The perfect USB-C hub for 2025

It’s spectacular what tablets and ultraportable laptops can do. However to get probably the most performance out of them, it’s your decision a number of extra ports at your disposal, which is the place a USB-C hub comes into play. By connecting to only one port, these helpful gadgets provide you with additional USB connections, HDMI slots, SD card readers and Ethernet jacks. Plus most supply pass-through charging so you possibly can hold your pill powered whilst you work with all of your peripherals connected. We examined greater than a dozen fashions to give you a number of nice picks for various conditions and customers. Listed here are the very best USB-C hubs primarily based on our testing.

Desk of contents

Greatest USB-C hubs for 2025

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

The “109” in UGreen’s Revodok Pro 109 USB-C hub possible stands for the nine-in-one declare in its advertising supplies, however since a type 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 regarded nice on my check monitor and the information 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 dearer USB-C dock, 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 completed. Right here, the top stands out simply sufficient that you would be able to 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 resolution.

There’s only one usable downstream USB-C port; the opposite is just 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, largely make up for that oversight. Total, the hub performs nicely and presents a well-rounded choice of connectors. If you happen to’d favor a DisplayPort connection and do not want the information card slots, take a look at UGreen’s 8-in-1 Revodok hub.

It was truthfully a tricky 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 twine that is about two inches longer, plus there’s one additional USB-A port that might actually come in useful.

Professionals

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

Cons

Only one downstream USB-C port

$38 at Amazon

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

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 title, however the performance-to-price ratio is so spectacular, it will get a move for the dearth 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, notably because the 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 recommend — which is the final theme right here. The HDMI 2.0 port can deal with a 4K exterior monitor at 60Hz, which needs to 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 nicely, even with a USB-A streaming mild 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 quicker than dearer hubs.

In fact, having only one downstream USB-C connection places a restrict in your setup: You possibly can 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, it is a good choose.

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 each one carried out nicely 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 favor Wavlink’s mannequin. However in the event you don’t have to cost your system via the port, you get a very good hub for the cash with Plugable’s system.

Professionals

Slim and compact
Beneficiant 10-inch cable
Nice worth

Cons

Only one downstream USB-C port

$20 at Wavlink

Picture by Amy Skorheim / Engadget

One situation with most USB-C hubs is an ironic lack of accessible downstream USB-C ports. Many prime out at two, and a type 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 all our recommended webcams use USB-C and plenty of exterior storage drives depend on that port as nicely. 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 offers 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 customary, delivering as much as 10Gbps. As with every hub, the extra objects you’ve got plugged in, the decrease the speeds every port will have the ability to 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 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 facet, so just like the funds choose above, it’s simple to rearrange all of your connections to look neat in your desk.

Professionals

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

At $140, the value of Belkin’s Connect Universal 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 a number of options that almost all 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).

Various 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 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 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 screens 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 facet, 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 sizzling: it appeared to get hotter than the entire different models I attempted. Whereas I by no means observed any in poor health results in consequence, I solely used it over the course of a pair days and ponder whether there’d be any heat-related points with prolonged use.

Professionals

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

Cons

Costly
Will get highly regarded throughout use

$140 at Belkin

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 customary for what differentiates the 2, however docking stations are likely to have extra ports, supply a separate DC energy adapter and value extra, with some reaching upwards of $400. Now we have a separate information to the best docking stations to take a look at in the event you’re on the lookout 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 price between $30 and $150.

Hubs, typically additionally known as dongles and even multiport adapters, make extra sense for smaller setups with only a few peripherals, akin 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 in the event you change work places however wish to carry your equipment with you, or if you wish to exchange your laptop computer with a more powerful tablet. 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 screens, 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 temporary relocation and if you get again, you solely have to plug in a single cable to get all of your equipment reconnected. In fact, in the event you simply have to plug in a single peripheral, you could not want a hub or a dock, a easy USB-C adapter, like HDMI to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C, might 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, knowledge 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, in fact, must be Sort-C as nicely. The ocean of laptops out there may be huge, so it’s exhausting to make generalizations, however trendy laptops, together with Home windows and Apple fashions, ought to have no less than one USB-C port that may suffice, and certainly, each one in all our prime picks for the best laptops do — together with our prime choose, the M4 MacBook Air.

Subsequent, it’s a matter of discovering a very good USB-C hub that has the proper connections on your wants. Most hubs supply some combo of HDMI, USB, SD card reader, Ethernet and three.5 mm ports. When you have a 4K monitor and would love no 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 customary aren’t as widespread simply but. Remember the fact that a low refresh fee may cause your display 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 Sort-A or USB 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 test the spec listing to be sure to’re getting the help you want. Remember the fact that a hub might invoice itself as a 7-in-1, however a type of ports is probably not usable for something aside from charging.

Commonplace SD and microSD playing cards are helpful for transferring knowledge from cameras and the like or for offloading recordsdata out of your exhausting drive, and plenty of hubs have these slots. Ethernet ports might ship quicker web speeds than your Wi-Fi and a hub with a 3.5mm jack can carry again the wired headphone connection that some laptops have ditched.

Energy supply

Almost the entire USB-C hubs I examined help passthrough charging. Meaning in case your laptop computer or pill solely expenses through USB, you don’t need to take up one other port in your laptop computer to maintain every part 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 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 have to be plugged into the wall to stop that from occurring.

Most 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 slightly 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 via, so I favor to energy the pc instantly utilizing its personal charger. However for tablets or different gadgets with no additional ports, that PD choice is essential.

Some PD ports are additionally knowledge ports — which is each good and dangerous. On one hand, it feels wasteful to make use of a superbly good knowledge 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 truly does.

Design

There’s surprisingly little design variation amongst hubs. Most seem like a flat slab, slightly 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 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 provides you with extra freedom as you prepare the hub in your desk, probably even letting you disguise it behind your laptop computer. Or you could favor 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 acquired by buyers, forum-goers and different publications. I grew to become acquainted with a number of respected manufacturers after I was testing docking stations, so I regarded into hubs from these corporations as nicely. I centered on objects that may 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 may 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 pc 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 received at no cost on an airplane (I ought to most likely put money into 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 gear.

Then I put every USB-C hub via a gamut of fundamental exams. 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 normal usability components, like the location of the ports and the size of the cords. And, lastly, the price-to-value ratio helped decide the very best ones for a number of totally different use instances.

Different hubs we examined

HyperDrive Subsequent 10 Port USB-C Hub

There’s so much 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 high-speed knowledge transfers are nice. 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 mild. Having it on at full brightness made the webcam flicker each time. The difficulty went away at 75 p.c brightness, however the identical drawback didn’t occur on some other hub I examined.

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

There’s nothing mistaken with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. The truth is it’s a present suggestion in our iPad accessories guide and it comes at an excellent $35 worth. 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 slightly 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 received 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 tricky 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 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 twine that offers you two additional inches to work with. However if you wish to save a couple of bucks this hub is a worthwhile choose.

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

I solely grew to become conscious of Startech after I began researching for this information. The standard is respectable 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 strong, 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 in the event 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 a number of extra USB ports on your setup.