanting an all-in-one budget 2.5GbE dongle with plenty of ports, including video, the Orico is the one. This is also the best option if you’re on a MacBook Air.

Ports

4K@60Hz HDMI
2 × USB‑A 3.0 (5Gbps)
USB‑C 3.0 (5Gbps)
USB‑C PD (100W passthrough)
2.5Gb Ethernet

What’s Good

Compact and travel‑friendly
4K@60Hz HDMI at this price is rare
100W PD passthrough for single‑cable charging
Mac and Windows compatible

What’s Not

Only one display output
Non braided cable that’s a bit stiff (which made hard to get in a good position on my desk)
Port layout may bothersome (it bothered me)
USB ports are 5Gbps, not 10Gbps
Has a blue light that is on when in use
Can get warm under sustained load

Real‑World Notes

This is the ideal “daily carry” 2.5GbE hub if you want a little bit of everything. The 2.5GbE port is stable, and the HDMI output is surprisingly good for a compact hub. If you want a single device that handles networking, displays, and basic peripherals, and don’t want to lose a USB C port (given it also does pass through power) ORICO’s hub is the best value. If you can get it with an on-page coupon for the same price as the Cable Matters dock, then it’s a smarter choice.

TobenONE MacBook Docking Station (16‑in‑2, Dual 4K@60Hz, 2.5GbE)

This is the “I’m building a desk setup” option. TobenONE’s dock is specifically designed for MacBook Pro and Air models and includes its own 100W GaN power supply. Again, I hadn’t heard of TobenONE before I bought it. It is a slimline under your laptop dock (so no annoying tower). You get a lot of ports, including 10Gb USB, it acts as a mini laptop stand, and dual monitor support if you have the ‘right’ Mac. That said, it’s externally powered with a large brick, so it’s not portable and at US$180 it’s not cheap. It’s also designed only for MacBooks, given its USB Host cable setup – so not ideal if you want to be able to switch between macOS and Windows (and I do).

Ports

2 × HDMI (4K@60Hz)
DisplayPort (4K@60Hz)
3 x USB‑A
1 x USB‑C
SD and microSD card slots
3.5mm audio
2.5Gb Ethernet (yay)
100W power delivery via included GaN adapter

An important note on the points, if you look at the photos you’ll see 3x USB ports, but 2 of these are dedicated to the USB C host setup. See What’s Not good below…

What’s Good

Dual 4K@60Hz monitor support on Apple Silicon Pro/Max
A lot of ports
Integrated stand design reduces desk clutter
Included 100W GaN charger for the dock, so you can pass through power your Mac
Rock‑solid 2.5GbE performance

What’s Not

Larger footprint, but at least it’s not a tower (though not portable)
Thick dual USB C to dual USB C host cable (commits you to pass-through power)
Only 1 (extra) USB C port, an issue for me as I have a Logitech USB C camera, plus a USB C security key)
Overkill if you don’t need dual displays, or your Mac is not dual display capable
Most expensive of the three (you could get 5x of the Orico’s…one for home, work, and for travel and more… just saying)
macOS only, and if Apple ever changes their USB C arrangement, you’ll be outta luck

Real‑World Notes

If you want a full desktop docking experience for your office or work from home Mac setup with 2.5GbE, the TobenONE is the 2.5GbE dock to get. The dual‑monitor support is excellent, the 2.5GbE ethernet performance is great, and the included power supply makes it a clean one‑cable solution.

How to Prioritize 2.5Gb Ethernet in macOS Network Settings

If you’re using one of the above, either the CableMatters or the Orico with some other dock that already had ethernet, then you will need to prioritize the 2.5GbE interface. macOS is usually smart about choosing the fastest interface, but if you’re using multiple docks or adapters, it’s worth manually setting the priority so your Mac always prefers 2.5GbE.

Open System Settings
Go to Network
Click the More (…) button
Select Set Service Order
Drag your 2.5Gb Ethernet connection to the top
Click OK, then Apply

This ensures macOS always uses your wired 2.5GbE connection first, even if Wi‑Fi is connected. Pro tip, you should do this regardless, if you’re using ethernet, this will help avoid those Zoom moments when it drops frames, audio stutters, etc. because your WiFi is having issues.

Final Thoughts

If all you need is fast wired networking, the Cable Matters adapter is the best value 2.5GbE dongle. If you want a compact hub with 2.5GbE, ORICO hits the sweet spot. If you want a full desktop dock with dual displays and clean cable management and have the budget, TobenONE is the pick. Personally, I mostly use the Cable Matters 2.5GbE dongle. Why? I already have a hub I use for everything else, and I like that it works with my Mac and I can plug it into my PC when I needed.

Hope this helps someone else!