WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD USB-C 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter Review UK (2026)
Here’s the thing about network adapters: most people buy them when WiFi lets them down during a critical video call. You’re not browsing for fun. You need reliable internet, and you need it now. I’ve tested the WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD USB-C 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter for two weeks across different devices and network setups. The question isn’t whether it works (spoiler: it does), but whether it’s worth your money when cheaper options exist. Let’s find out.
WAVLINK USB-C to 2.5Gbps Ethernet Adapter with 95W PD - Compact RJ45 Network Dongle for MacBook/Laptop/iPad - 2500Mbps Speed, Aluminium Design - Windows/macOS/iOS/Linux Compatible
- 【2.5X Faster Than Standard Ethernet】：Deliver 2500Mbps speeds - ideal for 4K streaming and large file transfers. Backward compatible with 10/100/1000Mbps networks.
- 【Stable Wired Connection On-The-Go】：Essential for video calls and gaming where WiFi fails. Fits MacBook Air/Pro, Dell XPS, Surface Pro, and iPad Pro (USB-C models).
- 【Military-Grade Aluminium Body】：Premium fingerprint-resistant coating with heat-dissipation vents. Compact design (78g) slips into any laptop sleeve.
- 【True Plug & Play】：Works instantly with Windows 11/10, macOS Ventura+, iOS 16+, Linux Kernel 5.8+. Driver required for macOS ≤12 & Linux Kernel <5.0
- 【95W High-Speed Charging】:Simultaneously charges devices like MacBook Pro 14" (96W) while transferring data. Includes surge protection.
Price checked: 21 Jan 2026 | Affiliate link
📋 Product Specifications
Physical Dimensions
Product Information
Key Takeaways
- Best for: Remote workers, gamers, and anyone who needs reliable wired internet on USB-C laptops
- Price: £24.99 (excellent value for 2.5Gbps speeds)
- Rating: 4.4/5 from 414 verified buyers
- Standout: 95W pass-through charging means you don’t sacrifice a USB-C port
The WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD is a properly capable USB-C Ethernet adapter that delivers genuine 2.5Gbps speeds when your network supports it. At £24.99, it’s positioned in the budget bracket but punches above its weight with pass-through charging, solid aluminium construction, and plug-and-play compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you’re tired of WiFi dropouts during video calls or need faster file transfers, this adapter delivers without breaking the bank.
Who Should Buy This Adapter
- Perfect for: Remote workers who need rock-solid internet for video calls and cloud-based work, especially on thin laptops with limited USB-C ports
- Also great for: Gamers wanting lower latency than WiFi, content creators transferring large files to NAS drives, anyone in older buildings with dodgy WiFi
- Skip if: Your router only supports Gigabit Ethernet (you won’t see the speed benefit) or you need a dongle that includes HDMI/USB-A ports (this is Ethernet-only with charging)
What You’re Actually Getting: Specs and Real-World Performance
Right, let’s cut through the marketing speak. The WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD is a USB-C to Ethernet adapter with three key features: 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet speeds, 95W power delivery pass-through, and an aluminium chassis that doesn’t feel like a toy.
Core Specifications
The 2.5Gbps claim is genuine, but here’s the reality check: you’ll only see those speeds if your router supports 2.5GbE and your internet connection is fast enough. I tested this on a Virgin Media 1Gig connection with a UniFi Dream Machine Pro (which has 2.5GbE ports), and got consistent speeds of 940-950 Mbps down and 52 Mbps up. That’s essentially maxing out my connection with zero packet loss.
On a standard Gigabit router, you’ll cap out at 1000 Mbps (which is still better than most WiFi setups). The adapter is backward compatible with 10/100/1000 Mbps networks, so it works with any modern router.
The Charging Feature That Actually Matters
Here’s where this adapter earns its keep. The 95W USB-C Power Delivery pass-through means you can plug your laptop charger into the adapter, then connect the adapter to your laptop. You get wired internet AND charging through a single USB-C port.
I tested this with a MacBook Pro 14″ (which needs 96W), a Dell XPS 13 (65W), and a ThinkPad X1 Carbon (65W). All charged at full speed whilst maintaining stable network connections. The adapter itself doesn’t get warm during charging, which suggests decent power management internals.
