SABRENT USB 3.0 to 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, USB-A to 2.5GbE Multi-Gig Network Adapter for Windows, macOS & Linux — Aluminum, RTL8156BG, Backward Compatible 10/100/1000/2500 Mbps (NT-UA25)

Price: $24.99
(as of Jul 12, 2026 00:43:00 UTC – Details)
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Product description

SABRENT USB-A 3.0 to 2.5GbE Ethernet Adapter – High-Speed, Plug-and-Play Upgrade

Bypass unreliable Wi-Fi with a stable and fast 2.5Gbps wired connection for smoother online experiences. Enhance your access to servers, media libraries, and cloud platforms, especially when transferring large files. Backwards compatible with 10/100/1000Mbps networks and USB 2.0 ports, this adapter is a flexible upgrade for any setup.

Powered by the reliable RTL8156BG chipset, it delivers consistent performance across a wide range of environments. Durable aluminum housing provides superior heat dissipation, making it ideal for prolonged transfers and mobile use. With support for 2.5Gbps speeds over 100 meters (with CAT 5e or better cabling), this adapter enables high-throughput networking without compromise.

Bus-powered and plug-and-play, it’s easy to use—just connect and go. Status LEDs provide instant feedback for link and activity. Compatible with a wide range of platforms, including Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7, macOS 10.9+, Linux 3.2+, and Chrome OS. No drivers needed for most systems.

This adapter is ideal for desktops, laptops, servers, docking stations, and NAS. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, video conferencing, or working remotely, it ensures a reliable connection every time.

Backed by SABRENT’s commitment to quality, this USB-A to 2.5GbE adapter is your trusted solution for faster, more stable, and future-ready wired connectivity.

Reliable 2.5GbE Performance Anywhere

Experience up to 2.5Gbps Ethernet with stable, plug-and-play connectivity for laptops, desktops, and servers.

Ready When You Are – Plug-and-Play

Instantly upgrade your wired networking with native OS support and no drivers required.

Watch It In Action – Speed Meets Simplicity

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. SABRENT USB-A to 2.5GbE Adapter – Fast Ethernet

See how the SABRENT USB 3.0 to 2.5GbE adapter improves your workflow and upgrades legacy systems with ease.

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Price

$24.99$24.99

$25.99$25.99

$39.95$39.95

$129.99$129.99

Max speed

2.5GbE

2.5GbE

5GbE

10GbE

Connector

USB-A (USB 3.0)

USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1)

USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2)

USB-C — Thunderbolt 3-5 & USB4

Works with

Any USB-A port

Any USB-C data port

USB-C (Gen 2 for full 5G)

Thunderbolt/USB4 only

Best for

Desktops & older laptops

MacBooks & modern laptops

Creators, 5G NAS

10G NAS/servers, Mac & TB rigs

Setup

Plug-and-play

Plug-and-play

Plug-and-play (Win/Mac)

Driver install (Win/Linux)

Cable for full speed

CAT5e+

CAT5e+

CAT6a+

CAT6a+

Chipset

Realtek RTL8156BG

Realtek RTL8156BG

Realtek RTL8157CG

Marvell AQC113

Wake-on-LAN

✔

✔

✔

✔

Is this adapter compatible with my USB-C-only laptop?

This is the USB-A version — it plugs into a standard USB-A (USB 3.0) port. If your laptop only has USB-C, choose the SABRENT NT-25GA (USB-C to 2.5GbE) instead.

Why am I only getting 1Gbps, or it won’t connect at 2.5G?

Make sure it’s in a USB 3.0 (usually blue) Type-A port — a USB 2.0 port caps it near 1Gbps. You also need a 2.5G router/switch and a CAT5e (or better) cable; it auto-negotiates down if any link is slower.

Does it need drivers, and does it work on Linux?

Plug-and-play on Windows and macOS. If Windows is slow, run Windows Update for the latest Realtek driver. On Linux, use a recent Realtek r8152/r8156 kernel driver (newer kernels include it) for stable 2.5G.

What cable do I need for 2.5Gbps speeds?

Use CAT5e or better for the full 2.5Gbps at up to 100 m. Older or damaged cabling can force a slower link, so CAT6 is a safe choice for longer runs.

Will it work with a docking station or USB hub?

Yes, on a USB 3.0 hub or docking station. For the full 2.5Gbps the hub/dock must provide a 5Gbps (USB 3.0) data port — a USB 2.0 hub will limit speed.

INSTANTLY ADD 2.5GbE OVER USB-A: Plug into any USB 3.0 (Type-A) port to add a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port — up to 2.5× faster than Gigabit and far more stable than Wi-Fi. Auto-negotiates to 2.5G / 1G / 100M. For the full 2.5Gbps, use a 2.5G router/switch and a CAT5e (or better) cable.
PREMIUM RTL8156BG CHIPSET: Built on Realtek’s RTL8156BG controller for low-latency, low-CPU performance that fixes the issues found in earlier chipset revisions — stable and reliable during sustained transfers.
PLUG-AND-PLAY ON WINDOWS, macOS & LINUX: Driver-free on most systems. If Windows connects slowly, run Windows Update for the latest Realtek driver; Linux uses a recent Realtek r8152/r8156 kernel driver. The USB-A cable is integrated — nothing extra to carry.
FULL SPEED AT A DISTANCE: Compliant with 802.3bz / 2.5GBASE-T for up to 2.5Gbps over 100 m of CAT5e or better. Backward compatible with 1GbE and 100Mbps networks and USB 2.0 ports. Supports Wake-on-LAN and PXE boot.
ALUMINUM & TRAVEL-READY: A rugged aluminum housing doubles as a heatsink for cool, stable performance, in a compact bus-powered design with status LEDs. Note: this is the USB-A version — for a USB-C port, choose the SABRENT NT-25GA.