Two of the most popular streaming stick options are the Google Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV Stick, both of which are priced around $40. Streaming isn't always perfect, though, and if you're suffering from a poor connection or just having trouble connecting to Wi-Fi altogether, an Ethernet adapter could save you a lot of trouble by hard-wiring you directly into your connection. With that in mind, here are some of the best Ethernet adapters for Chromecast or Fire TV Stick in 2021.
The best Ethernet adapters for your streaming devices
Cable Matters Micro USB to Ethernet Adapter Up to 480Mbps
Top pick
Most of the Ethernet adapters on our list transmit data at 100Mbps, but this one from Cable Matters can transmit data at speeds up to 480Mbps. It also features 3-foot cables for the micro-USB and USB, making setup easy no matter how your entertainment center is configured.
TV xStream Ethernet Adapter
Best value
TV xStream offers the cheapest solution for a wired connection for your Chromecast or Fire TV Stick. However, it's not quite as elegant since it's actually two adapters — the Ethernet-to-USB and a USB-to-Micro-USB splitter. Nevertheless, it still works quite well for what it's designed to do by improving your streaming connection quality, which is the main point, right?
Amazon Ethernet Adapter for Amazon Fire TV Devices
Straight from Amazon
Amazon's adapter is designed to hang off the Fire TV Stick itself. It comes with a Micro-USB port for connecting to a power supply and an Ethernet port. Just plug an Ethernet cable into the provided port, and you're ready to connect — no drivers or additional setup required.
Smays Ethernet Adapter with USB Hub
Ethernet Adapter Replacement for TV Stick
This Ethernet adapter includes its own power supply that delivers power to the Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV stick while also powering the USB hub. With that hub, you can connect an external USB flash drive full of files accessed on a Fire TV device. You can even plug in a wireless mouse or keyboard for easier navigation. The third USB port is exclusively for charging.
UGREEN Ethernet Adapter
Simple and efficient
The UGREEN adapter plugs directly into the Micro-USB port on your Chromecast or Fire TV Stick — where it typically draws power from — and adds an Ethernet port, along with a built-in USB cable to plug into the USB port on your TV or a wall adapter. So just run an Ethernet cable from your router to the adapter, and you should be good to go on your streaming stick.
Cubicideas Ethernet Adapter
Quick and easy setup
Cubicideas offers a reliable and simple Ethernet adapter that includes a 3.3-foot cable and delivers a stable 100Mbps wired internet connection like most other adapters on our list. It will work perfectly with your Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or any other smart device that draws power from Micro-USB.
Stop struggling with inconsistent stream quality
There are several reasons why your home Wi-Fi might not be delivering the best signal to your Chromecast or Amazon Fire streaming device. It could be that your wireless network is over-encumbered by the number of devices connected, or it could be related to the distance between the wireless router and the streaming dongle. The walls of your home can also interfere with the signal. No matter what's causing the problem, a wired connection is the easiest solution because it eliminates interference and puts your streaming device at the head of the queue for net access.
You'll find plenty of adapters for sale that can achieve this connection: all you need is a Micro-USB-to-Ethernet adapting cable. Yet most of the adapters on this list only support 10/100 Ethernet, meaning that they deliver 10Mbps upload speeds and 100Mbps download speeds — although you'll only need to care about download speeds for streaming. This may be fine, but if your Wi-Fi can achieve higher speeds than 100Mbs, this may end up throttling your internet connection even further.
Thus, the Cable Matters Ethernet adapter stands above the crowd out of a mass of adequate adapters with the same transfer speeds. This model gives you up to 480Mbps download speed. Assuming your internet can reach that number, that'll be plenty fast for streaming 4K video on your Chromecast or Fire TV Stick.
Namerah Saud Fatmi is a freelance writer for Android Central. She has a passion for all things tech & gaming and has been an honorary Goodreads librarian since 2011. When she isn't writing, she can be found chasing stray cats and dogs in the streets of Dhaka or slaying dragons in the land of Skyrim. You can reach her on Twitter @NamerahS.
