The perfect USB-C hubs are designed to increase your laptop computer’s capabilities, permitting you to attach printers, mice, and keyboards through a dongle that connects to your laptop computer’s USB-C port.
Every of my USB-C hub suggestions incorporates a wide range of ports (together with USB-A ports, HDMI, and extra) that let you join legacy units like USB reminiscence keys, show connectors, and extra to your laptop computer. Our suggestions dive into the advantages of every dongle, which we’ve examined and reviewed.
I’ve organized my USB-C suggestions this manner: conventional USB-C hubs on high, adopted by my picks for the perfect USB-C docking stations. The latter are a bit bulkier, however have a tendency to supply extra connections. I’ll additionally introduce you to DisplayLink docks, an improved model that gives hardware-based compression to maneuver extra information over the USB-C port. Extra superior options lie inside the perfect Thunderbolt docks, which I’ve listed individually. It may well all be slightly complicated, so I’ve included an expanded FAQ and a shopping for information beneath my suggestions that will help you make sense of all of it.

A USB-C hub connects to the USB-C port on the aspect of your laptop computer. On this instance, the left port is used for charging, so that you’d want to purchase a USB-C hub with a charging enter to make use of with this slot. (After all, you possibly can additionally purchase a hub with out charging capabilities and use it within the different USB-C port, to the precise of the charging port.)
Why it is best to belief me: I’ve written about know-how for 30 years, and have compiled this roundup of the perfect USB-C hubs and dongles since 2022, after I began reviewing dozens of those merchandise. I additionally provide associated suggestions for the perfect Thunderbolt docks, so I perceive precisely how advanced the straightforward USB-C port will be and what know-how works finest with it. Few if any publications will even write about, not to mention evaluate, DisplayLink docks, which additionally present an affordable but highly effective various to a USB-C hub. I evaluate these as properly. It’s a distinct segment that I do know fairly a bit about.
Replace March 20, 2024: I ceaselessly evaluate new merchandise, however they don’t at all times ship sufficient to make it to this listing of beneficial USB-C hubs. For example, I just lately reviewed the Ugreen Revodok Professional 13-in-1 USB-C dock, which didn’t fairly make the minimize. Notice that the majority of my product suggestions hyperlink to extra in-depth critiques.
Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub – Finest general USB-C hub
Professionals
- Good worth for the cash
- Glorious construct high quality
- Provides 85W of energy
- Good mixture of legacy and newer ports
Worth When Reviewed:
$79.99
Why I just like the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
Can a USB-C hub really feel elegant? This one does. Anker’s 8-in-1 USB-C hub feels surprisingly weighty (4.5 ounces), with a premium metallic (aluminum and polycarbonate) sheen that retains the hub cool. Total, Anker’s hub is properly designed, with enough spacing between the 2 5Gbps USB-A ports. There’s additionally a 5Gbps USB-C connection for information, plus a second USB-C port for energy enter at as much as 85W rated. (The charger permits as much as 100W in, however provides 85W.) There’s each an SD card slot and a microSD card slot, too.
I had beforehand beneficial Anker’s 7-in-1 Hub as a substitute. Each hubs are related, however this improve provides two issues: an Ethernet port, and an HDMI port able to 60Hz. The sooner decide output simply 30Hz, and that functionality was getting a bit outdated.
The hub presents an 18-month guarantee, and it even ships with a carrying pouch. I feel this hub consists of the correct mix of ports for the precise value.
Who can buy the Anker 555 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
That is our greatest decide, so I’d suggest it to simply about anybody. Most customers will have the ability to reap the benefits of the USB-A ports for legacy mice and keyboards, the HDMI port, a USB-C port, and Ethernet. These are the ports I’d anticipate on a tool like this. When you’re in search of extra show ports or extra USB-C connections, nonetheless, you’ll want to purchase a extra premium system.
Hiearcool USB-C Hub – Finest funds USB-C hub
Professionals
- Simply the fundamentals
- Strong value
- 100W pass-through charging
Worth When Reviewed:
$35.99
Why I just like the Hiearcool USB-C Hub
Let’s face it: When you’ve ever browsed Amazon’s stock of USB-C hubs, it’s straightforward to be overwhelmed. I can inform you that I think about value closely on a few of these picks, and this can be a USB-C hub that I’ve personally used. It really works, it presents a myriad of ports, and it does so at a really, superb value. (This hub dates again to after I first began this web page, and didn’t situation particular person critiques of each product.) It even ships in a number of colours, which is useful when peering into the depths of a journey bag or briefcase.
