Greatest USB-C hubs and dongles 2024: Add ports to your laptop computer or pill

Worth When Reviewed:

$79.99

Why I just like the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

Can a USB-C hub really feel elegant? This one does. Anker’s 8-in-1 USB-C hub feels surprisingly weighty (4.5 ounces), with a premium metallic (aluminum and polycarbonate) sheen that retains the hub cool. Total, Anker’s hub is properly designed, with satisfactory spacing between the 2 5Gbps USB-A ports. There’s additionally a 5Gbps USB-C connection for knowledge, plus a second USB-C port for energy enter at as much as 85W rated. (The charger permits as much as 100W in, however provides 85W.) There’s each an SD card slot and a microSD card slot, too.

I had beforehand beneficial Anker’s 7-in-1 Hub as a substitute. Each hubs are comparable, however this improve provides two issues: an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port able to 60Hz. The sooner choose output simply 30Hz, and that functionality was getting a bit outdated.

The hub provides an 18-month guarantee, and it even ships with a carrying pouch.  I believe this hub contains the correct mix of ports for the proper worth.

Who can buy the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub

That is our greatest choose, so I’d advocate it to only about anybody. Most customers will be capable to reap the benefits of the USB-A ports for legacy mice and keyboards, the HDMI port, a USB-C port, and Ethernet. These are the ports I’d anticipate on a tool like this. If you happen to’re in search of extra show ports or extra USB-C connections, nonetheless, you’ll want to purchase a extra premium system.

Execs

• Simply the fundamentals
• Strong worth
• 100W pass-through charging

Worth When Reviewed:

$35.99

Why I just like the Hiearcool USB-C Hub

Let’s face it: If you happen to’ve ever browsed Amazon’s stock of USB-C hubs, it’s straightforward to be overwhelmed. I can inform you that I think about worth closely on a few of these picks, and it is a USB-C hub that I’ve personally used. It really works, it provides a myriad of ports, and it does so at a really, excellent worth. (This hub dates again to after I first began this web page, and didn’t challenge particular person critiques of each product.) It even ships in a number of colours, which is useful when peering into the depths of a journey bag or briefcase.

This hub features a pair of USB-A ports, microSD and SD card slots, and an HDMI port, and that’s all. It accepts as much as a rated 100W of USB-C enter charging, too.

Who can buy the Hiearcool USB-C Hub

This can be a hub for primary enlargement, particularly when you personal an older laptop computer. It has one HDMI port that’s solely able to 4K decision at a fatiguing 30Hz. Nonetheless, it is going to work simply wonderful for an single exterior 1080 show or perhaps a 1440p monitor, when you personal one. The 2 USB-A ports are designed for a mouse and keyboard, or a printer. If you happen to want one thing low-cost and succesful, this hub will work simply wonderful.

Worth When Reviewed:

$54.99

Why I just like the Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock

Monoprice calls this a dock, however it sits throughout the conventional hub kind issue — and it’s priced like a hub, too. This 13-in-1 USB-C hub does all of it, together with connecting to 2 4K shows (one at 60Hz, one at 30Hz). It does so through the use of assist for built-in compression methods inside fashionable laptops to squeeze more practical throughput over the 10Gbps USB-C port. There are completely gobs of ports, together with 5 USB-A ports (two at 480Mbps for mice and keyboards), the 2 HDMI 1.2 connections, and even a DisplayPort port.

There’s even an influence enter jack, so you should use your laptop computer’s charger and feed as much as a examined 87W into the laptop computer. There aren’t any USB-C ports, however the assumption is that you should use your laptop computer for that.

Who can buy the Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock

If you happen to personal a contemporary laptop computer and wish entry to a ton of legacy ports for an affordable worth, this Monoprice hub/dock must be your selection. It’s essential personal a contemporary laptop computer, although; a Microsoft Floor Ebook 2 with an Eighth-gen Core chip inside didn’t produce any output over its USB-C port; a number of current Samsung and Floor laptops with Twelfth-gen and Thirteenth-gen Core chips inside labored properly, although.

