If you wish to get probably the most out of your pill or laptop computer, a USB-C hub will help. Utilizing a single USB-C slot in your moveable laptop, a hub provides you again lacking connections like HDMI, USB Sort A and C, Ethernet, reminiscence card slots and extra. After testing greater than a dozen fashions, we expect the UGreen Revodok Professional 109 is the very best USB-C hub for most individuals. However we’ve got a beneficial finances mannequin and a premium decide to present you extra choices. We additionally break down port varieties, energy supply capabilities and design issues that will help you make the fitting alternative before you purchase.
Desk of contents
Finest USB-C hubs for 2025
Photograph by Amy Skorheim / Engadget
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 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. Nevertheless it’s a great-performing hub nonetheless. It has all of the hookups that is likely to 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 fee seemed nice on my check monitor and the information switch charges had been forward of different hubs in its worth vary. The pace check on an Ethernet cable was on par with that of a dearer docking station, 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 once you’re finished. Right here, the top stands proud simply sufficient that you may merely pull the cardboard out. These spring-loaded ejectors by no means work on the primary attempt for me, so this can be a extra elegant answer.
There’s only one usable downstream USB-C port; the opposite is simply able to delivering energy to your system. I want there was simply one extra USB-C so it might 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. Total, the hub performs effectively and gives a well-rounded choice of connectors. In case you’d choose a DisplayPort connection and do not want the information card slots, try 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 reasonably 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 additional USB-A port that might definitely turn out to be 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 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 go for the dearth of branding pizazz.
It’s slimmer than most hubs at about an inch-and-a-half huge, but the cable itself is a pair inches longer than the norm. The unit and the cables simply tuck behind a laptop computer, notably because the 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 final theme right here. The HDMI 2.0 port can deal with a 4K exterior monitor at 60Hz, which must be lots 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 only 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 bother with), and I discovered knowledge switch speeds to exterior drives to be on par with and even sooner than dearer hubs.
After all, having only one downstream USB-C connection places a restrict in your setup: You may have, for instance, a USB-C webcam or a USB-C keyboard plugged in, not each. However in the event you want one thing with good monitor output, a few high-quality USB ports and a compact design, this can be a good decide.
I additionally suggest 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. In the end, 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 in the event you don’t have to cost your system by the port, you get a great hub for the cash with Plugable’s system.
- Slim and compact
- Beneficiant 10-inch cable
- Nice worth
- 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 high out at two, and a kind of typically delivers energy solely and may’t run peripherals. Throughout three keyboard guides, our suggestions overwhelmingly require USB-C connectivity, all however one in every of our beneficial webcams use USB-C and lots of exterior storage drives depend on that port as effectively. Meaning in order for you 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 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 word 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 objects you’ve plugged in, the decrease the speeds every port will be capable of ship, in order that max 10-gigabit fee is for one port at a time.
The connections had been lots 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 straight 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 concerning the dimension of a Skor bar. All of the ports come out of 1 aspect, so just like the finances decide above, it’s straightforward 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 value 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 worth bump does get you just a few options that the majority hubs don’t have, particularly the choice of three USB-C ports (one port can be utilized for both energy supply or accent help) and twin prolonged shows with an Apple MacBook (after you obtain the SiliconMotion driver).
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 basically “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 possible 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 might 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 appears to be like 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 items I attempted. Whereas I by no means observed any sick 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.
- Plenty of ports
- Good number of ports
- Driver permits for 2 prolonged exterior shows
- Costly
- Will get highly regarded throughout use
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 USB-C docking station. There’s no set commonplace for what differentiates the 2, however docking stations are inclined to have extra ports, supply a separate DC energy adapter and price extra, with some reaching upwards of $400. We now have a separate information to the finest docking stations to take a look at in the event you’re searching for one thing larger than what we’re discussing right here. USB-C hubs, in distinction, have between 4 and 10 ports, can help pass-through charging and sometimes value between $30 and $150.
Hubs, typically additionally referred to as dongles and even multiport adapters, make extra sense for smaller setups with just some peripherals, akin to a monitor, a wired keyboard and mouse, and the occasional exterior drive. They’re additionally extra moveable, since they’re small and require no devoted energy. That may very well be helpful in the event you change work places however need to convey your equipment with you, or if you wish to exchange your laptop computer with a extra highly effective pill. A docking station or thunderbolt dock makes extra sense for somebody who wants a sturdy 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 transient relocation and once you get again, you solely have to plug in a single cable to get all of your equipment reconnected.
