The RJ45 port is often called ethernet port since RJ45 is the type of connector that almost all ethernet connections use.
Some of the advantages of ethernet over Wi-Fi are speed, reliability, security, and low latency.
An ethernet port in laptops guarantees faster data transmission because it uses wires, whereas Wi-Fi uses radio waves which are prone to interference.
Signal interference levels are significantly higher in case of Wi-Fi which result in higher latency.
Data transmission through ethernet also does not need to be encrypted as it is not visible to anyone outside the network.
If you use Wi-Fi on your laptop, your data can be intercepted outside the network, so you need to use additional security, especially if it's not a home network.
If you are a gamer, a laptop with the RJ45 or ethernet port will help you avoid latency, specially in fast response games like FPS and strategy games.
If your laptop does not have an ethernet/LAN port then you can get a USB to ethernet adapter. Ethernet even on old hardware can easily provide speeds over 2.5 Gb/s to every single device on a network. Whereas Wifi 6 even with a theoretical max speed of 9.6 Gb/s will split the speed across devices and drop even further where there is interference.
Most modern regular laptops don't have lan port anymore because the body is designed to be thin and sleek which cannot hold the big sized ethernet port.
Ethernet ports are mostly found on laptops that are marked as gaming laptops. Games need the fastest possible connection the local network with minimal latency. As their bodies are slightly thicker to accommodate powerful cooling components which take up some depth, these gaming laptops are able to fit in an RJ45 port.
Our Top Picks for Best Laptops with Ethernet Port
Below are some of the best laptops that have an inbuilt ethernet port. Feature-wise it has negligible effect on the price of a laptop, so the price of the laptop will depend on other more important hardware parameters like CPU, GPU, RAM and display size.
So besides the presence of the ethernet port you might as well want to consider the budget and overall hardware performance when selecting one.
You may also want to read our guide on choosing the right laptop here: 9 Things to Consider When Buying a Laptop - The Ultimate Guide
1. Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop (A515-43-R19L)
The Aspire 5 belongs to Acer's line of budget laptops. However, its exterior design does not reflect this and has a brushed metal lid, giving it a luxurious look. It is also slim and lightweight, a characteristic that you don't often see with laptops of this price range. Apart from this, the Acer Aspire 5 still offers a lot more with its limited price range.
Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop
Features
- Dimensions: 14.31 x 9.74 x 0.71 inches
- Weight: 3.97 lbs
- OS: 64-bit Windows 10 S
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U Dual-Core Processor (Up to 3.5GHz)
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon Vega 3
- Display Type and Size: LED-Backlit IPS 15.6 inches Display
- RAM: 4 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Storage: 1x128 GB SSD
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers (Stereo), HD Webcam
- Ports: HDMI, 2 x USB 2.0, 1xUSB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 1xRJ45
- Battery: 3-Cell Lithium Polymer 4200 mAh, 65W
Review
The Acer Aspire 5 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, a dual-core CPU that is equivalent to Intel's 8th Gen i3 processor. Both of these offer decent performances, especially for the usual workloads that computers in this price range have.
It also comes with a 4 GB DDR4 RAM that will suffice most uses, but some might find this memory cramped, now that browsers alone such as Google Chrome can take up to 2 GB of memory. This laptop also houses an integrated AMD Radeon Vega 3 graphical processor.
It has a 15.6” IPS screen that maximizes color display and protects your eyes from being constantly strained with Acer's BlueLightShield.
This device's operating system is Windows 10 S. This OS only runs applications that are directly downloaded from the Windows Store, similar to how Google's Chromebooks work. It is basically a streamlined version of the regular Windows 10 Home, a perfect complement to the device's memory of 4 GB. Another advantage of this laptop is its long battery life, measuring up to 7 hours of medium-load use.
2. HP 17-BY3000 Laptop
This installment from HP is one of the high-performing units on this list. The laptop offers powerful components, coming in with an Intel 10th Gen chip, 8GB DDR4 of RAM, and a 1TB HDD. The HP 17-by3000 is a relatively cheap laptop, compared to its peers with almost the same specifications.
HP 17-BY3000 Laptop
Features
- Dimensions: 10.7 x 16.3 x 0.9 inches
- Weight: 5.70 lbs
- OS: Windows 10 Home S
- CPU: Intel i3-1005G1 Dual-core (1.2 GHz up to 3.4 GHz)
- GPU: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics
- Display Type and Size: 17.3 inches HD Display
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Storage: 1x1TB HDD
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers
- Ports: HDMI 1.4b, 3 x USB 2.0 Type-A, DVD Writer, 1xRJ-45, 1xMicrophone/Headphone Combo
- Battery: 3-Cell Lithium-Ion, 41Wh
Review
The processor of this laptop is perhaps its best feature. The Intel i3-1005G1 Dual-core is a competitive CPU, one that can even rival up to 8th Gen i5 chips. With its 8 GB of system memory, you will never have a problem with multitasking. You can simultaneously put your computer on strenuous loads, like gaming and video editing.
Like the older laptops, it still has its optical disk drive and a very convenient RJ45 port. This device also supports up to Wi-FI 5 or 802.11ac. It also has an HDMI port that will be convenient if you ever want to extend your display and connect the laptop with your television.
