The best 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 useful units offer you further USB connections, HDMI slots, SD card readers and Ethernet jacks. Plus most supply pass-through charging so you’ll be able to preserve your pill powered when you work with all of your peripherals attached. We examined greater than a dozen fashions to give you a number of nice picks for various conditions and customers. Listed here are one of the best USB-C hubs primarily based on our testing.Desk of contentsBest USB-C hubs for 2025Photo by Amy Skorheim / EngadgetTotal 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 normal SD | Different ports: Ethernet The “109” in UGreen’s Revodok Professional 109 USB-C hub seemingly stands for the nine-in-one declare in its advertising 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 could 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 price seemed nice on my take a look at monitor and the information switch charges had been forward of different hubs in its value vary. The velocity take a look at on an Ethernet cable was on par with that of a costlier 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 once you’re accomplished. Right here, the tip stands out simply sufficient that you could 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 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 only 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 collection of connectors. In the event you’d favor a DisplayPort connection and do not want the information card slots, try UGreen’s 8-in-1 Revodok hub.  It was actually a troublesome name between this and the Anker 555 8-in-1 for the highest advice. They’ve a fairly 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 further USB-A port that might definitely come in useful. ProsGood array of portsHDMI 2.0 helps 4K screens at 60HzGenerous 10-inch cableThree USB-A portsConsJust one downstream USB-C port$38 at AmazonPhoto by Amy Skorheim / EngadgetTotal 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 accustomed to 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 shortage of branding pizazz. It’s slimmer than most hubs at about an inch-and-a-half vast, but the cable itself is a pair inches longer than the norm. The unit and the cables simply tuck behind a laptop computer, notably for the reason that 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 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 price. The webcam carried out effectively, even with a USB-A streaming gentle at full brightness (one thing different hubs had bother with), and I discovered information 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 possibly can have, for instance, a USB-C webcam or a USB-C keyboard plugged in, not each. However in case you want one thing with good monitor output, a few high-quality USB ports and a compact design, this can be 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 possibility with an analogous array of ports that each one carried out effectively in my exams. Finally, 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 case you don’t have to cost your system via the port, you get an excellent hub for the cash with Plugable’s system. ProsSlim and compactGenerous 10-inch cableGreat priceConsJust one downstream USB-C port$20 at WavlinkPhoto by Amy Skorheim / EngadgetTotal 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 problem with most USB-C hubs is an ironic lack of obtainable downstream USB-C ports. Many prime out at two, and a kind of usually delivers energy solely and may’t run peripherals. Throughout three keyboard guides, our suggestions overwhelmingly require USB-C connectivity, all however one among our really helpful webcams use USB-C and plenty of exterior storage drives depend on that port as effectively. Meaning if you would like a hub that connects your keys, digital camera and a drive on the identical time, you must 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 notice that this connector doesn’t assist audio or drive different peripherals. The remaining 4 ports adhere to the USB 3.1 Gen 2 normal, delivering as much as 10Gbps. As with every hub, the extra objects you might have plugged in, the decrease the speeds every port will be capable of ship, in order that max 10-gigabit price 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 identical time. (Since I haven’t got a USB-C monitor, I plugged the HDMI cable immediately 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 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. ProsPlenty of USB-C portsDetachable and lengthy 20-inch cableConsNo USB-A portsNo HDMI port (helps USB-C video)$80 at AmazonPhoto by Amy Skorheim / EngadgetTotal 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 value bump does get you a number of 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 assist) and twin prolonged shows with an Apple MacBook (after you obtain the SiliconMotion driver). Plenty 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 with the second monitor. That second monitor has a most refresh price 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 seemingly 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 gentle, 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 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 sizzling: it appeared to get hotter than all the different items I attempted. Whereas I by no means seen any unwell 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. ProsLots of portsGood number of portsDriver permits for 2 prolonged exterior displaysConsExpensiveGets extremely popular throughout use$140 at BelkinWhat to search for in a USB-C hubHub vs docking stationThe 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 normal for what differentiates the 2, however docking stations are likely to have extra ports, supply a separate DC energy adapter and price extra, with some reaching upwards of $400. We have now a separate information to one of the best docking stations to take a look at in case you’re in search of one thing larger than what we’re discussing right here. USB-C hubs, in distinction, have between 4 and 10 ports, can assist 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, reminiscent of 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 case you change work areas however wish to deliver 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 strong 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 