USB-C is the main connection type used by most new phones and other gadgets. A USB-C hub lets you connect your older devices to your latest gadgets that use USB-C connection. It also allows you to simultaneously connect multiple devices to your PC, Macbook or laptop.
To find the best USB-C hub for your needs, consider the number of ports you need and the hub's transfer pass-through speeds. You might also want to factor in if the hub allows laptop charging and has a memory card slot.
The team at Finder examined hundreds of USB-C hubs to help make your buying decision easier. We evaluated options found at Amazon and Harvey Norman based on customer reviews and ratings. For each category, we also chose products based on their key product features.
We picked the Belkin USB-C Multimedia Hub as the best overall USB-C hub you can buy online. It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Harvey Norman.
This multimedia USB-C hub offers up to 5Gb of bandwidth per second. It features USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Ethernet and SD card ports for the ultimate convenience. Additionally, it has a pass-through charging of up to 60W, making it the perfect choice for devices with only 1 USB-C port.
Customers gave positive feedback on the hub's durable build, fast data transfer and versatility. While it's a bit bulkier than other models, this product remains extremely portable, allowing you to connect multiple devices with ease. It also features handy SD card ports for memory cards. But at over $159, this hub is definitely at the pricier end of the spectrum.
Novoo’s USB C Hub is our choice for the best cheap option. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 reviews.
This 5-in-1 USB-C hub features 2 USB 3.0 ports, 1 HDMI 4K port, a micro SD/TD card reader slot and another SD card slot. Apart from a 4K display adapter for extending the display of your laptop, it offers up to 5Gb per second of bandwidth. The brand also claims that this hub is compatible with Macbook, Chromebook Pixel and Lenovo laptops, among others.
The general sentiment is that this is a durable yet affordable option if you’re on a budget. It provides fast data transfer and a compact design, suitable for travel. It also features tons of ports for connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Users loved that it is Macbook-compatible, but a few said the hub tends to overheat when connected to their Macbook.
For Macbooks, we selected the mBeat Elite Mini USB C Hub Adapter as the best USB-C hub. Amazon reviews gave it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
mBEat's Elite Mini features 4K USB-C HDMI, thunderbolt 3 power pass-through and an SD/TF reader. Apart from easy media access, it has a maximum PD power of 60W. It also has a brushed aluminium finish to perfectly complement your Macbook.
Numerous buyers were impressed by the hub's affordability, versatility and ease of use. Measuring 116mm x 10.5mm x 28.5mm, this product is also quite portable and travel-friendly. Data transfer is fast, but the hub can get very warm during the process according to some users.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we recommend Novoo's USB C Hub Multiport Adapter as the best USB-C adapter for multiple USB ports.
This USB-C hub dongle turns a single Type C into 7 versatile ports, including connections for USB-C to HDMI 4K, USB 3.0, USB 2.0 and Type C. It has a power delivery of up to 100W and 1,000Mbps of RJ45 Ethernet. Apart from being portable, this hub is compatible with Macbooks.
A compact option for laptops and PCs, Novoo's USB C Hub Multiport Adapter is easy to use and features a sleek design. It offers fast data transfer and the ability to charge your devices in no time. Users said it's quite durable, rivalling more expensive hubs. It tends to get hot during data transfer, but this seems to be a minor issue for most buyers.
When it comes to portability, we picked the Vunvooker USB C Hub, which has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
With up to 5Gb per second of bandwidth, Vunvooker's USB C Hub is a fast and reliable tool for all your data transfer needs. It features 4 ports, including 3 USB 2.0 ports and a single USB 3.0 port. It is also compatible with USB A 2.0 and below. Additionally, it supports Windows, Mac and Chromebook OS computers as well as an OTG function.
Customers gave positive feedback on the hub's portability and value for money. While it's not the most durable model out there, it is easy to use and offers plenty of versatility. It comes with a separate USB male to C-type female adapter and a long cord, allowing you to use the port expander with any laptop or desktop. It also doesn't heat up as much as other USB-C hubs during data transfer, according to reviews.
For laptops, we chose Cygnett's Unite DeskMate USB-C Hub as the best option. On Harvey Norman, users gave it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Designed in Australia, Cynett's Unite DeskMate lets you expand your device's connection capabilities. It offers up to 5Gb per second of bandwidth as well as a 100W PD pass-through charging. This hub also features 2 USB-A ports, a USB-C port, an RJ45 network adaptor and a 4K HDMI port.
Unite DeskMate has a sleek and durable build for longevity. It also lets you transfer and sync files in no time. The handy SD card slots are suitable for micro memory cards as well. Customers added that it doesn't get extremely hot during data transfer. However, it's quite expensive at over $130.
For travel, we selected the Novoo USB C Hub 8 in 1 USB-C Dock as the best option. It has a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This nifty USB-C hub from Novoo features 8 ports for all your connection needs. It has a USB-C PW port with up to 100W, an Ethernet port, 3 USB-A 3.0 ports and an SD/TF card slot. The brand also claims that it lets you charge up to 2 additional USB-A devices at the same time.
