Since it’s far more powerful and versatile, USB C is the new standard for most industries. Newer laptops may have a mix of USB-A and USB C ports, while the latest models often don’t have any USB-A ports at all. Older laptops likely have a few USB-A sockets for charging and using older accessories.

Those big, flat USB-A ports were the standard for many years, and odds are you still have an old USB memory stick lying around with photos, documents, or movie files on it. Simply put, USB hubs connect to USB-A ports and USB C hubs connect to USB C ports. Read the product specifications carefully, and assume if it doesn’t mention charging, it’s not designed for it.

USB or USB C data ports are only designed to connect accessories, not charge them, but some brands gloss over the difference or only mention it in the fine print. Most give one additional port for charging at most, which should be indicated in the product description as a pass-through or USB C Power Delivery port. Just because the hub has the right ports, it doesn’t mean they’re designed for charging.

While some laptops need as little as 30W, others need as much as 85W to charge at full speed.Įven with a powered hub, don’t expect to charge all of your devices at once. If you’re planning to charge your laptop like this, make sure the hub has enough power to do it. Some powered USB hubs support Power Delivery (PD), which lets them provide power to your laptop as well as whatever’s plugged into them. Since they have their own power, you don’t have to worry about draining your laptop’s battery while using them. This is usually a wall outlet, but can sometimes also be a portable charger. Powered USB hubs plug into an external electrical source as well as your laptop. If you only need a few extra USB sockets, don’t go wild with a 12-in-1 hub that has a bunch of features you’ll never use. If your laptop only has a USB C port, make sure to only look for hubs that connect via a USB C cable. Even top of the line versions cost under $100, and reliable budget models can be found for under twenty bucks.įirst and foremost, shop for a USB hub that meets your specific requirements and includes the ports you need. Best USB Hub For MacBooks: Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2Ĭompared to most tech gadgets, USB hubs don’t cost much. Best USB C Hub On A Budget: QGeeM 4-in-1 USB C Hub Best USB Hub On A Budget: Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub Best USB C Hub For Travel: Anker 5-in-1 USB C Hub Best Powered USB C Hub: Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 Best Powered USB Hub: Atolla 5-Port USB 3.0 Hub

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