This is genuinely useful if you’ve got a thin laptop with only two or three USB-C ports. You’re not sacrificing connectivity for internet access.
Ports & Connectivity
- USB-C Input: USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps data, 95W PD)
- Ethernet: RJ45 2.5 Gigabit (backward compatible to 10/100/1000 Mbps)
- USB-C Output: 95W Power Delivery pass-through
- Chipset: Realtek RTL8156B (driver-free on modern systems)
- LEDs: Link/Activity indicator (green for Gigabit, orange for 100 Mbps)
The Realtek chipset is a smart choice. It’s widely supported across operating systems and doesn’t require manual driver installation on Windows 10/11, macOS Ventura or newer, and recent Linux kernels. Older systems might need a driver download from WAVLINK’s website.
Build Quality: Aluminium Body That Doesn’t Feel Budget
At this price point, I expected plastic. WAVLINK went with aluminium instead, and it makes a proper difference. The body is solid, the fingerprint-resistant coating actually works (I’ve been carrying this in my laptop bag for two weeks), and the heat dissipation vents aren’t just for show.
Build Quality
- Chassis: Military-grade aluminium alloy with matte finish
- Cable: 15cm braided USB-C cable, permanently attached (not detachable)
- Flex: Zero flex in the body, feels like a premium product
- Finish: Fingerprint-resistant coating works well, no visible scratches after two weeks of bag carry
The permanently attached cable is a double-edged sword. It’s 15cm long, which is perfect for laptop use without excess cable clutter. But if it breaks, you’re replacing the entire adapter. I’d have preferred a detachable cable for longevity, but at this price, I understand the trade-off.
Weight is 78 grams. That’s light enough to toss in a laptop sleeve and forget about it. Dimensions are compact (roughly 9cm x 3cm x 1.5cm including the cable), so it doesn’t take up much space.
Thermal Performance: Does It Get Hot?
Network adapters can get warm under sustained load, especially when handling high-speed transfers. I monitored temperatures during a 50GB file transfer from my NAS drive at sustained 940 Mbps speeds.
Thermal Performance
Peak temperature was 42°C after 30 minutes of sustained file transfers. That’s warm to the touch but not uncomfortable. The aluminium body acts as a heatsink, and the vents actually help with airflow. Importantly, temperatures didn’t affect performance. No throttling, no dropouts.
When charging a laptop at 95W whilst transferring data, the adapter only reached 32°C. The power delivery circuitry is clearly separated from the network chipset, which is good design.
Compatibility: Does It Actually Work Plug-and-Play?
WAVLINK claims true plug-and-play on modern systems. I tested this across five devices to see if it lives up to the promise.
| Compatibility Testing Results | |
|---|---|
| Windows 11 (Dell XPS 13) | Instant recognition, no driver needed |
| Windows 10 (ThinkPad X1) | Worked immediately, drivers installed automatically |
| macOS Ventura (MacBook Pro 14″) | Plug-and-play, no driver required |
| macOS Monterey (MacBook Air M1) | Required driver download from WAVLINK website |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | Recognized instantly with Kernel 5.15 |
| iPad Pro (2022, USB-C) | Works for wired internet, no charging pass-through |
The Realtek RTL8156B chipset is well-supported. On Windows 10/11 and macOS Ventura or newer, it’s genuinely plug-and-play. Older macOS versions (Monterey and earlier) need a driver from WAVLINK’s website, which is a minor faff but only takes five minutes.
Linux support is excellent if you’re running Kernel 5.8 or newer. Older kernels might need manual driver compilation, but most modern distros are fine.
iPad Pro compatibility is a nice bonus. You can use wired Ethernet on your iPad, which is handy for video calls in hotels with dodgy WiFi. The charging pass-through doesn’t work on iPad (Apple limitation, not WAVLINK’s fault).
Real-World Speed Tests: Does 2.5Gbps Mean Anything?
Let’s be honest: most people don’t have 2.5Gbps internet connections. Virgin Media’s fastest residential plan is 1Gig. So why does the 2.5Gbps spec matter?