With 1 TB available storage, you can store all your files, even dozens of downloaded movies or your favorite TV show. You can stream it regularly on this device with its capable integrated graphics.
3. 2021 HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Laptop (15-DW1083WM)
The HP Pavilion is another entry for HP. It is a decent office or school laptop, in the form of a stylish red chassis. Its exterior is made up of plastic, with smooth edges to avoid straining the wrists. It also has a numeric keypad and its touchpad is a bit to the left.
2021 HP Pavilion 15.6" HD Laptop (15-DW1083WM)
Features
- Dimensions: 14.1 x 9.53 x 0.78 inches
- Weight: 3.93 lbs
- OS: Windows 10 Home in S mode
- CPU: Intel® Pentium® Gold 6405U (2.4 GHz base frequency, 2 MB L3 cache, 2 cores)
- Graphical Processing Unit: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 605
- Display Type and Size: HD 15.6 inches Display
- Memory (RAM): 4GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM
- Storage: 1x128 GB SATA 3 M.2 SSD
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers (Stereo)
- Ports: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 1xUSB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C Ports, 1xSD Card Reader, 1xRJ-45, 1xHDMI 1.4b, 1xheadphone/microphone combo
- Battery: 3-Cell Lithium-Ion, 41Wh
Review
The HP 15-DW1083WM is run by an Intel Pentium Gold 6405U processor. It is a dual-core CPU that regularly runs at the speed of 2.4 GHz, though it has 2 threads so it can match up to a 4-core chip. It can handle a little bit of multi-tasking and even opening up several tabs before it starts to slow down. This is mainly because of its limited memory of 4 GB.
In terms of storage, the 128 GB might be a little small but it can be upgraded and easily amended by an external hard drive. This 128 GB storage is an SSD so it is more efficient and can access or transfer data faster than your regular HDD. This laptop also uses Windows 10 Home in S mode like the previous HP laptop.
Its graphic card is an integrated chip from Intel, something you'd expect on a budget laptop like this. Another interesting point for this laptop is HP's promise that on a fully-charged battery, this laptop can reach up to 10 hours on medium load, something that is uncommon for lighter laptops such as this one.
4. HP 14-FQ0032MS Laptop
For the final HP entry on the list, we have another budget laptop that still supports an ethernet connection. The HP 14-fq0032ms, like the previous ones, is perfect for a home-school or work-from-home set-up.
It does not cost a lot, but it still provides decent performance for daily tasks such as video streaming, web browsing, and using office applications.
HP 14-FQ0032MS Laptop
Features
- Dimensions: 12.76 x 8.86 x 0.71 in
- Weight: 3.24 lbs
- OS: Windows 10 Home in S mode
- CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 3 3250U (2.6 GHz base clock, up to 3.5 GHz max boost clock, 4 MB L3 cache, 2 cores)
- GPU: Integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics
- Display Type and Size: LED HD 14 inches Touchscreen Display
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM
- Storage: 1x128 GB SATA 3 TLC M.2 SSD
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers (Stereo)
- Interfaces/Ports: 2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, 1xSuperSpeed USB Type-C Ports, 1xSD Card Reader, 1xRJ-45, 1xHDMI 1.4b, 1xheadphone/microphone combo
- Battery and Power: 3-Cell Lithium Ion, 41Wh
Review
This HP 14-fq0032ms uses AMD's Ryzen 3 3250U, a dual-core CPU that can be boosted for up to 3.5 GHz. The CPU is equivalent to an Intel i3-8th Gen chipset. It might not be as powerful as others but for routine tasks, it will still give you a hassle-free runtime, coupled with an 8 GB of RAM. Its storage is also an SSD so the slight lag that you experience as you run through your File Explorer is greatly diminished.
Its design comes in a lightweight silver chassis that gives off a premium exterior aesthetic. It has a thin bezel display, making the laptop as compact as possible. It also supports a 10-finger multi-touch touchscreen on its 14 inches display, a handy feature that might be considered a bonus at this price range.
The keypad and touchpad are also of great quality. The keypad has responsive keys with huge keycaps, something that is of the essence when you are typing. The touchpad also supports gestures that you can configure within your operating system, the Windows 10 Home in S mode.
5. Acer Aspire 1 A114-32-C1YA Laptop
The Acer Aspire 1 is a slim addition to the budget category of laptops. Having a lightweight build is refreshing. The laptops with an ethernet port are often bulky and compact, something that says it was made years ago. This laptop is among the cheapest from Acer.
Acer Aspire 1 A114-32-C1YA Laptop
Features
- Dimensions: 9.65 x 13.5 x 0.71 inches
- Weight: 3.64 lbs
- OS: Windows 10 Home in S mode
- CPU: Intel Celeron N4000 Dual-Core Processor (Up to 2.6GHz)
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 600
- Display Type and Size: LED Backlight 14 inches HD Display
- RAM: 4 GB DDR4
- Storage: 1x64 GB eMMC
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.1
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers (Stereo)
- Interfaces/Ports: 1xUSB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0, 1xSD Card Reader, 1xRJ-45, 1xHDMI, 1xheadphone/microphone combo
- Battery and Power: 2-Cell Lithium Polymer, 45W
Review
The exterior of the Acer Aspire 1 features a black profile, with a silver Acer logo in the middle of the lid. The hinge also rotates for up to 180°. The resolution for the Aspire 1's display is up to 1080, something that is uncommon for laptops in this range. The simplistic design of its exterior also matches its software, as this laptop uses the Windows 10 S as its operating system.
