It’s spectacular what tablets and ultraportable laptops can do. However to get probably the most performance out of them, you might have considered trying just a few extra ports at your disposal, which is the place a USB-C hub comes into play. By connecting to only one port, these useful units offer you further USB connections, HDMI slots, SD card readers and Ethernet jacks. Plus most provide pass-through charging so you possibly can maintain your pill powered whilst you work with all of your peripherals attached. We examined greater than a dozen fashions to give you just a few nice picks for various conditions and customers. Listed below are the most effective USB-C hubs based mostly on our testing.
Desk of contents
Finest 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 commonplace SD | Different ports: Ethernet
The “109” in UGreen’s Revodok Professional 109 USB-C hub probably stands for the nine-in-one declare in its advertising and marketing supplies, however since a kind of ports is energy solely, the variety of downstream connectors makes it extra of an eight-in-one. Nevertheless it’s a great-performing hub nonetheless. It has all of the hookups that may be lacking from a contemporary laptop computer, together with SD slots, USB-A ports, an Ethernet connection and a 4K HDMI hookup.
The 4K decision and 60Hz refresh fee appeared nice on my check monitor and the info switch charges had been forward of different hubs in its value vary. The velocity check on an Ethernet cable was on par with that of a costlier USB-C dock, 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 whenever you’re completed. Right here, the top stands out simply sufficient which you can merely pull the cardboard out. These spring-loaded ejectors by no means work on the primary strive for me, so it is a extra elegant resolution.
There’s only one usable downstream USB-C port; the opposite is barely 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, principally make up for that oversight. General, the hub performs effectively and provides a well-rounded number of connectors. If you happen to’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 troublesome name between this and the Anker 555 8-in-1 for the highest suggestion. They’ve a fairly 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 come in 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 acquainted with 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 dearth 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 for the reason that ports run alongside only one edge, with the HDMI connection on the finish.
The cable can be braided, making it really feel extra premium than its $30 price ticket would counsel — which is the overall theme right here. The HDMI 2.0 port can deal with a 4K exterior monitor at 60Hz, which must be loads zippy sufficient for a mean 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 one USB-C jack is able to the identical fee. The webcam carried out effectively, even with a USB-A streaming mild at full brightness (one thing different hubs had hassle 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’ll be able to have, for instance, a USB-C webcam or a USB-C keyboard plugged in, not each. However when you want one thing with good monitor output, a few high-quality USB ports and a compact design, it is a good decide.
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 identical array of ports that every one carried out effectively in my exams. 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 when you don’t must cost your machine by means of the port, you get hub for the cash with Plugable’s machine.
- Slim and compact
- Beneficiant 10-inch cable
- Nice value
- 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 situation 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 one among our really helpful webcams use USB-C and plenty of exterior storage drives depend on that port as effectively. Meaning if you would like a hub that connects your keys, digital camera and a drive on the identical time, it’s a must to hunt for one thing suitable.
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 observe that this connector doesn’t assist audio or drive different peripherals. The remaining 4 ports adhere to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 commonplace, delivering as much as 10Gbps. As with every hub, the extra gadgets you’ve got plugged in, the decrease the speeds every port will be capable to ship, in order that max 10-gigabit fee is for one port at a time.
The connections had been loads for my setup, dealing with a keyboard, mouse, webcam and streaming mild all on the identical time. (Since I haven’t got a USB-C monitor, I plugged the HDMI cable instantly 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 concerning the measurement of a Skor bar. All of the ports come out of 1 aspect, so just like the price range decide 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 Join Common hub is edging into docking-station territory. Nevertheless it doesn’t require a devoted energy provide and it has a compact construct, so it’s nonetheless decidedly a hub. That value bump does get you just a few options that almost all hubs don’t have, specifically the choice of three USB-C ports (one port can be utilized for both energy supply or accent assist) and twin prolonged shows with an Apple MacBook (after you obtain the SiliconMotion driver).
Quite a lot of 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 screen with the second monitor. That second monitor has a most refresh fee 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 probably 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 seems 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 sick 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.
- Plenty of ports
- Good number of ports
- Driver permits for 2 prolonged exterior shows
- Costly
- Will get very popular 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 commonplace for what differentiates the 2, however docking stations are likely to have extra ports, provide a separate DC energy adapter and price extra, with some reaching upwards of $400. We’ve got a separate information to the finest docking stations to take a look at when you’re in search of one thing greater 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 value between $30 and $150.
Hubs, generally additionally known as dongles and even multiport adapters, make extra sense for smaller setups with only a few peripherals, equivalent 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 when you change work areas however need to deliver your equipment with you, or if you wish to substitute your laptop computer with a extra highly effective pill. A docking station or Thunderbolt dock makes extra sense for somebody who wants a strong 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 transient relocation and whenever you get again, you solely must plug in a single cable to get all of your equipment reconnected. After all, when you simply must plug in a single peripheral, it’s possible you’ll not want a hub or a dock, a easy USB-C adapter, like HDMI to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C, could do the trick.
