The best USB Type-C hubs can maximize the available ports on your Laptop, unlocking a ton of further potential for your device. Not only will these hubs expand on your port selection, but many also afford impressive Power Delivery throughput to keep your devices charged up throughout the day.
A docking station is a fantastic option if you're looking to build up a workstation around your laptop, but a hub is better for those minimalist setups that need just a few extra ports on hand to get the job done. Wondering about the difference between these two devices? Then check out our explainer on the difference between a USB-C hub and a docking station.
Whether you're looking for a better typing experience, more fluid control of your device, or a way to expand on your machine's I/O offerings we have our selection of the best keyboards, best mouse, and best docking stations. However, sometimes all you need is a little portable port-pep in your step, and for that, we've drawn up our list of the best USB Type-C hubs you can get your hands on right now.
The bestUSB Type-Chubs to buy today
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1. EZQuest USB-C Multimedia Hub
A virtually flawless USB-C hub for laptops
Specifications
Ports: 3 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI output, 1 x SDHC card reader, 1 x Micro SDHC card reader, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
Reasons to buy
+ Support for multiple devices Sleek aluminum design 4K support Dual SD card readers 100W power delivery
Reasons to avoid
- No Thunderbolt 4 No dual-screen support
As far as USB-C hubs go, the EZQuest Multimedia Hub is the best out there. With a competitive price, all the right ports to manage extra PC peripherals and storage devices, the added perk of 100W passthrough power delivery, and compatibility with virtually every platform, this sleek and travel-friendly hub will get the job done.
While its lack of support for 60Hz on external displays and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity make this a device more suited for professionals and casual consumers, it still offers incredible versatility that any laptop user can make the most out of. If you’re looking for a USB-C hub that will act as a faithful companion to your work setup, the EZQuest Multimedia Hub is a no-brainer.
See our full EZQuest USB-C Multimedia Hub
2. Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub
The best overall USB-C hub for MacBooks
Specifications
Ports: 3 x USB-A 3.0, 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI v1.4, 1 x SD card reader, 1 x microSD
Reasons to buy
+ Multiple ports 4K HDMI support Small and lightweight Very affordable
Reasons to avoid
- Dodgy pass-through power delivery
Plugable is known to deliver quality USB-C hubs and docking stations, but its USB-C 7-in-1 Hub knocks it out of the park. At its price (currentlylistedat $27) and the number of different ports and features it sports, this USB-C hub is a steal.
With three USB 3.0 ports with 5Gbps transfer speeds, HDMI 1.4 connectivity which can support 4K resolution at 30Hz, and two SD card readers, there’s not much else a laptop user who is on the move will need. It’s a shame the USB-C 87W pass-through charging is dodgy, but there are many laptops with a separate power supply for charging, anyway.
See our full Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub review
3. Kensington G1000P USB-C Mini Dock
A brilliant hybrid USB-C hub with reliable ports
Specifications
Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C 3.2 (host port), 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
Reasons to buy
+ Pocketable, compact design 85W Power Delivery
USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports
+4K at 60Hz support
Reasons to avoid
- Could use extra ports USB-C cable is a little long
The Kensington G1000P USB-C Mini Dock is a portable pocket rocket that can expand the potential of MacBooks, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops that have sacrificed their ports for a sleek design. It may not be the flashiest USB-C hub around, but it doesn’t need to be when its compact form factor and reliable selection of ports can give your ultraportable laptop the connectivity it needs.
With its pocketable, compact design and some heavy-duty USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, Kensington’s G1000P USB-C Mini Dock fills the gap between needing more ports and not having to lug around a hefty docking station. But not too many more ports. While its hybrid USB-C hub capabilities of delivering 85W charging and lightweight form factor are useful, an extra port of two would have made this Mini Dock go the distance.
Still, for Windows laptops, MacBook, and Chromebook users who only need a couple of reliable ports, this makes it onto our list of best USB-C hubs.
