These days, almost all electronic devices connect with a USB or USB-C port, so if you own even a few gadgets, chances are you could benefit from a mains powered or regular USB hub. The USB systems built into large devices such as computers and games consoles usually only have one or two ports, so you often need to unplug and replug every time you want to connect something.
With a multiport USB hub, you needn't choose between your keyboard or charging your PS4 controller or phone – you can do it all at once! But it’s not as simple as picking the most popular from Amazon. We’ve created this guide to help out, alongside ten recommendations. Whether you're working with a Macbook Pro for music production or a PC for gaming, there's something here for you.
Quick List - Top USB Hubs
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A powered USB hub comes with an AC adapter which you plug into the main power supply. This is the best option for connecting several devices at once or using devices that operate on a higher voltage, such as hard drives or printers.
Because powered hubs generate their energy from the mains, all of your devices can run at full strength without any drops in performance. Of course, this does mean that you need to be close to a socket when using them. They are also usually a lot more expensive than bus-powered hubs.
The other option is a bus-powered USB hub (taken from the fact that USB stands for "Universal Serial Bus"), which you plug directly into a USB port. These hubs draw their power from the battery of the device you're connecting to, i.e. the laptop battery or games console.
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As they don't require a connection to the mains, bus-powered hubs are portable and great for travelling. However, because the power runs off the battery the hub is connected to, they are best used for connecting lower voltage devices such as keyboards, mice and phone chargers. But if you start connecting higher voltage devices to an unpowered hub, it could lower the performance of your devices.
If you opt for a powered USB hub, your data transfer speed will be significantly increased, but to really maximise the efficiency, you need to look at the transfer speed. If you only occasionally transfer files, this won't be much of an issue, but if transferring is a big part of your work, this could be worth noting.
The USB has had multiple upgrades since it first came out, with each iteration introducing vast improvements and new features. USB 1.0s are generally not found much these days unless you have a somewhat ancient device, so the models you need to focus on run from USB 2.0 to USB 3.3.
Each iteration essentially increases in transfer speed - USB 2.0 supports a maximum data transfer rate of 480 Mbps, whereas the USB 3.0 runs at 5 Gbps. Then you have the USB 3.1, which in terms of speed can essentially compete with an Ethernet, running at 10 Gbps. An earlier model hub might be fine for your current devices, but if you purchase a device in the future with a newer model, its performance may be reduced.
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The letters after USB refer to the shape of the cord, so make sure you get a port that fits what you need it to. Type A is the original, large USB head, often used on desktop computers, television sets and PCs.
Type B is the standard square-sized plug that is most commonly used today. Compared to Type A, these plugs have bevelled edges and are often used for hard drives and printers. Type B USBs can also come in mini and micro sizes, which are generally used for smartphones and digital cameras.
USB-C hubs are the newest. The most significant improvement from the B to C USBs is that you can insert the cord both ways up. Type C hubs generally allow you to connect all types of USB: A, B and C. They also usually have additional ports which can also connect to HDMI outputs and SD memory readers.
USB hubs come in all shapes and sizes, and some are more useful than others. Unless you are looking for a portable hub, the general rule is the more ports, the merrier! If you count the devices that you'd probably want to use at once – for example, a mouse, a keyboard and a mobile phone – that's three. But it's probably not the best idea to buy a hub that only has exactly what you need.
There will always be something else around that will make you wish you had another port, say, when you have a memory stick or need to use your digital camera. It's always a safe bet to get a hub with a couple more ports than you think you need.
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This is an article about USB hubs for USB ports, but many hubs also come with additional ports that might come in handy. These are especially useful if you have other devices that you use frequently.
One of the best additions to look out for is mini USB ports or lightning ports for charging games controllers, smartphones and headphones. HDMI, Ethernet ports, and SD and microSD slots are also commonly added to USB hubs, which are well worth looking for if you use these frequently.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Dell Mobile USB-C Hub Adapter|DA310 | ![]() | Seven Port USB Hub With Ultra-Fast Transfer Rate | |
2 | ZMUIPNG USB C Hub Multiport Adapter | ![]() | 10-Port Powered Hub With HDMI, VGA and More | |
3 | Kingston Nucleum USB-C Hub | ![]() | Quality Hub That Supports 4K HDMI | |
4 | NOVOO 6-in-1 USB-C Adapter | ![]() | Bus-Powered Hub That’s Suitable for Charging Devices | |
5 | Lemorele 5-in-1 USB C Hub with Ethernet | ![]() | 5-in-1 Hub With 100W PD Charging for Optimum Efficiency | |
6 | ANKER 10-Port 60W Data Hub | ![]() | Practical Hub for Splitting Your USB | |
7 | ANKER 5-in-1 USB-C Adapter | ![]() | Lightweight Hub From Anker That’s Perfect for Travelling | |
8 | atolla USB 3.0 Hub With USB-C Adaptor | ![]() | Affordable 3.0 Hub With Adapter for USB-C | |
9 | QGeeM 12-in-1 USB-C Hub | ![]() | All-In-One 12 Port USB Hub With TF and SD Card Readers | |
10 | ZMUIPNG USB-C Hub Adapter for MacBook Pro | ![]() | Sleek USB Hub That’s Ideal for Macbook |
The Dell DA310 is one of the best overall USB hubs on the market and a popular choice for many. Its compact design holds seven ports, including an HDMI, USB-C, 2 x USB-A, VGA, DisplayPort, and RJ-45 port.
