Tablets and laptops are solely getting more powerful, however hardly ever are there sufficient ports to harness all that potential. Whereas Bluetooth equipment definitely have their place, you would possibly choose the velocity and accuracy of wired peripherals — to not point out objects that don’t have wi-fi counterparts.
5You have two fundamental choices for including extra connectivity to your pill or laptop computer: a docking station or a hub. Each present some mixture of additional USB, HDMI, SD card slot, Ethernet and/or 3.5 mm ports so you may join peripherals like displays or wired mice and keyboards. Docking stations are typically bigger, require AC energy and are normally meant to be stationary. A USB-C hub, however, is extra transportable and doesn’t want its personal energy supply. We examined greater than a dozen choices to provide you with the very best USB-C hub for maximizing your ports, and we’ve included recommendation on what to search for before you purchase.
Desk of contents
Greatest USB-C hubs for 2025
Whole downstream ports: 8 | Cable size: 10” | Energy supply: 100W in, 90W to host | USB-C: 1 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.1 | USB-A: 2 x 5Gbps, 1 x 10Gbps| Monitor: HDMI 2.0 | SD Card: microSD and normal SD | Different ports: Ethernet
The “109” in UGreen’s Revodok Pro 109 USB-C hub doubtless stands for the nine-in-one declare in its advertising supplies, however since a kind of ports is energy solely, the variety of downstream connectors makes it extra of an eight-in-one. However it’s a great-performing hub nonetheless. It has all of the hookups that is likely to be lacking from a contemporary laptop computer, together with SD slots, USB-A ports, an Ethernet connection and an HDMI hookup.
The 4K decision and 60Hz refresh price appeared nice on my take a look at monitor and the info switch charges had been forward of different hubs in its worth vary. The velocity take a look at on an Ethernet cable was on par with that of a costlier docking station, and I appreciated the design of the microSD slot. Most readers have you ever insert the cardboard all the way in which in, counting on a spring mechanism to push it again out if you’re achieved. Right here, the tip stands proud simply sufficient that you would be able to merely pull the cardboard out. These spring-loaded ejectors by no means work on the primary attempt for me, so this can be a extra elegant answer.
There’s only one usable downstream USB-C port; the opposite is simply able to delivering energy to your machine. I want there was simply one extra USB-C so it may deal with each, say, a USB-C keyboard and webcam. However the three USB-A ports, with one supporting as much as 10Gbps charges, largely make up for that oversight. Total, the hub performs effectively and gives a well-rounded collection of connectors. When you’d choose a DisplayPort connection and do not want the info card slots, take a look at UGreen’s 8-in-1 Revodok hub.
It was truthfully a tricky name between this and Anker’s 555 8-in-1 for the highest advice. They’ve a reasonably comparable port array and the Anker USB-C hub is $15 cheaper. However the UGreen hub has a extra premium construct and a wire that is about two inches longer, plus there’s one further USB-A port that would definitely turn out to be useful.
- Good array of ports
- HDMI 2.0 helps 4K displays at 60Hz
- Beneficiant 10-inch cable
- Three USB-A ports
- Only one downstream USB-C port
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Whole downstream ports: 4 | Cable size: 10” | Energy supply: 100W in, 85W to host | USB-C: 1 x USB 10Gbps, 1 x energy supply solely | USB-A: 1 x 10Gbps, 1 x 480Mbps | Monitor: HDMI 2.0 | SD Card: No | Different ports: No
This was my first expertise with a Wavlink product, as I used to be beforehand solely accustomed to them as a Wi-Fi router and extender model. My preliminary impression of the Wavlink USB-C 4K@60Hz was disappointment at its generic identify, however the performance-to-price ratio is so spectacular, it will get a go for the shortage of branding pizazz.
It’s slimmer than most hubs at about an inch-and-a-half broad, but the cable itself is a pair inches longer than the norm. The unit and the cables simply tuck behind a laptop computer, significantly because the ports run alongside only one edge, with the HDMI connection on the finish.
The cable can also be braided, making it really feel extra premium than its $30 price ticket would counsel — which is the final theme right here. The HDMI 2.0 port can deal with a 4K exterior monitor at 60Hz, which ought to be lots zippy sufficient for a median workday, and I discovered the decision and lack of lag to be simply as marketed.
