With each new version, USB ports and connectors have become progressively more functional, paving the way for smaller, lighter and more portable devices. However, as new standards bring more speed, power and versatility to market, they also bring a complex assortment of features and capabilities to consider when deciding which cable or peripheral is right for your application.
In the 1990s, office desktops were a tangled mess of serial, parallel and proprietary cables. Universal Serial Bus (USB) changed all of that, simplifying computer connectivity through a small, inexpensive interface: the USB Type-A (USB-A) port/connector. With billions of USB devices now in daily use, USB is the dominant wired interface for laptops, tablets and phones.
USB has evolved through a series of standards (see Table 1) that specify how cables connect, communicate and supply power to computers, mobile devices and peripherals. The latest iteration is USB4 and, like previous versions, it represents another leap forward in data transfer speed, video resolution and power.
To understand USB data transfer rates, you need to know a little about the design of the USB-C connector. A USB Type-C connector has four pairs of pins known as "lanes" that transmit (TX) and receive (RX) data (see highlighted pins in Figure 1 below). USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) and USB 3.1 (10 Gbps) use one TX lane and one RX lane, depending on the orientation of the connector. USB 3.2 takes advantage of all four lanes to achieve a 20 Gbps data rate.
Figure 1: USB-C Connector Pin-outs
The naming convention recently adopted for USB 3.2 incorporates speed x lanes. For example, USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 means 5 Gbps x 2 lanes, for a connection speed of 10 Gbps.
Specification Signaling Rate/Lane Number of Lanes Aggregate Bandwidth USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed) 1 5 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×1 10 Gbps (SuperSpeed+) 1 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 5 Gbps (SuperSpeed) 2 10 Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 10 Gbps (SuperSpeed+) 2 20 GbpsThe USB4 Gen 2×2 specification (known by its marketing name, USB4 20Gbps) and USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 both offer 20 Gbps connection. USB4 Gen 3×2 (USB4 40Gbps) uses a different data encoding scheme to achieve 20 Gbps per lane and 40 Gbps when in dual lane mode.
Specification Signaling Rate/Lane Number of Lanes Aggregate Bandwidth USB4 Gen 2×2 10 Gbps 2 20 Gbps USB4 Gen 3×2 20 Gbps 2 40 GbpsUSB 4 (officially "USB4" without the space) is an important update, not only for the new capabilities it offers but because it helps to resolve the confusion over USB 3.x naming and, for the most part, it gives users a predictable and consistent experience. The USB4 protocol requires a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Up to 40Gbps Data Transfer Rate: USB4 devices are required to support 20 Gbps (2.4 GB/sec). They can optionally support 40 Gbps (4.8 GB/sec) if they use the shorter 0.8 meter Gen 3 cable.
Multiple Data and Display Protocols: USB4 supports USB 3.2, PCIe and DisplayPort 1.4a through a technique called protocol tunneling. DisplayPort and Thunderbolt 3 are also supported via Alt Mode.
Backward compatibility with USB 3.2, USB 2.0 and Thunderbolt 3: USB4 maintains compatibility with previous versions of the USB specification and, thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 foundation, supports TB3 Alt Mode too.
Video and Data Bandwidth Optimization: USB 3.2 allocated fixed bandwidth to data or video or, in DP Alt Mode, gave 100% to video. USB4 dynamically allocates bandwidth to video and data based on actual needs.
100 Watt Charging: All USB4 devices support USB Power Delivery. When a device is connected to a USB4 port, USB PD negotiates a "contract" to deliver power, safely supplying up to 100 W (5A/20V).
What is Protocol Tunneling?
When devices talk to one another, they do so using a protocol. If both devices can speak and understand the same protocol, a connection can be established. Conceptually, Protocol Tunneling creates a "pipe" with one protocol and uses it to send data in another protocol. USB4 Protocol Tunneling creates a USB-C tunnel through which DisplayPort or PCIe data can be sent. USB4 Protocol Tunneling is similar to Alt Mode but doesn't require a DP or PCIe controller.
What is USB4 Fabric?
The word fabric is a metaphor used to describe a network of interconnecting nodes, such as switches. When illustrated, the crisscross pattern resembles woven cloth. The term has been adopted by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) to describe how USB4's tunneling architecture dynamically manages the connection between USB4 routers so multiple protocols can simultaneously share the fabric's resources.