Worth When Reviewed:

$189.99

Why I just like the Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station

A docking station usually provides extra ports and a devoted energy provide. What I like about this Cyber Acoustics dock is that it could drive two 4K shows if you might want to, at 60Hz decision. It can also fast-charge a smartphone with its built-in USB-C dock, which a bus-powered USB hub like those above can’t do. It additionally places out about 90W to your laptop computer, which is sufficient to energy most laptops. You’ll discover it has each the USB-C port in addition to 5 USB-A ports, lots for enlargement, plus the HDMI connections and even Ethernet.

The catch is that this actually solely works properly on Twelfth-gen Core laptops and above. It makes use of a little bit of black magic referred to as HBR3 with DSC to push compressed knowledge via the 10Gbps USB-C connection, and in my expertise something Eleventh-gen and older dangers it not working in any respect. I actually like this dock, however my ranking is weighted by the necessity for contemporary {hardware}.

Who can buy the Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station

If you happen to purchase this docking station, you’ll wish to depart it in your desk, with a monitor or two and several other peripherals connected. USB-C dongles are moveable by nature, and you should use considered one of our earlier recommendations for engaged on the highway. This dock can also be suited to somebody who plans to work with two shows, relatively than only one. Is it higher than a Thunderbolt dock? Probably not, however when you’ve got a laptop computer with out Thunderbolt, this will approximate the capabilities of these gadgets.

Simply to reiterate, nonetheless: You’ll want a contemporary laptop computer, with a Twelfth-gen Core chip and above, for this dock to work its magic. If in case you have an older laptop computer, this isn’t the system for you.

Worth When Reviewed:

$159.99

Why I just like the Dockcase Sensible USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Version

A part of me loves the sheer nerdiness of the Dockcase 10-in-1 Dock, if solely as a result of I’ve by no means seen something prefer it by way of the knowledge it provides.

Not solely is the metallic hub bigger than most, with a number of exterior connectors that designate a premium hub, however there’s an precise show: A small LCD display screen supplies an in depth have a look at what gadgets are linked to every port and what their capabilities are. Put one other manner, the Dockcase Sensible USB-C Hub 10-in-1 feels extra like an OBD2 diagnostic system in your automotive, or a USB multimeter.

As a dock, it’s glorious. As a instrument, it could use some enchancment: The interface is extraordinarily clunky, and Dockcase actually doesn’t actually have a handbook that explains all of it. However this system can also be sufficiently small that it fulfills the necessities of a docking station with out it being ungainly.

Who can buy the Dockcase Sensible USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Version

Nerds. Yep, this is likely one of the nerdiest merchandise I’ve ever used, and I like and detest the way it simply enables you to kind of uncover what it could do. However it tells you what your laptop computer is connecting to and the way it’s working! It even experiences glitches! I really like that.

Are you the kind of one who owns an OBD scanner to diagnose any points along with your automotive? If you’re, that is the USB-C hub for you.

Worth When Reviewed:

$41.99

Why I just like the IOGEAR Journey Professional USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460)

At 2.8 x 0.31 x 1.22 inches, IOgear’s Journey Professional Mini Dock is an odd duck: a cheap, comparatively tiny USB-C dock that plugs immediately into your laptop computer, with out a connecting wire. USB-C energy enter at as much as 60Hz, USB-A, HDMI (at as much as 4K60), and a headphone jack: easy and efficient. It’s a minimalist answer in all facets.

Who can buy the IOGEAR Journey Professional USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460)

Possibly you’ve got neck or again points, or simply need the lightest laptop computer and peripherals attainable. You hate muddle. This IOGEAR Mini Dock slides proper into an accessible USB-C port and supplies enlargement capabilities with out a complete lot of fuss. That is actually the smallest USB-C dock I’ve seen, and for some those who issues.

