Advantages and disadvantages of the USB-C connection

If you are looking for the best USB-C hub models, here are the answers. And it is that with a hub, you can add USB Type-A ports, HDMI inputs, Ethernet sockets and SD memory card readers to connect all your peripherals to some of the best ultrabook laptops or the best Chromebooks that have given up larger ports .

You can completely change the port versatility of your rig with a simple USB Type-C hub. We’ve tested a variety of hubs so you can discover the best one for you. Along the way, we’ve seen qualms like ports that are too small for USB sticks and HDMI inputs that don’t work as effectively with PCs. You’ll find everything you need to know about buying a USB Type-C hub in this helpful buying guide.

Index of contents

  • What is a hub?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of the USB-C connection
    • Advantages of USB-C
    • Disadvantages of USB-C
  • The best USB-C hubs
    • Hub USB-C DockTeck
    • Hub USB-C Anker
    • Hub USB-C UGREEN
    • Hub USB-C D-Link
    • Hub USB-C Docking Station HOPDAY

What is a hub?

A hub is nothing more than a device that multiplies the number of available ports. For example, a network hub can connect to the router using an RJ-45 cable and get 4, 8, or more RJ-45 ports to connect more devices to the network.

In this case we have a USB-C hub that is nothing more than a hub that connects to the computer via USB-C and can have a wide variety of ports available and in an equally varied number. Of course, all limited to the speed of USB-C.

Advantages and disadvantages of the USB-C connection

USB-C is a commonly used name for the latest version of USB connectors. These ports are being used more and more over the years. USB Type-C connectors are reversible, which means you can connect them however you like. All you have to do is match the shapes of the plug and port to make a connection. When it comes to data transfer speeds, USB-C is also significantly faster than previous generations of USB connectors. USB-C can reach speeds of 10 Gbps, which is significantly faster than USB 3.0’s 480 Mbps and USB 3.1’s 5 Gbps.

Advantages of USB-C

This new format has several advantages over previous versions. Some of them are:

  • Portability– It’s the smallest USB connector ever, making it easy to fit into small devices like smartphones.
  • Easy Connections– They can be plugged in either way, making connections easier to make. You can even plug the cable in backwards and it will still work.
  • Power– It can deliver up to 100 watts ( at the moment ), which is great for charging tablets and laptops.
  • Strength– It is stronger than other USB connectors, so it is less likely to break.
  • Data Transfer– It is faster than some other USB connectors so it helps data transfer.

Disadvantages of USB-C

Despite the advantages of USB-C, there are also some disadvantages . Some of them are:

  • Compatibility– Although USB-C is a great connector, it is not compatible with older USB devices. You need to use a converter to work with devices that have a standard USB port.
  • Cost: It is faster and more efficient than the old ports, it is also more expensive.
  • Risk of breakage– Although the connector itself is stronger, the cable is still at risk of breaking, so care must be taken.

The best USB-C hubs

Finally, here are some of the best USB-C hubs that we recommend:

Hub USB-C DockTeck

Hub USB C Dockteck 7 en 1 Dock 4K 60Hz, Adaptador USB C con Ethernet HDMI, LAN RJ45, 100W PD, 2 USB-3.0, SD/microSD, para MacBook Pro/Air, iPad Pro/Air/Mini 6, Surface Pro 7, XPS 13, HP, Lenovo y más

  • Massive USB C Multiport Expansion: Through the USB C hub, turn a USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 / Type-C port on your laptop into a 4K@60Hz HDMI output, a 100W USB-C PD charging port, one 1Gbps RJ45 Ethernet port, one SD card reader/TF card reader and two USB-A ports, giving you a sleek and stylish workspace
  • Premium picture quality: Make sure your device is DP version 1.4 to get 4K@60Hz. Connect your USB-C enabled device to any HDMI TV or monitor and experience exceptional picture clarity and sound reproduction with 4K @60Hz (DP1.2 mode up to 4K@30Hz)
  • Super Fast Charging & Stable Internet: 100W PD port offers continuous charging speed for your USB-C device up to 92W (device consumes 8W, no data transfer/video output function). Connect to the Internet instantly and enjoy fast connection speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Tips: LED lights show you if there is a valid internet connection
  • Fast Data Transfer: 2 USB 3.0 data ports are equipped to transfer large files up to 5Gbps; TF and SD card slots support various memory card formats (such as SD, SDHC, Micro SD, MMC, SDXC) and read SD/TF cards simultaneously. Dockteck 7-in-1 Hub is ideal for everyday work-from-home situations
  • Wide Compatibility & Warranty: The slim and small USB-C hub, compatible with almost all Type C devices, including MacBook Air/Pro M1, iPad Pro, as well as operating systems such as Windows and macOS, iPadOS. You will get 24 months product quality warranty, 7/24 customer service

