Ethernet

Separate Ethernet link speed from transfer speed, then check the router port, USB connection and cable before replacing your 2.5GbE adapter.

Plugable's E2500PD combines 2.5GbE and USB-C charging in one small adapter. It is useful for single-port laptops and tablets, but unnecessary when you have a spare charging port.

2.5GbE is enough for most home networks. See when 10GbE pays off for a NAS, server, workstation, switches, adapters, and cabling.

A 2.5GbE USB-C adapter is useful for NAS transfers and multi-gig internet, but only when the port, cable, switch, and driver path all support it. These are the sensible picks.

Powerline networking is not glamorous, but it can solve awkward rooms where Wi-Fi extenders and mesh nodes struggle.