Are you looking for what is a USB-C Hub, how does it work and how to choose the right USB-C Hub? If so, you can't miss this post as we've got you covered! In this ultimate guide, we'll walk you through the benefits and key features of USB-C Hub, as well as how to choose the best USB-C Hub for your needs. Now, keep reading for details!
What is a USB-C Hub and How Does it Work?
A USB-C hub, also known as a USB-C dock or adapter, is a device that expands the functionality of a USB-C port on a computer or mobile device. It provides additional ports and connectivity options, making it easier to connect multiple devices at once.
Unlike traditional USB hubs that are limited to USB-A ports, a USB-C hub leverages the capabilities of the smaller, reversible USB-C connector. USB-C can support multiple protocols including USB, DisplayPort, Power Delivery, and Audio Accessory Mode. This versatility allows USB-C hubs to accommodate a broader range of devices and applications compared to older USB hubs.
USB-C hubs work by plugging into a device's USB-C port. The hub then provides additional ports that branch out, allowing you to connect peripherals like flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, monitors, Ethernet cables, and more, all through a single USB-C connection to your device. The hub manages the communication and data transfer between the connected devices and your computer.
Benefits of Using a USB-C Hub
Declutter Your Desk
One of the top benefits of a USB-C hub is its ability to declutter your workspace. With a traditional setup, connecting multiple peripherals to a laptop often results in a mess of cables strewn across your desk. A USB-C hub consolidates these connections into a single cable going to your computer, with the rest of the cables managed neatly by the hub itself.
According to a study by the National Association of Professional Organizations, the average worker loses 4.3 hours per week due to clutter and disorganization. By streamlining your cable situation with a USB-C hub, you can reclaim precious desk space and improve your productivity.
Simplify Your Workflow
Along with tidying up your desk, a USB-C hub also simplifies your workflow by providing a single access point for all your connected devices. Instead of constantly swapping out cables or searching for the right adapter, all your peripherals are accessible by simply plugging in the hub.
This is especially handy for laptop users who frequently transition between desk work and meetings. With a USB-C hub, you can quickly disconnect from your workstation and head to your meeting with your laptop, then plug back in when you return and have everything exactly as you left it. No more fumbling with multiple cables every time you sit down to work.
Boost Productivity
Using a USB-C hub can also directly boost your productivity in several ways:
- Fast data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps keeps large file transfers or backups moving quickly.
- Connecting an external monitor instantly expands your screen real estate, providing more room for multitasking.
- Gigabit Ethernet gives you a fast and reliable wired internet connection, which is essential for productivity—a study by WiredScore found that 75% of employees say poor connectivity impacts their ability to do their job.
- Direct connections for peripherals like keyboards and mice eliminate the need for finicky Bluetooth pairing and ensure latency-free input for getting work done.
In short, a USB-C hub streamlines your physical workspace and provides productivity-enhancing benefits that help you get more done in less time. With clutter reduced, workflows simplified, and fast connectivity at your fingertips, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.
Key Features to Look for in a USB-C Hub
When shopping for a USB-C hub, there are a few key features to consider and compare:
Number and Types of Ports
The best USB-C hub for you will depend on what you need to connect. Consider which types of ports you need and how many of each:
- USB-A ports for connecting older devices and peripherals
- Additional USB-C ports for newer devices or charging
- Video output ports like HDMI or DisplayPort for external monitors
- Ethernet port for wired internet access
- SD card slots for pulling footage from cameras or expanding storage
Some hubs may even include more specialized ports like VGA or audio jacks. Make a list of your essential devices and ensure the hub you choose can accommodate them all.
Power Delivery
Another important consideration is whether the hub supports USB Power Delivery (PD). A USB-C hub with PD can provide up to 100W of power, which allows you to charge your laptop and connected devices through the hub while using them. Without PD, your laptop will drain its battery while powering the connected devices.
The power output required will vary based on your laptop—smaller laptops like MacBook Air might only need 30W, while beefier machines like a 15" MacBook Pro require 85-100W. Check your laptop's power specs and ensure the hub provides enough juice to keep your system charged.