49,99 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-11-12

It is a 7-in-1 USB-C hub, which means that you can have up to 7 extra ports by sacrificing a USB-C port on your computer. This adapter supports ports such as HDMI, RJ-45, USB-A 3.0, and microSD and SD card slots. Of course it is compatible with 100W charging.

Hub USB-C Anker

Anker PowerExpand – Adaptador Ethernet 6 en 1 USB-C Ethernet Hub, 65 PD, 4K HDMI, 1 Gbps Ethernet, Datos USB-C, 2 Puertos de Datos USB 3.0, Compatible con MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, XPS

  • THE MOST ANCHOR – Join over 50 million happy customers. Load anchors.
  • Advanced Connectivity: Equipped with a power delivery input, HDMI input, Ethernet port, USB-C data port, and two USB data ports.
  • Power DELIVERY: Compatible with Power Delivery for loads up to 65 W.
  • Enjoy 4K@30Hz HDMI resolution.
  • What You Get: One PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C PD Ethernet Hub, one travel bag, one instruction manual.

49,99 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-11-12

The next one is this Anker that is classified as 6 in 1. With a USB-C port occupied, you can have an HDMI, RJ-45, USB 3.0 port. And all compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux, as above. In this case, it is also compatible with 100W.

Hub USB-C UGREEN

UGREEN Hub USB C, Adaptador USB C Hub a 4K 60Hz HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet RJ45, Lector Tarjeta SD TF, USB 3.0 Hub, 100W PD Carga Compatible con Macbook Pro Air M1 M2, Steam Deck, Surface Pro 8

  • USB C HDMI 4K 60Hz HUB: This USB C HDMI HUB supports resolution up to 4K 60Hz, supports mirror mode and extend mode, so it is very ideal for watching movies, making presentations or lectures, teaching, etc. Note: To reach 4K 60Hz, your computer must support DP1.4, such as Macbook Pro 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018, Macbook Air 2022 2020, iPad Pro 2021, iPad Air 2022. (IMPORTANT NOTE: To work well, the USB C port of your device must support video output)
  • USB 3.0 HUB AND USB-C CARD READER: This USB C dock adds 2 USB 3.0 ports and SD TF card reader to your devices. So you can connect any USB peripheral such as hard drive, usb flash drive, keyboard, mouse, flash drive, etc, and you will enjoy transmission speed up to 5Gbps. The card reader can read or write to two cards at the same time, that is, it can use 2 USB peripherals and 2 cards at the same time and pass files between them.
  • RJ45 GIGABIT ETHERNET: In addition to the hdmi port, hub and card reader, an RJ-45 socket is also included. It easily connects to the network cable router and has a Gigabit connection. It will offer you an efficient way to add an ethernet network port and upgrade from WIFI connection to Gigabit 1000Mbps GigaE.
  • 100W USB C Power Delivery CHARGING: This USB C dock adapter features a USB C female input that supports PD charging up to 100W, you can connect a PD power adapter to power your PC. Compared with other adapters without PD charging on the market, this one allows you to use all ports of this HUB without worrying about running out of PC battery, more stable and safer.
  • WIDE COMPATIBILITY: This USB C dock is compatible with devices that have a USB C port that supports video output, such as Macbook Pro 16”, MacBook Pro M2 2022 M1 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017, MacBook Air M2 2022 M1 2020 2019, iMac 2021 2019, iPad Air 2022, iPad Pro 2021, Steam Deck, Surface Pro 8, Surface Go 2 3, Laptop Studio 2021, Asus Zenbook 3, Lenovo Yoga 920 / 720 / thinkpad X1, Dell XPS 13″ 15″, Chromebook Pixel, Galaxy S22 S21 Tab S8, Huawei MateBook / Matebook X Pro.