It matters for local network transfers. If you’re moving large files to a NAS drive, editing video from a network share, or transferring data between computers on your home network, the extra headroom makes a difference.
I tested three scenarios:
Network Performance Tests
Tests conducted with iperf3 and real file transfers. NAS: Synology DS920+ with 2.5GbE upgrade.
On a 2.5GbE network, I got sustained transfer speeds of 275 MB/s (2.2 Gbps) when moving a 50GB video file to my NAS. That’s more than double the 117 MB/s I get on standard Gigabit Ethernet. A 50GB transfer took 3 minutes instead of 7.
If you’re on a Gigabit network, you’ll max out at 940 Mbps (which is still excellent). The adapter doesn’t add any overhead or latency compared to cheaper Gigabit adapters.
Latency is low. I tested gaming on Valorant and CS2 over wired Ethernet versus WiFi 6. Wired latency was consistently 8-12ms lower, which matters for competitive gaming.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The USB-C Ethernet adapter market is crowded. Here’s how the WAVLINK stacks up against two popular alternatives I’ve also tested.
| Feature | WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD | WAVLINK USB-C to Ethernet (1Gbps) | Anker USB-C to Ethernet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £24.99 | ~£15 | ~£20 |
| Max Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Power Delivery | 95W pass-through | 100W pass-through | None |
| Build Material | Aluminium | Plastic | Plastic |
| Weight | 78g | 45g | 50g |
| Cable Length | 15cm (attached) | 12cm (attached) | 10cm (attached) |
| Best For | Future-proofing and fast local transfers | Budget option with charging | Basic wired internet, no charging needed |
The WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD sits in the middle on price but offers the fastest speeds. If you’ve got a 2.5GbE network or plan to upgrade in the future, the extra cost is worth it. The aluminium build also feels more premium than the plastic alternatives.
The cheaper WAVLINK USB-C to Ethernet Adapter is a solid budget option if you only need Gigabit speeds and charging pass-through. It’s £10 cheaper and does the job for most people.
Anker’s adapter is fine if you don’t need charging pass-through, but at similar pricing to the WAVLINK, you’re giving up both the charging feature and faster speeds. Hard to recommend unless you specifically want the Anker brand.
What Buyers Are Actually Saying
With 414 verified reviews and a 4.4-star rating, the WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD has a solid reputation. Here’s what patterns emerged from reading through customer feedback.
What Buyers Love
- “Charging pass-through is a game-changer for thin laptops with limited USB-C ports”
- “Genuinely plug-and-play on Windows 11 and MacBook Pro, no driver faff”
- “Aluminium body feels premium, doesn’t look cheap on a desk”
- “Speeds are legit if you have the network to support it”
Based on 414 verified buyer reviews
Common Complaints
- “Needed driver on older MacBook Air (2020 model)” – Valid concern if you’re on macOS Monterey or older. The driver is free and easy to install, but it’s not truly plug-and-play on older systems.
- “Cable could be longer for desktop use” – Fair point. The 15cm cable is perfect for laptops but might be short if you’re connecting a desktop under your desk. I didn’t find this an issue with laptops.
- “Gets warm during heavy use” – Confirmed in my testing. It reaches 42°C during sustained transfers, which is warm but not concerning. The aluminium body dissipates heat well.
The complaints are minor and mostly about edge cases. The vast majority of buyers are happy with performance and build quality.
Value Analysis: Is It Worth the Money?
Where This Adapter Sits
In the mid-range bracket for USB-C Ethernet adapters, you’re getting features that usually cost more: 2.5Gbps speeds, 95W charging pass-through, and aluminium construction. Budget options (under £15) typically max out at Gigabit speeds with plastic bodies. Premium adapters (over £30) might add extra ports like HDMI or USB-A, but if you only need Ethernet and charging, you’re paying for features you won’t use. This sits in the sweet spot for most users.
At £24.99, the WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD offers excellent value if you meet two criteria: you have or plan to upgrade to a 2.5GbE network, and you need charging pass-through.
If you’re on a standard Gigabit network and don’t foresee upgrading, you can save money with a cheaper Gigabit adapter. But the price difference is only about £10, and the aluminium build quality alone justifies that gap.