This hub features a pair of USB-A ports, microSD and SD card slots, and an HDMI port, and that’s all. It accepts as much as a rated 100W of USB-C enter charging, too.
Who can buy the Hiearcool USB-C Hub
This can be a hub for primary growth, particularly should you personal an older laptop computer. It has one HDMI port that’s solely able to 4K decision at a fatiguing 30Hz. Nevertheless, it’ll work simply high quality for an single exterior 1080 show or perhaps a 1440p monitor, should you personal one. The 2 USB-A ports are designed for a mouse and keyboard, or a printer. When you want one thing low cost and succesful, this hub will work simply high quality.
Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock – Finest premium USB-C hub
Professionals
- A number of show potentialities
- Tons of ports
Cons
- Complicated documentation
- Sluggish SD card slot
- Quite a few high-speed ports can get clogged by the principle 10Gbps USB-C connection
Worth When Reviewed:
$54.99
Why I just like the Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock
Monoprice calls this a dock, however it sits throughout the conventional hub type issue — and it’s priced like a hub, too. This 13-in-1 USB-C hub does all of it, together with connecting to 2 4K shows (one at 60Hz, one at 30Hz). It does so through the use of help for built-in compression strategies inside fashionable laptops to squeeze simpler throughput over the 10Gbps USB-C port. There are completely gobs of ports, together with 5 USB-A ports (two at 480Mbps for mice and keyboards), the 2 HDMI 1.2 connections, and even a DisplayPort port.
There’s even an influence enter jack, so you should use your laptop computer’s charger and feed as much as a examined 87W into the laptop computer. There aren’t any USB-C ports, however the assumption is that you should use your laptop computer for that.
Who can buy the Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock
When you personal a contemporary laptop computer and wish entry to a ton of legacy ports for an inexpensive value, this Monoprice hub/dock ought to be your selection. That you must personal a contemporary laptop computer, although; a Microsoft Floor E-book 2 with an Eighth-gen Core chip inside didn’t produce any output over its USB-C port; a number of current Samsung and Floor laptops with Twelfth-gen and Thirteenth-gen Core chips inside labored properly, although.
Learn our full
Monoprice 13-in-1 Twin-HDMI + DP MST Dock evaluate
Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station – Finest full-size USB-C docking station
Professionals
- It really works…with the precise {hardware}
- Nice compact design
- Strong worth for the worth
Cons
- You’ll want a current laptop computer for compatibility, and it’s not a given
Worth When Reviewed:
$189.99
Why I just like the Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station
A docking station sometimes presents extra ports and a devoted energy provide. What I like about this Cyber Acoustics dock is that it might probably drive two 4K shows if it is advisable to, at 60Hz decision. It can also fast-charge a smartphone with its built-in USB-C dock, which a bus-powered USB hub like those above can’t do. It additionally places out about 90W to your laptop computer, which is sufficient to energy most laptops. You’ll discover it has each the USB-C port in addition to 5 USB-A ports, lots for growth, plus the HDMI connections and even Ethernet.
The catch is that this actually solely works properly on Twelfth-gen Core laptops and above. It makes use of a little bit of black magic known as HBR3 with DSC to push compressed information by means of the 10Gbps USB-C connection, and in my expertise something Eleventh-gen and older dangers it not working in any respect. I actually like this dock, however my score is weighted by the necessity for contemporary {hardware}.
Who can buy the Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Docking Station
When you purchase this docking station, you’ll wish to go away it in your desk, with a monitor or two and several other peripherals connected. USB-C dongles are transportable by nature, and you should use one in all our earlier options for engaged on the highway. This dock can be fitted to somebody who plans to work with two shows, fairly than only one. Is it higher than a Thunderbolt dock? Probably not, however when you’ve got a laptop computer with out Thunderbolt, this could approximate the capabilities of these units.
Simply to reiterate, nonetheless: You’ll want a contemporary laptop computer, with a Twelfth-gen Core chip and above, for this dock to work its magic. If in case you have an older laptop computer, this isn’t the system for you.