One of many two USB-A ports helps speedy 10Gbps transfers and the only USB-C jack is able to the identical price. The webcam carried out effectively, even with a USB-A streaming mild at full brightness (one thing different hubs had bother with), and I discovered information switch speeds to exterior drives to be on par with and even quicker than costlier hubs.
After all, having only one downstream USB-C connection places a restrict in your setup: You possibly can have, for instance, a USB-C webcam or a USB-C keyboard plugged in, not each. However in case you want one thing with good monitor output, a few high-quality USB ports and a compact design, this can be a good choose.
I additionally advocate Plugable’s equally cleverly named USB-C 4-in-1 hub. It’s a greenback cheaper than the Wavlink choice with an analogous array of ports that every one carried out effectively in my checks. Finally, its shorter tethered cable and single USB-C port that both delivers energy or runs a peripheral led me to choose Wavlink’s mannequin. However in case you don’t have to cost your machine by way of the port, you get a very good hub for the cash with Plugable’s machine.
- Slim and compact
- Beneficiant 10-inch cable
- Nice worth
- Only one downstream USB-C port
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Whole downstream ports: 5 | Cable size: 20” | Energy supply: 100W in, 80W to host | USB-C: 4 x USB 3.1 Gen 2, 1 x 4K @60Hz video solely | USB-A: 0 | Monitor: USB-C | SD Card: No | Different ports: No
One problem with most USB-C hubs is an ironic lack of accessible downstream USB-C ports. Many prime out at two, and a kind of usually delivers energy solely and might’t run peripherals. Throughout three keyboard guides, our suggestions overwhelmingly require USB-C connectivity, all however considered one of our recommended webcams use USB-C and lots of exterior storage drives depend on that port as effectively. Meaning if you’d like a hub that connects your keys, digital camera and a drive on the similar time, it’s important to hunt for one thing appropriate.
The EZQuest Slim Gen 2 hub offers you not only one or two usable Kind-C ports, however 5 of them. It’s additionally one of many few hubs that has a removable cable (and the equipped one is a beneficiant 20 inches lengthy). One port is for video output with a claimed 4K output at 60Hz — simply be aware that this connector doesn’t assist audio or drive different peripherals. The remaining 4 ports adhere to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 normal, delivering as much as 10Gbps. As with every hub, the extra objects you’ve gotten plugged in, the decrease the speeds every port will have the ability to ship, in order that max 10-gigabit price is for one port at a time.
The connections had been lots for my setup, dealing with a keyboard, mouse, webcam and streaming mild all on the similar time. (Since I haven’t got a USB-C monitor, I plugged the HDMI cable immediately into my laptop computer). Even totally loaded, the unit stayed comparatively cool. Whereas the included cable is lengthy, the hub itself is tremendous compact and in regards to the dimension of a Skor bar. All of the ports come out of 1 aspect, so just like the funds choose above, it’s simple to rearrange all of your connections to look neat in your desk.
- Loads of USB-C ports
- Removable and lengthy 20-inch cable
- No USB-A ports
- No HDMI port (helps USB-C video)
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
Whole downstream ports: 8 | Cable size: 9” | Energy supply: 100W in, 85W to host | USB-C: 2 x USB 10Gbps, 1 x energy supply and 10 Gbps | USB-A: 2 x 5Gbps | Monitor: 1x HDMI 1.4, 1 x HDMI 2.0 | SD Card: No | Different ports: Ethernet
At $140, the worth of Belkin’s Connect Universal hub is edging into docking-station territory. However it doesn’t require a devoted energy provide and it has a compact construct, so it’s nonetheless decidedly a hub. That worth bump does get you a number of options that the majority hubs don’t have, particularly the choice of three USB-C ports (one port can be utilized for both energy supply or accent assist) and twin prolonged shows with a MacBook (after you obtain the SiliconMotion driver).
Various the hubs I examined had twin HDMI ports, however the second exterior show was solely able to mirroring the primary monitor and invariably dropped the decision of each supplemental screens. SiliconMotion’s InstantView software program will get round that by primarily “sharing” a view of a tertiary display with the second monitor. That second monitor has a most refresh price of 30Hz for 4K resolutions, however the first exterior show retains its 4K@60Hz visuals. I haven’t examined each choice on the market, however from what I’ve seen, that’s fairly good for a USB-C hub — something extra and also you’re doubtless taking a look at a docking station.