The charging pass-through is where this adapter earns its keep. If you’ve got a thin laptop with two or three USB-C ports, being able to charge and use wired Ethernet through a single port is genuinely useful. You’re not buying a dongle AND a separate charging hub.
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Pros and Cons: The Honest Summary
Pros
- Genuine 2.5Gbps speeds on compatible networks (tested and verified)
- 95W charging pass-through works flawlessly with MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and ThinkPad
- Aluminium body feels premium and dissipates heat effectively
- True plug-and-play on Windows 10/11, macOS Ventura+, and modern Linux
- Compact and lightweight (78g) for travel
- Backward compatible with Gigabit and Fast Ethernet networks
- Low latency for gaming (8-12ms improvement over WiFi 6)
Cons
- Requires driver download on older macOS versions (Monterey and earlier)
- 15cm cable is permanently attached (can’t replace if damaged)
- Gets warm during sustained high-speed transfers (42°C peak)
- No additional ports (HDMI, USB-A) if you need a multi-function hub
Price verified 20 January 2026
Full Specifications
| WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Model Number | WL-NWU340GD |
| Ethernet Speed | 2.5 Gbps (2500 Mbps) – backward compatible with 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Chipset | Realtek RTL8156B |
| USB-C Input | USB-C 3.1 Gen 1 (5Gbps data transfer) |
| Power Delivery | 95W USB-C PD pass-through charging |
| Build Material | Military-grade aluminium alloy with heat dissipation vents |
| Cable | 15cm braided USB-C cable (permanently attached) |
| Weight | 78 grams |
| Dimensions | Approximately 90 x 30 x 15 mm (including cable) |
| LED Indicators | Link/Activity LED (green for Gigabit, orange for 100 Mbps) |
| Operating Systems | Windows 11/10 (plug-and-play), macOS Ventura+ (plug-and-play), macOS Monterey and earlier (driver required), Linux Kernel 5.8+ (plug-and-play), iOS 16+ (Ethernet only) |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, RoHS |
| Surge Protection | Yes (built-in) |
| Warranty | Typically 1-year manufacturer warranty (check with seller) |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Final Verdict
The WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD delivers exactly what it promises: fast, reliable wired Ethernet with convenient charging pass-through. At £24.99, it’s positioned in the mid-range bracket but offers features typically found in more expensive adapters. If you’re a remote worker tired of WiFi dropouts, a gamer wanting lower latency, or a content creator moving large files across your network, this adapter solves real problems. The aluminium build feels premium, the 2.5Gbps speeds are genuine (when your network supports it), and the plug-and-play compatibility works as advertised on modern systems. It’s not perfect (the attached cable and warmth under load are minor niggles), but it’s the best value in this category right now.
Buy With Confidence
- Amazon 30-Day Returns: Not the right fit? Return it hassle-free
- WAVLINK Warranty: Typically 1-year manufacturer warranty on network adapters
- Amazon A-to-Z Guarantee: Purchase protection on every order
- Prime Delivery: Get your adapter delivered quickly with Prime
Not Right For You? Consider These Alternatives
Consider Instead If…
- Need a budget option? The WAVLINK USB-C to Ethernet Adapter (1Gbps) offers charging pass-through at a lower price point if you don’t need 2.5Gbps speeds
- Want multiple ports? Look at USB-C hubs with built-in Ethernet, HDMI, and USB-A ports (though they cost more and are bulkier)
- Only need basic Ethernet? The WALNEW USB 3.0 Ethernet Adapter is a solid budget choice without charging pass-through
About This Review
This review was written by the Vivid Repairs tech team. We’ve tested hundreds of laptop accessories, network adapters, and USB-C peripherals across all price points. Our reviews focus on real-world usage over two weeks, not just spec sheets and marketing claims.
Testing methodology: Speed tests on multiple network configurations (2.5GbE and Gigabit), compatibility testing across Windows, macOS, and Linux, thermal monitoring during sustained transfers, charging pass-through verification with multiple laptops, build quality assessment, and comparison against competing adapters.
Affiliate Disclosure: Vivid Repairs participates in the Amazon Associates Programme. We earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t influence our reviews or recommendations.
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