Learn our full
Cyber Acoustics DS-1000 Important Laptop computer Docking Station evaluate
Dockcase Good USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Version – Finest full-size USB-C docking station runner-up
Professionals
- Detailed, informative LCD show
- Glorious info and controls
- High-notch efficiency
- Odd however aggressive pricing scheme
Cons
- No guide?!
- Some instability
- Extra charging energy wanted
- Calls for an up-to-date laptop computer for finest outcomes
Worth When Reviewed:
$159.99
Why I just like the Dockcase Good USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Version
A part of me loves the sheer nerdiness of the Dockcase 10-in-1 Dock, if solely as a result of I’ve by no means seen something prefer it by way of the knowledge it presents.
Not solely is the metallic hub bigger than most, with a number of exterior connectors that designate a premium hub, however there’s an precise show: A small LCD display screen offers an in depth have a look at what units are linked to every port and what their capabilities are. Put one other method, the Dockcase Good USB-C Hub 10-in-1 feels extra like an OBD2 diagnostic system to your automotive, or a USB multimeter.
As a dock, it’s wonderful. As a device, it might probably use some enchancment: The interface is extraordinarily clunky, and Dockcase actually doesn’t actually have a guide that explains all of it. However this system can be sufficiently small that it fulfills the necessities of a docking station with out it being ungainly.
Who can buy the Dockcase Good USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Version
Nerds. Yep, this is among the nerdiest merchandise I’ve ever used, and I like and detest the way it simply helps you to form of uncover what it might probably do. Nevertheless it tells you what your laptop computer is connecting to and the way it’s working! It even stories glitches! I like that.
Are you the kind of one who owns an OBD scanner to diagnose any points along with your automotive? In case you are, that is the USB-C hub for you.
Learn our full
Dockcase Good USB-C Hub 10-in-1 Explorer Version evaluate
IOGEAR Journey Professional USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460) – Finest compact/journey USB-C docking station
Professionals
- One of many smallest docks available on the market
- Minimizes desk muddle
Worth When Reviewed:
$41.99
Why I just like the IOGEAR Journey Professional USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460)
At 2.8 x 0.31 x 1.22 inches, IOgear’s Journey Professional Mini Dock is an odd duck: an affordable, comparatively tiny USB-C dock that plugs instantly into your laptop computer, with no connecting twine. USB-C energy enter at as much as 60Hz, USB-A, HDMI (at as much as 4K60), and a headphone jack: easy and efficient. It’s a minimalist answer in all features.
Who can buy the IOGEAR Journey Professional USB-C Mini Dock (GUD3C460)
Possibly you have got neck or again points, or simply need the lightest laptop computer and peripherals attainable. You hate muddle. This IOGEAR Mini Dock slides proper into an out there USB-C port and offers growth capabilities with no complete lot of fuss. That is actually the smallest USB-C dock I’ve seen, and for some folks that issues.
The one factor I don’t like about it: When you personal a laptop computer with a number of ports spaced intently collectively, the Mini Dock might block entry. Which will make it a handicap, so ensure and examine before you purchase.
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 – Finest full-size USB-C DisplayLink dock
Professionals
- Terrific value and worth
- Glorious stability
- Nice show port flexibility
- Assist for 2 4K60 shows
Cons
- Have to supply your individual energy provide
- Can heat to considerably alarming temperatures
- Obligatory software program driver
- A scarcity of naming consistency
Worth When Reviewed:
$199.99
That is our high decide for an upgraded DisplayLink dock, which has its personal execs and cons — barely dearer than a USB-C docking station, however extra options, too.
Why I just like the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
Ugreen’s 9-in-1 USB-C docking station is typical of the model: high quality design and manufacture, obtuse naming, and pricing that appears to differ from one vendor to the following. However this DisplayLink dock presents a wonderful mixture of port flexibility at a stable value. There may be one catch: It lacks any energy enter in any respect, and also you’ll want to make use of your laptop computer’s USB-C energy provide (or purchase one) to cost each this dock and the laptop computer itself.
Like most DisplayLink docks, this dock was unusually secure, with no flickering between shows — one of many causes I like DisplayLink docks. The value nails that candy spot, too. Simply bear in mind to convey your smartphone charger.
Who can buy the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615
DisplayLink docks match between a USB-C dongle and a Thunderbolt dock, and I at all times consider a DisplayLink purchaser as a small enterprise proprietor or dwelling employee who is targeted on productiveness and many high-end shows. DisplayLink docks excel for workplace work, and battle a bit in dealing with excessive body charges for video games.