The Join Common 8-in-1 is on the bigger finish of the spectrum for this class, measuring about the identical as an iPhone however about twice as thick. The multitude of plugs meant I may run a webcam, keyboard, mouse, Litra mild, two displays and join an Ethernet cable. There was nonetheless one USB-C port left over for an exterior drive or energy (although I simply used my MacBook’s MagSafe port). And since they’re all on one aspect, the association on a desk appears tidy, avoiding the spidery look of a hub with ports on all sides.
Shunting all of this connectivity does make the unit get fairly scorching: it appeared to get hotter than the entire different models I attempted. Whereas I by no means seen any unwell results consequently, I solely used it over the course of a pair days and wonder if there’d be any heat-related points with prolonged use.
- Numerous ports
- Good number of ports
- Driver permits for 2 prolonged exterior shows
- Costly
- Will get highly regarded throughout use
What to search for in a USB-C hub
Hub vs docking station
The very first thing to resolve is whether or not you want a USB-C hub or a USB-C docking station. There’s no set normal for what differentiates the 2, however docking stations are inclined to have extra ports, supply a separate DC energy adapter and price extra, with some reaching upwards of $400. We’ve got a separate information to the best docking stations to take a look at in case you’re on the lookout for one thing larger than what we’re discussing right here. USB-C hubs, in distinction, have between 4 and 10 ports, can assist pass-through charging and sometimes price between $30 and $150.
Hubs, generally additionally referred to as dongles and even multiport adapters, make extra sense for smaller setups with just some peripherals, corresponding to a monitor, a wired keyboard and mouse, and the occasional exterior drive. They’re additionally extra transportable, since they’re small and require no devoted energy. That may very well be helpful in case you change work places however wish to carry your equipment with you, or if you wish to substitute your laptop computer with a more powerful tablet. A docking station makes extra sense for somebody who wants a sturdy setup for his or her laptop computer, together with a number of exterior displays, webcams, stream decks, microphones and so forth.
Each docks and hubs make it simple to seize your laptop computer off your desk for a gathering or different temporary relocation and if you get again, you solely have to plug in a single cable to get all of your equipment reconnected.
Ports
The primary port to think about is the one in your laptop computer or pill. For a USB-C hub to work, it wants to hook up with a port that helps video, information and energy — all of which is roofed by something listed as USB 3.0 or higher, together with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 and 4. The port, in fact, must be Kind-C as effectively. The ocean of laptops out there’s huge, so it’s onerous to make generalizations, however trendy laptops ought to have not less than one USB-C port that may suffice, and certainly, each considered one of our prime picks for the best laptops do.
Subsequent, it’s a matter of discovering a very good USB-C hub that has the correct connections to your wants. Most hubs supply some combo of HDMI, USB, SD card reader, Ethernet and three.5 mm ports. You probably have a 4K monitor and would love not less than a 60Hz refresh price, you’ll want a hub with an HDMI 2.0 port — HDMI 1.4 solely goes as much as 30Hz. HDMI 2.1 will deal with 4K at as much as 120Hz, however hubs which have adopted that normal aren’t as frequent simply but. Take into account that a low refresh price could cause your display to really feel laggy, making your mouse seem glitchy and your webcam actions to look delayed.
Further USB ports on these equipment are normally Kind-A or Kind-C. They’ll assist information with totally different switch charges, sometimes 5Gbps or 10Gbps. Some ports solely deal with passthrough energy and no information, and a few can do information, energy and video, so it’s finest to verify the spec listing to be sure you’re getting the assist you want. Take into account that a hub might invoice itself as a 7-in-1, however a kind of ports might not be usable for something aside from charging.
Normal SD and microSD slots are helpful for transferring information from cameras and the like. Ethernet ports might ship quicker web speeds than your Wi-Fi and a hub with a 3.5mm jack can carry again the wired headphone connection that some laptops have ditched.
Energy supply
Almost the entire USB-C hubs I examined assist passthrough charging. Meaning in case your laptop computer or pill solely expenses through USB, you don’t must take up one other port in your laptop computer to maintain every thing topped up. In contrast to a docking station, powering a hub is optionally available. The one exception is if you wish to shut the lid in your laptop computer when you work on an exterior monitor. Most computer systems will go into sleep mode if the lid is closed with out energy, so both the laptop computer or the hub will must be plugged into the wall to stop that from taking place.
