Best USB Hubs and Docks for Connecting All Your Gadgets
Working from a home office setup requires a lot of consideration. But ensuring you get the right home office gadgets is the primary requirement. We know that you would wonder which gadgets will boost your workspace’s functionality and what you must get first. If you ask us, we’d suggest you definitely fetch some USB hubs.
Every PC or laptop has at least one built-in USB port. Suppose you have to create a gaming PC setup for your gaming sessions or a dual monitor setup for your home office, so you need more than one USB port. Instead, you will need a set of the best USB hubs to connect or charge multiple devices. But which USB hub is the best one? How will you judge this?
The good news is that this article features a buying guide that guides you regarding the essential considerations for simple and powered USB hubs. We have also shared a list of the best USB hubs for you when you read further. So, let’s discuss the buying guide first.
USB Hubs and Docks Buying Guide
We have shared a brief buying guide below, discussing some aspects you must evaluate before picking USB hubs for laptops and PCs.
Upstream Connection
The very first thing that you must check is the upstream connection that your USB hub is offering. There is only one upstream port that your computer offers. In the case of the MacBook, there are only type C ports. So, you must get a USB hub with a type C connector. If your laptop features a type A port for the upstream connection, you must get a USB hub with a type A connector.
Output Ports
Before buying your USB hub, you must decide how many ports you wish to have. The USB hubs and power docks come with multiple ports. Usually, people go for 3 or 4, but more options, such as 7 or 10 ports, are also available. It would be wise to choose one which has enough ports to meet your requirements.
Speed
USB hubs have a standard speed at which they operate. Most of the USB hubs are 3.0 USB hubs or USB 3.2 Gen 1, which has a 5Gbps speed. However, a few in the market come with a 10Gbps speed as well. If you think about which one to choose, USB 3.0 would be a good choice. What you must avoid buying is the USB 2.0.
Connectivity Options
The next thing that you must check for is the connectivity option as to whether the USB hub offers extra connectivity. If you need additional HDMI, microSD, or SD card readers, certain USB C hubs come with these ports.
Powered USB Hubs
It is better to get USB hubs with AC adapters to power themselves because the Bus power from your computer is insufficient for powering all the ports and peripherals. In simpler terms, you should go for powered USB hubs.
6 Best USB Hubs and Docks for Connecting All Your Devices
Now that you know the considerations of buying the best USB hubs, here is a list of the top USB hubs for laptops. We have evaluated all these 3.0 USB hubs and USB C hubs in light of the aspects mentioned above to curate our list. So, read ahead to learn more!
1. Sabrent HB-B7C3 USB 3.0 Hub
The Sabrent HB-B7C3 is one of the best 3.0 USB Hubs on the market. Users who are looking for a desktop USB hub prefer this option. It is a powered USB hub that comes with a 2 feet long upstream cable.
Some people might find this cable length short because the price that the company is charging is quite high. The best part about this USB hub is that it has individual power switches for all of its ten ports. Out of these ten, seven ports can do data transfers too. Overall, this USB hub is very user-friendly.
USB 3.0 Hub With Power Switches
Dimension | 0.94"W x 5.7"L x 1.9"H |
Item Weight | 10.6 oz |
Color | Black |
System Requirements | Windows OS, macOS |
Include | 7 USB 3.0 Port + 3 Smart Charging Ports Hub 12V 5A Power adapter USB 3.0 cable |
2. PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C Hub by Anker
If you are looking for a premium USB-C hub for your MacBook or Ultrabook, you must try PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C Hub by Anker. This USB C hub comes with an upstream port that has a 5Gbps speed.
What makes it stand out in the market is its multi-functionality. It features a 256GB built-in SSD, which makes it a backup device, as an HDMI out, a card reader, and a few type A ports. These additional connectivity options have inspired many users to love PowerExpand.
Anker PowerExpand 4-in-1 USB-C Hub
Dimension | 5.29" x 2.02" x 0.57" |
Item Weight | 3.99 oz |
Color | Gray |
Hardware Interface | Solid State Drive, USB Type C, HDMI |
Data Transfer Rate | 400 Megabits Per Second |
3. QGeeM USB C Hub
The QGeeM USB C Hub is the best choice for people who are looking for an affordable option in the market. Since it features seven different varieties of ports in this price range, it is undoubtedly a bang for the buck. You get one USB C, HDMI, SD, microSD, and three 3.0 USB hubs. So, you can give this multifunctional USB hub a thought.
QGeeM USB C Hub
Dimension | 3.9" x 1.8" x 0.74" |
Item Weight | 3.43 oz |
Materials | Aluminum alloy case with ionized finish, PVC material |
Included | 1*4k@30HZ HDMI Output PD Charging port *1 (Only support charging) 3*USB 3.0 (Data Transfer) 1*SD Card Reader (DataTransfer) 1*TF Card Reader (Data Transfer) |
Compatible Devices | Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Linux 2.6.14 or Later |
4. HB2025AL 10 Gbps Hub by Inatek
If you were looking for a 10Gbps USB hub, the HB2025AL USB hub by Inatek is all you need. One thing to note here is that it is a Type-A USB hub, unlike other USB hubs that we mentioned. What’s good here is that it is faster than most of the USB hubs that you will find in the market. However, people who are looking for Type-C must try other options in our list.
Inatek HB2025AL Hub
Dimension | 4.02" x 1.3" x 0.55" |
Item Weight | 2.08 oz |
Color | Black |
Hardware Interface | USB 3.1 Type A |
Operating System | Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS, Windows 11, Windows 10 |
5. Ultra Slim 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub by Anker
The Ultra Slim 4 Port USB 3.0 Hub by Anker is among the most reliable tech accessories in the market. You can use them if you are looking for a Type-C dock. Since it has a slim plastic body, it is quite portable. Overall, it is reasonably priced, so most remote workers can shop for it.
Anker Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub
Dimension | 2ft: 27.68” x 1.18” x 0.39” 0.75ft: 103” x 30” x 10” |
Item Weight | 2ft: 1.23 oz 0.75ft: 0.704 oz |
Port | 2ft: USB Flash Drives, Mouse, Keyboards, Laptops, Desktops 0.75ft: USB Flash Drives, Laptops, Desktops |
Compatible | 2.4 GHz wireless devices (such as wireless keyboards and mice) |
Supported Systems | Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP Max OSx 10.6-10.12 or later Linux 2.6.14 or Later |
6. 4-Port Mini USB 3.0 Hub by JoyReken
If you are looking for a small-sized USB hub, you must try the 4-Port Mini USB 3.0 hub by JoyReken. This little guy is easily portable and user-friendly. One thing to note here is that it features Type-A ports only.
JoyReken 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub
Dimension | 5.31" x 4.41" x 1.26" |
Item Weight | 4.2 oz |
Color | Black |
Compatible | 2.4 GHz wireless devices (such as wireless keyboards and mice) |
Supported Systems | Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP Max OSx 10.6-10.12 or later Linux 2.6.14 or Later |
Final Words
Coming towards the end, we hope that you have gained some valuable insights about the top USB hubs today. So, buying the right one will become easier for you now. Therefore, we suggest you go to the market today and get these cool office gadgets.
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