See our full Kensington G1000P USB-C Mini Dock review
4. Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station
A stellar hybrid USB-C hub in disguise
Specifications
Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 Alt Mode, 2 x HDMI 2.0 output, 1 x SD card reader, 1 x Micro SD card reader, 1 x Gigabit Ethernet
Reasons to buy
+ Support for multiple devices Travel-friendly Dual 4K support at 60Hz Dual SD card readers 100W power delivery
Reasons to avoid
- Odd port placement One USB-A for charging Pricey
It’s unfair to call Targus’ USB-C Dual 4K Docking Station an actual “docking station,” as it doesn’t have nearly enough ports to contend with those formidable accessories. But I can see why Targus has called it one. It boasts 100W Power Delivery and two HDMI 2.0 inputs with 4K capabilities at 60Hz — that’s not something many USB-C hubs can do.
MacBook AirorDell XPS 13owners are due an awakening for port expansion, but any laptop user will get a kick out of how simple yet handy Targus’ dock can be in most circ*mstances.
The USB-C Dual 4K Docking Station is a hybrid USB-C hub in disguise. It could have benefitted from an extra USB-A port, (as well as better port management), but it’s still an incredibly handy accessory any laptop and tablet user will get great use out of.
See our full Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station review
5. Kensington SD1650P USB-C 4K Portable Docking Station
The best versatile, travel-friendly hub
Specifications
Ports : 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen1, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x VGA Full HD, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet
Reasons to buy
+ Support for multiple devices Neat portable design 100W pass-through power 4K support
Reasons to avoid
- Pricey Additional ports needed No dual-screen support
The Kensington SD1650P USB-C Single 4K Portable Docking Station is the “something more” owners of multiple devices should be interested in. Not only does the hybrid dock charge your Windows laptop with impressive 100W pass-through power while adding several ports, but it can also do the same for aMacBook,iPad, and even an Android tablet. If it supports USB-C connectivity, Kensington’s dock will, more likely than not, work like a charm.
The SD1650P Portable Docking Station’s compatibility is hard to beat, and since it can work off a devices’ power supply without needing a power adapter (you’ll lose the 100W power pass through), the device is a fantastic choice for travelling professionals. The ability to immediately give virtually all your devices extra ports, video output options, and a power supply using one USB-C port makes this hybrid portable dock one of the best USB-C hubs on the market, especially for MacBook users.
It’s a shame the price and limited selection of ports lets the SD1650P Portable Docking Station down, especially when other hubs are significantly more affordable. For those in need of a highly versatile device, the dock is worth your hard-earned cash, especially with its 100W pass-through power, which rivals even pricier docking stations.
See our full Kensington SD1650P USB-C 4K Portable Docking Station review
6. Kensington SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock
The best hybrid dock for travelling professionals
Specifications
Ports: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen1, 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen, 1 x HDMI v1.4, 1 x HD VGA, Gigabit Ethernet Port
Reasons to buy
+ USB-C pass-through power Easily transportable 4K output Lightweight
Reasons to avoid
- Could use more ports Awkward port placement Flimsy design
The Kensington SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock is unique as it acts as a viable docking station and an excellent USB-C hub for laptop users on the move. Its USB-C passthrough power supply and additional ports will free up all your other laptop inputs while charging your laptop and any other devices connected to it. Don’t need a power supply? That’s fine, as it can also be powered by your laptop.
While Kensington labels the SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock as a docking station on the device’s listingpage, it also claims it can use a laptop’s battery when traveling — which is, by the company’sdefinition, a USB-C hub. In truth, it simply brings the best of both worlds. If you can excuse the awkward port placement and don’t have a 16-inch MacBook Pro (2020), this mobile dock is a solid purchase for traveling professionals.
