If you need to share a USB printer across a network, a USB-to-network print server or USB Ethernet adapter can help. This guide focuses on reliable, widely compatible options ideal for small offices, home offices, or students who want printer sharing without wired direct connections from every computer. The top picks here suit different setups—from simple wired networks to wireless sharing and USB-C devices—so you can choose based on your printer type, network environment, and convenience needs.
Overview of selected products:
| Product | Brand | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| StarTech 1-Port USB 2.0 Network Print Server PM1115U2 | StarTech.com | Wired | Small office printers needing reliable wired sharing |
| IOGEAR 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server GPSU21 | IOGEAR | Wired | Reasonable price, easy setup for shared USB printers |
| Herfair Ethernet to USB Adapter 2PCS | Herfair | USB to Ethernet, two-device limit | Basic USB-to-Ethernet use, surveillance or modem links |
| TP-Link USB to Ethernet Adapter UE306 | TP-Link | USB 3.0 to Ethernet | Mac/Windows/Linux, versatile for various printers |
| StarTech 1-Port Wireless N Print Server PM1115UW | StarTech.com | Wireless + wired | Wireless printing environments with wired fallback |
StarTech 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server (PM1115U2)
The PM1115U2 is a wired USB print server that links a single USB 2.0 printer to a wired LAN via RJ45 with 10Base-T/100Base-TX auto-sensing. It requires manual network setup via a web interface and uses LPR for queue LP1. Best for networks with IT experience and printers that rely on standard USB drivers. It is not compatible with USB hubs or printers needing full bi-directional USB communication. Choose this for stable, office-wide print sharing where network control is preferred.
IOGEAR 1-Port USB 2.0 Print Server (GPSU21)
The GPSU21 connects a USB 2.0 printer to a network, enabling printing from multiple computers across the network or Internet. It uses a Cat 5 Ethernet connection and includes both USB and Ethernet cables. It’s best for homes or small offices needing straightforward sharing without complex configuration. The setup guide should be consulted first, and note that some printers with proprietary drivers may not be compatible.
Herfair Ethernet to USB Adapter (Two-Pack)
This two-pack Ethernet-to-USB adapter provides USB 2.0 to RJ45 Ethernet conversion with a two-device limit. It’s suitable for connecting USB devices like cameras or printers to a network when a PoE switch is available. Best for simple, limited-device networks. Caution: it cannot provide direct network access from a router to a laptop; it is designed for specific USB-to-Ethernet use cases.
TP-Link UE306 USB to Ethernet Adapter
The UE306 adds a wired Ethernet port to devices via USB 3.0 and supports 10/100/1000 Mbps. It’s plug-and-play and compatible across Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for printers that need reliable wired connections. Best for mixed-OS environments, including laptops and tablets. It provides higher speeds with USB 3.0 but remains backwards compatible with USB 2.0 devices. Ensure USB-C or USB-A compatibility with your host device.
StarTech 1-Port Wireless N Print Server (PM1115UW)
This wireless print server supports 802.11b/g/n with an RJ45 port for wired printing. It’s ideal for home or small offices that prefer wireless sharing while retaining a wired fallback option. The installation steps are available online, and the device is positioned as a flexible solution for environments that vary between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Best for spaces where wireless printing is a priority but a stable wired option is still desired. But note that wireless performance depends on network conditions and security settings.
Siawclub USB Over Ethernet Extender (Cat6/6e/5/5e)
This USB extender over RJ45 supports extending USB devices up to 50 meters and is easy to plug in without external power. It’s best for printers or USB peripherals located far from the host computer. It works with USB 2.0 and many Windows/macOS versions, but performance depends on cable quality and network conditions. Choose this if you need longer reach without a powered hub.
BrosTrend AC1200 Wireless to Ethernet Adapter
This dual-band wireless bridge converts a wired printer or other Ethernet device to a wireless network with AC1200 speeds. It supports 802.11ac and offers simple setup for streaming and printing tasks. Best for printers located far from the router or in rooms with weak Wi-Fi, needing a stable wired-into-wireless solution. A caution: ensure you have power outlets near the adapter for best performance.
BENFEI USB 3.0 to Ethernet Adapter (Aluminum)
The BENFEI USB-C/USB-A to Ethernet adapter provides gigabit Ethernet via USB 3.0 with driver-free installation on many platforms. It’s compact and powered by USB, with support for WoL and Auto-MDIX in some environments. Best for modern laptops or tablets needing a reliable wired connection to a printer. A limitation is that USB-C or USB-A host compatibility should be confirmed before purchase to ensure full Gigabit performance.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For USB Printer Networking
Network type: Wired adapters suit predictable offices; wireless options add flexibility in homes with scattered devices.
Printer compatibility: USB printers with standard drivers work best; avoid devices requiring proprietary drivers or full bidirectional USB support unless confirmed.
Ease of setup: Some units require manual configuration; others are plug-and-play. Consider your comfort with network settings and LPR/Port configurations.
Speed and distance: USB 3.0 and Gigabit Ethernet provide faster transfers; wireless options depend on your router and interference. For far printers, extenders or dual-band devices help.
Power and cables: USB-powered devices reduce wall-wart clutter. Check for the availability of USB-C or USB-A hosts and cable lengths.
Security: Wireless adapters introduce Wi-Fi security considerations. Use strong network passwords and updated firmware where available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a USB print server and when do I need one? — A USB print server shares a USB printer over a network. Use one when multiple computers need to print to a single printer without direct USB connections.
- Can I use a standard USB-to-Ethernet adapter for a printer? — Yes, if the device is designed as a USB-to-Ethernet bridge and supports printing protocols; verify compatibility with your printer model.
- Are wireless print servers less reliable than wired ones? — Wireless options offer convenience but can be influenced by interference and signal strength; wired connections tend to be more stable in busy networks.
- Do these devices require driver installation? — Some are driver-free or include built-in support; others may require drivers or configuration via a web interface. Check the product manual for specifics.
- Will these adapters work with any printer? — Most standard USB printers work with USB-to-network adapters, but printers with proprietary drivers or full bidirectional USB features may not be compatible.
- What should I consider when choosing between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 adapters? — USB 3.0 generally offers higher potential speeds and better compatibility with newer printers, while USB 2.0 may be sufficient for basic printing tasks.