Best USB-C Hub in 2024

Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Arnav Sharma

In 2024, the demand for versatile and high-performance USB-C hubs has skyrocketed, thanks to the ever-increasing need for connectivity in our laptops and other devices. Whether you’re a professional seeking to streamline your workspace with a docking station or a casual user needing extra ports for your gadgets, finding the best USB-C hub is essential. This guide dives deep into the world of USB-C hubs, highlighting the top features, technologies, and options available to ensure you make an informed decision.

The Evolution of USB-C and Its Impact

The USB-C connector, with its reversible design and universal appeal, has revolutionized how we connect devices. From charging cables to USB hubs and adapters, USB-C’s flexibility has paved the way for a more integrated and seamless user experience. Not just confined to USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, the USB-C evolution has embraced USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2, pushing data transfer speeds from 5Gbps to an impressive 10Gbps. This progression underscores the importance of choosing a hub that supports the latest standards to ensure maximum compatibility and performance.

Identifying the Best USB-C Hub for Your Needs

When searching for the best USB-C hub of 2024, several key factors come into play. The number of ports, types of connectivity options (such as HDMI, USB-A, and SD card readers), and the inclusion of a power adapter are crucial considerations. Whether you require a simple 4-port USB hub or a more sophisticated 5-in-1 USB-C or even 7-in-1 USB C hub with multiport adapters, understanding your specific needs is essential.

For the Professionals: Docking Stations and Multiport Adapters

Professionals looking to transform their laptops into a full-fledged workstation should consider USB-C docking stations. These devices not only offer multiple USB ports but also include dual HDMI outputs for 4K displays, Gigabit Ethernet, and card readers for both SD and MicroSD cards. The latest models even support USB 3.2 Gen 2, ensuring data transfer rates up to 10Gbps alongside 100W power delivery for charging your devices.

For the Travelers and Casual Users: Portable Hubs and Adapters

If mobility is your priority, opting for a compact, 5-in-1 USB-C hub or a 3-port adapter could be your best bet. These lightweight and portable hubs offer a balance of USB-A, USB 3.0, and USB 2.0 ports along with an HDMI output for connecting to external displays. Some even feature a MicroSD card reader, making them perfect for photographers and content creators on the go.

Advanced Features to Look Out For

The best USB-C hubs go beyond mere connectivity. Advanced features such as dual HDMI ports supporting 4K displays, USB-C Power Delivery (PD) for high-speed charging, and data ports capable of handling up to 10Gbps are now standard. For users with the latest laptops or MacBooks, hubs that offer Thunderbolt 3 or USB 3.2 Gen 2 compatibility can significantly enhance your device’s functionality and productivity.

Making the Right Choice

Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub

Pros:

• Super Slim and Portable: Its small, lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to carry in a laptop bag or even a pocket.
• Reliable Connectivity: The hub reliably expanded my laptop’s single USB port into four, allowing me to connect a mouse, keyboard, flash drive, and external hard drive simultaneously.
• Fast Data Transfer: The USB 3.0 ports deliver fast transfer speeds, perfect for quickly moving files between devices.
• Long Cable: The 2-foot cable gives you extra flexibility in placement, which is especially helpful for desktop setups.

Cons:

• Charging Not Supported: The hub does not have the capability to charge devices. However, this is clearly stated in the description.

UGREEN Ultra Slim 4 Port USB 3 Hub

Pros:

• Super Speedy Transfers: This hub boasts impressive 5Gbps transfer rates, making it ideal for quickly transferring large files like movies or high-resolution photos.
• Power Delivery: Unlike some competitors, this hub features a dedicated power supply port. This ensures stable data transfer and functionality even for power-hungry devices like external hard drives. The 5V/2.4A power output provides ample juice for most peripherals.
• Ultra-Compact Design: Similar to the Anker model, the UGREEN hub is remarkably slim and lightweight. It easily fits into a laptop bag or even a pocket, making it perfect for travel or mobile workstations.
• Plug and Play Simplicity: Setting up is a breeze. No driver installation is required; simply connect the hub to your laptop and your devices are ready to use.

Cons:

• Limited Cable Length: While some users might find the cable length sufficient, some might prefer a longer option for more flexibility in positioning the hub.

