Key Points
- USB hubs are devices designed to give users more USB ports through expansion, providing between two to six or more USB ports for the end user.
- USB-C hubs expand connectivity for any laptop or desktop computer, allowing users to connect a variety of accessories and modern gadgets.
- USB-C hubs can charge multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets while freeing up ports typically reserved for charging.
- USB-C hubs make data transfers easier by allowing users to connect multiple devices simultaneously, eliminating the need to constantly remove USB sticks and drives from ports.
- USB-C hubs help with cable management by providing a central hub for connections and reducing the number of cables cluttering workspaces.
- USB-C hubs increase workstation productivity by eliminating the need to constantly plug and unplug devices, providing a steady and dedicated connection for various devices.
Are you running short on ports? That’s one of the best reasons to buy a USB-C hub, but far from the only one. These handy accessories have more pros than cons and they are available in a wide range of price points. In this guide, we’re going to touch on the five best reasons why you should buy a USB-C hub before giving you our picks for the best options available for consumers today.
USB Hubs Explained
USB hubs aren’t new, but they are a very useful accessory that’s taken a backseat to other gadgets over the years. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of a USB hub, they are simple to understand. A USB Hub is a device designed to give users more USB ports through expansion.
While called a “hub,” some are much smaller or even plug directly into the back of a laptop or PC. Others have a form factor similar to a Roku or small cable box, so there’s an option for everyone. The features and design vary, but all USB hubs provide between 2-6 or more USB ports for the end user.
It’s important to note there are passive and active USB hubs. Passive models pull power directly from the system they are plugged into. Self-powered, or active, hubs have an external power source, allowing higher loads on the downstream ports.
Reasons to Buy a USB-C Hub
Almost every product has a negative or con, regardless of the niche. With USB-C hubs, the only disadvantage to owning one is that it may take up a little more space on your desk. A mini or slim USB port addresses those concerns, however. While it’s hard to find a reason to avoid a hub, here are the best reasons to buy a USB-C hub today.
They Expand Connectivity
USB hubs expand connectivity for any laptop or desktop computer. It’s not uncommon for older desktops to have a shortage of ports, and laptops never seem to have enough. Hubs take care of that and allow you to expand a computer’s connectivity considerably.
When most people think of a USB hub, gadgets like printers and gamepads come to mind. Those are standard accessories that typically need a port, even if it’s just for a wireless dongle. A USB-C hub can give you more ports to work with while opening the door to new accessories.
Have older USB ports on your PC? Adding a USB-C hub allows you to hook up modern gadgets that rely on USB-C, not the older standards. You can also use those spare ports for accessories that have nothing to do with your PC. From coffee warmers and mini fans to disco balls, there are a variety of fun and interesting USB-powered desk gadgets.
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They Can Charge Multiple Devices
Most people buy USB hubs to expand connectivity from a laptop or PC that’s short on ports. That’s the best reason to buy a USB-C hub, but they are also ideal if you have mobile devices.
Hubs are designed to power other devices, including smartphones and tablets. Most modern handsets use USB Type-C ports, which makes them perfect for USB-C hubs. It’s also why some of the best laptop stands have slots designed to hold smartphones and tablets.
A USB-C hub lets users charge mobile devices with ease while freeing up ports typically reserved for the task. Even if you prefer to charge your smartphones from a wall outlet, these hubs can still help make workspaces tidy.
They Make Data Transfers Easier
If you share or frequently transfer a lot of files, a USB-C hub can be incredibly helpful with data transfers. That’s partly due to their design and the fact that you can hook up multiple devices simultaneously instead of constantly removing USB sticks and drives from ports.
The ability to put 2-3 USB drives into a hub and pull the files you need is one of the reasons to buy a USB-C hub, especially for photographers and media lovers. In fact, some hubs have additional slots for SD cards and ports for older standards like USB-A.
Photographers, designers, and digital artists who are used to working from different drives will love USB-C hubs. The same is true for professionals with workstations and a few too many devices.
They Help with Cable Management
How many devices do you have connected to your laptop or desktop computer? If you have more than two or three devices in use, a USB-C hub can help alleviate problems with unruly cables. It provides a central hub for your connections and can keep cables to a minimum.
Unless your system is decked out with Bluetooth dongles for wireless gadgets, every USB-C device requires a cord. Those cords can wreak havoc with workspaces and reduce productivity. That’s not a problem with USB hubs, especially when you can mount them and route cables to suit your current setup.
They Increase Workstation Productivity
Productivity is crucial when you work from a laptop or desktop PC for a living. It’s also something that takes a hit when you constantly have to plug and unplug devices from your system, but a good USB hub solves that.
Wireless printers and other devices can free up ports on PCs, but some keyboards and portable monitors require a steady, dedicated connection. The same is true for VR headsets and external hard drives. While you may need an active or powered hub for high-powered devices, the right one will significantly increase your productivity.
The Best USB-C Hubs
Now that you see why hubs are so amazing, it’s time to take a look at the best USB-C hubs available for consumers today. That includes hubs for users who need something simple, along with powered USB-C hubs designed for professional use.
