In the past, Ethernet ports were a standard feature in most laptops. However, with the increasing prevalence of Wi-Fi and the trend toward thinner and lighter designs, many laptop manufacturers have started to omit Ethernet ports from their devices. This has led to some confusion among users who still prefer a wired connection for their internet needs.
If you’re someone who prefers a wired internet connection, you may be wondering if laptops still have Ethernet ports. In this article, we will look closer at the availability of Ethernet ports in modern laptops. We will explore the benefits of using a wired connection, such as faster and more stable internet speeds, and discuss alternatives for users without an Ethernet port in their laptops, Additionally, we will examine the reasons behind the decline of Ethernet ports in laptops and the trade-offs that come with this shift toward wireless connectivity.
Do Laptops have Ethernet Ports?
The answer is it depends on the manufacturer and the model of your laptop, however, seeing ethernet ports on laptops is getting less and less common nowadays, especially with how thin laptops are getting
Newer, thinner laptops may not have Ethernet ports. Manufacturers are constantly pushing the boundaries of laptop design, and sacrificing the Ethernet port is one way to make laptops thinner and lighter.
Why Do Laptops Not Have Ethernet Ports?
As mentioned earlier, If your laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, it’s probably because your laptop manufacturer opted to remove it from this model, to go towards a thinner, lighter laptop, which is the trend nowadays.
The Ethernet port is one of the first ports removed to make the laptop smaller and get more space to add other components like a bigger battery, the HDMI port also often gets removed for the same reason. This is also what happened with the Headphone jack in phones.
Ethernet ports in laptops are also getting rarer since Wi-Fi is getting so good now, that it doesn’t make sense to be wired to your internet all day, Laptops are made to be portable after all.
In addition, some laptops are designed for casual use and don’t require Ethernet ports.
Laptops with Ethernet Ports
Even though ethernet ports on laptops are becoming rarer to find on laptops, some laptops made for heavy workloads and gaming still include ethernet and HDMI ports, since they aren’t made to be light and thin, but are instead made to support heavy workloads and perform stressful tasks.
Gaming laptops like the ASUS TUF Dash F15 have an ethernet port and an HDMI port built-in, and most other powerful laptops for gaming do aswell.
What Can You Do If Your Laptop Doesn’t Have An Ethernet Port?
So what can you do if your laptop doesn’t come with an Ethernet port, well, here are some of your options:
- Use a USB-Ethernet Adapter: You can purchase a USB-Ethernet adapter for your laptop. These adapters are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. Simply plug the adapter into your laptop’s USB port and connect an Ethernet cable to the other end.
- Use a USB-C Hub: Similar to USB adapters, USB-C Hubs small USB Type-C dongles you can buy that include HDMI, Ethernet, SD card readers, multiple USB ports, a headphone jack, and more. the available ports are usually different for each model, so its better to shop around and see which one works best for you, but make sure you note if your USB-C port is thunderbolt enabled, since most powerful hubs require thunderbolt
- Use Wi-Fi: Almost all laptops come with Wi-Fi connectivity, which is a convenient way to connect to the internet. You can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, work, or in public places like cafes and airports, which can be more conveinient than using Ethernet.
- Use a Docking Station: Some laptops support docking stations that include Ethernet ports. These docking stations are usually designed for specific laptop models, so make sure you check compatibility before purchasing one. Most macbooks and mainstream laptops have docking stations made for them.
What Are The Benefits of Using Ethernet on Your Laptop?
There are several benefits of using Ethernet on your laptop, including:
- Speed: Ethernet connections offer faster speeds than Wi-Fi, especially if youre using a cheap router or the one your ISP provides you.
- Security: Ethernet connections are more secure than Wi-Fi since they’re not vulnerable to hacking from malicious individuals.
- Reliability: Ethernet connections are more reliable than Wi-Fi since they’re not affected by external factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most older laptops still have Ethernet ports, but some newer, thinner models may not. If your laptop doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you can use a USB-Ethernet adapter, Wi-Fi, or a docking station to connect to the internet using Wi-Fi . Ethernet connections offer several benefits over Wi-Fi, including faster speeds, better security, and greater reliability.
