In a world increasingly dominated by Wi-Fi, many users still require the reliability and speed of a wired internet connection. When it comes to stability, and security, nothing beats a reliable Ethernet connection. Whether you’re a professional working with large data transfers, a gamer craving low-latency performance, or someone living in an area with inconsistent wireless signals, a laptop with an Ethernet port is a crucial tool. But with so many models shifting toward ultra-slim designs that omit these ports, which laptops still offer this essential feature?
In this article, we’ll explore the best laptops with built-in Ethernet connections, what makes them stand out, and who they are best suited for.
Why Choose a Laptop with an Ethernet Port?
While Wi-Fi is convenient, Ethernet still offers several advantages:
- Faster Speeds: Wired connections typically offer higher speeds than even the best wireless signals.
- Stability: Ethernet is more stable and less prone to interference.
- Security: Wired connections are less vulnerable to hacking or signal snooping.
- Latency: For online gaming or video conferencing, lower latency can make a noticeable difference.
Key Features to Look for in a Laptop with Ethernet
Before diving into our top picks, here are some important features to consider:
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Ensures you’re getting the best speeds available.
- Processor and RAM: Opt for at least an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 with 8GB RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Storage: SSDs offer much better performance than traditional HDDs.
- Port Selection: In addition to Ethernet, look for USB-C, HDMI, and SD card slots for better connectivity.
- Build Quality: For professionals and students, durability and battery life are crucial.
Is Ethernet good for laptops?
Yes, Ethernet is definitely good for laptops, especially when reliability, speed, and security matter. While Wi-Fi is more convenient and common, Ethernet still offers several key advantages:
Advantages of Ethernet for Laptops:
1. Faster Speeds
- Ethernet connections (especially Gigabit Ethernet) generally offer higher data transfer rates than most Wi-Fi connections.
- This is useful for downloading large files, streaming 4K content, or working with cloud storage.
2. Stable Connection
- Unlike Wi-Fi, which can be affected by walls, distance, and interference, Ethernet provides a consistent and stable connection—crucial for video calls, gaming, and online presentations.
3. Lower Latency
- Ethernet offers lower ping times, which is important for online gaming, stock trading, or real-time communication.
4. Better Security
- A wired Ethernet connection is less susceptible to hacking or unauthorized access than wireless networks, making it ideal for business and sensitive work.
Limitations of Ethernet:
- Port Availability: Many ultra-slim or modern laptops do not include Ethernet ports.
- Mobility: Ethernet requires a physical cable, so it limits your movement and portability.
- Setup: You must be near a router or modem, which isn’t always feasible in every environment (especially for travelers).
Ideal Use-Cases for Ethernet in Laptops:
- Business professionals working remotely or in secure environments.
- Gamers needing low-latency connections.
- Students attending virtual classes with video conferencing.
- IT specialists who need to troubleshoot networks.
- Anyone working with large files or cloud storage.
While Wi-Fi is more convenient for general use, Ethernet is the superior choice when speed, reliability, and security are priorities. If your laptop doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet port, you can still add one using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter or docking station.
READ ALSO: How to Optimize a Gaming Laptop for 144Hz
Top 7 Laptops with Ethernet Ports (2025)
1. Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Gen 6
- Ethernet: Gigabit RJ-45 port
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155U
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Best For: Business users, students
Overview: This model maintains ThinkPad’s reputation for reliability and durability. It includes essential I/O ports like Ethernet and HDMI, making it excellent for presentations and remote work. The keyboard is spill-resistant and tactile, which appeals to writers and office professionals.
2. Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (2025)
- Ethernet: Standard RJ-45 port
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 9 285H
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050
- RAM: 24GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 15-inch OLED
Overview: Ideal for content creators, this laptop balances performance and aesthetics. It features high-end graphics, an excellent display for video/photo work, and fast internet connectivity via Ethernet—useful for uploading large media files securely.
3. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 5
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra series
- RAM: Up to 128GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB+ SSD
- Best For: Enterprise professionals, developers
Overview: The T14 Gen 5 is a powerful, secure laptop designed for demanding professional environments. It offers top-tier memory expansion, enterprise-level encryption, and a reliable Ethernet connection. It’s perfect for software engineers, analysts, and IT workers.
4. HP ProBook 450 G10
- Ethernet: RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet
- CPU: Intel Core i7 (13th Gen)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Best For: Small business, remote workers
Overview: Known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness, this HP model is a great choice for remote work setups or small office environments. Its Ethernet port ensures stable connections for video conferencing and VPN access.
5. Dell Latitude 5540
- Ethernet: Built-in RJ-45
- CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 (13th Gen)
- RAM: Up to 64GB
- Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
- Best For: Corporate users, administrative professionals
Overview: The Latitude series is Dell’s business powerhouse. It combines security features (TPM, biometric login), durability, and full port access—including Ethernet—for enterprise-grade networking. Excellent battery life makes it travel-friendly.
6. MSI Katana 15 (2025)
- Ethernet: Killer E2600 Gigabit Ethernet
- CPU: Intel Core i7-13620H
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060
- RAM: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Best For: Gamers, streamers, power users
Overview: This is a gaming laptop with a competitive edge. The Killer Ethernet controller ensures ultra-low latency, ideal for online games. Paired with strong internal specs, it’s also suitable for video editing and streaming.
7. Acer TravelMate P4
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro / Intel Core i7
- RAM: Up to 32GB
- Storage: 512GB to 1TB SSD
- Best For: Educators, travelers, hybrid professionals
Overview: This lightweight, military-grade durable laptop includes an Ethernet port without adding bulk. It’s great for people on the go who occasionally need reliable wired connectivity in hotels, classrooms, or remote offices.
What If Your Laptop Doesn’t Have Ethernet?
If you’ve already invested in a laptop without a built-in Ethernet port, you’re not out of luck. Here are some solutions:
- USB-to-Ethernet Adapter: An affordable and portable option.
- Docking Stations: Useful for expanding port options, including Ethernet, USB, and HDMI.
- Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet Adapters: Provide higher bandwidth and reliability for premium devices.
Conclusion
While many modern laptops prioritize slim profiles and lightweight designs, there are still several robust options available for users who need an Ethernet connection. Business professionals, gamers, and remote workers can all benefit from the added speed, security, and stability that wired internet provides.
If you’re looking for a no-compromise solution, the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 or Dell Latitude 5540 offer top-tier performance with enterprise features. On a tighter budget? The Acer TravelMate P4 is a well-rounded, affordable option that doesn’t skimp on connectivity.
Before buying, consider how important Ethernet is to your workflow and whether you need a laptop that integrates it directly or if a high-quality adapter will do.