The one factor I don’t like about it: If you happen to personal a laptop computer with a number of ports spaced carefully collectively, the Mini Dock might block entry. That will make it a handicap, so ensure and verify before you purchase.

Worth When Reviewed:

$199.99

That is our high choose for an upgraded DisplayLink dock, which has its personal execs and cons — barely costlier than a USB-C docking station, however extra options, too.

Why I just like the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615

Ugreen’s 9-in-1 USB-C docking station is typical of the model: high quality design and manufacture, obtuse naming, and pricing that appears to fluctuate from one vendor to the subsequent. However this DisplayLink dock provides a wonderful mixture of port flexibility at a strong worth. There may be one catch: It lacks any energy enter in any respect, and also you’ll want to make use of your laptop computer’s USB-C energy provide (or purchase one) to cost each this dock and the laptop computer itself.

Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually secure, with no flickering between shows — one of many causes I like DisplayLink docks. The value nails that candy spot, too. Simply keep in mind to deliver your smartphone charger.

Who can buy the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615

DisplayLink docks match between a USB-C dongle and a Thunderbolt dock, and I at all times consider a DisplayLink purchaser as a small enterprise proprietor or house employee who is targeted on productiveness and plenty of high-end shows. DisplayLink docks excel for workplace work, and battle a bit in dealing with excessive body charges for video games.

Worth When Reviewed:

239.99

Why I just like the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock

Sonnet’s Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock’s built-in compression means you possibly can join to a few 4K shows with out penalty. And sure, it really works as marketed. I additionally love that Sonnet spent a lot time explaining the dock and its options. You don’t usually see such a well-documented dock, and it’s pleasant to newcomers. There’s loads of charging energy for each smartphones and laptops alike, too.

The efficiency of this dock was glorious, although (as famous above) it did disconnect as soon as whereas utilizing it. The one knock in opposition to it’s the awful audio — however your laptop computer most likely already has a headphone jack. Simply use that as a substitute. This dock can also be a bit costlier than the Ugreen dock, which is why I’ve pushed it right down to runner-up standing.

Who can buy the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock

I’ve to say that the Echo 13’s documentation actually does assist in recommending this dock to newcomers, as does the guarantee. If you happen to’re feeling a bit unsure about USB-C hubs and docking stations, this dock supplies reassurance. Simply ensure your laptop computer has a headphone jack.

Keep in mind when laptops used to comprise all types of ports: USB-A, HDMI, SD card slots, and extra? And do you keep in mind how svelte the early Macintosh laptops regarded, particularly when Apple started eradicating the entire ports in favor of USB-C and Thunderbolt? PC makers did, and determined that was the strategy that they might take, too.

Sadly, that left laptop computer house owners such as you with the issue of legacy {hardware}: printers, keyboards, SD card, micro SD playing cards, and so forth — and with no ports to plug them into. Enter the USB-C hub, a cheap product that helps clear up that downside. Simply take note of what ports the USB-C hub provides, to ensure it meets your wants.

Right here’s the brief reply: If you wish to join your laptop computer to a printer, an SD card or microSD card, mouse, keyboard, or legacy 1080p monitor, keep on with a primary 10Gbps USB-C hub/dongle. If you wish to add a pair of further shows (particularly 4K), or high-speed SSD drives, we’d advocate you have a look at our listing of 10Gbps DisplayLink docks or 40Gbps Thunderbolt docking stations. Typically, the bigger, powered docks provide extra options.

It is complicated, since all of them use the “similar” USB-C port. Typically, most fashionable laptops have a small Thunderbolt “lightning bolt” brand to assist distinguish the sooner port.

A USB-C hub or dongle (we use the phrases interchangeably) is a small, moveable system you can slide right into a bag or backpack. A USB-C docking station tends to be heavy and hulking sufficient that you just’ll wish to preserve it in your desk. It’s not true {that a} USB-C docking station can have extra options than a USB-C hub, as some compact USB-C hubs pack in a stunning variety of ports.