Learn our full
Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C (Revodok) Docking Station CM615 evaluate
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock – Finest full-size USB-C DisplayLink dock runner-up
Professionals
- High-notch efficiency
- Assist for 3 4K60 shows
- Strong worth
- 20W of charging energy for smartphones, 100W for laptop computer
- Exemplary documentation
- Two-year guarantee
Cons
- Direct show connection disconnected as soon as
- Poor, glitchy intermittent audio
Worth When Reviewed:
239.99
Why I just like the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock
Sonnet’s Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock’s built-in compression means you may join to 3 4K shows with out penalty. And sure, it really works as marketed. I additionally love that Sonnet spent a lot time explaining the dock and its options. You don’t usually see such a well-documented dock, and it’s pleasant to newcomers. There’s loads of charging energy for each smartphones and laptops alike, too.
The efficiency of this dock was wonderful, although (as famous above) it did disconnect as soon as whereas utilizing it. The one knock towards it’s the awful audio — however your laptop computer in all probability already has a headphone jack. Simply use that as a substitute. This dock can be a bit dearer than the Ugreen dock, which is why I’ve pushed it all the way down to runner-up standing.
Who can buy the Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock
I’ve to say that the Echo 13’s documentation actually does assist in recommending this dock to newcomers, as does the guarantee. When you’re feeling a bit unsure about USB-C hubs and docking stations, this dock offers reassurance. Simply ensure your laptop computer has a headphone jack.
Learn our full
Sonnet Echo 13 Triple 4K Show Dock evaluate
How to decide on a USB-C hub
First, take inventory of your peripherals
Right here’s the place to start out: Check out the peripherals you personal, or plan to purchase. Do you have got an outdated exterior laborious drive that makes use of a standard USB-A cable? Do you manually again up photographs from an SLR through its SD card? Or is your Wi-Fi connection unreliable sufficient that you just’d desire ethernet? Work out what ports you’ll want. This recommendation can be for Home windows customers; Macs have their very own limitations on USB-C connections.
Understand that it’s possible you’ll wish to use each a mouse and keyboard, and presumably join a printer, too. You possibly can disconnect a keyboard to print, however it’s sort of a ache.

This laptop computer has a number of USB-C ports, but when yours has only one, you’ll wish to daisy-chain the laptop computer’s energy twine by plugging it instantly into the hub, like so.
Subsequent, try what ports your laptop computer already has
It’s additionally vital to take inventory of your laptop computer or pill’s ports: Does it have one USB-C port or two? In case your system solely has one port, is there a separate charging connection? In case your laptop computer or pill has a USB-C port and makes use of it completely for charging, you’ll wish to purchase a USB-C hub with a devoted charging enter port. (On this case, it’s additionally attainable that solely the charging port on the hub will work, although this isn’t typical.)
Notice how a lot enter energy the port permits, and make sure that will likely be adequate to your laptop computer. In any other case, you’ll be compelled to decide on between charging your laptop computer and accessing different units, which makes little sense. Most laptops will pop up a warning a couple of “sluggish charger” in case your laptop computer’s not getting sufficient juice.
Does your monitor have a USB-C port?
Not too long ago, we’ve begun to see extra shows embody a USB-C port in addition to HDMI and DisplayPort inputs. This can be a constructive signal (sort of) in that your monitor could possibly get rid of the necessity for a USB-C hub.

Matt Smith/IDG
This has a few wrinkles. First, monitor ports have by no means been probably the most accessible, and looking for the precise port on the again of an enormous, clunky show isn’t enjoyable. It’s possible you’ll discover wish to spend money on an affordable USB-C hub simply to keep away from the trouble.
Second, that monitor’s USB-C port may very well be a video enter — so as a substitute of connecting an HDMI cable between your PC and the show, you may merely run a USB-C to USB-C cable and achieve the identical factor. How have you learnt to try this? First, try our roundup of the perfect USB-C shows, then learn it rigorously. We distinguish between the 2 that will help you out.
Assess your laptop computer and peripheral energy wants
Understand that the hub’s energy port is for taking energy in to your laptop computer, and never out to a telephone. However your hub should have the ability to cost your telephone, with some caveats. A “bus-powered” USB hub connects to your laptop computer and pulls energy from it, which it has share with a number of units—and it gained’t do it that properly.
