The race for slimmer and lighter designs has resulted in port reductions on everything from MacBooks to all-in-one desktops, which is an unpleasant aspect of using current computers. The most effective choice if you need to plug in something that uses a connection other than a USB-C cable is a USB Port Hub because it offers numerous port types in a reasonably small package.
Anker’s PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD 10Gbps Data Hub is our preferred USB Port Hub. In addition to having all the necessary ports, it is also one of the few hubs with an HDMI port that supports a proper 60 Hz refresh rate on 4K monitors so that animations and movements on the screen are nice and smooth. Nearly every other hub maxes out at 30 Hz, which results in a frustratingly jerky experience.
Some of The Best USB Port Hub
Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub
Get the Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C PD Media Hub if you don’t have a 4K monitor. It is the younger sibling of our top pick and provides a comparable selection of ports for a significantly lesser cost. Although a little slower than the 8-in-1 model’s, its USB data transfer speeds are still adequate for most users. The 7-in-1 device is devoid of an Ethernet port, and when used with a 4K monitor, it only generates a 30 Hz refresh rate rather than the higher, more supple 60 Hz refresh rate of our top option.
Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub
The Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub doesn’t provide additional types of ports, in contrast to the majority of the hubs we’ve evaluated. Instead, four USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 connectors are created out of a single USB-C or Thunderbolt port. Although none of the hub’s ports can transfer video signals or conduct charging in either way, the 5 Gbps speed is more than sufficient for attaching input devices or a backup drive.
Anker 10-Port 60W USB 3.0 Hub
Choose the Anker 10-Port 60W USB 3.0 Hub if attaching as many devices to your computer as possible is your major concern. It contains three 12-watt (2.4-amp) power connectors just for charging and seven upward-facing USB-A 3.1 Gen 1 data ports with helpful LED activity indicators. In addition, unlike some of the other hubs we’ve examined, it doesn’t appear like it belongs alongside the greatest hits of tacky ’90s technology. To connect the Anker 10-Port 60W USB 3.0 Hub to many modern systems, you’ll need to purchase a second USB-B-to-USB-C connector because it only comes with a USB-A-to-USB-B cable.