Docking stations are typically greater and bulkier, and are designed to reside in your desk. If there’s something that docking stations are inclined to have that dongles typically don’t, it’s a USB-C port designed solely to simply accept energy out of your laptop computer’s USB-C charger. That permits you to achieve further ports in addition to charging capabilities from the identical dock.

Actually, not a lot. Take note of our critiques and people from different customers, however purchase based on what the hub or dongle provides. You’ll be able to completely discover strong USB-C hubs and dongles for a cheap worth.

USB-C docking stations, although, can really feel a bit overpriced. Partly, that’s as a result of Thunderbolt docks have been wildly costly throughout the 2020 to 2021 pandemic years. USB-C docking stations are another, however their costs have been nudged upward, too. Fortuitously, costs have come down, as the provision chain regained a semblance of normalcy.

Each USB-C and Thunderbolt use the identical USB-C connection. The distinction is {that a} “generic” USB-C connection usually supplies 10Gbps of bandwidth, and Thunderbolt supplies 40Gbps, with a highway to 120Gbps with 2024’s Thunderbolt 5.

Thunderbolt ports have gotten extra widespread, so it’s attainable that your laptop computer gained’t have any “USB-C” ports; they’ll be Thunderbolt-enabled as a substitute. (To inform the distinction, seek the advice of your laptop computer’s handbook or search for a small “lightning bolt” brand over the port itself. That’s normally an indication that it’s a Thunderbolt port.) A USB-C dongle and a Thunderbolt dock are comparable, in that they each present a lot of further ports.

There’s a key distinction, although. The rule of thumb is {that a} USB-C dongle supplies sufficient bandwidth for 2 1080p shows at 60Hz, or a single 4K show at 30Hz. (Observing any 30Hz show for a size of time can tire out your eyes, so I don’t advocate it.) A Thunderbolt dock, nonetheless, permits sufficient bandwidth to attach two 4K shows at 60Hz, plus all of the peripherals you want to connect. If you happen to don’t want huge, high-resolution shows, don’t purchase a Thunderbolt dock and buy a USB-C hub as a substitute.

A DisplayLink USB-C dock is what you would possibly name a “tweener” system: one thing between USB-C and Thunderbolt. DisplayLink docks embed a small chip from Synaptics within the docking station, and require use of a software program driver that you just’ll must obtain. (USB-C and Thunderbolt are primarily plug and play.) The Synaptics chip compresses the info, and provides you the power to attach (no joke) as much as three or typically 4 4K show throughout a 10Gbps USB-C cable. It feels a bit like black magic.

They’re not foolproof; DisplayLink docks are greatest for workplace work (e-mail, Phrase, Excel, and so forth that don’t require an entire lot of bandwidth, as a result of the pictures are largely static) and net looking. Switch a whole lot of knowledge (or play again a whole lot of high-bitrate video) and also you’ll see some stuttering.

We used to interrupt out DisplayLink docks into their very own web page, however we now embody suggestions on this listing of the perfect USB-C hubs, in addition to our listing of the best Thunderbolt docks. If you happen to store sensible, you will get the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock, for much less.

You’ll be able to completely join a USB-C hub to a Thunderbolt dock. You most likely gained’t be capable to join a USB-C dongle to a different USB-C dongle/hub, but when your laptop computer has multiple USB-C port, you possibly can join a USB-C hub to every.

Thunderbolt provides the power to “daisy-chain” gadgets, nonetheless, so you possibly can join one Thunderbolt dock to a different. USB-C, nonetheless, doesn’t.

USB-C hubs can get heat and even scorching whereas utilizing them to switch knowledge or cost gadgets. It’s because the digital elements and circuitry inside hubs construct up warmth throughout use. Relying upon the hub’s materials, warmth can change into trapped contained in the hub main it to change into scorching to the contact.

If you’re involved about your hub changing into too scorching throughout use, chances are you’ll take into account buying a hub created from metallic components, corresponding to aluminum, in order that warmth can extra simply dissipate because it builds up.