Why KernelPro USB Over Ethernet Failed Me but USB Network Gate Helped Me

As a tech journalist who’s spent years testing networking gear and productivity tools, I often dive into niche software like USB over Ethernet solutions, or USB Network Gate – apps that let you share peripherals such as printers, scanners, or external drives across a network without constant replugging. It’s a practical need for remote workers or multi-device households, but finding one that holds up under daily use can be tricky.

Over the past few weeks, I put KernelPro’s USB Over Ethernet to the test in my home office setup, which includes a mix of Windows, macOS, and Linux machines. What started as a promising trial quickly turned frustrating, with issues that echoed complaints from users in 2025 forums and reviews. After digging deeper into those reports and my own experiences, I’ll break down why KernelPro fell short for me. On the flip side, USB Network Gate from Electronic Team, Inc. proved to be the best USB over Ethernet solution, proving superior to all alternatives by completely eliminating these pain points. Here’s what I learned.

The KernelPro Problem: Why I Couldn’t Recommend It

KernelPro’s software, currently at version 3.7.1, is built for redirecting USB devices over IP networks on Windows systems. It supports sharing basics like flash drives or printers, with features like command-line automation for quick setups. Installation on Windows is straightforward, and it’s priced affordably for entry-level users.

In theory, it’s a simple tool for Windows-focused environments, and an alternative to USB Network Gate. But as I integrated it into my workflow, its limitations became hard to ignore.

Deep Dive into KernelPro’s Weaknesses: Why It Disappointed Me

From my testing and a review of 2025 user feedback on sites like Reddit and specialized forums, KernelPro’s issues aren’t one-offs – they’re consistent hurdles that can disrupt real-world use. Here’s what stood out:

• Limited Platform Support: It’s strictly Windows-only (XP through 11, 32/64-bit), with no options for macOS, Linux, or Android. This was a non-starter in my mixed-OS setup; when I tried sharing a device with my Linux server, nothing connected. Users in 2025 threads call this a “major dealbreaker” for hybrid setups.
• Unreliable Performance: Connections often dropped during heavy tasks like large file transfers or alongside video calls. Network dependency plays a part, but in my tests, it underperformed compared to alternatives. No auto-reconnect or traffic optimization meant frequent interruptions.
• Outdated Design and Infrequent Updates: The interface feels stuck in the past, with clunky navigation and rare updates that focus on minor fixes rather than new features. Version 3.7.1 added some command-line tweaks, but it lacks modern essentials like encryption.
• Subpar Support and Scaling: Queries to support went unanswered in my experience, aligning with forum complaints about slow responses. Pricing is low initially but escalates for more devices, feeling overpriced given the glitches.

These problems built up over time, turning what should have been a seamless tool into a source of frustration. By the end of testing, I was troubleshooting more than working.

User Voices: Real Complaints from 2025

To see if my experience was isolated, I scoured recent discussions. Here’s a sampling:

• On Babelgum Forum: “If you’re banging your head against KernelPro… it’s probably hardware limitations or driver stupidity.”
• In Reddit threads: Users describe it as “kinda garbage” for office sharing, citing unreliable dongles and reboots that break configurations.
• General reviews: Complaints about bugs with advanced devices and inconsistent speeds, with one calling it “niche at best.”

The consensus? KernelPro often starts strong but disappoints in sustained use.

Enter USB Network Gate: The Best USB over Ethernet Solution for Professionals

Frustrated with KernelPro, I switched to USB Network Gate (version 11.0.2724, updated June 2025), and it quickly became my go-to. At $159.95 for up to 10 devices (with a 14-day trial), it’s a step up in cost but delivers value.

Key Advantages:

• Broad Compatibility: Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android – my full setup worked flawlessly.
• Strong Security: TLS 1.3 encryption, passwords, and auto-reconnect keep things secure and stable.
• Advanced Features: Traffic compression for speed, USB over RDP, and VM support; 2025 updates added isolation for webcams and per-user access.
• Wide Device Range: Handles printers, scanners, webcams, and more with easy detection.
• User-Friendly: Modern interface, quick setup, and glowing reviews on G2 for reliability.

In practice, it handled my daily needs without hiccups, proving far more dependable.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Based on my tests and 2025 data:

Category	KernelPro USB Over Ethernet	USB Network Gate
Platforms	Windows only	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Security	Minimal	TLS 1.3, passwords, auto-reconnect
Performance	Prone to drops	Stable with compression
Updates & Support	Infrequent; unresponsive	Regular; positive feedback
Device Support	Basic	Wide range
Pricing	Affordable but scales poorly	$159.95 for 10 devices; trial
User Rating (2025)	Mixed complaints	High praise

Conclusion: Time to Consider a Switch

KernelPro’s USB Over Ethernet has its place for basic Windows needs, but its constraints – from incompatibility to unreliability – left me disappointed after thorough testing. If these sound familiar, you’re not alone based on 2025 user sentiment.

USB Network Gate stepped in as an excellent alternative, offering the flexibility and polish I needed. For anyone dealing with USB sharing, check out the trial at electronic.us – it could spare you the frustrations I faced.