See our full Kensington SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock review
7. Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310)
The best overall USB Type-C hub you can buy
Specifications
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x VGA, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 2 x USB 3.2 Type-C, 1 x MFDP USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
Reasons to buy
+ Decent port selection Solid speeds Pocket-sized and ultra-portable Great support for external displays Up to 90W of Power Delivery
Reasons to avoid
- Awful cable management Plastic chassis feels fragile in places Pricey
Ultra-portable and ultra-powerful, the Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter is a USB-C hub that exchanges one port for a variety of seven more including HDMI, DisplayPort, Type-C and Type-A USB ports, and a speedy 1Gbps Ethernet port. The Mobile Adapter can also deliver up to 90W of Power Delivery and transmits data at solid rates, but it is a little pricey, and doesn't do cable management very well.
See our full Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter (DA310) review.
8. Landhoo 5-in-1 USB Type-C Hub
An slick and adaptable USB-Type C Hub
Specifications
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB 3.0, 1 x SD card slot, 1 x microSD card slot, 1 x USB Type-C (charging)
Reasons to buy
+ Type-C charging port Adds HDMI, SD memory ports
Reasons to avoid
- Not the strongest connection
You may not have heard of accessory-maker Landhoo before, but this snap-on hub, available in silver, space gray, black, gold and rose gold, is starting the company out on the right foot with us.
Not only does it offer an HDMI output port, dual USB 3.0 ports, an SD memory reader, and a microSD memory reader, but its pass-through-charging Type-C port means it's good for those with only one Type-C port. The only thing I disliked is that its connection didn't feel as stable as others, as it jiggled uncomfortably when I connected devices to it.
9. HooToo USB-C Adapter 3.1
A solid USB Type-C hub with plenty of ports
Specifications
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x SD card slot, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB Type-C
Reasons to buy
+ Every port you need Features SD card reader
Reasons to avoid
- Comparatively expensive
It's easy to see why this is a best-seller on Amazon. Pass-through charging, SD card readers, three USB 3.0 ports, and HDMI output mean it has everything we look for in a Type-C hub. But unless you want those card readers, you're better off saving $25 and buying Aukey's squarish-puck hub, which packs one more USB 3.0 port.
10. Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock
A solid choice for high-resolution displays
Specifications
Ports: 1 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 1 x RJ45 Ethernet, 1 x USB 3.1
Reasons to buy
+ High speeds 4K support Tuck-away wire Petite
Reasons to avoid
- Pricey
The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock has four ports: one USB 3.1 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and an RJ45 Ethernet port, which all functioned correctly. This dock allows you to enjoy fast Thunderbolt speeds and the luxury of two 4K extended displays, and it also has a slim design with a convenient tuck-away wire.
However, the dock isn’t compatible with USB Type-C, so it’ll only connect to a Thunderbolt 3 port, and it doesn’t have a Type-C connector to replace the one that it’s taking up.
The Elgato Thunderbolt Dock Utility app that it does offer is available for only macOS (it allows you to disconnect all storage devices at once and tells you when it's safe to disconnect the dock itself).
It’s a little pricey for $149 (even when it’s on sale for $99), but overall, the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is a solid choice if you’re interested in connecting to high-resolution displays.
USB-C: What you need to know
USB Type-C has plenty of perks, and with one of the USB Type-C hubs you might be considering getting, you'll be able to copy files at USB 3.1 speeds, deliver enough power to charge a laptop, or use Alt Mode to send other types of data using DisplayPort orThunderbolt 3connections.
Essentially, it's a tiny, super-fast connector that many of the best laptops today have a connector for, with the only downside being that USB A or USB B connectors can't be used with a USB Type-C port (that's where a USB Type-C hub comes in handy).
However, there are USB-C accessories and cables that make charging and transferring data even better for thebest laptops,best Chromebooks,andbest tabletson the market. Better yet, they don't have to be too pricey, either.
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Rael Hornby
Content Editor
Rael Hornby, potentially influenced by far too many LucasArts titles at an early age, once thought he’d grow up to be a mighty pirate. However, after several interventions with close friends and family members, you’re now much more likely to see his name attached to the bylines of tech articles. While not maintaining a double life as an aspiring writer by day and indie game dev by night, you’ll find him sat in a corner somewhere muttering to himself about microtransactions or hunting down promising indie games on Twitter.
With contributions from
- Darragh MurphyEditor
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