UGREEN USB C to Ethernet Adapter Review: 8.5/10 Verdict
Surprising for a sub-$20 gadget, the UGREEN USB C to Ethernet Adapter 6-in-1 Hub manages to pull a solid 8.5/10 score from cumulative verified feedback, blending premium build quality with practical port expansion. While it doesn’t tick every box—particularly around laptop charging—it earns consistent praise from professionals who value speed and stability over flashy extras.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 10Gbps transfer speeds across USB-C and USB-A Gen 2 ports | No laptop charging via PD port on this model |
| Rock-solid gigabit Ethernet connection | USB 3.0 interference with 2.4GHz wireless devices |
| CNC-milled aluminum shell with excellent heat dissipation | Can’t output video; no HDMI/display support |
| Compact, travel-friendly design | Bandwidth slows if heavy multitasking across ports |
| Plug-and-play on Windows 10/11, macOS, Ubuntu | Requires drivers for older Windows and Linux versions |
| Tested compatibility with Apple Silicon, Dell XPS, Surface, Steam Deck | Power port only feeds peripherals, not host devices |
Claims vs Reality
One of UGREEN’s headline marketing points is “10Gbps file transfer across multiple ports.” In raw spec terms, that’s accurate—but Reddit user experiences added nuance. “10Gbps is the max speed per port (not combined for all ports)… avoid bandwidth-heavy multitasking,” explained one support rep on the UGREEN PK forum. This means a single SSD can hit blazing speeds, but two large transfers plus Ethernet will cause dips.
UGREEN also advertises “Plug-and-play simplicity on most systems.” Verified reports back this for Windows 11/10 and macOS 10.10+, but Amazon buyers reminded others that “Windows XP / 7 and Linux require driver installation.” A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Flawless on MacBook Air M2. My old ThinkPad on Windows 7 took 15 minutes of driver wrangling before it worked.”
Finally, the “87W Power Delivery port” is marketed without clear distinction in some reseller listings. Reality check: the PD port here powers the hub and connected peripherals only—it will not charge your laptop. Reddit user u/DeviceChains said: “I fed my 2.5” HDD without any hiccups, but my XPS battery kept draining. Learned later this isn’t a passthrough charger.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed stability emerged as a consistent win. Trustpilot reviews lauded its “lag-free 1000Mbps wired networking—perfect for 4K streaming, video calls, and competitive gaming.” That translates to measurable productivity for remote workers. A verified buyer on Amazon wrote: “Ethernet was night-and-day compared to hotel Wi-Fi during Zoom client calls.”
Build quality was another unifying point. Reddit user u/TechNomad praised the “CNC-milled aerospace-grade shell dissipating heat better than any plastic hub I’ve owned.” Professionals using the hub for daily external storage backups valued this durability. The attached 6-inch cable also won points for avoiding desk clutter.
Its compactness makes it a travel essential for photographers and devs alike. “Smaller than a credit card—slips easily into laptop sleeves,” said Reddit user u/CodeCafé, who uses it for Mac/Surface dual setups. This portability doesn’t seem to compromise performance.
Common Complaints
The lack of HDMI or video output frustrates anyone expecting a full dock replacement. Gamers and creative pros sometimes confuse this model with UGREEN’s 7-in-1 HDMI-equipped variant. A Trustpilot reviewer noted: “Solid speed, but my mistake thinking it could run a second monitor.”
Wireless mouse interference cropped up repeatedly. USB 3.0 ports can generate noise that disrupts 2.4GHz dongles. Reddit user u/SpaceHertz advised: “Keep the mouse receiver away from USB 3.0 ports or use a USB 2.0 extension cable.”
Shared bandwidth is another rub. A verified buyer on Amazon reported: “Transferring big files while my Steam Deck pulled game updates over Ethernet cut transfer speeds almost in half.” This was echoed on UGREEN’s own FAQ—only Thunderbolt 3/4 hosts can sustain simultaneous full-rate transfers on both USB-C ports.
Divisive Features
The dedicated PD port draws split opinions. For power-demanding peripherals like HDD enclosures or audio interfaces, it’s a lifesaver. A Trustpilot poster described: “My bus-powered SSD always disconnected on cheap hubs—this one with PD stays rock solid.” But laptop users wanting single-cable charging find it a dealbreaker.
Similarly, driver requirements are divisive. Linux power users on kernel 5.x flagged occasional instability under heavy load, while Windows/Mac users saw flawless performance. One broadband forum member cautioned: “Seems UGREEN is not stable on kernel 5.x… under heavy load it disconnects.”
Trust & Reliability
Warranty confidence plays a big role in UGREEN’s reputation. A UGREEN PK warranty page underlined their 1-year official coverage for manufacturing defects, excluding misuse. This is reassuring for mobile pros relying on consistent, daily operation. Verified buyers appreciated the responsive support channels.
Long-term durability has positive track records—multiple Reddit users mentioned daily use for 6+ months without port wobble or heat stress. The reinforced stress points tested to “15,000+ insertions” add credibility here.
Alternatives
Within UGREEN’s lineup, the 7-in-1 PD passthrough model is the nearest competitor, appealing to users who need laptop charging and HDMI out. For those on Linux encountering compatibility snags, Amazon Basics’ USB-C to Ethernet alternative was highlighted on India Broadband Forum as working better with certain carriers, though it lacks the extra high-speed ports.
Price & Value
Current UK Amazon pricing shows £17.99 after 25% savings, making it an attractive buy under $25 USD globally. eBay resale listings hover in the $14–$18 range, implying decent residual value. Users recommend grabbing during seasonal promos—Twitter/X discount codes have hit 40% off.
For value seekers, the community tip is clear: choose this model if you need blazing data and Ethernet stability, not charging or video output.
FAQ
Q: Can the PD port charge my laptop?
A: No, it only powers the hub and connected peripherals like HDDs or SSDs. Laptop charging requires UGREEN’s 7-in-1 or higher-end models.
Q: Will it work with Linux?
A: Yes, but certain kernels (e.g., 5.x) may see instability under heavy load. Drivers are needed on older distros.
Q: Does it have HDMI output?
A: No, this specific 6-in-1 hub is for data and Ethernet only.
Q: Can all ports run at 10Gbps simultaneously?
A: Only on Thunderbolt 3/4 hosts with enough bandwidth—standard USB-C hosts share bandwidth.
Q: Is it compatible with gaming consoles?
A: Yes, works with Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch (dock mode), and via USB adapters for Xbox/PS5.
Final Verdict
Buy if: You’re a developer, photographer, or remote worker needing ultra-stable Ethernet and high-speed USB for storage without the clutter of a full dock.
Avoid if: You expect laptop charging or external monitor support from this specific model—it won’t provide those.
Pro tip from community: Keep wireless dongles away from USB 3.0 ports to prevent interference, and leverage the PD port for power-hungry peripherals to achieve uninterrupted transfers.
