If you buy a laptop, it’s a safe bet that it offers one or more USB-C connectors. Here is our selection of the best USB-C hubs to correct this problem.
Let’s be honest: after more than 25 years of good and loyal service, the good old rectangular USB connector (also called USB-A) is at the end of its life. Most manufacturers in the Windows world have now switched to USB-C on their portable machines. A trend that is also observed on the rest of the connectors such as RJ-45 or HDMI.
While some still offer full connectivity, most ultraportables are now content with USB-C. A notable exception is Apple, which has made a 180° turn with its latest generation of MacBook Pro.
To survive this transition as comfortably as possible, we have selected USB-C hubs for your Windows PC or MacBook for you. We offer several hubs corresponding to several uses and budgets. In this selection, you will find hubs that not only have USB-A ports, but also HDMI outputs so that you can easily connect your computer to a screen.
Do you work from home? Do not hesitate to read our guide to the best remote working accessories to equip yourself well.
NOVOO 8-in-1 USB-C hub: the best USB-C hub
If you only need to choose one hub from this selection, choose this one. This NOVOO Hub has all the essential connectors: 3 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI for 4K at 30 frames per second, an SD reader + a microSD reader and finally Gigabit Ethernet. It is also fully compatible with 100W chargers and therefore suitable for MacBook Pro users. In short, it thus corresponds to all the classic uses, it is the choice which imposes itself “by default”.
This new version has a cable that folds, which limits the risk of damage to the integrated USB-C cable during transport. This is perhaps why it is a little more expensive than its competitors offering similar services. However, the additional cost is justified in view of the quality of the product.
The NOVOO 8-in-1 hub in brief
- 3 USB ports, two of which are 3.0
- HDMI (4K at 30 FPS)
- RJ45
- SD card and microSD
Novoo 6 in 1: the complete and inexpensive hub
If you are looking for an inexpensive USB-C hub, you can turn to this Novoo solution. We also use some of them in the editorial staff of Frandroid. This time it has two USB A ports, an HDMI socket (4K at 30 FPS) and two SD and microSD card readers.
In other words, you lose a USB-A port and the RJ45 compared to the Novoo hub mentioned above. It’s also important to note that this hub only supports 60W charging, so it won’t be able to charge powerful laptops like the MacBook Pro at full speed. On the other hand, it is however much more affordable.
The Noovoo 6-in-1 hub in brief
- 2 USB-A 3.0 ports
- hdmi
- SD card and microSD
- Charges at just 60W
Selore&S-Global USB-C 12 in 1: the most complete
Need as many takes as possible? You will find with this hub almost everything you can dream of. We obviously find the usual USB-A ports – 4 in number, with two USB 3.0 and 2 USB 2.0 – as well as two HDMI connectors, one of which is capable of transmitting 4 K at 30 frames per second, and finally SD and microSD card readers.
Rarer, and this is what makes it a particularly complete hub, it also has a gigabit Ethernet connector (RJ45) and above all a VGA output to connect a larger screen. oldschool which would not have HDMI. Note however that the video connectors cannot operate at the same time in extended “desktop” mode, you will only have copying on the second port. You also have a 3.5mm jack input/output. Finally, there is a USB-C input to charge your device. It supports up to 100 W and will therefore be suitable for a MacBook Pro.
The Selore&S-Global USB-C 12-in-1 hub in brief
- 4 USB-A ports including 2 USB 3.0
- Gigabit-Ethernet
- HDMI and VGA
- SD card and microSD
Satechi V2: the most elegant
At the heart of our selection, the Satechi brand USB-C hub is one of the most elegant, but also one of the most versatile. The product offers a pleasant construction, but above all very solid. It is made of 90% aluminum and goes perfectly with a MacBook.
In terms of connectors, the product highlights its variety. You will find on it three USB-A 3.0 ports, a single USB-C, an HMDI, an Ethernet, the slot for an SD card and a last one for a microSD. It supports charging pass-through up to 60 W. Something rarer, the HDMI output is capable of delivering 4K at 60 Hz, an excellent point.
In addition to MacBooks and other PCs, this Satechi hub can also be used on other products using USB-C such as tablets. However, we would not have said no to a second USB-C port. That said, the Satechi V2 is a high quality (although a bit pricey) everyday hub.
The Satechi V2 hub in brief
- Its build quality
- SD and MicroSD slots
- Gigabit-Ethernet
To choose the right USB-C hub
What are the benefits of USB-C?
USB-C has two main advantages over traditional USB. First, and in addition to higher speeds, it is capable of transmitting all kinds of data, including video. This is why the hubs can integrate an HDMI connector. Second, it is reversible. You no longer bother to try to connect your accessory in one direction, then in the other… to finally connect in the initial direction. If you are interested in the subject, you will find all the details in our dedicated article. Everything you need to know about USB Type-C: fast charging, data transfer, errors to avoid, etc.
What should I pay attention to before buying a USB-C hub?
Before buying a hub, you must take care of two essential elements. First check that all the connections you need are available, HDMI, Ethernet and of course traditional USB. Then, if you plan to charge your PC through the hub, also check that it has a USB-C input capable of passing an electric current corresponding to the power delivered by the machine’s charger.
60W is usually sufficient for ultrabook type computers (Chromebook, Dell XPS 13, MacBook Air, etc.), but 100W is better for more powerful machines, generally intended for professionals. To find out, the power is often indicated on the charger’s power supply.
Are there any precautions when using a USB-C hub?
As with any material through which electric current passes, a few precautions should be taken. While it is normal for the hub to give off heat during use, care should still be taken to ensure that it does not become excessive. In addition, it must be left in the open air so that it is evacuated correctly. We don’t keep him warm under the duvet!
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