Some docks will embody a USB-C port whose solely objective is to simply accept your laptop computer’s USB-C charger. That port will energy your laptop computer in addition to any ports linked to it. These units will make extra energy out there for quick charging your telephone. (Your hub in all probability gained’t allow specialised charging just like the Samsung Galaxy S20’s Tremendous Quick Charging, nonetheless, even should you use the equipped Samsung cable. You’ll nonetheless want to attach your telephone to its charger for that.)
Making sense of the USB-C applied sciences
A USB-C port in your laptop computer can both run at 5Gbps or 10Gbps, with the latter being virtually ubiquitous lately. That’s loads of bandwidth for a printer, a mouse, a keyboard, or a tough drive, even unexpectedly. Merchandise like shows, ethernet, and high-speed SSDs gobble up that bandwidth, nonetheless.
We discover that the show applied sciences are likely to have probably the most affect over what you should purchase. When you merely wish to connect with an exterior 1080p show—or two—a USB-C dongle ought to work high quality, offered that the dongle has the out there ports. It’s definitely the most affordable possibility. When you begin making an attempt to hook up with one or two 1440p or 4K shows, nonetheless, it’s possible you’ll discover that you just’ll wish to think about choices just like the USB-C docking stations. You may get round this, partly. As an alternative of plugging your ethernet cable into the USB-C dongle, you should use a separate Wi-Fi connection, for instance.
Historically, the one different various was a Thunderbolt dock. Supplied your laptop computer had a Thunderbolt port, Thunderbolt’s 40Gbps bandwidth permits for 2 4K shows, working at 60Hz, plus varied peripherals. (You should utilize a USB-C dock even when you’ve got a Thunderbolt port, by the best way.) USB4, the same know-how, is principally the identical as Thunderbolt to your functions.
Now, there are additionally two middleman applied sciences to select from: a DisplayLink USB-C dock, and a USB-C dock that takes benefit of one thing known as HBR3 and DSC.
DisplayLink, owned by Synaptics, makes use of software program compression between your laptop computer and the dock to approximate a Thunderbolt expertise over a generic USB-C connection. It requires a software program driver, however our expertise is that it’s a wonderful selection for workplace work, however not gaming.
HBR3 with Show Compression (HBR3 with DSC) is actually an trade normal model of DisplayLink. The issue? The know-how hasn’t been extensively publicized, not to mention supported. Our expertise has been that docks that help HBR3 work properly with laptops utilizing Twelfth-gen Core processors on up. Laptops with a Tenth-gen Core chip inside them aren’t supported, and Eleventh-gen Core laptops are iffy. When you personal a Twelfth-gen Core laptop computer, particularly a member of Intel’s premium Evo model, you stand a very good likelihood of success. In any other case, don’t trouble. (We haven’t examined with laptops that use an AMD Ryzen chip.)

Thunderbolt cables and ports embody the little lightning-bolt icon, which differentiates them from the in any other case unmarked USB-C cables.
Lastly, don’t fear about platform branding
As a result of USB-C is frequent amongst Macs, Home windows PCs, and telephones, some hubs align their branding with a selected platform. Go forward and use that USB-C that’s billed as being “for MacBook Professional, Chromebook, and XPS” with any Home windows PC—we did, and it really works simply high quality. You gained’t want any particular software program or drivers.
How we take a look at USB-C hubs
We used bus-powered peripherals to check every hub: an SSD, a tough drive, and a rewriteable DVD drive, all to ensure sufficient energy was being delivered. We additionally ran velocity assessments on these hubs with ethernet connections, simply to detect any anomalous outcomes. We carried out spot checks with different peripherals.

Although two USB-C hubs might have wildly totally different model names, it’s possible you’ll typically discover that they’re in any other case an identical or simply very related.
We performed standardized assessments to switch a file from the SSD to the laptop computer; from the laborious drive to the SSD; after which from an SD card to the PC, whereas concurrently transferring information from the laborious drive to the SSD. In some circumstances we used AJA’s System Software app to run learn and write assessments on linked drives. In virtually all circumstances, the efficiency was an identical, with a variety of about 3 p.c—excellent news for you, as that’s one much less factor to fret about.
We measured the floor temperature whereas these assessments have been run. You’ll see some consumers on Amazon pages complaining about how scorching a hub will get; some do get on the hotter aspect. Additionally, the place we may, we measured the facility enter for every hub.