Ports
For a USB-C hub to work, it wants to connect with a port in your laptop computer or pill 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 Thunderbolt 4. The port, after all, must be Kind-C as effectively. The ocean of laptops out there may be huge, so it’s exhausting to make generalizations, however fashionable laptops, together with Home windows and Apple fashions, ought to have a minimum of one USB-C port that may suffice, and certainly, each one among our prime picks for the finest laptops do — together with our prime decide, the M4 MacBook Air.
Subsequent, it’s a matter of discovering USB-C hub that has the best connections on your wants. Most hubs provide some combo of HDMI, USB, SD card reader, Ethernet and three.5 mm ports. You probably have a 4K monitor and would love a minimum of a 60Hz refresh fee, 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 commonplace aren’t as frequent simply but. Take into account that a low refresh fee could cause your display screen to really feel laggy, making your mouse seem glitchy and your webcam actions to look delayed.
Further USB ports on these equipment are normally USB Kind-A or USB Kind-C. They will assist information with completely 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 test the spec checklist to be sure you’re getting the assist you want. Take into account that a hub could invoice itself as a 7-in-1, however a kind of ports might not be usable for something apart from charging.
Commonplace SD and microSD playing cards are helpful for transferring information from cameras and the like or for offloading recordsdata out of your exhausting drive, and plenty of hubs have these slots. Ethernet ports could ship quicker web speeds than your Wi-Fi and a hub with a 3.5mm jack can deliver 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 costs through USB, you don’t need to take up one other port in your laptop computer to maintain every thing topped up. Not like a docking station, powering a hub is non-compulsory. The one exception is if you wish to shut the lid in your laptop computer whilst 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 should be plugged into the wall to forestall that from occurring.
Lots of the newer hubs embrace a 100W USB-C energy supply (PD) port, with a wholesome 80 to 85 watts going to your Mac, PC, iPad or Android pill (the hubs take just a little of the juice for themselves, therefore the 15-watt or so distinction). In my exams, a powered USB hub ran hotter than when it wasn’t passing the cost by means of, so I choose to energy the pc instantly 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 superbly 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 appear to be it has extra accent hookups than it really does.
Design
There’s surprisingly little design variation amongst hubs. Most appear like a flat slab, just a little smaller than a smartphone, and have an hooked up 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 each 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 gives you extra freedom as you organize the hub in your desk, probably even letting you disguise it behind your laptop computer. Or it’s possible you’ll choose a shorter one to maintain the hub neatly set beside your laptop computer.
How we check USB-C hubs
Earlier than we check something, we check out what’s out there and the way they’ve been acquired by consumers, forum-goers and different publications. I grew to become acquainted with just a few respected manufacturers once I was testing docking stations, so I appeared into hubs from these firms as effectively. I centered on gadgets that might assist with a mean day of productiveness — not high-end setups or demanding gaming conditions. As soon as I settled on a dozen or so that might 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 operating MacOS Sonoma because the host laptop and plugged in equipment that embrace 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 Protect exterior drive and a pair of wired headphones I obtained 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 gear.
Then I put every USB-C hub by means of a gamut of fundamental exams. 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 normal usability components, like the position of the ports and the size of the cords. And, lastly, the price-to-value ratio helped decide the most effective ones for just a few completely different use circumstances.
Different hubs we examined
HyperDrive Subsequent 10 Port USB-C Hub
There’s quite a bit to love about HyperDrive’s Subsequent 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 high-speed information transfers are nice. 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 another hub I examined.
Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1)
There’s nothing fallacious with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. In reality it’s a present suggestion in our iPad equipment information and it comes at a terrific $35 value. 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 just a little retro. There’s additionally only a single USB-C downstream port and the info switch exams proved to be a contact slower than the opposite hubs. However when you’ve obtained a decrease decision monitor and don’t want a couple of USB-C, you gained’t be disillusioned with it.
Anker 555 8-in-1
It was a troublesome name between the UGreen Revodoc Professional 109 and the Anker 555 8-in-1 for our prime suggestion. Each have an identical port array with an HDMI, Ethernet, two USB Kind A, a PD USB-C and a USB-C 3.2 on the 555. And the Anker USB-C hub is $15 cheaper. We went with the UGreen hub for its extra premium construct, further USB-A port and longer wire that offers you two further inches to work with. However if you wish to save a couple of bucks this hub is a worthwhile decide.
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 colour within the in any other case very grey world of hubs. The efficiency is stable, with no hiccups that I encountered. The model’s 4-Port USB-C Hub has an extended wire that wraps across the hub itself, which is exclusive. It doesn’t trouble with energy supply, which isn’t a problem when you can energy your laptop instantly. 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 just a few extra USB ports on your setup.
Latest updates
August 2025: Up to date to make sure our prime picks are nonetheless present and correct.
April 2025: Added our expertise with the Anker 555 8-in-1 hub to the Different hubs we examined part.