Ports
For a USB-C hub to work, it wants to connect with a port in your laptop computer or pill that helps video, knowledge and energy — all of which is roofed by something listed as USB 3.0 or higher, together with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 and 4. The port, in fact, must be Sort-C as effectively. The ocean of laptops out there may be huge, so it’s laborious to make generalizations, however fashionable laptops, together with Home windows and Apple fashions, ought to have not less than one USB-C port that can suffice, and certainly, each one in every of our high picks for the finest laptops do.
Subsequent, it’s a matter of discovering a great USB-C hub that has the fitting connections on your wants. Most hubs supply some combo of HDMI, USB, SD card reader, Ethernet and three.5 mm ports. In case you have a 4K monitor and would really like not less than 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 widespread 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 Sort-A or Sort-C. They’ll help knowledge with totally different switch charges, sometimes 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 finest to verify the spec checklist to be sure you’re getting the help you want. Take into account that a hub might invoice itself as a 7-in-1, however a kind of ports will not be usable for something apart from charging.
Commonplace SD and microSD slots are helpful for transferring knowledge from cameras and the like or for offloading recordsdata out of your laborious drive. Ethernet ports might ship sooner web speeds than your Wi-Fi and a hub with a 3.5mm jack can convey again the wired headphone connection that some laptops have ditched.
Energy supply
Practically the entire USB-C hubs I examined help passthrough charging. Meaning in case your laptop computer or pill solely expenses by way of USB, you don’t need to take up one other port in your laptop computer to maintain the whole lot topped up. Not like a docking station, powering a hub is optionally available. The one exception is if you wish to shut the lid in your laptop computer when 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 stop that from occurring.
Lots of the newer hubs embody a 100W USB-C energy supply (PD) port, with a wholesome 80 to 85 watts going to your Mac, PC or pill (the hubs take a bit of 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, so I choose to energy the pc straight utilizing its personal charger. However for tablets or different gadgets with no additional ports, that PD choice is vital.
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 outdated electrical energy. However alternatively, 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 seem like a flat slab, a bit of smaller than a smartphone, and have an connected 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 either side. All of that is simply to say that aesthetics most likely gained’t make or break your shopping for determination.
One variation that might tip the scales is the size of the cable. An extended one offers you extra freedom as you prepare the hub in your desk, probably even letting you disguise it behind your laptop computer. Or chances are 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 accessible and the way they’ve been acquired by buyers, forum-goers and different publications. I grew to become conversant in just a few respected manufacturers once I was testing docking stations, so I seemed into hubs from these firms as effectively. I targeted on objects 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 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 mild, a USB-A 3.0 Sandisk thumb drive, a USB-C Samsung T7 Defend exterior drive and a pair of wired headphones I obtained without spending a dime on an airplane (I ought to most likely put money into 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 knowledge or connectivity points weren’t associated to my gear.
Then I put every USB-C hub by a gamut of primary exams. I checked out what may very well be plugged in directly, the decision on the monitor, knowledge switch speeds, the general construct high quality of the hub and normal usability elements, like the position of the ports and the size of the cords. And, lastly, the price-to-value ratio helped decide the very best ones for just a few totally different use circumstances.
Different hubs we examined
HyperDrive Subsequent 10 Port USB-C Hub
There’s rather a lot 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 information 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 way in which our unit dealt with a streaming mild. Having it on at full brightness made the webcam flicker each time. The problem went away at 75 p.c brightness, however the identical downside didn’t occur on another hub I examined.
Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1)
There’s nothing mistaken with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. In actual fact it’s a present suggestion in our iPad equipment information and it comes at a fantastic $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 a bit of retro. There’s additionally only a single USB-C downstream port and the information switch exams proved to be a contact slower than the opposite hubs. However in the event you’ve obtained a decrease decision monitor and don’t want a couple of USB-C, you gained’t be dissatisfied 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 high suggestion. Each have an identical port array with an HDMI, Ethernet, two USB Sort 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, additional USB-A port and longer wire that provides you two additional inches to work with. However if you wish to save a couple of dollars this hub is a worthwhile decide.
Startech 4-Port USB-C Hub (knowledge solely)
I solely grew to become conscious of Startech once I began researching for this information. The standard is respectable and the yellow accents are a welcome little bit of shade 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 in the event you can energy your laptop straight. 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 on your setup.
Current updates
April 2025: Added our expertise with the Anker 555 8-in-1 hub to the Different hubs we examined part.