UGREEN Revodok 106 USB C Hub 6 in 1

Pros:

• Port Variety: With 3 USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI output (supporting 4K), SD and TF card readers, this hub covers a wide range of connectivity needs.
• Simultaneous Use: All ports can function simultaneously, offering considerable flexibility when working with multiple devices.
• Compact Build: The hub’s slim and lightweight design ensures easy portability.
• Data Transfer Speeds: The USB 3.0 ports provide decent data transfer speeds, suitable for most file transfers.

Cons:

• HDMI Limitations: While it supports 4K resolution, the refresh rate is capped at 30Hz, which might not be ideal for gamers seeking super-smooth visuals.
• Compatibility Check: Ensure your USB-C device supports video output and data transfer over USB-C before purchasing.

UGREEN USB Hub, 4-Port USB 3.0

Pros:

• Fast USB 3.0 Ports: Transfer files quickly and smoothly thanks to USB 3.0 with speeds up to 5Gbps. Ideal for connecting external drives, flash drives, keyboards, and mice.
• Extended Cable: The 3-foot cable gives you plenty of flexibility, allowing you to locate the hub conveniently for desktop setups or even use it to expand ports on a laptop.
• Plug and Play: There’s no driver installation needed. Simply connect the hub, and it’s ready to use.
• Compact and Durable: The hub is well-built, compact, and easily carried in a bag for on-the-go connectivity.

Cons:

• No Power Supply: This hub doesn’t include a power adapter, so power-hungry devices might not work reliably. If you plan on connecting external hard drives, consider models with power adapters.
• No Advanced Features: If you need ports like HDMI or specialized card readers, this simple hub won’t fulfill those needs.

TP-Link 7-Port USB 3.0 Hub 

Pros:

• Plenty of Ports: With seven USB 3.0 ports, this hub significantly expands your USB connectivity, allowing you to plug in numerous devices simultaneously.
• USB 3.0 Speeds: Data transfer speeds are fast and suitable for most file transfers or device connections.
• Power Adapter Included: The included power adapter ensures stable power for multiple devices, especially those that might be power-hungry, like external hard drives.
• Individual Power Switches: Each port has its own on/off switch, giving you granular control over which devices are connected.

Cons:

• Bulky Design: It might not be the most travel-friendly option due to its size. It’s best suited for desktop setups.
• Basic Functionality: If you need features like HDMI or card readers, this hub won’t have you covered. It focuses purely on USB expansion.

TP-Link Powered USB Hub 3.0 with 7 USB 

Pros:

• Power to Spare: The included power adapter provides ample power to all 7 USB 3.0 ports, ensuring stable operation even with power-hungry devices like external hard drives or multiple charging devices.
• Maximum Ports: Like the other TP-Link model, seven USB ports offer incredible connectivity potential.
• Fast Transfer Speeds: USB 3.0 delivers fast file movement for a smooth user experience.
• Built-In Protection Features: The hub includes over-heating, over-current, and over-voltage protection, reassuring users about the safety of their connected devices.

Cons:

• Size: Due to the extra ports and power adapter, this hub is a bit larger than compact travel-oriented models.
• No Independent Switches: Unlike some other TP-Link hubs, this model lacks individual power switches for each port.

LENTION USB-C 8 in 1 Hub with 4K HDMI

Pros:

• Excellent Port Variety: This hub adds an HDMI port (4K@30Hz), 3 USB 3.0 ports, SD/Micro SD card readers, and a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port for pass-through charging.
• Solid Performance: Data transfer speeds are decent, the HDMI output worked smoothly in my tests, and card readers are functional.
• Build Quality: Feels sturdy with a sleek, compact design suitable for portability.
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Requires no drivers or setup hassle.

Cons:

• HDMI Limitation: The 4K support is limited to a 30Hz refresh rate, which may not be ideal for gamers or those needing super smooth video output.
• Gets Warm: It’s normal for the hub to become slightly warm under heavy use.

FAQ: USB C Hubs

Q: What are the connectivity options available for extending the capabilities of a laptop with a single USB-C port?

