One of the best USB-C hub for 2025

When Apple put its new M4 chip within the iPad Professional before adding it to a MacBook, that was a fairly clear signal that tablets are extra than simply idle sofa companions. However with only one or two ports, you’ll want a hub if you wish to maximize that potential. The identical goes for laptops: they are often extra highly effective than desktops, however they nearly all the time have fewer ports. USB-C hubs offer you some combo of additional USB, HDMI, reminiscence card, Ethernet and/or 3.5 mm ports so you may join peripherals like displays or wired mice and keyboards. You’ll be able to hook up exterior drives for extra storage — some hubs even have reminiscence card slots. We examined 15 totally different USB-C hubs to see how they carry out and put one of the best of what we examined beneath.

What to search for in a USB-C hub

Hub vs docking station

The very first thing to determine is whether or not you want a USB-C hub or a docking station. There’s no set commonplace for what differentiates the 2, however docking stations are likely to have extra ports, supply a separate DC energy provide and price extra, with some reaching upwards of $400. We have now a separate information to the best 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 help pass-through charging and usually price between $30 and $150.

Hubs make extra sense for smaller setups with only a few peripherals, corresponding 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 might be helpful when you change work places however need to deliver your equipment with you, or if you wish to exchange your laptop computer with a more powerful tablet. A docking station 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 straightforward to seize your laptop computer off your desk for a gathering or different temporary relocation and if you get again, plugging in a single cable will get all of your equipment reconnected.

Ports

The primary port to think about is the one in your laptop computer or pill. For a USB-C hub to work, it wants to connect with a port that helps video, knowledge and energy — all of which is roofed by something listed as USB 3.0 or higher. The port, in fact, must be Sort-C as effectively. The ocean of laptops out there may be huge, so it’s onerous to make generalizations, however trendy laptops ought to have a minimum of one USB-C port that may suffice, and certainly, each one among our prime picks for the best laptops do.

Subsequent, it’s a matter of discovering a hub that has the precise connections in your wants. Most hubs supply some combo of HDMI, USB, reminiscence card, Ethernet and three.5 mm ports. In case you have a 4K monitor and would really like a minimum of a 60Hz refresh charge, 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. Remember that a low refresh charge could cause your display to really feel laggy, making your mouse seem glitchy and your webcam actions to look delayed.

Extra USB ports on these equipment are often Sort-A or Sort-C. They will help knowledge with totally different switch charges, usually 5Gbps or 10Gbps. Some ports solely deal with passthrough energy and no knowledge, and a few can do knowledge, energy and video, so it’s greatest to verify the spec record to be sure you’re getting the help you want. Remember that a hub could invoice itself as a 7-in-1, however a kind of ports might not be usable for something aside from charging.

Customary SD and microSD slots are helpful for transferring knowledge from cameras and the like. Ethernet ports could ship sooner 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

Practically the entire USB-C hubs I examined help passthrough charging. Which means in case your laptop computer or pill solely costs through USB, you don’t should take up one other port in your laptop computer to maintain all the things topped up. In contrast to a docking station, powering a hub is non-obligatory. 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 must be plugged into the wall to stop that from occurring.

Lots of the newer hubs embody a 100W energy supply (PD) port, with a wholesome 80 to 85 watts going to your pc (the hubs take somewhat of the juice for themselves, therefore the 15-watt or so distinction). In my assessments, sending energy by the hub made them run even hotter than they do already, so I desire to cost the pc instantly. However for tablets or different units with no further ports, that PD possibility is essential.

Some PD ports are additionally knowledge ports — which is each good and unhealthy. On one hand, it feels wasteful to make use of a wonderfully good knowledge port only for boring previous electrical energy. However then again, USB-C connections that solely carry a cost are much less versatile, and it makes it look like it has extra accent hookups than it really does.

Design

There’s surprisingly little design variation amongst hubs. Most appear like a flat slab, somewhat smaller than a smartphone, and have an hooked up Sort-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 received’t make or break your shopping for resolution.

One variation that would tip the scales is the size of the cable. An extended one provides you with extra freedom as you prepare the hub in your desk, doubtlessly even letting you conceal it behind your laptop computer. Or it’s possible you’ll desire 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 obtainable and the way they’ve been obtained by consumers, forum-goers and different publications. I turned conversant in just a few respected manufacturers after I was testing docking stations, so I regarded into hubs from these corporations as effectively. I centered on gadgets that will assist with a median day of productiveness — not high-end setups or demanding gaming conditions. As soon as I settled on a dozen or so that will 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 because the host pc and plugged in equipment that embody 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 gentle, 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 twine 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 knowledge or connectivity points weren’t associated to my tools.

Then I put every USB-C hub by a gamut of fundamental assessments. I checked out what might be plugged in without delay, the decision on the monitor, knowledge switch speeds, the general construct high quality of the hub and basic usability elements, like the position of the ports and the size of the cords. And, lastly, the value to worth ratio helped decide one of the best ones for just a few totally different use instances.

Greatest USB-C hubs for 2025

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Complete 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 Pro 109 USB-C hub possible 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. But it surely’s a great-performing hub nonetheless. It has all of the hookups that could be lacking from a contemporary laptop computer, together with SD slots, USB-A ports, an Ethernet connection and an HDMI hookup.

The 4K decision and 60Hz refresh charge regarded nice on my check monitor and the info switch charges had been forward of different hubs in its worth vary. The velocity check on an Ethernet cable was on par with that of a costlier docking station, and I appreciated the design of the microSD slot. Most readers have you ever insert the cardboard all the best way in, counting on a spring mechanism to push it again out if you’re finished. Right here, the tip stands proud simply sufficient you could merely pull the cardboard out. These spring-loaded ejectors by no means work on the primary attempt for me, so it is a extra elegant answer.