straightforward to seize your laptop computer off your desk for a gathering or different temporary relocation and once you get again, you solely have to plug in a single cable to get all of your equipment reconnected. In fact, in case you simply have to plug in a single peripheral, it’s possible you’ll not want a hub or a dock, a easy USB-C adapter, like HDMI to USB-C or USB-A to USB-C, could do the trick.PortsFor a USB-C hub to work, it wants to connect with a port in your laptop computer or pill that helps video, information 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, after all, must be Sort-C as effectively. The ocean of laptops out there’s 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 can suffice, and certainly, each one among our prime picks for one of the best laptops do — together with our prime choose, the M4 MacBook Air.Subsequent, it’s a matter of discovering an excellent USB-C hub that has the proper connections in 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 really like no less than a 60Hz refresh price, 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 normal aren’t as widespread simply but. Needless to say a low refresh price could 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 assist information with completely different switch charges, sometimes 5Gbps or 10Gbps. Some ports solely deal with passthrough energy and no information, and a few can do information, energy and video, so it’s finest to verify the spec checklist to ensure you’re getting the assist you want. Needless to say a hub could invoice itself as a 7-in-1, however a kind of ports will not be usable for something apart from charging.Normal SD and microSD playing cards are helpful for transferring information from cameras and the like or for offloading recordsdata out of your exhausting drive, and plenty of hubs have these slots. 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 deliveryNearly all the USB-C hubs I examined assist passthrough charging. Meaning in case your laptop computer or pill solely expenses by way of USB, you don’t should take up one other port in your laptop computer to maintain every thing topped up. Not like a docking station, powering a hub is non-compulsory. 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 must be plugged into the wall to forestall that from taking place.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 a little bit 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 immediately utilizing its personal charger. However for tablets or different units with no further ports, that PD possibility is vital.Some PD ports are additionally information ports — which is each good and unhealthy. On one hand, it feels wasteful to make use of a wonderfully good information port only for boring previous electrical energy. However alternatively, 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 really does.DesignThere’s surprisingly little design variation amongst hubs. Most appear like a flat slab, a little bit 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 either side. All of that is simply to say that aesthetics most likely received’t make or break your shopping for choice.One variation that might tip the scales is the size of the cable. An extended one gives you extra freedom as you prepare the hub in your desk, doubtlessly even letting you cover it behind your laptop computer. Or it’s possible you’ll favor a shorter one to maintain the hub neatly set beside your laptop computer.How we take a look at USB-C hubsBefore we take a look at something, we check out what’s obtainable and the way they’ve been obtained by consumers, forum-goers and different publications. I turned accustomed to a number of respected manufacturers after I was testing docking stations, so I seemed into hubs from these corporations as effectively. I centered on objects that may 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 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 laptop 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 gentle, a USB-A 3.0 Sandisk thumb drive, a USB-C Samsung T7 Protect exterior drive and a pair of wired headphones I bought free of charge on an airplane (I ought to most likely spend money on 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 information or connectivity points weren’t associated to my tools.Then I put every USB-C hub via a gamut of primary exams. I checked out what might be plugged in without delay, the decision on the monitor, information switch speeds, the general construct high quality of the hub and basic usability elements, like the location of the ports and the size of the cords. And, lastly, the price-to-value ratio helped decide one of the best ones for a number of completely different use instances.Different hubs we testedHyperDrive Subsequent 10 Port USB-C HubThere’s quite a bit 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 high-speed information transfers are nice. It has the coveted two USB-C information 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 difficulty went away at 75 % brightness, however the identical downside didn’t occur on some other hub I examined.Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1)There’s nothing improper with the Anker 341 USB-C hub. In actual fact it’s a present advice in our iPad equipment information and it comes at an important $35 value. 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 little bit 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 case you’ve bought a decrease decision monitor and don’t want multiple USB-C, you received’t be disillusioned with it.Anker 555 8-in-1It was a troublesome name between the UGreen Revodoc Professional 109 and the Anker 555 8-in-1 for our prime advice. Each have an analogous 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, further USB-A port and longer wire that offers you two further 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 (information 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 a protracted wire that wraps across the hub itself, which is exclusive. It doesn’t hassle with energy supply, which isn’t a difficulty in case you can energy your laptop immediately. 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 in your setup.Current updatesAugust 2025: Up to date to make sure our prime picks are nonetheless present and correct.April 2025: Added our expertise with the Anker 555 8-in-1 hub to the Different hubs we examined part.