With its handy design and durable build, this product is an affordable option for travel. It has heaps of connection ports for various devices and a high-speed data transfer. The hub is also compatible with Macbooks and laptops with a Windows operating system. A few users said it makes a high pitch sound during data transfer.
Methodology
14 Brands considered
68 Products compared
7 Best products chosen
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we looked into numerous USB-C hubs available on Amazon and Harvey Norman. We examined models from the following brands:
Amazon Basics
Anken
Belkin
Cygnett
Heymix
Kingston
mBeat
Novoo
Plugable
Sabrent
Twelve South
UGreen
Vunvooker
Wavlink
We shortened our list based on customer ratings and reviews (as of May 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, including price, number of ports and size. We came up with what we believe are the 7 best USB-C hubs you can buy online.
How do USB-C hubs work?
USB-C is fast becoming the main technology for connecting and charging devices. It has been lauded as a future-proof, universal standard that is more powerful and user-friendly than previous USB types. The USB Implementers Forum developed the USB-C connector, which is currently the fastest and most powerful cable connection on the market. The organisation's membership is comprised of more than 700 technology companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, Hewlett-Packard (HP), NEC, Dell and Intel. Given this extensive and authoritative roster, USB-C has quickly become the most popular connection type on the market.
The majority of new computers, laptops, phones and external hard drives now come with USB-C. Purchasing a USB-C hub can be a cost-efficient way to continue to use your current devices if your PC or Mac only supports this new format. They also allow you to connect extra peripherals to lightweight laptops that typically only have 2 or 3 ports.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are found on most computers. These ports allow you to connect external devices to your computer. There are different types of USBs and different standards for what you can connect to the other end of the USB cable.
What types of USB connectors are available?
Design
Usage
Type-A
Flat and rectangular
Standard connector for many computers, TVs and gaming consoles
Type-B
Square shaped
Often used in printers and other computer accessories
Type-C
Reversible rectangular shape
Universal connector for computers, phones, gaming consoles and more
Mini-USB
Small and rectangular
Used to connect older mobile phones and cameras to computers
Micro-USB
Smaller than mini-USB
The previous standard for smartphones, tablets and other small devices
A USB-C hub allows users to connect multiple non-USB-C devices to laptops and desktop computers that support USB-C. Many new laptops only possess USB-C ports due to their compact and slim design, so a USB-C hub will let you connect your non-USB-C devices to your new laptop.
Our guide explains the different types of USB-C hubs that are available, so you can purchase the device that best suits your needs and budget. We'll detail the important features and provide essential information on where to buy one and what you can expect to pay.
How to compare USB-C hubs
When choosing a USB-C hub, consider the following factors:
Connection types
Most USB-C hubs provide a variety of connection ports for different types of devices. This may include USB-C, USB-A, Micro-USB, HDMI, DisplayPort and SD card slots for your memory cards. Work out the types of ports you need and make sure they are all included.
Number of ports
How many products do you intend to connect to the hub at the same time? This is an important consideration if you plan to use multiple peripherals simultaneously. For example, plugging in a mouse, keyboard and external hard drive will require a minimum of 3 USB ports.
Transfer speeds
USB-C hubs are an ideal way to transfer large amounts of data between devices. It's important that you check the specifications to learn how much output power your hub offers. Look for a maximum data-transfer rate of up to 5Gbps and check online user reviews to determine the actual data-transfer speed as not all hubs live up to their advertised rate.
Pass-through power
Most USB-C hubs can be powered by the laptop or computer they are connected to. They can also pass on any excess power to connected devices – charging your phone, for example. Just be mindful that connecting multiple or high-power devices will affect the hub's ability to pass on the required power. In some cases, you may need to connect your USB-C hub to an external power outlet. Check to see that your hub has this capacity if this is something you'll require.
SD or MicroSD?
If you require a memory card slot, check the hub's specifications to see what size card it takes. A standard SD card slot is preferable, as you'll still be able to use MicroSD via an adaptor.
Laptop charging
Some USB-C hubs are powerful enough to charge your laptop via the USB connection. Check the USB hub's product page to see if this feature is included for your laptop. (Look for a power pass-through rating of at least 100W.)
Design
USB-C hubs come in a wide variety of shapes and finishes, from narrow columns of colourful plastic to squat cubes of brushed aluminium. Some are better suited to portability while others are designed to stay on your desk.
Dimensions and weight
You might think that most USB-C hubs would be similar in size, but this isn't always the case. Some are larger and bulkier than others. If you plan on taking your hub on the road with you for work or pleasure, consider purchasing a lighter, sleeker product more suited for travel.
Extra cables
Most USB-C hubs don't come with the various cables you'll need to connect your external devices. Make sure you have all the necessary cables to hook up your gadgets. For example, some hubs come with a mini HDMI port. This means you will need an HDMI Type-A to Type-C cable to connect to TVs and monitors.
Frequently asked questions
USB hubs can be vulnerable to cyber attacks, as they do not sufficiently secure the communication lines when transferring data. To keep your computer and data secured, never transfer or open malicious files. You can also use a software tool to ensure your USB hubs and data transfer are secured.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
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