The connectivity for this device is also decent since it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.1. Its processor, Intel Celeron N4000, is also appropriate for an entry-level laptop such as this one. It will still provide solid computing power for light usages, such as web browsing and office applications. Overall, this laptop is a good bet for those who are on a limited budget.
6. Acer Aspire 3 Laptop (A315-56-594)
The last entry for Acer in this list is another member of its Aspire line, the line that is geared towards casual users or for small business purposes. However, this installment of that line is more powerful compared to the previous two entries. The Acer Aspire 3 is still a budget laptop, but it hovers over the boundary towards mid-range regular laptops.
Acer Aspire 3 Laptop (A315-56-594)
Features
- Dimensions: 14.3 x 9.7 x 0.78 inches
- Weight: 4.19 lb
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- CPU: Intel i5-1035G1 Quad-Core Processor (1.0 GHz up to 3.6GHz)
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display Type and Size: Full HD LCD 15.6 inches ComfyView Display
- RAM: 8 GB DDR4 SDRAM
- Storage: 1x256GB NVMe SSD
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers (Stereo)
- Interfaces/Ports: 1xUSB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x USB 2.0, 1xRJ-45, 1xHDMI, 1xheadphone/microphone combo
- Battery and Power: 2-Cell Lithium-Ion, 45W
Review
The Aspire 3 from Acer is one of the cheapest units that offer an Intel 10th Gen i5 quad-core processor on its arsenal. With its CPU, it can outperform the previous entry on this list without competition. With 8 GB RAM and 256 GB worth of easily accessed storage, this laptop can handle more than your average school work and office applications. The RAM can even be upgraded to up to 12 GB. This laptop can handle light gaming and even taxing programs for video editing.
This laptop is also the first on this list to have a Windows 10 Home operating system. With its improved specifications, it can handle the requirements of the regular Windows OS, unlike the earlier ones that need to implement the streamlined version to accommodate their price range.
Its silver profile is also easy on the eyes and gives your notebook a luxurious and minimalist look. Its 15.6 inches LCD is good enough for a laptop with this price tag. Its thin bezels give more room for screen space. The connectivity on this laptop will not be an issue since it has both a gigabit ethernet port and supports Wi-Fi 5 standard. The Aspire 3 is a good entry towards more powerful units.
7. Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Business Laptop
The last entry on this list is the best one and the most expensive one. The Lenovo ThinkPad E14 is not considered a budget laptop if you are just going to use it for basic school work and office use. This laptop can do much more than that. It's more powerful than the previous entry but can similarly handle moderate loads of strenuous applications such as games and other heavy processes.
Lenovo ThinkPad E14 Business Laptop
Features
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 9.13 x 0.74 inches
- Weight: 3.73 lbs
- OS: Windows 10 Pro
- CPU: Intel i5-10210U (1.6 GHz base frequency, up to 4.2 GHz base with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB cache, 4 cores)
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics
- Display Type and Size: 14" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 250nits Anti-glare
- RAM: 8GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM
- Storage: 1x1TB HDD 5400rpm 2.5"
- Wifi: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
- Ethernet: Gigabit Ethernet
- Built-in Devices: Microphone, Speakers (Stereo)
- Interfaces/Ports: 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1, 1xUSB 2.0, 1xUSB-C 3.1 Gen 1, 1xRJ-45, 1xHDMI 1.4b, 1xheadphone/microphone combo
- Battery: 12h Average Battery Life, 45Whr
Review
The ThinkPad E14 features the i5-10210U from Intel, a processor that can outperform the i7 7th Gen from the same company. This device also comes with 8 GB RAM and 1 TB HDD of storage. You can also upgrade your RAM to up to 32 GB and add another storage with another form factor. With these specifications and if you do not consider the integrated graphics card, it can even compete with some of the budget gaming laptops in the market.
It uses a full HD IPS display on its screen with anti-glare technology, meaning it is perfect for streaming as it can project colors better than the non-IPS ones. Another good deal with this product is the operating system it uses, which is Windows 10 Pro, a convenient and useful installation from Windows.
The E14 is something that every student will want to have since it is already useful for school work and can even support leisure activities such as gaming and streaming. While this might be a bit pricey, it still has a good value for money trade-off.
Conclusion
Picking a laptop based on it having an ethernet port alone is not enough. For a decision that is as expensive as this one, you should also consider other factors since there are many important specifications that a laptop should have for you to be satisfied and that is exactly what we discussed here.
The important thing to know is that Wi-Fi still has its limitations. So if you want a stable connection and you are mostly using your laptops on a fixed workstation, having an ethernet port on your laptop offers a huge advantage.