Will Apple Support USB4?
Apple's new MacBooks and Mac Mini will be the first to use Apple Silicon's own Arm-based processors, so there was some doubt surrounding support for USB4. However, Apple was able to implement support for both USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 in time for the product rollouts.
Your USB connections are about to become faster! Products compatible with the Thunderbolt™ 3 standard have entered the market. This latest generation offers both power delivery and bidirectional data transfer at speeds up to 4x faster than USB 3.2 Gen 2, and can create never-before-possible computing options for personal devices.
Chart 1: USB Cable Types, Standards and Speeds
* USB-C is more accurately known as Type C or USB Type C
** Cable length is the length covered by the specification. Longer lengths can be achieved using active cables and in some cases, longer passive cables
Does USB-C support USB 2.0?
It can but first let's clarify the difference between USB-C and USB. USB-C is a physical connector and, despite the name, it does not imply support for any particular version of the USB standard. In fact, a USB-C connector can be used to connect peripherals using other interface standards such as Thunderbolt 3.
When buying USB-C cables, make sure to check the charging wattage and USB data rate supported. A charging cable supporting USB 2.0 can be longer than USB 3.x and USB4 cables but is limited to a 480 Mbps data transfer rate and will not support alt-modes.
Most commonly used to connect printers and external hard drives to desktop computers, the Type-B port actually has two different configurations. One is specific to USB 1.1 and 2.0 speed protocols, while the other is for use with the USB 3.0 and later spec.
The Mini-B connection is most often used by portable electronics such as digital cameras, MP3 players and some cell phones, and only with USB 1.1 and 2.0 speeds. There are both four-pin and five-pin versions of the Mini-B connector.
The Micro-B connector has one configuration for USB 2.0 and a different configuration for USB 3.0 and later. The Micro-B connector is found on many popular models of Android™ smartphones and external hard drives.
Developed to support devices with a smaller, thinner and lighter form factor. Type-C is slim enough for a smartphone or tablet, yet robust enough for a laptop computer. In fact, many new laptops have eliminated USB-A and RJ45 Ethernet ports and offer USB-C as the only port for video, network, data transfer and charging. This has prompted other protocols, including Thunderbolt™ 3, DisplayPort, MHL, and HDMI, to adopt USB-C as their standard source connector.
Alternate Modes allow the data pins on a USB Type-C connector to carry other types of signals. For example, DisplayPort Alt Mode (also referred to as DP Alt Mode) allows a USB-C cable to connect a DP-enabled laptop or tablet directly to a TV or computer monitor with a USB-C port.
The USB-C Type 2.1 specification (announced May, 2021) increases the power capacity of cables and connectors from 100W to 240W, making it possible to power and charge larger, power-hungry devices such as 4K monitors, e-bikes and gaming laptops.
USB ports and connectors are sometimes color-coded to indicate the USB specification and features they support. These colors are not required by the USB specification and are not consistent between equipment manufacturers. For example, Intel uses orange to indicate a charging port, whereas a manufacturer of components for industrial equipment chose orange to indicate a USB port with a strong retention mechanism.
Chart 2: Types of USB Port
On the most basic level, USB standards simply let a host, such as your computer or tablet, communicate with peripherals and other devices. But as specifications evolve, USB has become more than a mere data interface. Below are the latest USB functions available on many of today's devices. A device may support one or more of these functions:
Up to 240W of power can be delivered across a single USB-C cable, eliminating the need for a separate power brick. This is especially useful for peripherals that draw higher power levels, such as an external hard drive. Not all devices or ports will support USB Power Delivery, however; consult your device's specifications chart or owner's manual if you are uncertain. For more on USB charging, see our primer on USB Charging.
Battery powered devices can be charged through a laptop's USB port.
A docking station is able to power or charge a laptop, eliminating the need to plug the laptop into an AC power outlet.
A power-hungry device, such as a hard disk drive, can be powered directly from a laptop.
A monitor powered by a wall outlet can power or charge a laptop while displaying.
