StarTech.com U2GA — 2.5GbE USB-C Ethernet Adapter with USB-A Converter
2.5 GigabitUSB-C + USB-ARealtek RTL8156BGSpace Grey
The StarTech.com U2GA is an USB-C to 2.5GbE Ethernet adapter with USB-A converter that adds a wired 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port to a laptop, desktop PC, tablet or thin client through its USB-C port — a USB-A adapter is included for older computers. The USB-A converter in the box means one 2.5G adapter serves both new USB-C laptops and older USB-A desktops. It is built on the Realtek RTL8156BG controller and connects at 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps. It draws its power from the USB port, so there is no separate power supply to carry. A cable connection is the dependable answer when Wi-Fi is weak, crowded or not allowed, when a slim laptop has no network socket, or when backups, large downloads and video calls need a steady, low-latency link.
Compatibility — check before buying:
Check the port: the adapter plugs into USB-C, and the included USB-A adapter lets it work on older USB-A computers too. 2.5 Gbps needs a 2.5G partner: the switch, router or NAS port must also support 2.5GBASE-T, otherwise the link runs at 1 Gbps. Use a USB 3.x (5 Gbps) port — on USB 2.0 the speed drops sharply. Cat5e cable is enough for 2.5 Gbps. Operating systems listed by StarTech.com: Windows 7 and later, Linux LTS 4.19 and later, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS (Intel, AMD, ARM and Apple Silicon). Not sure it suits your laptop, dock or switch? Tell us the model and we check it.
Best For
✓ 2.5G switches, routers and NAS
✓ Fast file transfers to a NAS
✓ Laptops without an Ethernet port
✓ Video editing and large media files
✓ Multi-gig internet connections
✓ Faster network backups
Key Features
2.5 Gigabit (NBASE-T)
Up to 2.5 Gbps over ordinary Cat5e cable — 2.5× a Gigabit port — and backwards compatible with 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps networks.
USB-C, plus USB-A adapter
Works on USB-C laptops and, with the included USB-A adapter, on older desktops and laptops as well.
Network features
Supports Wake-on-LAN, 802.1Q VLAN, 16K jumbo frames (not on macOS), PXE boot, promiscuous mode.
USB-A converter included
Clip the converter onto the USB-C plug to use the adapter on USB-A computers.
Technical Specifications
| Identification |
| Brand |
StarTech.com |
| Product |
2.5GbE USB-C to Ethernet Adapter with USB-A Converter, NBASE-T NIC, USB 3.0 Type-C |
| Part Number |
U2GA-USB-C-ETHERNET |
| EAN / GTIN |
0065030905176 |
| Model |
U2GA |
| Network |
| Ports |
1× RJ45 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Speeds |
10/100/1000/2500 Mbps |
| Chipset |
Realtek RTL8156BG |
| Features |
Wake-on-LAN, 802.1Q VLAN, 16K jumbo frames (not on macOS), PXE boot, promiscuous mode |
| Host Connection |
| Connector |
USB-C + USB-A adapter (5 Gbps) |
| USB |
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type-C, USB-A via included converter |
| Power |
USB bus powered |
| Compatibility |
| Operating Systems |
Windows 7 and later, Linux LTS 4.19 and later, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS (Intel, AMD, ARM and Apple Silicon) |
| Physical |
| Colour |
Space Grey |
| Cable |
15 cm |
| Dimensions |
25.5 × 21.5 × 15 mm (adapter body) |
| Weight |
26 g |
| In the Box |
| Included |
2.5GbE USB-C Ethernet adapter, USB-A converter |
| Not Included |
Network cable, switch or router |
| Warranty |
| Warranty |
1-Year Warranty (Singular) |
| Manufacturer Term |
StarTech.com publishes a 2-year warranty for this part number in its official datasheet. Singular’s direct warranty is 1 year; beyond that we assist you with the manufacturer’s warranty process for its full duration. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to install a driver?
Supported systems listed by StarTech.com: Windows 7 and later, Linux LTS 4.19 and later, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS (Intel, AMD, ARM and Apple Silicon). Where the system does not load a driver on its own, install the driver from the StarTech.com support page for this model.
Will I get 2.5 Gbps?
Only when the other end supports 2.5GBASE-T — a 2.5G switch, router or NAS port — and the adapter sits in a USB 3.x port. Connected to a normal Gigabit port it runs at 1 Gbps.
Does it work with USB-A computers?
Yes. Fit the included USB-A adapter onto the USB-C plug. For full speed the USB-A port should be USB 3.x (5 Gbps).
Does it work through a dock or USB hub?
Usually yes — it is a standard USB network device. For full speed the hub or dock port must be USB 3.x, and bus-powered hubs should have enough power for all connected devices.
Singular Expert Insight
We suggest the U2GA for IT departments that want a single 2.5G adapter model for every laptop and desktop, whatever USB port it has. The
C22G-USB-ETHERNET is the same adapter without the USB-A converter; the
US2GA30 is a native USB-A version. Browse more
network cards or
network switches. Local support in Cyprus comes with every order.
Buyer’s Guide
Buy it if
You need 2.5G on both USB-C and USB-A computers with one adapter.
Skip it if
All your computers have USB-C — the C22G is lighter.
Also consider
StarTech.com C22G-USB-ETHERNET — USB-C only, 18 g.