Best 4K Hub: Anker 555 USB-C Hub
- 100W power
- Supports resolutions up to 4K @60Hz
- USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
- HDMI and Ethernet ports
- Transfer at speeds up to 10Gbps
- MicroSD/SD card reader
Anker is one of the best brands to turn to for mobile tech, and the Anker 555 is the best USB-C Hub for 4K video. This hub is geared towards pro users who need high-speed power delivery along with the ability to deliver data across multiple ports.
From pass-through charging to the microSD card reader, Anker covered all their bases with this USB-C hub. It has an HDMI port, dual USB-A 3.2 ports, and a USB-C 3.2 port rated at 10Gbps. There’s also a 100-watt USB-C power delivery port and an Ethernet jack. It can provide a steady connection to the net and it charges devices simultaneously.
The Anker 555 USB-C hub doesn’t have as many ports as other options on our list, but those hubs can’t handle 4K video at 60Hz or deliver 85W of power. This 8-in-1 hub doesn’t take up much space and it also comes with an 18-month warranty from Anker.
Best Active Hub: Minisopuru Powered USB-C Hub
- 7 USB-C Ports
- 5Gbps data transmission speed
- One port supports simultaneous data transfer and charging
- 20W max output charging
- Individual switch and LED light for each port
Passive USB hubs are the most popular option, so the selection of powered USB-C hubs is sparse. One of the best options in this class comes from Minisopuru, which has enough ports to deal with several external drives and other accessories.
This USB-C hub is only two inches wide and around 5.5 inches long, but it has seven USB-C ports. Each port has an individual switch with an LED light to let you know it’s active. They are rated for 5Gbps per second, and the seventh port supports power delivery of up to 20W. There are no SD card readers or USB-A ports on this hub, however.
Minisopuru’s hub is best suited for users with multiple external drives on the USB-C standard. While power delivery isn’t the best, look at that as a bonus, not a feature. We like the fact it has a switch and an LED indicator for each outlet and the company’s lengthy 24-month warranty.
Best for iPads: GIISSMO iPad Pro USB-C Hub
- Attaches magnetically
- 60W power delivery
- Transmission speeds up to 5Gbps
- 4K @60Hz via HDMI
- USB 3.0, SD and MicroSD slots
- 3.5mm headphone jack
While many consumers consider USB hubs for laptops and PCs, the GIISSMO USB-C hub is the top choice for iPad users. This small gadget instantly expands the tablet’s capabilities while providing a variety of slots and power delivery.
This interesting hub allows iPad Pro users to mirror their screens or connect traditional headphones to their tablets. A 3.5mm headphone jack is next to a USB-C port with 60W power delivery. An HDMI port rated for 4K at 60Hz is on one end of this hub, while a USB-A port and microSD card reader are on the other end.
You’ll have trouble using this USB-C hub with a case, but that’s the only drawback to this magnetic iPad hub. It’s affordable, practical, and has 4K capabilities at 60Hz. It’s also suitable for several versions of the iPad Air, the iPad mini 6, and select older iPad Pro models.
Best Budget Hub: MOKiN USB-C Hub
- 10Gbps transmission speed
- 4 USB-C ports
- USB-C port expander splits one USB-C port into four USB-C 3.1 ports
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS.
- Does not support charging and video output
Having a 4K HDMI port or a slot that can charge a smartphone is handy, but it’s not something everyone needs. Users who simply want to add a few extra USB ports to a system will appreciate this hub from MOKiN, which has a sleek design and a sweet price point.
This USB-C Hub has four USB ports along one side, each rated at 10Gbps. The ports are easy to access, and while none have charging support, they provide fast access to files and peripherals, including flash drives, keyboards, and controllers. It’s also pocket-friendly, considering it’s less than 5 inches long and about as thick as a pack of gum at 0.6 inches.
The Wrap-Up
Out of all the accessories you can pick up for computers and mobile devices, a USB hub is one of the most useful. They are universal by design, so you can use them with tablets, laptops, or TVs, and the best USB-C hubs ensure users can hook up to modern devices.
- Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)
- 100W power
- Supports resolutions up to 4K @60Hz
- USB-C and 2 USB-A ports
- HDMI and Ethernet ports
- Transfer at speeds up to 10Gbps
- MicroSD/SD card reader
- Minisopuru Powered USB C Hub
- 7 USB-C Ports
- 5Gbps data transmission speed
- One port supports simultaneous data transfer and charging
- 20W max output charging
- Individual switch and LED light for each port
- iPad Pro USB C HUB, 6-in-1 iPad Adapter
- Attaches magnetically
- 60W power delivery
- Transmission speeds up to 5Gbps
- 4K @60Hz via HDMI
- USB 3.0, SD and MicroSD slots
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- USB-C Hub
- 10Gbps transmission speed
- 4 USB-C ports
- USB-C port expander splits one USB-C port into four USB-C 3.1 ports
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and Chrome OS.
- Does not support charging and video output
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We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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