Data Transfer Speeds
USB-C offers much faster maximum data transfer speeds compared to older USB versions, but not all USB-C hubs take full advantage of this bandwidth. Some lower-cost hubs may only support slower speeds.
For most everyday uses, USB 3.0 speeds of 5 Gbps should be sufficient, but if you regularly transfer large files like videos, you'll want to step up to USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds of 10 Gbps or even a Thunderbolt 3 hub up to 40 Gbps. Of course, these higher speed hubs also come at a higher price, so consider your needs and budget.
Compatibility
Finally, ensure the USB-C hub you choose is compatible with your specific laptop or device. Some hubs are designed with specific systems in mind, such as MacBooks, and may not work as well with Windows laptops or Android phones.
Additionally, some laptops have USB-C ports that only support data transfer but not video or charging. Others may have USB-C ports that are Thunderbolt 3 compatible. Check your device specs and the hub's compatibility notes carefully before buying.
Difference Between a USB-C Hub and a Docking Station
You may have also seen "docking stations" that look very similar to USB-C hubs. While they serve a similar purpose of extending a laptop's connectivity, there are a few key differences:
Portability
USB-C hubs are designed with portability in mind. They're small enough to toss in your bag and take on the go, allowing you to expand your laptop's connectivity anywhere.
Docking stations are meant for more of a permanent desk setup. They're often larger, may require their own power supply, and aren't as convenient for travel.
Power and Performance
Since docking stations are more stationary and have their own power source, they can often provide more power (up to 100W) to charge your laptop and connected devices. The Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock even provides a whopping 180W.
Docking stations also commonly have more ports and expansion slots than a portable hub. The CalDigit TS3 Plus, for example, boasts 15 ports including multiple USB-C and A, dual HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD card slots, and audio jacks.
Price
Due to their larger size and increased capabilities, docking stations also come at a higher price than USB-C hubs. While you can find basic USB-C hubs for under $30, full-featured docking stations commonly run $200-300.
For most people, a USB-C hub offers plenty of expansion in an affordable, portable package, while a docking station makes more sense if you're looking to build out a more robust desktop setup with a full array of peripherals and displays.
How to Choose the Best USB-C Hub for Your Needs
With so many options on the market, choosing the right USB-C hub for your needs can feel overwhelming. Here's a quick checklist to help you decide:
- List out all the devices and peripherals you need to connect, noting the connection type (USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, etc.) and number of each.
- Check your laptop's USB-C specs to see if it supports Power Delivery and what wattage it requires to charge. A USB-C hub with PD will keep your laptop powered without draining the battery.
- Consider your typical workflow and the speed requirements—if you work with large files regularly, step up to a 10 Gbps or Thunderbolt 3 hub. For general office work, 5 Gbps is usually plenty.
- Check that the hub is compatible with your laptop brand and model.
- Decide on your budget—basic USB-C hubs can be found for under $30, while full featured models and docking stations climb to $300 or more.
By working through these considerations, you can narrow down the options to find the best USB-C hub for your specific needs and budget. To make the decision even easier, we've rounded up some of our top picks below.
Top 5 Best USB-C Hubs of 2024
Best Overall: Anker 341 USB-C Hub 7-in-1
Anker's 7-in-1 USB-C hub ticks all the boxes for most users at a reasonable price. You get:
- 1x USB-C port with 85W Power Delivery to charge your laptop
- 1x USB-C data port
- 2x USB-A ports
- 1x HDMI port supporting 4K@30Hz
- 1x SD card slot
- 1x microSD card slot
All of this comes wrapped in a sleek, compact aluminum alloy body. With ample ports, charging, and video output for under $40, it's the best USB-C hub for most people.
Best Power Delivery: Satechi Type-C 100W 4-Port PD Hub
If you need maximum power for a hungrier laptop, Satechi's PD hub is equipped with a beefy 100W PD port. That's enough to charge a 16" MacBook Pro and keep multiple devices powered without draining your battery. You also get:
- 1x 100W PD USB-C port for charging
- 1x 18W USB-C quick charge port
- 2x USB-A ports
While you miss out on video and storage options, the high-powered PD port will be key for some users, making this the best USB-C charging hub.