There’s only one usable downstream USB-C port; the opposite is simply 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, largely make up for that oversight. Total, the hub performs effectively and gives a well-rounded collection of connectors.

It was truthfully a tricky name between this and Anker’s 555 8-in-1 for the highest suggestion. They’ve a fairly related port array and Anker’s possibility is $15 cheaper. However the UGreen hub has a extra premium construct and a twine that is about two inches longer, plus there’s one further USB-A port that would definitely come in useful.

Execs

• Good array of ports
• HDMI 2.0 helps 4K displays at 60Hz
• Beneficiant 10-inch cable
• Three USB-A ports

Cons

• Only one downstream USB-C port

$55 at Amazon

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Complete 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 conversant in 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 cross for the shortage of branding pizazz.

It’s slimmer than most hubs at about an inch-and-a-half large, 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 also 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 ought to be a lot zippy sufficient for a median 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 only USB-C jack is able to the identical charge. The webcam carried out effectively, even with a USB-A streaming gentle at full brightness (one thing different hubs had hassle with), and I discovered knowledge switch speeds to exterior drives to be on par with and even sooner than costlier hubs.

In fact, 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 choose.

I additionally suggest Plugable’s equally cleverly named USB-C 4-in-1 hub. It’s a greenback cheaper than the Wavlink possibility with the same array of ports that each one carried out effectively in my assessments. In the end, its shorter tethered cable and single USB-C port that both delivers energy or runs a peripheral led me to desire Wavlink’s mannequin. However when you don’t have to cost your machine by the port, you get a very good hub for the cash with Plugable’s machine.

Execs

• Slim and compact
• Beneficiant 10-inch cable
• Nice worth

Cons

• Only one downstream USB-C port

$26 at Amazon

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Complete 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 difficulty with most USB-C hubs is an ironic lack of accessible downstream USB-C ports. Many prime out at two, and a kind of typically delivers energy solely and might’t run peripherals. Throughout three keyboard guides, our suggestions overwhelmingly require USB-C connectivity, all however one among our recommended webcams use USB-C and lots of exterior storage drives depend on that port as effectively. Which means if you would like a hub that connects your keys, digicam and a drive on the similar time, you must hunt for one thing appropriate.

The EZQuest Slim Gen 2 hub provides you not only one or two usable Sort-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 help 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 will have plugged in, the decrease the speeds every port will be capable of ship, in order that max 10-gigabit charge is for one port at a time.

The connections had been a lot for my setup, dealing with a keyboard, mouse, webcam and streaming gentle all on the similar time. (Since I haven’t got a USB-C monitor, I plugged the HDMI cable instantly into my laptop computer). Even absolutely loaded, the unit stayed comparatively cool. Whereas the included cable is lengthy, the hub itself is tremendous compact and in regards to the measurement of a Skor bar. All of the ports come out of 1 aspect, so just like the funds choose above, it’s straightforward to rearrange all of your connections to look neat in your desk.

Execs

• Loads of USB-C ports
• Removable and lengthy 20-inch cable

Cons

• No USB-A ports
• No HDMI port (helps USB-C video)

$80 at Amazon

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

Complete downstream ports: 8 | Cable size: 9” | Energy supply: 100W in, 85W to host | USB-C: 2 x USB 10Gbps, 1 x energy ship 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 value of Belkin’s Connect Universal hub is edging into docking-station territory. But it surely doesn’t require a devoted energy provide and it has a compact construct, so it’s nonetheless decidedly a hub. That worth 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 help) and twin prolonged shows with a MacBook (after you obtain the SiliconMotion driver).

Quite a few 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 basically “sharing” a view of a tertiary display with the second monitor. That second monitor has a most refresh charge of 30Hz for 4K resolutions, however the first exterior show retains its 4K@60Hz visuals. I haven’t examined each possibility on the market, however from what I’ve seen, that’s fairly good for a USB-C hub — something extra and also you’re possible 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 gentle, 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 to be 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 ailing results because of this, I solely used it over the course of a pair days and wonder if there’d be any heat-related points with prolonged use.

Execs

• Numerous ports
• Good number of ports
• Driver permits for 2 prolonged exterior shows

Cons

• Costly
• Will get highly regarded throughout use

$140 at Belkin

Different hubs we examined

HyperDrive Subsequent 10 Port USB-C Hub

There’s quite a bit to love about HyperDrive’s Next 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 info transfers are screaming quick. It has the coveted two USB-C knowledge ports plus a PD port, and there’s even a headphone jack. The one factor that holds again a full-throated endorsement is the best way our unit dealt with a streaming gentle. Having it on at full brightness made the webcam flicker each time. The problem went away at 75 p.c brightness, however the identical drawback didn’t occur on another hub I examined.

Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1)

There’s nothing flawed with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. Actually it’s a present suggestion in our iPad accessories guide and it comes at a terrific $35 worth. It provides 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 somewhat retro. There’s additionally only a single USB-C downstream port and the info switch assessments 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 received’t be disillusioned with it.

Startech 4-Port USB-C Hub (knowledge solely)

I solely turned conscious of Startech after I began researching for this information. The standard is first rate and the yellow accents are a welcome little bit of coloration 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 twine that wraps across the hub itself, which is exclusive. It doesn’t trouble with energy supply, which isn’t a difficulty when you can energy your pc instantly. However the 4 USB ports (three Sort-A and one Sort-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 in your setup.