AA: For laptops with a single USB-C port, options for expanding connectivity include using a USB-C docking station or a USB-C multiport adapter. These devices can add multiple types of ports to a laptop, such as USB-A 3.0 ports, HDMI for 4K displays, an Ethernet port for wired internet connection, an SD card slot, and a power adapter port for charging. They essentially turn a single USB-C connection into multiple connections, including USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 Gen 1 or Gen 2 for faster data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps. Some models also feature a microSD card reader and dual HDMI ports, making them ideal for a wide range of peripherals and high-resolution external displays.

Q: How can you connect multiple displays to a MacBook Pro using USB-C technology?

AA: To connect multiple displays to a MacBook Pro using USB-C technology, you can utilize a USB-C docking station or a USB-C multiport adapter with dual HDMI outputs. These devices allow you to connect two HDMI 4K displays simultaneously, providing a high-definition visual experience. The docking station or adapter connects to your MacBook Pro via a single USB-C port and offers additional connectivity options like USB-A ports for peripherals, an Ethernet port for wired internet, and sometimes even an SD card reader for easy access to photos and documents. This setup is ideal for professionals who require extended desktop space for productivity or creative projects.

Q: What benefits do USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports offer over USB 2.0 ports in USB Type C hubs?

AA: USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports offer significant advantages over USB 2.0 ports in USB Type C hubs, including much faster data transfer rates. While USB 2.0 ports are limited to a maximum transfer speed of 480Mbps, USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports can achieve speeds up to 10Gbps, which is over 20 times faster. This increase in speed makes USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports ideal for transferring large files, such as high-resolution videos or extensive data collections, much more efficiently. Additionally, USB 3.2 Gen 2 supports improved power delivery for faster charging of devices and the ability to connect to higher resolution displays, like 4K monitors, through DisplayPort or HDMI adapters included in the hub.

Q: Can you use a 5-in-1 USB-C hub adapter with devices other than laptops, such as tablets or smartphones?

AA: Yes, you can use a 5-in-1 USB-C hub adapter with devices other than laptops, including tablets and smartphones, provided they have a USB-C port. This versatility allows you to expand the connectivity of your device by adding additional ports such as USB-A for peripherals, HDMI for external displays, a microSD card reader for extra storage, and even an Ethernet port for a wired internet connection. These adapters are particularly useful for devices with limited built-in ports, like the MacBook Air, Chromebook, or Surface Pro, enabling you to connect a variety of accessories and peripherals for a more flexible and productive setup.

Q: How do USB-C docking stations enhance the functionality of devices with USB-C and USB-A ports?

A: USB-C docking stations significantly enhance the functionality of devices by offering a wide range of connectivity options. They allow users to connect both USB-C and USB-A peripherals, catering to the needs of various devices. Additionally, these docking stations often include card readers for microSD cards, power adapters for charging, and can support dual HDMI connections for 4K display output. This versatility makes USB-C docking stations essential for users looking to expand their device’s connectivity and usability, especially in setups that require multiple ports and high data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps.

Q: What benefits do USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB-C multiport adapters offer for data transfer and connectivity?

A: USB 3.2 Gen 1 and USB-C multiport adapters offer significant benefits for data transfer and connectivity. USB 3.2 Gen 1 provides fast data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps, making it efficient for transferring large files and streaming high-quality video content. USB-C multiport adapters expand a single USB-C port into multiple ports, including USB-A, HDMI, and card readers, thereby enhancing device connectivity. They support the connection of various peripherals, from external displays to storage devices, and often include a charging port, making them a comprehensive solution for data transfer and connectivity needs.

Q: What features distinguish high-quality USB-C hubs and docks designed for future-proof setups?

A: High-quality USB-C hubs and docks designed for future-proof setups are distinguished by their support for advanced technologies and versatility. They typically feature a wide range of ports, including USB-A and USB-C ports for peripheral connectivity, HDMI ports for dual 4K display setups, and microSD card readers for easy data access. These hubs and docks also support high data transfer speeds, with USB 3.2 Gen 1 offering up to 5Gbps and other models supporting up to 10Gbps for even faster performance. Additionally, they come equipped with power adapters and USB-C PD ports for efficient device charging, ensuring they meet the comprehensive needs of modern, high-performance computing environments.