The 10 Best USB-C Hubs
Editor's Notes
December 18, 2020:
USB-C is finally starting to become the norm for many devices, and those devices are increasingly compatible with USB-C peripherals. The Anker PowerExpand+ likely has all the functionality most consumers need, and it's especially reliable, as it comes from an extremely popular and dependable manufacturer, and has a good warranty period. We also added the Zendure X5 this time around, which is actually a multipurpose power bank. If you really need speed and storage, check out the Glyph Dock, which is actually a Thunderbolt 3 drive enclosure with extra ports including an Ethernet jack.
March 21, 2019:
There will come a day when USB-C devices are all readily compatible with one another, but it is not this day. In the mean time, with some quality research, you can most likely find a hub that works with your collection of devices. If you're mostly concerned with using your type A peripherals and external drives, Aukey makes a simple and incredibly cheap way to do so. Because it's so simple, it's also quite reliable. Lention also makes one with 4 USB-A ports, and its aluminum construction is a little sleeker and better-looking. The Vava, Mokin, HooToo, and Satechi are all excellent for expanding connectivity on high-end laptops, and they offer a range of different ports, so choose from them depending on your specific needs. Also, for what it's worth, the Satechi is confirmed to work with the newest iPad pro while many of the rest may not. Speaking of Apple devices, the Purgo takes up two of your MacBook's Thunderbolt 3 ports, but gives you one back, in addition to its wide range of connectors. Meanwhile, the Rreaka is one of the rare models that's user-confirmed to work as hub between the Nintendo Switch and your television, in addition to charging the unit. Beyond which hub you choose, it's of absolutely vital importance that you select high-quality, USB-IF-certified cables, and this cannot be stressed enough. A low-quality cable won't just cause connection problems, it could realistically fry your costly electronics; it's happened to us regular users, it's happened to high-level Google engineers (in public and on camera, no less), and if you don't choose a good cable, it could happen to you.