Stuck juggling a mouse, keyboard, external drive, and that fancy new gaming headset – all fighting for a single USB port? We've all been there. This is why it's beneficial to have a handy USB hub in your tech toolbox to solve your port scarcity crisis. Today, we'll crack open the different types of hubs, explore the features that matter most, and ultimately help you find the perfect hub to transform your desk setup from a tangled mess to a masterpiece of organization.
L'Aise Vie 7-Port USB 2.0 Hub
Best Budget See at AmazonRREAKA USB Type C to HDMI Digital AV Multiport Hub
Best Compact Hub See at AmazonSABRENT 60W 10 Port USB 3.0 Hub
Best for Desktops $53 at WalmartAnker Anker 541 USB-C Hub (6-in-1)
Best iPad USB Hub See at AmazonTP-Link Powered USB Hub 3.0
Best for Laptops See at Amazon- See More
SABRENT USB-C 6-in-1 Hub
Best for Macbook Users See at Amazon
Best USB Hubs
Best BudgetL'Aise Vie 7-Port USB 2.0 Hub
Your Budget-Friendly Port Multiplier
Brand L'Aise Vie Connection USB 2.0 Type-A Ports 7 x USB 2.0 Type-A USB-C Power Delivery No Weight 3.84 ouncesThis L'Aise Vie 7-port hub expands your computer's reach. Connect your flash drive, mouse, keyboard, printer, and more – all at once! Plus, it protects your devices and transfers files at decent speeds, making it a handy tool for any busy desk.
Pros & Cons- Individual port on/off switches for power conservation
- Expands a single USB port to seven
- Built-in surge protection
- Slower USB 2.0 transfer speeds compared to newer USB standards
For those on a tight tech budget, the L'Aise Vie 7-Port USB 2.0 Hub is a lifesaver. This no-frills solution expands your computer's connectivity from a single port to a whopping seven, letting you connect your essentials like flash drives, external hard drives, keyboards, mice, and even printers.
While it won't win any awards for speed (it utilizes USB 2.0 technology), it offers sufficient transfer rates for everyday tasks and is perfectly suitable for basic file transfers. The individual port on/off switches are a handy feature, allowing you to disable unused ports and conserve power. Plus, the built-in surge protection adds a layer of security for your connected devices.
Best Compact HubRREAKA USB Type C to HDMI Digital AV Multiport Hub
Your Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
Brand Rreaka Connection 4K HDMI Ports USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C USB-C Power Delivery Yes Power supply included NoThis USB-C hub turns your Nintendo Switch or other USB-C device into a portable powerhouse. Plus, its compact size and cool aluminum design make it perfect for on-the-go gaming sessions.
Pros & Cons- Ultra-compact and portable design
- 4K HDMI output for stunning visuals
- Works with various USB-C devices like laptops and the Nintendo Switch
- Sleek and durable aluminum alloy construction
- May require specific connection order for some devices
For those who crave a minimalist and portable solution for their USB-C devices, the RREAKA USB-C Hub is a dream come true. This tiny titan packs a punch, transforming your phone, laptop, or Nintendo Switch into a versatile entertainment or productivity powerhouse.
Despite its compact size, the RREAKA hub boasts a 4K HDMI output, allowing you to project stunning visuals onto a bigger screen. It also includes a USB-C charging port to keep your device powered up during extended use. Plus, the aluminum alloy construction offers a sleek and durable design that can withstand being tossed in your bag.
Best for DesktopsSABRENT 60W 10 Port USB 3.0 Hub
Declutter Your Desktop and Work in Style
This 10-port Sabrent USB hub lets you connect everything from phones and tablets to external drives with super-fast data transfer speeds. It even has 3 smart charging ports to keep your gadgets juiced up.
Pros & Cons- 10 ports to connect all your USB devices
- Individual on/off switches for power management
- 60W power supply for charging devices
- Stock cables might be a bit stiff for some setups
Drowning in a sea of USB devices? The ABRENT 60W 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub is definitely something you need. This powerhouse hub boasts a whopping 10 ports, letting you connect everything from external hard drives and printers to smartphones and tablets – all at once. No more scrambling behind your gaming PC to find a free port!
The SABRENT hub also features individual on/off switches for each port, giving you complete control over your connected devices. This is a lifesaver for managing power consumption and preventing phantom drain from unused devices.
Best iPad USB HubAnker Anker 541 USB-C Hub (6-in-1)
Your iPad's Do-It-All Companion
This Anker 6-in-1 USB-C hub expands your iPad's ports in style. Connect to bigger screens, transfer files, charge your device, and access SD cards – all from one sleek and compact adapter.
