USB Hubs for Laptop PCs: Types, Ports & Recommendations

If you’re working with multiple devices that need to connect to your computer, a USB hub is an essential piece of equipment to help expand your connectivity options. But with so many varieties on the market, choosing the right one can be confusing. Here’s everything you need to know about USB hubs to make an informed decision that fits your needs.

What is a USB Hub?

A USB hub (also referred as USB extender) is a device that allows you to connect multiple USB and external devices to a single USB port on your computer or laptop. This helps when you have insufficient ports for all your devices, or want to centralize manage all your devices and peripherals without needing multiple USB ports on your device or ports going into them. This differs from a workstation dock, which is more powerful than a hub and aimed to be a desktop replacement for multiple displays and large device peripherals.

With a USB hub, devices like keyboards, mice, printers, external hard drives, flash drives, and even charging cables all would function through your single computer port simultaneously. A good USB hub can streamline your workspace and make managing your devices a lot simpler.

Types of USB Versions and Hubs

There are many different types of USB hubs available, many offering different ports, number of ports, and features like power delivery. Many are labeled USB 2.0 or USB 3.0, which includes the version of USB (Universal Service Bus) that it works on. Newer versions support faster speeds and are backwards compatible.

USB 2.0 has been a common standard with average speeds of ~480 mbps. They are a decent option for connecting simple devices like printers or keyboards that don’t need fast data transfer rates. While slower, they are usually more affordable and work fine in normal, low-demanding tasks.

USB 3.0 is a faster version, ideal for external hard drives and SSDs, and high bandwith or heavy tasks like large file transferring and connecting to advanced peripherals.

USB 3.1 and 3.2 are newer versions with blazing fast speeds of up to 10Gbps and 20Gbps, respectively. These are ideal for professionals who regularly work with large files, like video editors, graphic designers, or anyone needing ultra-fast data transfer and best performance for intensive tasks.

USB-C Hubs

USB A is the most common USB port (the rectangle end of your USB cable that usually plugs into your laptop or smartphone’s charging adapter) but USB-C (or Type-C) is becoming the new standard. It’s already being included in the latest computers and devices, some even excluding the classic USB A.

USB-C hubs are sleek, compact, and come with all the several useful ports for a variety of devices, including HDMI, SD card readers, and Ethernet. These hubs are perfect for ultra-thin laptops that only feature USB-C ports, offering multiple connections in a small form factor.

Common Ports on a USB Hub

What to Consider When Buying a Hub

Before you settle on a USB hub, there are a few key things to consider.

Quality and Portability

Portability and build quality are important, especially if you’re someone who works on the go. Compact, lightweight hubs are easier to carry around and won’t take up much space in a laptop bag, while slightly larger hubs made from durable materials can last longer and provide more ports.

USB Version

You also want to check compatibility to make sure it matches your needs. Make sure the hub supports the USB version (2.0, 3.0, or USB-C) that your device uses and fits your needs.

Also ensure that the hub will work with your operating system, whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux. Usually they are universal, but make sure to check the full product description in case it is only supported in one type.

Port Availability

The type and number of ports on the hub is another key consideration. Check whether the hub includes USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, or other specialized ports like Ethernet or card readers, depending on your specific requirements. If you need to connect several devices simultaneously, look for hubs that offer more ports, such as 7, 10, or even 12. On the other hand, if you’re only connecting a few devices, a hub with 3-4 ports might be sufficient for your needs.

Your Power Needs

Another factor to think about is your power needs. An regular, or unpowered USB hub draws power from your computer or laptop and is best for low-power peripherals like flash drives or mice. If you plan to connect devices that require more power, such as external hard drives, make sure the hub comes with an Power Delivery (PD) ability or an external power supply. Powered hubs can deliver the extra power necessary to support these high-demand devices, while unpowered hubs are generally only good for low-power peripherals.

Top USB Hub Recommendations (with Reviews)

If you’re ready to browse for a USB hub or make a purchase, here are some excellent USB hubs that fit the needs of regular users, students, or professionals.

• Pros/Benefits: Compact with all common ports
  • SD Card
  • PD input for more power
  • HDMI
  • 2 USB A ports and 1 USB-C (3.0)
• Cons/Downsides: No ethernet
• Good Reviews: Over 27k reviews with average 4.6
• Best for: Basic peripherals and data transfer.
• Buy on Amazon↗

• Pros:
  • Compact and built with sustainability features
  • Comes with HDMI (with 4K capabilities)
  • USB A and C, and
  • Ethernet
• Cons: Larger size compared to other hubs.
• Good Reviews: Over 9k reviews with average 4.4
• Best for: Students and professionals regularly on the go.
• Buy on Amazon↗

Browse More Products

Check Google Shopping | Amazon for more USB hubs available in the market.

While choosing the right hub can be tedious, it’s well worth the additional functionality for your device when you need it. When researching your USB hub, include your needed features like SD card or HDMI/VGA to see device that include them and reviews specifications to match your tech needs.