Best Speed: CalDigit Element Hub
For those who demand the fastest possible data and charging speeds, the CalDigit Element Hub offers Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. This grants you a blazing 40 Gbps of bandwidth across:
- 3x Thunderbolt 4 ports (one host port to connect and charge laptop, two for peripherals)
- 4x 10 Gbps USB-A ports
Thunderbolt 4 is backward compatible with USB 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB-C, so you can still connect all your devices. Windows users will need to double check their specific laptop model for compatibility first. But if your laptop supports it, this is the best Thunderbolt 4 USB-C hub available.
Best Compact: NOVOO 8-in-1 USB C Hub
Need maximum expandability in a go-anywhere size? NOVOO's 8-in-1 packs a lot into a tiny package, including:
- 3x USB 3.0 ports
- 1x USB-C PD charging port
- 1x 4K HDMI port
- 1x SD card slot
- 1x TF card slot
- 1x 3.5mm audio/mic combo jack
Despite offering 8 ports, the whole thing measures just 4.7" long, 1.7" wide, and 0.6" thick, and weighs a mere 2 ounces. That makes it the best USB-C hub for travel or tossing in your bag on the way to a coffee shop.
Best Budget: Anker PowerExpand+ USB-C Hub
At under $20, Anker's PowerExpand+ gives you a lot of bang for your buck, including:
- 1x USB-C PD port with 60W charging
- 2x USB-A ports
- 1x 4K@30Hz HDMI port
- 1x SD card slot
- 1x microSD card slot
You give up a few ports compared to Anker's higher tier 7-in-1, but for most users, this $20 version ticks all the boxes. It's the best cheap USB-C hub option.
Frequently Asked Questions About USB-C Hubs
Do USB-C hubs reduce performance?
Connecting devices through a USB-C hub should not reduce performance in most cases, as long as you get a hub that matches the speed capabilities of your devices. For example, if you have a USB 3.2 Gen 2 device that supports 10 Gbps speeds, you'll want to get at least a USB 3.2 Gen 2 hub to take full advantage of that bandwidth. If you use a slower USB 3.0 hub that tops out at 5 Gbps, your device speed would be reduced to match the hub.
Can I use multiple USB-C hubs at once?
You can technically daisy chain multiple USB-C hubs together, but it's generally not recommended. Each additional hub will reduce the power and data speeds available to your devices. For best performance, it's better to get a single hub with enough ports for all your needs.
What's the difference between USB 3, 3.1, 3.2, and 4?
The USB standard has evolved over the years with faster speeds and new capabilities. Here's a quick overview of the different USB versions:
- USB 3.0 (also called USB 3.1 Gen 1) supports speeds up to 5 Gbps
- USB 3.1 (also called USB 3.1 Gen 2) ups that to 10 Gbps
- USB 3.2 comes in 3 flavors: Gen 1 at 5 Gbps, Gen 2 at 10 Gbps, and Gen 2x2 at 20 Gbps
- USB4 offers 40 Gbps speeds and other advanced features
When possible, opt for a hub that matches the latest standard supported by your laptop to get the best speeds.
How do I know if my laptop supports Power Delivery?
The easiest way is to check your laptop charger or power brick and see if it has a USB-C connector and lists its wattage. If so, your laptop likely supports USB Power Delivery. You can also check your laptop manufacturer's website for detailed specifications on your exact model.
My USB-C hub gets hot while in use—is that normal?
Some warmth from a USB-C hub is normal, especially if it's charging your laptop and powering multiple devices. However, if your hub is getting very hot to the touch, unplug it and ensure nothing is blocking the vents or preventing air flow around the hub. You may also want to try a different cable or power source. If it continues to overheat, discontinue use and contact the manufacturer.
Conclusion
For the modern road warrior, a USB-C hub is an indispensable tool, decluttering your desk, simplifying your workflow, and boosting your productivity with a single tiny accessory.
When choosing the best USB-C hub for your setup, consider what devices you need to connect and the speeds you require. Ensure the hub has enough ports of the correct type, supports Power Delivery for charging, and matches the USB standard of your fastest devices.
With a little research and the recommendations above, you'll find the perfect hub to streamline your workspace. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section below!