Most of the newer hubs embody a 100W USB-C energy supply (PD) port, with a wholesome 80 to 85 watts going to your Mac, PC or pill (the hubs take a bit of of the juice for themselves, therefore the 15-watt or so distinction). In my checks, a powered USB hub ran hotter than when it wasn’t passing the cost by way of, so I choose to energy the pc immediately utilizing its personal charger. However for tablets or different units with no further ports, that PD choice is essential.
Some PD ports are additionally information ports — which is each good and unhealthy. On one hand, it feels wasteful to make use of a wonderfully good information port only for boring outdated electrical energy. However however, USB-C connections that solely carry a cost are much less versatile, and it makes it look like it has extra accent hookups than it truly does.
Design
There’s surprisingly little design variation amongst hubs. Most appear to be a flat slab, a bit of smaller than a smartphone, and have an connected Kind-C host cable. The hues vary from a silvery black to a silvery grey. Some are thinner than others, some have all ports on one edge and a few have ports on either side. All of that is simply to say that aesthetics most likely gained’t make or break your shopping for resolution.
One variation that would tip the scales is the size of the cable. An extended one offers you extra freedom as you prepare the hub in your desk, probably even letting you cover it behind your laptop computer. Or you might choose a shorter one to maintain the hub neatly set beside your laptop computer.
How we take a look at USB-C hubs
Earlier than we take a look at something, we check out what’s accessible and the way they’ve been obtained by customers, forum-goers and different publications. I grew to become accustomed to a number of respected manufacturers once I was testing docking stations, so I appeared into hubs from these corporations as effectively. I targeted on objects that will assist with a median day of productiveness — not high-end setups or demanding gaming conditions. As soon as I settled on a dozen or so that will make good candidates, I had them shipped to my humble workplace within the desert and began testing them out over the course of some weeks.
I used an M1 MacBook Professional because the host laptop and plugged in equipment that embody a 4K Dell monitor, a ZSA USB-C ergo keyboard, a Logitech USB-A gaming mouse, an Elgato USB-C 4K webcam, a Logitech streaming mild, a USB-A 3.0 Sandisk thumb drive, a USB-C Samsung T7 Defend exterior drive and a pair of wired headphones I acquired free of charge on an airplane (I ought to most likely spend money on some wired headphones, however the wire dangling on my chest drives me nutty so all my earbuds are wi-fi). I used high-end HDMI and USB-C cables to make sure that any information or connectivity points weren’t associated to my tools.
Then I put every USB-C hub by way of a gamut of primary checks. I checked out what may very well be plugged in directly, the decision on the monitor, information switch speeds, the general construct high quality of the hub and basic usability components, like the location of the ports and the size of the cords. And, lastly, the price-to-value ratio helped decide the very best ones for a number of totally different use instances.
Different hubs we examined
HyperDrive Subsequent 10 Port USB-C Hub
There’s so much to love about HyperDrive’s Next 10 Port USB-C Hub. The tethered cable is a lavish 13 inches lengthy, the HDMI 2.0 port outputs clear and crisp 4K visuals at 60Hz and the info transfers are screaming quick. It has the coveted two USB-C information ports plus a PD port, and there’s even a headphone jack. The one factor that holds again a full-throated endorsement is the way in which our unit dealt with a streaming mild. Having it on at full brightness made the webcam flicker each time. The difficulty went away at 75 % brightness, however the identical drawback didn’t occur on some other hub I examined.
Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1)
There’s nothing unsuitable with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. The truth is it’s a present advice in our iPad accessories guide and it comes at an incredible $35 worth. It offers you two USB-A ports in addition to SD slots. However at this level, a 1.4 HDMI connection, which solely helps 4K decision at 30Hz feels a bit of retro. There’s additionally only a single USB-C downstream port and the info switch checks proved to be a contact slower than the opposite hubs. However in case you’ve acquired a decrease decision monitor and don’t want a couple of USB-C, you gained’t be upset with it.
Startech 4-Port USB-C Hub (information solely)
I solely grew to become conscious of Startech once I began researching for this information. The standard is first rate and the yellow accents are a welcome little bit of coloration within the in any other case very grey world of hubs. The efficiency is strong, with no hiccups that I encountered. The model’s 4-Port USB-C Hub has a protracted wire that wraps across the hub itself, which is exclusive. It doesn’t trouble with energy supply, which isn’t a difficulty in case you can energy your laptop immediately. However the 4 USB ports (three Kind-A and one Kind-C) max out at 5Gbps and there’s no HDMI connector. It goes for $46, and sadly for it, there are cheaper methods to get a number of extra USB ports to your setup.
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