Dell's XPS 13, XPS 15, and the 2-in-1 alternatives are all premium laptops, but there is one small problem: they lack Ethernet ports. But don't fret. In order to get around this absence, you can pick up adapters designed specifically for adding wired internet. There are plenty of options, but we whittled them down to give you the best Ethernet adapters available for your XPS laptop.
StarTech USB-A 3.0 to Ethernet
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When it comes to Ethernet adapters, many people just want two things: good performance and a low price. Awarded an Editors Choice by PCMag, the site had this to say in its review:
The problem with USB adapters as mentioned: Speeds tend to disappoint performance-wise, but StarTech's adapter is one of the best I've tested. Remember: a speedy adapter such as this won't bump up your Internet connection speeds, but it will help your internal network connectivity when transferring files and streaming multimedia, for example.
This adapter is compatible with 10/100/1000 networks and even has a bit of a brain built in; if you plug it into a USB 2.0 port, it will remind you that speeds are at least twice as fast when used with USB 3.0. Available in three colors and starting at about $34, this is a serious option for many people looking to add Ethernet to their XPS through a USB-A port.
Anker 3-Port hub with Ethernet
Chosen as one of our top picks in our roundup of best USB 3.0 hubs because of its Ethernet port, this adapter from Anker is here for the opposite reason. Its Ethernet port supports 10/100/1000 networks to ensure you can connect pretty much everywhere, and LEDs on the port ensure you that data is moving as it should be. The three USB-A 3.0 ports along the top of the adapter support transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.
This Anker hub has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon with more than 800 reviews, and it costs about $24. If you need an adapter that does more than just internet, check out this multipurpose option.
Dell USB-C to Ethernet
Dell knew that some XPS users would feel put out by the lack of Ethernet, so the company created a solid USB-C to Ethernet adapter that supports PXE boot. It's compatible with 10/100/1000 networks to ensure you can connect everywhere, and the slim, rounded form means you can easily fit it into your pocket.
The ribbon-style cable ensures the adapter lies flat when in use (no annoying coiling), and the USB-C connector fits snugly into its port. Grab this adapter from Dell for about $45 and enjoy a one-year warranty.
Anker USB-C to Ethernet
If you're looking for a silver adapter to match the outside of your XPS laptop, this option from Anker (about $23) makes a good choice.
It connects with USB-C, it's compatible with 10/100/1000 networks, and it's only about the size of your finger. It's also made of aluminum, which means it should stand up to a fair amount of abuse if it rides around in your laptop bag or pocket.
AmazonBasics USB-A to Ethernet
As long as you're looking to connect the Ethernet adapter via USB-A 3.0, this option from AmazonBasics is about the cheapest you'll find at about $14.
Despite the price, it supports 10/100/1000 Gigabit networks, and it has a four-star rating with more than 1,000 reviews on Amazon.
Making connections
Need more connectivity options for your laptop? Check out our roundups of the best USB 3.0 hubs and the best docking stations.
- See the best USB 3.0 hubs
- See the best Thunderbolt 3 docking stations
- See the best laptop docking stations
Update May 30, 2018: I've refreshed this roundup to ensure you're still looking at the best Ethernet adapters for Dell's lineup of XPS laptops.
