Ubiquiti quietly introduced a compact USB-C to 5GbE adapter that brings multi‑gigabit Ethernet to laptops and desktops without the bulk or cost of a full 10G solution. It supports the 802.3bz (NBase‑T) standard for up to 5 Gbps over RJ45 and remains backward compatible with 2.5GbE and 1GbE, making it a practical step-up for anyone outgrowing gigabit speeds.
Despite the name “5G Ethernet Adapter,” this accessory has nothing to do with 5G cellular networks. It’s a wired Ethernet adapter, designed to deliver up to 5 Gbps through a USB Type‑C connection. Unlike Ubiquiti’s 10G adapter, which needs USB4 or Thunderbolt 3/4 to really stretch its legs, the 5GbE model only requires USB 3.2 Gen 1. That interface tops out at 5 Gbps, so real‑world throughput will land a bit below the theoretical maximum, but it should still outpace typical 2.5GbE USB adapters.
Ubiquiti appears to have slipped this model into its lineup with little fanfare, while prominently labeling the pricier 10G unit as “new.” The 5GbE adapter has reportedly been available since mid‑July. Priced at $49, it sits above some third‑party alternatives that hover around $38, yet it’s far more affordable than Ubiquiti’s $169 10G adapter.
Under the hood, the adapter uses Realtek’s RTL8157, a current‑gen controller designed for 5GbE USB solutions. The enclosure blends plastic and aluminum, and the whole unit weighs about 1.34 oz, making it an easy throw‑in for a laptop bag or a clean fit behind a desktop.
Quick highlights:
– Interface: USB Type‑C, USB 3.2 Gen 1
– Ethernet: 802.3bz/NBase‑T up to 5 Gbps; backward compatible with 2.5GbE and 1GbE
– Connector: RJ45
– Chipset: Realtek RTL8157
– Materials/weight: Plastic and aluminum, about 1.34 oz
– Price: $49 at launch
– Positioning: A smaller, simpler alternative to the 10G model that requires USB4/Thunderbolt
Who it’s for:
– Power users and creators who need faster-than-gigabit transfers to NAS or servers
– Small offices and home labs upgrading switches and wiring to multi‑gig speeds
– Laptop users who want a compact, travel‑friendly 5GbE option without diving into 10G
Bottom line: If you’ve been waiting for a clean, compact way to jump from 1GbE or 2.5GbE to 5GbE over USB‑C, Ubiquiti’s $49 adapter hits the sweet spot. It won’t match 10G performance, but it delivers a sizable speed boost with simpler requirements and a much lower price.