If you've ever recharged your phone from your PC's USB port, you know how useful this USB function can be. The BC 1.2 spec defines a new type of port, the charging port, that meets standards to ensure your battery will recharge safely and consistently. It also allows a device to pull more power than a standard USB port for faster charging. A normal USB 2.0 port provides up to 500mA (0.5A) and a USB 3.0 port provides up to 900mA (0.9A). A BC 1.2-compliant port provides up to 1.5A, even while transferring data. It also allows the device being charged to communicate its charging requirements to the USB charger, ensuring an optimal charge.
USB OTG allows mobile devices such as a smartphone or tablet to act as a host to other USB devices such as flash drives, keyboards and mice. With USB OTG, a mobile device can utilize the functionality of the peripherals while still being able to connect to a computer and present itself as a mass storage device to be used on the computer. USB OTG-compliant devices will require an OTG adapter to allow for the connection of peripherals.
With DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB-C connectors and cables have the ability to transmit both USB data and VGA, DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort video and/or audio. Adapters are available to connect DisplayPort over USB-C to VGA, DVI, HDMI and DisplayPort monitors. DisplayPort Alt Mode does not require the use of drivers, making it plug-and-play.
Thunderbolt™ 3 technology supports vibrant 4K video resolution on dual DisplayPort displays simultaneously, an ideal feature for digital signage and high-performance gaming.
Boost the functionality of the USB or Thunderbolt™ port on your MacBook or laptop with a portable, smartphone-sized USB docking station. The latest Thunderbolt™ 3 docks offer up to a blazing 40 Gbps bidirectional data transfer speed, ideal for quickly transferring large media files between devices. When Wi-Fi is weak or unavailable, they can provide access to a wired Ethernet network. They offer a simple way to add robust Thunderbolt™ to HDMI or Thunderbolt™ to DisplayPort functionality to a device, and support playing true 4K high-resolution video and digital audio on two large displays simultaneously.
We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Simple
Durable
Has the right ports for everyday use
Great Price
REASONS TO AVOID
More affordable options available
USB-C |
If you're in the market for a simplistic USB C hub that does everything you need, look no further than the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1. This model has all the ports most people require for daily use without extras that you'll never use. It's small and portable, so you can toss it in your laptop bag. It even comes with its own fabric pouch to protect it in your bag. It has two USB C ports, two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, as well as a Micro SD and SD card reader. We found this was just the right amount of ports for most people — enough to connect an average amount of tech.
We didn't really find much we would change about the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1, but for those who want tons of USB ports, there are hubs with different ports and configurations available. Specifically, this USB hub only has two USB 3.0 ports, which was less than some of the other winners we tested. If you're someone who needs more than two USB 3.0 ports at any time, you may want to look at some other options. Regardless of this minor flaw, this is the perfect device for those looking for a simple, good-looking, and reliable USB C hub for daily use.
We could feel the high material quality of the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 during testing.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Lots of ports
Sleek design
Affordable
Portable
REASONS TO AVOID
Bigger than some USB hubs
C |
The Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport has the most ports of any USB hub we tested, and it's one of the least expensive. For these reasons, this high-value USB hub has earned our Best Buy award. It has four USB 3.0 ports, two USB C ports, an HDMI port, as well as Micro SD and SD card readers. It connects to a laptop's USB C port and is compatible with most modern devices. It features a one-piece aluminum shell and is very light, so it's easy to stow in a bag with your computer.
Although the Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport has tons of USB ports, we did find it to be bigger than some of the USB hubs we tested. If you need the four USB 3.0 ports available on this hub, you'll have to deal with the slightly larger size. However, this USB hub isn't too big to fit into most pockets, and you never know when you'll need another USB port.
The Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport has USB 3.0, SD card, and USB-C capabilities.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Portable
Simple
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't have the most ports
C |
If you're looking for the smallest, most portable USB hub, the Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 is for you. This USB C hub has six ports: two USB 3.0, a USB-C, and an HDMI, along with Micro SD and SD card readers. It packs these ports into a footprint barely larger than a pack of gum that weighs under two ounces.
However, there are drawbacks to a USB hub this small. The Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 USB hub only has one USB C port. One USB C port is often just enough, but we sometimes found ourselves needing more than one. But for a USB hub that will fit into any pocket, no matter the size, we can live without a few extra ports.
The Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 is the smallest and most portable USB hub we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Ethernet connectivity
Variety of ports
REASONS TO AVOID
Only one USB C port
Expensive
C |
If you need a USB C hub that allows you to connect your computer to an ethernet cord, check out the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port. The ports included in this model are a USB C, three USB 3.0s, HDMI, SD, Micro SD, and an ethernet port. If you need to connect your laptop to the internet, this USB hub is a great bet.
Our main complaint with the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port is that it's pretty expensive. Plus, it only has one USB-C port. If you need ethernet connectivity with your USB port, you'd be hard-pressed to find a less expensive option. However, if you don't need to connect your computer via an ethernet cable, you can easily find a less expensive USB hub.
The EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port has an Ethernet port for wired internet connectivity.
Credit: Sam Schild
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$20We tested these USB hubs in our home office.
Credit: Sam Schild
After hours of research, we narrowed our selection down to the top models for several applications and then purchased the best ones for a real head-to-head showdown. We carefully considered their capabilities, varying functions, and overall aesthetic feel. At GearLab, we purchase retail products just like our readers to ensure zero bias, and we never accept promotional products or freebies from manufacturers. We tell it like it is, sharing our findings from our testing data.
We test each USB Hub using the following four performance metrics:We test each USB Hub using the following
Our full-time review editor Ross Patton took the wheel for this project. Ross has more than a decade of product review experience working on categories ranging from winter recreation equipment and camping gear to modern-age electronic devices such as Bluetooth trackers and ergonomic keyboards. Ross's professional experience, coupled with his passion for travel and his hobby of editing action sports films, ensures that he has used these products to their maximum potential.
Also leading this review's testing and research is Sam Schild. Sam has worn a lot of hats in his work life. He's worked as a newspaper journalist, an academic and college professor, a high school teacher, and an outdoor industry professional. In all of these roles, many of his duties were highly computer dependent. Whether he's editing photos, pouring through spreadsheets, crafting the perfect marketing messages, or working on his first novel, there's a USB hub near his trusty laptop. With all that experience, Sam has grown quite knowledgeable about USB hubs.
The CHOETECH is another decent Macbook Pro USB C hub.USB hubs come in all shapes and sizes.Some people may prefer a tower-style USB hub.Although it's hard to compare some of these products side-by-side due to their vastly different functions, styles, and features, we cover their strengths and weaknesses in the metrics of functionality, portability, and style below. The right hub for you will depend entirely on your specific applications — there is no "best" hub for everyone.
Many USB hubs have similar features and appearances, but not all perform as well as others, and they often vary a lot in price. To determine the best value among the competition, we considered how well every USB hub performed, examined any standout features, then compared that to each model's price.
We tested USB hubs both in the office and at home.
Credit: Laura Casner
Standing out for its excellent all-around performance at a lower price than most of the competition is the Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport. This model performed well all around and was one of the least expansive USB hubs we tested, earning it our Best Buy Award. Also providing great value is the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1, which earned high marks in every category while maintaining a low price tag.
The Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport is one of the best values of any USB hub.
Credit: Sam Schild
Before worrying about portability and looks, we need to discuss what each USB hub does. There won't be any benefit in owning a good-looking, compact model if it doesn't perform the tasks you need.
Know Your Ports
Before making a purchase, be sure to know whether you will be plugging your hub into a USB C port or a USB 3.0 port.
The Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport has a multitude of ports, including two USB C ports, SD, Micro SD, HDMI, three USB 3.0s, and a USB 2.0. While the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 doesn't have as many ports as some models, we thought that two USB C, two USB 3.0, HDMI, MicroSD, and an SD card reader was just the right amount of ports for daily use.
The Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 is very functional overall.
Credit: Sam Schild
The EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port was one of the few USB hubs we tested with an ethernet port. While this isn't something everyone needs, it's very useful if you do. This hub also has three USB 3.0 ports, a single USB C port, HDMI, SD, and MicroSD card readers.
The EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port has an ethernet cable port for a wired internet connection and more.
Credit: Sam Schild
If you aren't worried about HDMI, Ethernet, audio, or card readers, the LENTION 4-in-1 works perfectly for a USB C power throughput and has two USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0 port. As far as Macbook-specific USB C hubs go, we love that the Anker PowerExpand Direct has all of the ports mentioned above except for Ethernet and audio and that it also has an extra USB C port.
