Goobay 70697 USB-C to Ethernet Adapter UK Review (2026) – Tested

Look, I’ve tested dozens of USB-C adapters over the years, and the spec sheets rarely tell you what actually matters. Does it drop connection when you’re mid-video call? Will the cable sheath crack after three months? Can your laptop actually deliver the bandwidth it promises? These are the questions you need answered before spending your money.

Here’s the problem this adapter solves: your modern laptop or tablet has USB-C ports but no Ethernet jack. WiFi is convenient until it isn’t – dodgy connections during important calls, gaming lag, or just the simple fact that wired is faster and more reliable. While upgrading your WiFi adapter can help with wireless performance, sometimes you need the rock-solid reliability of a wired connection. The Goobay 70697 takes a different approach to most adapters by integrating the Ethernet cable directly into the unit, eliminating the need for a separate CAT cable. After three weeks of daily use, I’ve got a clear picture of whether this design choice actually works in practice.

One thing the spec sheet doesn’t tell you: the cable length appears to be around 1.5 metres based on my measurements. That’s enough for most desk setups, but if your router is across the room, you’ll need to rethink your arrangement or use an Ethernet extension.

I particularly appreciate the braided textile sheath. After three weeks of daily packing and unpacking, there’s no fraying or damage. Compare that to the cheap rubber-coated adapters I’ve tested that start looking tatty after a fortnight.

The FTP shielding actually makes a difference. I deliberately tested this near a tangle of power cables and a wireless charger, and I didn’t experience any connection drops or speed degradation. Unshielded adapters can be proper temperamental in electrically noisy environments.

Right, let’s talk actual performance. I tested this on my 1Gbps Virgin Media fibre connection using both a Dell XPS 13 and a MacBook Pro M3. The numbers are genuinely impressive – you’re getting essentially full Gigabit speeds with minimal overhead.

What matters more than peak speeds is consistency. Over three weeks, I didn’t experience a single random disconnect. That’s the kind of reliability you need when you’re on a video call with a client or downloading large project files. WiFi can be fast, but it’s rarely this stable.

Gaming performance is solid too. I tested with online gaming (Counter-Strike 2) and consistently saw sub-5ms pings to UK servers. The adapter doesn’t introduce any noticeable latency beyond what your internet connection provides.

One limitation: this is Gigabit only. If you’ve got a 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps home network, you’ll need to look at more expensive adapters. For most people with standard broadband (even 900Mbps fibre), this is plenty.

The USB-C connector itself is properly moulded with decent strain relief. I’ve seen too many cheap adapters where the cable exits the connector at a sharp angle with minimal protection. This one has a gradual curve that should prevent cable failure at the most common stress point.

The RJ45 connector uses a metal housing rather than plastic, which is a nice touch at this price point. It clicks firmly into Ethernet ports and hasn’t shown any signs of the clip weakening (a common failure point on cheaper cables).

If I’m being picky, the strain relief could be slightly longer on the USB-C end. It’s adequate, but not quite as generous as I’d like for something that’ll be plugged and unplugged regularly.

Daily use is where the integrated cable design shows its strength. Instead of carrying an adapter plus a separate Ethernet cable, you’ve got one item to pack. That might sound trivial, but when you’re working remotely regularly, reducing cable clutter is genuinely valuable.

The fixed cable length is the trade-off. At roughly 1.5 metres, it’s fine for most desk setups where your router or wall port is nearby. But if you need more reach, you’re stuck – you can’t just swap in a longer cable like you would with a traditional adapter.

There’s no LED indicator on the adapter itself, which some users might miss. Personally, I don’t find this an issue since your OS will show the network connection status, but it’s worth noting.

The WAVLINK WL-NWU340GD offers 2.5Gbps speeds, making it the better choice if you’ve got a high-speed home network. But you’ll need to supply your own Ethernet cable, and at a similar price point, you’re paying for speed rather than convenience.

The Minthouz MT-NWU341G is cheaper but uses a plastic housing and lacks the same build quality. If you’re on a tight budget and already have Ethernet cables, it’s worth considering. But the Goobay feels more durable.

What sets the Goobay apart is the integrated cable approach. If you’re frequently working from different locations and want to minimise what you carry, this design makes sense. But if you need variable cable lengths or speeds beyond Gigabit, the traditional adapter-plus-cable approach offers more flexibility.

According to Goobay’s official specifications on their website, the adapter uses a Realtek chipset, which explains the broad compatibility across different operating systems. This is the same chipset used in many reliable adapters I’ve tested.

Value is tricky to assess here because it depends entirely on whether the integrated cable design suits your workflow. If you’re someone who works from multiple locations and values having one less cable to manage, the convenience factor adds genuine value beyond the basic functionality.

Compare this to buying a separate USB-C to Ethernet adapter (around £15-20) plus a decent CAT6 cable (£8-12), and you’re looking at similar total cost. But the Goobay gives you a neater, more portable solution with better build quality than most budget adapters.

The limitation is obvious: if you need different cable lengths for different setups, you’re paying for convenience you can’t fully utilise. In that case, a traditional adapter with interchangeable cables offers better value.

For the target user – remote workers, students, or frequent travellers who need reliable wired connectivity on USB-C devices – the value proposition is solid. You’re getting near-maximum Gigabit performance, good build quality, and genuine plug-and-play convenience at a competitive price.