Pros & Cons- Compact and stylish design
- 3.5mm audio jack for headphone or speaker connection
- Built-in SD and microSD card slots for easy photo/video transfer
- 4K HDMI for connecting to larger displays
- Relies on iPad's internal battery for power delivery
The 541 boasts a variety of ports that cater to almost any need. The 4K HDMI lets you extend your iPad's display to a bigger screen, perfect for presentations, watching movies, or gaming on a larger canvas. The multi-function USB-C port allows you to charge your iPad at high speeds while simultaneously transferring files or connecting to peripherals. Plus, the microSD and SD card slots make it a breeze to offload photos and videos from your camera or access additional storage.
But it doesn't stop there! The 541 even includes a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can connect your favorite headphones or speakers without needing a separate adapter. With its stylish design that complements your iPad perfectly, the Anker 541 seamlessly blends into your workflow without adding bulk.
Best for LaptopsTP-Link Powered USB Hub 3.0
For the Laptop Warriors!
This TP-Link USB hub adds 7 super-speed USB ports to your computer, letting you connect everything from external drives to printers. It even includes 2 fast-charging ports for your phone and tablet, all protected by built-in safeguards for worry-free use.
Pros & Cons- Powered design ensures stable performance for all devices
- Robust build quality for long-lasting use
- Dedicated power button for individual device control
- Not compatible with Windows 11 out of the box (requires a separate version)
Unlike many bus-powered hubs, the TP-Link comes with its own dedicated power supply. This ensures stable performance even when you connect power-hungry devices like external hard drives or mobile phones. Plus, it boasts a total of 7 ports, giving you ample space to connect everything from your printer and mouse to a flash drive and webcam.
The TP-Link hub is also a champion of reliability. It has a robust build quality and consistent performance. It even boasts a dedicated power button for complete control over your connected devices. No more unplugging everything just to turn off a single device!
Best for Macbook UsersSABRENT USB-C 6-in-1 Hub
Your Missing Ports' Savior!
Get extra USB ports, an SD card reader, and even connect to a 4K monitor – all in a compact design that's perfect for travel or a busy workspace.
Pros & Cons- 100W USB-C Power Delivery for charging
- HDMI port for connecting to external displays
- 6 essential ports for expanded connectivity
- Compact and lightweight design for portability
- May not be ideal for connecting high-bandwidth devices like external graphics cards
For MacBook users lamenting the lack of ports on their sleek machines, the SABRENT USB-C 6-in-1 Hub is a knight in shining armor. This compact and versatile adapter brings back the connectivity you crave, transforming your MacBook into a powerful workstation or entertainment hub.
The 6-in-1 hub boasts a variety of ports that cater to almost any need. The all-important 100W USB-C Power Delivery port ensures your MacBook stays charged while you work or play. The included HDMI port lets you extend your display to a bigger screen, perfect for presentations or movie nights.
Three USB 3.0 ports provide ample space for connecting external drives, printers, or other peripherals. On top of that, the microSD and SD card reader makes it a breeze to offload photos and videos from your camera or access additional storage.
FAQ
Are USB hubs good for gaming?
USB hubs can be beneficial for gamers, especially those with laptops that have limited USB ports. A good quality USB hub allows you to connect all your essential gaming peripherals, like your mouse, keyboard, headset, and external storage, without having to constantly swap them out. This can be a real convenience and improve your overall gaming experience.
However, it's important to choose the right USB hub for your needs. Make sure it has enough ports and the right kind of ports (USB 2.0, 3.0, etc.) for your devices.
Do USB hubs cause input lag for gaming?
A well-made USB hub shouldn't introduce any noticeable input lag for gaming. However, there are a few things to consider:
- USB hub quality: Opt for a reputable brand and a hub with good reviews. Lower quality hubs might have internal limitations that could cause lag.
- USB version: USB 3.0 hubs offer faster data transfer speeds than 2.0, which can be beneficial for some gaming peripherals.
- Connection overload: Avoid overloading your USB hub with too many devices. This can put strain on the hub and potentially lead to lag.
Should I get a 2.0 or 3.0 USB hub?
For most gaming peripherals, a USB 2.0 hub will suffice. However, if you use devices that benefit from faster data transfer speeds, like external storage drives for frequently accessed game files, a USB 3.0 hub is a better choice. Here's a quick breakdown:
- USB 2.0: Ideal for basic peripherals like mice, keyboards, and headsets.
- USB 3.0: Offers faster data transfer speeds, beneficial for external storage drives, some high-end headsets, and future-proofing your setup.
Best Steam Deck Docks In 2024
These docks are a great way to charge your Steam Deck.
Posts