49,99 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-10-27

UGREEN also has a good USB-C hub with HDMI ports, RJ-45, SD card reader, USB 3.0, and supports 100W charging.

Hub USB-C D-Link

REBATES

D-Link DUB-M520 – USB Type C Hub, 5 in 1, USB C Adapter with HDMI 4K and 1080p, 2 USB3.0/USB2.0 Ports, 1 USB C Port Charge up to 60W and Data

  • USB-C hub with 2 USB 3.0 ports compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, with aluminum housing and 17 cm cable
  • High-speed USB ports up to 5 Gbps (Gigabits per second), which is 10 times faster than USB 2.0
  • HDMI port 4K (3840 x 2160 resolution), 1080p, and 4096 x 2160 at 30 Hz
  • Gigabit RJ45 network port (10/100/1000 Mbps, megabits per second)
  • Additional USB-C port for data, with the possibility of connecting the device’s power source (laptop, tablet, etc.) for simultaneous charging with the use of the hub, with a capacity of up to 20V and 3A (60W)

53,99 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-11-12

D-Link has created this 5 in 1. A USB-C hub that includes an HDMI port, USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, USB.C and supports charging up to 60W.

Hub USB-C Docking Station HOPDAY

Docking Station, 13 en 1 Docking Station USB C Triple Pantalla Hub USB C Thunderbolt 3 Dock para Macbook/DELL/HP/Lenovo/Surface (2 HDMI,VGA,4 USB,Gigabit Ethernet,PD,SD/TF,3,5 mm Audio/micrófono)

  • 【Triple Monitor Dock】This USB C dongle extends or mirrors the laptop screen to 3 external displays (A+B+C+C), providing more space to increase your productivity. For macOS system which does not support MST (Multi Stream Transport), all external monitors will be the same (A+B+B+B). Single HDMI resolution up to 4K@30Hz, VGA resolution up to 1920*1080@60Hz. This docking station is compatible with MacBook M1.
  • 【Widely Compatible】HOPDAY USB C Laptop Docking Station is compatible with Windows and macOS systems with USB C (Thunderbolt 3) port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (Full Function Type-C Mode) (USB C ports support transfer data and power supply only are incompatible). USB A to USB C adapters are incompatible. This laptop docking station needs no driver, just plug and play.
  • 【RJ45 Ethernet & Fast Charging】Ethernet port up to 1000Mbps provides a more stable and faster network connection. The USB-C Power Delivery Docking Station supports a maximum power input of 100W and safe fast charging up to 82W. Please note: Not all laptops support USB-C Power Delivery and come with a 100W charger; The laptop charger is not included in the package.
  • 【5Gbps Data Transfer】With this multi-port USB C hub, you can seamlessly transfer data, photos, videos, music or other files, through various methods such as USB A 3.0 and 2.0, USB C 3.0, SD/TF slots . USB 3.0 speeds up to 5 Gbps. Connect to your external storage, keyboard, mouse, headset, and more. Note: SD/TF card reader cannot be used simultaneously.
  • 【Durable & Multipurpose】This aluminum USB C dongle is durable with heavy duty cable. The slim design not only visually complements your PC/laptop as a laptop stand, but is also convenient to use on the go. Feature with one RJ45 Ethernet port, 2 HDMI 4K, 1 VGA, SD/TF card readers, 100W Type-C PD, 2 USB-A 5Gbps data ports, USB-C 5Gbs data ports, Audio 3.5mm/mic, 2 USB-A 2.0 Ports.

99,99 EUR

Buy on Amazon

Last updated on 2022-11-12

Finally, this complete Docking Station is a 13 in 1. With a USB-C port connected to your computer you will have a bar with a multitude of ports, such as USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, VGA, USB-A, RJ-45 , card reader, and 3.5 mm jack for audio.

What is your favorite USB-C Hub? Or which one have you chosen? We are waiting your comments!