USB hubs

How to choose a USB hub

A new laptop often has just two USB-C ports, and a MacBook has no USB-A. A hub turns one port into four to ten and, if needed, adds HDMI, a network port and a card reader. Check which ports you have and what you want to connect at the same time.

• Host port. A USB-C hub suits newer laptops and the MacBook, a USB-A hub suits desktops. A USB-C hub with HDMI only works if the computer's port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode — check the specification.
• Number and type of ports. For travel, 4–5 ports (USB-A, HDMI, USB-C) are enough; for a home desk choose 7–10 — filter by port count on the left.
• Speed. USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/s) is fine for a mouse and keyboard, USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s) for an external drive, USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) for a fast SSD.
• Power Delivery. If the hub's USB-C input supports PD (60–140 W), the laptop charges through the hub and only one port is taken. The hub draws 10–15 W: a 100 W charger delivers about 85 W to the laptop.
• Power and video. A passive hub powers devices from the computer's port (up to 4.5 W) — external hard drives need a powered hub. Hub HDMI mostly gives 4K at 30 Hz; for smooth motion pick 4K at 60 Hz.

USB hubs in our range

Most of the range is USB-C multiport hubs with HDMI and a card reader: Hyper HyperDrive Next 8-port with 140 W PD, HyperDrive Flex, Lenovo 7-in-1, D-Link DUB-M530 and ICY BOX IB-HUB1743 9-in-1. Travel hubs Dell Pro DA225 and AXAGON HUE-C2A fit in a pocket. USB-C hubs with USB ports only: PORT Connect 4-port with 100 W power, TP-Link UH6120C 6-port. USB-A hubs for the desktop: TP-Link UH400 and Lindy 4-port, AXAGON HUE-F7A 7-port, Logilink UA0125 and ICY BOX IB-AC6110 10-port, powered. Hubs with Gigabit Ethernet Digitus DA-70255 and HyperDrive HDMB2 replace a missing LAN socket.

Brands

Hyper HyperDrive is the MacBook owner's favourite, with the highest PD power in the range. AXAGON offers a wide choice of affordable USB-A and USB-C hubs, Raidsonic ICY BOX large powered hubs. TP-Link and D-Link make simple, dependable hubs at a sensible price; Lindy and Digitus are German quality familiar from offices. Dell and Lenovo hubs suit laptops of the same make, and Vention covers the budget end.

USB hub or docking station?

A hub is compact, powered from the laptop's port and made to carry around, usually with one HDMI. A docking station stays on the desk with its own power supply, drives two or three monitors and charges the laptop fully. Moving between a desk and a meeting room — pick a hub; laptop living on a desk with two monitors — look at docking stations. As a small item, a hub reaches an Omniva, DPD or Venipak locker within 1–2 working days.

Related products

Alongside a hub, see USB cables, card readers and laptop stands — some AXAGON stands have a hub built in. New machines are under laptops, all accessories in peripherals.

Frequently asked questions

Does a USB-C hub work with a MacBook? Yes, every USB-C hub works with the MacBook Air and Pro, but base M-series chips drive only one external monitor through a hub.

Why is there no picture over the hub's HDMI? The computer's USB-C port does not support DisplayPort Alt Mode — on cheaper laptops it is often for data and charging only. Look for a DP or lightning symbol by the port.

Does the hub charge the laptop? Only if the hub has a Power Delivery input with your own charger plugged in — one 10–15 W more powerful than the laptop needs.

Why does an external drive keep disconnecting from the hub? A passive hub cannot supply enough current — connect the drive directly or choose a powered hub.

Does a hub slow down data transfer? All ports share one cable's bandwidth: two drives copying at once each get half the speed; a single device sees no difference.