The PowerExpand Direct attaches to your Macbook Pro without any cables.
Credit: Laura Casner
Regarding USB 3.0 hubs' functionality, it's hard to top the Atolla Powered model. With seven ports that each have their own power button and lights, plus a bonus port that charges devices such as tablets and smartphones, you'll have plenty of space to get your USB 3.0 jobs done. When it comes to smaller 3.0 hubs, the Sabrent HB-UM43 also offers lights and power buttons for each port; there are just fewer of them. If you're searching for simplicity, the Anker 4-Port is as basic as they come.
If multiple USB 3.0 ports are what you're looking for, the Atolla is the way to go.
Credit: Laura Casner
While most USB hubs will withstand the daily task of sitting on a desk, some are made of higher quality materials than others. If you'll often be taking it on the go in a backpack or briefcase, material quality is definitely something to consider when choosing a USB hub. And a USB hub made of high-quality materials is important for everyone who hopes to avoid buying another tech gadget soon.
The Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 stood out among all the USB hubs we tested for its high-quality materials. This one just feels the sturdiest in your hands, and its two-piece shell inspires confidence that it will last a long time.
The Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 has all the ports you need for a typical day at the computer.
Credit: Sam Schild
The Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport, Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1, and Anker PowerExpand Direct all had notably high material quality as well.
For those who are always on the move, portability is crucial. Whether you're working out of a messenger bag or a briefcase, you aren't going to want a bulky hub that needs a wall plug. On the other hand, if you're looking for a USB hub to be a permanent fixture in your home or workplace, this metric won't matter at all.
The best USB C hub for portability is the Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1. This model is tiny — smaller than an average granola bar. And it weighs well under two ounces. We never had an issue finding a place in our backpack for this USB hub.
The Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 was one of the lightest USB hubs we tested.
Credit: Sam Schild
While the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 isn't particularly light, it comes with a plush fabric carrying case, and it isn't particularly heavy either.
The Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 comes with a carrying case.
Credit: Sam Schild
Also notable for its portability is the Mac-specific Anker PowerExpand Direct. Not only is the USB C hub extremely small and light, but it doesn't even have a cord to worry about packing away since it plugs directly into the two USB C ports on Macbooks. It also comes with a similar carrying case as the Anker 341.
The Sabrent HB-UM43 and Anker 4-Port are also both extremely small and portable. Keep in mind these two devices are USB 3.0 only.
The PowerExpand Direct comes with a cloth sheath for travel.
Credit: Ross Patton
The Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport and EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port are only slightly larger than the smallest USB hubs. The Atolla Powered is unequivocally bulky and is probably not the best model to travel with unless you have extra space and you know you're going to need the additional USB 3.0 ports.
The Atolla Powered is a bit on the bulky side.
Credit: Ross Patton
Finally, we must discuss style. We feel that a workplace that's easy on the eyes can make for added productivity, so looks can make a world of difference. As far as USB C models, we can't imagine a much prettier model than the LENTION 4-in-1. This model comes in silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold, so you can pick the color to suit your current setup or personality.
We love the rose gold color of the LENTION C13.
Credit: Ross Patton
If you're looking for a Macbook Pro-specific version and want a minimalist look with as little added clutter as possible, the Anker PowerExpand Direct 7 is the way to go. It's the same space gray as Macbooks, and with no cables, it almost looks like part of the laptop.
The Anker PowerExpand Direct almost looks like part of your Macbook Pro.
Credit: Ross Patton
We also liked how the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 looks subtle, like a timeless piece of technology that doesn't try to stand out by looking techy. The Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1's brushed aluminum shell looks good as well. This USB hub is so small it will fit in on any desktop.
Tons of cables aren't always stylish, but the Yeolibo 9-in-1 USB C Multiport looks pretty good on our desk.
Credit: Sam Schild
USB hubs are an often necessary accessory for particular laptops, tasks, and applications. The difference in functionality, price, quality, size, and style is boundless — we are here to help. It is our duty to help you make the most knowledgeable purchase possible so that you end up with the perfect USB hub for you and your wants and needs.
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