We checked out how SD playing cards have been inserted—you’d be stunned what number of don’t work until they’re inserted the wrong way up!
We additionally famous the twine size, as shorter cables restrict your choices when positioning the hub round your laptop computer or pill. Worst case, a brief cable causes a hub to dangle from a pill whose USB-C port is mounted towards the highest.

Why trouble testing one thing as ridiculous because the spacing between the USB Sort A ports? As a result of should you don’t, you may run into this example: As a result of the ports are spaced too intently collectively, solely one in all these USB keys will be inserted at a time.
After testing our USB-C hubs, we are able to affirm that some no-names carry out simply in addition to their extra well-known counterparts, and for much less cash, too. One factor to remember: As a result of value is so essential to our suggestions, know that a few of the costs might change as producers provide gross sales. Subsequently some hubs we didn’t suggest based on value may turn out to be extra purchase-worthy.
How we take a look at USB-C hubs
We take a look at USB-C hubs/dongles barely in another way than docking stations.
When evaluating a hub or dongle, we first examine how intently the ports are spaced. You’ll want a dongle that permits for each USB keys in addition to extra conventional cords to one thing like a printer.
From there, our suggestions are based upon what the dongle guarantees versus what it delivers, and the way that corresponds to the worth of the dongle itself. We’re looking for probably the most superior, most versatile USB-C hubs at the perfect value. In sure eventualities, we rule out older {hardware} (that drive a 4K show at 30Hz, fairly than 60Hz, for instance).
We then examine these capabilities utilizing dwell take a look at {hardware} that you just’d discover in your hoe: mice, keyboards, screens, and so forth. We run storage assessments (utilizing PCMark’s storage benchmark) towards a take a look at SSD to find out the efficiency.
We go into extra element with docking stations. We carry out the above assessments, however sometimes look at a USB-C docking station utilizing the identical methodology as a Thunderbolt dock. We join it to a number of 4K shows and be certain that they will hit the focused refresh price. We then carry out a number of storage assessments: connecting an SSD to a USB-A or USB-C port and checking the efficiency utilizing PCMark 10; streaming video to the show; and, whereas working the PCMark take a look at, persevering with to stream video. We additionally copy a take a look at folder of information from the SSD to the host laptop computer throughout the USB connection.
FAQ
Why purchase a USB-C hub or dongle?
Bear in mind when laptops used to comprise all kinds of ports: USB-A, HDMI, SD card slots, and extra? And do you bear in mind how svelte the early Macintosh laptops appeared, particularly when Apple started eradicating the entire ports in favor of USB-C and Thunderbolt? PC makers did, and determined that was the method that they’d take, too.
Sadly, that left laptop computer house owners such as you with the issue of legacy {hardware}: printers, keyboards, SD card, micro SD playing cards, and so forth — and with no ports to plug them into. Enter the USB-C hub, an affordable product that helps resolve that downside. Simply take note of what ports the USB-C hub presents, to ensure it meets your wants.
I don’t perceive what the distinction is between a USB-C hub, a DisplayLink dock, and a Thunderbolt docking station. What do I would like?
Right here’s the quick reply: If you wish to join your laptop computer to a printer, an SD card or microSD card, mouse, keyboard, or legacy 1080p monitor, follow a primary 10Gbps USB-C hub/dongle. If you wish to add a pair of further shows (particularly 4K), or high-speed SSD drives, we’d suggest you have a look at our listing of 10Gbps DisplayLink docks or 40Gbps Thunderbolt docking stations. Usually, the bigger, powered docks provide extra options.
It is complicated, since all of them use the “similar” USB-C port. Usually, most fashionable laptops have a small Thunderbolt “lightning bolt” brand to assist distinguish the quicker port.
What’s the distinction between a USB-C hub, USB-C dongle, and a USB-C docking station?
A USB-C hub or dongle (we use the phrases interchangeably) is a small, transportable system you can slide right into a bag or backpack. A USB-C docking station tends to be heavy and ponderous sufficient that you just’ll wish to hold it in your desk. It’s not true {that a} USB-C docking station may have extra options than a USB-C hub, as some compact USB-C hubs pack in a stunning variety of ports.
Docking stations are typically larger and bulkier, and are designed to dwell in your desk. If there’s something that docking stations are likely to have that dongles typically don’t, it’s a USB-C port designed solely to simply accept energy out of your laptop computer’s USB-C charger. That permits you to achieve further ports in addition to charging capabilities from the identical dock.
