Chromebooks have journeyed a long way from where they first started. From being mocked as mere web browsers to being able to host the likes of Steam alpha, WordPress, and other top-tier software through the in-built Crostini Linux terminal. Apart from just the inside, the exterior components of modern-day Chromebooks have seen upgrades too.
This is to the point where some devices have started to arrive with an in-built Ethernet port, but your options are still relatively scarce in this regard, at least yet. Whether it’s a work requirement or simply looking to bolster your internet speed with a wired connection, we’ll talk about three of the best Chromebooks that offer Ethernet support in this guide.
With no further ado, therefore, let’s get started right away.
Three of the best Chromebooks with a native Ethernet port
The following is our round-up of the most prominent Chromebooks with a port for Ethernet connectivity. We understand that the list is small-scale, and there are not too many options to choose from, so there will be a dedicated section after the forthcoming entries that will teach you how to get an Ethernet port for your favorite Chromebooks.
That being said, if you’re out in the market looking for a new device and having an Ethernet port is your top priority, these are the Chromebooks you should lean toward. Let’s begin with the first one—the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition.
1. Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition
- CPU: 12th generation Intel Core i5-1240P (Up to 4.4 GHz, 4+8 cores)
- Display: 13.5 diagonal, 3:2 aspect ratio, QHD panel, 400+ nits brightness
- Graphics: Intel Irix Xe
- Hard drive size: 256 GB SSD
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4-3200
- Camera: 1080p 60 FPS webcam
- Ports: Built-in 3.5 mm headphone jack, ports are accompanied by dedicated expansion cards
- Battery: 55Wh (80% capacity after 1000 cycles), 10 hours runtime
- Charging speed: 50% in 30 minutes
- Weight: 2.86 lbs (1.3 kg)
- Price: $999
Even if you’ve seen it all and know it all regarding the ChromeOS space, the Framework Laptop Chromebook Edition will genuinely astonish you with its modularity and overall build. This device can be taken entirely apart at will with easy-to-follow instructions to introduce upgrades, repairs, and other customization options all on your own without having to ask for professional assistance.
It’s even got a 13.5-inch Quad HD display with a maximum brightness of 400+ nits. This makes the Framework Chromebook’s screen highly pleasurable to view, offering you the flexibility to play first-rate games, such as Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered in stunning quality, or perhaps enjoy entertaining flicks on Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Lastly, Chromebooks usually have a defined port selection, but that’s not the case with the Framework Chromebook. At the time of purchase, you get to choose four expansion card slots that accompany the device’s I/O. Your choosable options range from USB-C and USB-A ports, a full-size HDMI port, a microSD card reader slot, and an Ethernet port, among others.
2. Acer Chromebook 516 GE
Acer Chromebook 516 GE
- CPU: 12th generation Intel Core i5-1240P
- Display: 16″ LCD IPS ComfyView Quad HD (2560 x 1600), 350 nits
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
- Graphics: Intel Iris XE graphics
- Hard drive size: 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD
- RAM: 8 GB LPDDR4X
- Camera:
- Ports: x2 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Ports, x1 USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A Port, 3.5 mm headphone jack, HDMI, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port
- Battery: 3-cell, Li-ion battery, 7-9 hours runtime
- Charging speed: 90% in 90 minutes
- Weight: 3.75 lbs
- Price: $599.99
Moving forward, and this is a personal favorite on the list, the Acer Chromebook 516 GE leaves no stone unturned in bringing forth an unmatched ChromeOS experience. For starters, it’s got beefy internals, namely a 12th-gen Core i5-1240P processor, 256 GB PCIe NVMe SSD, and 8 GB RAM, not to mention Intel Iris XE graphics and a display quality that will have you marveling at the Chromebook for days.
The 516 GE is a large device with a screen size of about 16 inches. This is pretty irregular in the ChromeOS space, but the fact that the unit pulls it off so well is commendable across the board. It employs a Quad HD (2560 x 1600) panel with appreciable brightness and a whopping 120 Hz refresh rate.
This makes the 516 GE a straightforward recommendation for playing fast-paced games online, such as Apex Legends through Nvidia GeForce Now. Outside of the realm of gaming, the display sports terrific viewing angles and overly punchy colors that pop off when you’re out and about traversing the vast stretches of the wide interweb.
3. Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook Enterprise
Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook
- CPU: 8th-gen Intel Core i3-8145U processor
- Display: 14″ diagonal, HD panel, 16:10 aspect ratio,
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Hard drive size: 64 GB eMMC flash memory
- RAM: 4 GB DDR4-3200
- Camera: HD 720p webcam
- Ports: x1 USB Type-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, x3 USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Ethernet port
- Battery: 3-cell 42Whr ExpressCharge Capable Battery, 11 hours runtime
- Charging speed: 50% in 45 minutes
- Weight: 3.24 lb (1.47kg)
- Price: $589
The final Chromebook on the list with an RJ-45 Ethernet port is the Dell Latitude 5400 Chromebook. It comes with a fast processor—an 8th-gen Intel Core i5-8145U CPU—4 GB internal memory, and 64 GB eMMC flash memory that can be expanded thanks to the availability of the microSD card reader slot.
While the display quality of the Latitude 5400 Chromebook isn’t that great, sporting a TN panel with HD resolution, it does boast good viewing angles and a fair bit of clarity to its name. Aside from that, the device sports an excellent battery runtime that stretches up to 11-12 hours of use on a single full charge.
Aside from the Ethernet port, it’s also got admirable I/O for your other types of peripherals, featuring a single USB Type-C port, along with three other USB-A ports for legacy devices. There’s also a 3.5 mm headphone jack that you can use to use. Overall, it’s a solid Chromebook with admirable build quality and the added expanse of an Ethernet port for those who require it.
What to do if your favorite Chromebook doesn’t have an Ethernet port
If you’re already rocking an A-grade Chromebook, such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 714, but are bummed to know it doesn’t have an Ethernet port built into it, don’t fret. There’s a simple way you can approach powering up your Chromebook’s I/O like never before, and it involves the usage of a USB-C hub.
A USB-C hub is a simple device that is plugged into the USB-C port of your Chromebook to allow the added expanse of multiple additional ports that can span from more USB-A or USB-C ports, coupled with HDMI, Ethernet, SD card, and microSD card options across the board.
Our guide on the 10 best USB-C hubs for your Chromebook should guide you forward in general, but if you’re looking for Ethernet-specific USB hubs, we’ve lined up some great options for you ahead. Let’s check these out straight away.
1. Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Hub
Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Hub
The first option is the brilliant Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB C PD Hub—an extremely versatile tool with 6 different port options for Chromebook users. Talk about maximizing your productivity with an item as multi-faceted as this. The Anker PowerExpand USB-C hub boasts an Ethernet port and a myriad of other input and output methods.
At the time of writing, this particular product enjoys a high-class rating on Amazon, with a 4.6/5.0 overall score and thousands of units sold. One reviewer commends how the Anker USB-C hub was a game-changer for them and their work, making it possible to use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi and elevating the connectivity standard to new heights.
2. USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
USB-C to Ethernet Adapter
Moving ahead, the USB-C to Ethernet Adapter by Mokin, a renowned tech gadget manufacturer, is an affordable option for users to hook up their Chromebook to an Ethernet cable. Unlike the Anker USB-C hub, though, it supports 5 different ports, 2 of which are USB-A 3.1 and a single USB-C 3.1.
It’s got a high-speed Ethernet port with a 1000 Mbps transfer speed. Moreover, the included HDMI port supports 4K streaming, too, so the whole unit is undoubtedly high-quality and deserving of all the praise it’s been receiving on Amazon as of late. The product has scored a 4.5/5.0 overall rating and over 4,000 positive reviews on the storefront, giving you the reassurance you need to dive into this purchase as so many others have.
3. Uni USB-C Ethernet Adapter
Uni USB-C Ethernet Adapter
Getting to the final option, we’ve got the small-scale yet highly compact Uni USB-C Ethernet Adapter that will plug into your Chromebook with its provided USB-C extension. It’s highly cost-effective and only sets users back about $16 a pop, considerably less than the two aforementioned options.
However, you do get fewer ports in comparison as well. Still, those requiring only an Ethernet port and not minding too much the inclusion of other I/O methods will find the performance of the Uni USB-C Ethernet Adapter up to the task. It’s a top-rated product as well that’s backed up by thousands of positive reviews and a star-studded 4.5/5.0 overall rating.
Conclusion
Over the past decade, Chromebooks have seen monumental growth in their design, build, and overall feature set. Gaming-centric Chromebooks are prevalent today, such as the Asus Chromebook Vibe CX34 Flip, and powerhouses, such as the HP Dragonfly Chromebook, broadening the ChromeOS horizon.
This guide has looked at the three best Chromebooks with an Ethernet port. Remember that this particular I/O method is scarce in the realm of ChromeOS as far as native compatibility is concerned. Still, thanks to the method described above, you can get any Chromebook to sport an Ethernet port.
In the comments section ahead, let us know whether you found this guide helpful. As always, Chrome Ready wishes you good luck!