The well-thought-out design is a round, compact shape that fits nicely on your desk and features a concealed, retractable cable for an even more snug look, making it a great option for using on the go. The transfer rate for this model is also super speedy at 10 Gbps and has the ability to support 4K resolution through the Display Port or HDMI 2.0.
This USB C hub supports an impressive 10 ports. The sturdy device is compatible with most Windows, OS systems, smartphones and monitors. If ultra-fast gigabit ethernet speeds is what you want, simply plug in an ethernet cable and you can enjoy it fuss-free.
With a variety of USB ports, a 4K output, a VGA output and Ethernet and wireless options, this all-in-one hub is literally that - you can connect almost everything you can think of, making it very appealing to people who consistently have many things on the go at once.
If you're after a portable hub that still has a range of ports, consider the Nucleum from Kingston. Enabling you to connect a total of 7 devices, including USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI output, SD cards and micro SD cards, it should cover all the bases for most people but is particularly desirable for designers and photographers.
The design is stylish and unintrusive, and when holding it in your hands, you can feel the quality behind the making. The hub also contains a power pass-through which allows for charging your devices while they're connected. The built-in cable means fewer wires, less mess and easy installation.
Compatible with both all types of laptops, this USB hub from NOVOO is an excellent all-rounder. It supports two USB 3.0 ports, a 4K USB-C output to HDMI and SD card slot. With the capacity to charge MacBooks, laptops and tablets, this small package contains mighty power!
This affordable hub enables you to extend your laptop's USB port into a handy dock that allows you to use six devices simultaneously. Transfer data in seconds with speeds of 5 Gbps, and output 4K resolutions in video using the HDMI output. Add that to the 100w power, and this one is definitely a winner!
This USB port from Lemorele has plenty of great reviews on Amazon, so we just we had to include it in our countdown. Easily convert your Macbook or other USB-C devices into the five connectors where functions such as data transfer, internet connection, display expansion, and charging are made possible.
You get 2 USB A ports, 1 HDMI port with 4K resolution, 100W PD charging, and RJ45 ethernet, which is more than enough for most. Compatible with both Macbooks and PC devices, this is an option suitable for almost everyone.
When it comes to USB hubs, ten ports is one of the biggest you'll find. Of course, you can always discover something bigger and better in the tech world, but when it comes to mainstream devices, this is in the region of the upper limits, and at under fifty quid, it is quite a steal.
Plus, not only does this option have the numbers, but it also promises high-speed data transfers of 5 Gbps. This product doesn't have a great variety of ports, but if you're solely looking for a hub that allows for multiple USB 3.0, this is a fine choice. It's well-rated by music producers, too.
Anker is a big name in the USB hub world, producing small 3-port devices, huge 10-port docking systems and everything in between. We've gone for the mid-point and chosen the 5-in-1 premium model. This "USB, Video and Internet Data Station", as Anker calls it, is one of the smallest models out there, but it still has five ports.
Weighing at just 52 grams, it's also one of the lightest, making this another great choice for travelling and working on the move. The three USB 3.0 ports included enable a 5 Gbps transfer speed, which is brilliant for connectivity but not the best for charging devices.
If you're not willing to fork out the cost for some of the more comprehensive models, this option from atolla has some of the best reviews for a value hub. Supporting an Ethernet cable and three USB 3.0 ports, it's small, handy and all that you need if you're working on a laptop with a few devices.
Being so small and lightweight, this is an excellent choice for travelling. A bonus feature, which adds to the value, is that the product comes with a USB-C adapter. As for the design, a vertical layout minimises the space on your desk.
Now, this isn't the best option if you need to take it with you for working on the go, but it's an excellent at-home or in-office docking station to supply you with the power needed for all your devices. With 12 ports, including a 4K dual HDMI, Ethernet, card readers and the essential USB 3.0 ports, you can't ask for much more!
The design is a bit chunkier than many other options so that it can incorporate a diverse and high number of ports, but it works well if that's what you're after. The only niggling concern a few people have noted is that the cable is quite short, so the hub can't be tucked neatly away, making for quite a messy desk.
With a super sleek design, this hub will take up much less space on your desk. It sits neatly alongside your MacBook with the ports positioned around all three sides of the hub. There are 7 ports, including a 4K HDMI output, multiple USB ports, an Ethernet port and a micro SD and SD slot, making it both efficient and space-saving.
The transfer speed is a good 5 Gbps, the USB ports allow for easy connectivity for commonly used accessories such as a mouse and keyboard, and there's also an original thunderbolt-3 port. That said, this model is specifically designed for a Macbook and may not be suitable for PC users.
USB hubs are nifty little devices that enable you to expand one USB port into several so that you can connect and use more devices at once. Essentially, they act as an extension lead for USB ports.
These hubs take on various shapes, from external boxes that connect to a power source with a cable to compact designs that plug directly into a port. Laptops and Macbooks are forever getting smaller, thinner and more compact, so these days, they usually only come with one or two USB ports.
When we need to connect external devices such as a keyboard and a mouse whilst also realising that our phone is out of battery, things become tricky. That's where USB hubs come in. Their primary purpose is to make your life easier and your work more efficient by enabling you to use all systems at once.
Written and researched by Roxy Pratley
No. 1: Dell|Mobile USB-C Hub Adapter|DA310
No. 2: ZMUIPNG|USB C Hub Multiport Adapter
No. 3: Kingston|Nucleum USB-C Hub
No. 4: NOVOO|6-in-1 USB-C Adapter
No. 5: Lemorele|5-in-1 USB C Hub with Ethernet
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