How a lot does a USB-C hub or dongle value?
Count on to pay between $30 and $40 for a very good USB-C hub. USB-C docking stations are larger and bulkier however add much more capabilities. We’d anticipate you to pay over $100 for these.
How a lot does value matter when shopping for a USB-C hub or dongle?
Actually, not a lot. Take note of our critiques and people from different customers, however purchase in line with what the hub or dongle presents. You possibly can completely discover stable USB-C hubs and dongles for an affordable value.
USB-C docking stations, although, can really feel a bit overpriced. Partly, that’s as a result of Thunderbolt docks have been wildly costly through the 2020 to 2021 pandemic years. USB-C docking stations are another, however their costs have been nudged upward, too. Fortuitously, costs have come down, as the provision chain regained a semblance of normalcy.
What’s the distinction between USB-C and Thunderbolt?
Each USB-C and Thunderbolt use the identical USB-C connection. The distinction is {that a} “generic” USB-C connection sometimes offers 10Gbps of bandwidth, and Thunderbolt offers 40Gbps, with a highway to 120Gbps with 2024’s Thunderbolt 5.
Thunderbolt ports have gotten extra frequent, so it’s attainable that your laptop computer gained’t have any “USB-C” ports; they’ll be Thunderbolt-enabled as a substitute. (To inform the distinction, seek the advice of your laptop computer’s guide or search for a small “lightning bolt” brand over the port itself. That’s often an indication that it’s a Thunderbolt port.) A USB-C dongle and a Thunderbolt dock are related, in that they each present numerous further ports.
There’s a key distinction, although. The rule of thumb is {that a} USB-C dongle offers sufficient bandwidth for 2 1080p shows at 60Hz, or a single 4K show at 30Hz. (Watching any 30Hz show for a size of time can tire out your eyes, so I don’t suggest it.) A Thunderbolt dock, nonetheless, permits sufficient bandwidth to attach two 4K shows at 60Hz, plus all of the peripherals you want to connect. When you don’t want large, high-resolution shows, don’t purchase a Thunderbolt dock and buy a USB-C hub as a substitute.
What’s a DisplayLink USB-C dock?
A DisplayLink USB-C dock is what you would possibly name a “tweener” system: one thing between USB-C and Thunderbolt. DisplayLink docks embed a small chip from Synaptics within the docking station, and require use of a software program driver that you just’ll have to obtain. (USB-C and Thunderbolt are basically plug and play.) The Synaptics chip compresses the info, and offers you the power to attach (no joke) as much as three or typically 4 4K show throughout a 10Gbps USB-C cable. It feels a bit like black magic.
They’re not foolproof; DisplayLink docks are finest for workplace work (e mail, Phrase, Excel, and so forth that don’t require a complete lot of bandwidth, as a result of the pictures are largely static) and net shopping. Switch loads of information (or play again loads of high-bitrate video) and also you’ll see some stuttering.
We used to interrupt out DisplayLink docks into their very own web page, however we now embody suggestions on this listing of the perfect USB-C hubs, in addition to our listing of the perfect Thunderbolt docks. When you store good, you will get the capabilities of a Thunderbolt dock, for much less.
Are you able to join a USB-C dongle to a Thunderbolt dock? Or to a different USB-C hub?
You possibly can completely join a USB-C hub to a Thunderbolt dock. You in all probability gained’t have the ability to join a USB-C dongle to a different USB-C dongle/hub, but when your laptop computer has a couple of USB-C port, you may join a USB-C hub to every.
Thunderbolt presents the power to “daisy-chain” units, nonetheless, so you may join one Thunderbolt dock to a different. USB-C, nonetheless, doesn’t.
Why do USB-C hubs get so scorching?
USB-C hubs can get heat and even scorching whereas utilizing them to switch information or cost units. It’s because the digital parts and circuitry inside hubs construct up warmth throughout use. Relying upon the hub’s materials, warmth can turn out to be trapped contained in the hub main it to turn out to be scorching to the contact.
In case you are involved about your hub changing into too scorching throughout use, it’s possible you’ll think about buying a hub comprised of metallic elements, equivalent to aluminum, in order that warmth can extra simply dissipate because it builds up.
Up to date on March 13, 2024 to regulate the FAQ and different info.