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On the hunt for a USB hub? We bought the top 10 models to test in a head-to-head showdown to see which are the best for various applications. These devices come in a vast array of designs and styles for all kinds of different purposes. Over the course of several weeks, we used each hub in the lab and at home to carefully inspect them for their ports and features, how well they travel, and their looks. In the end, we identified which models are the best overall, which is the best bargain, which is best for travel, and which are the best for specialized purposes.
For those who work and play with lots of electronics, it's super useful to have a USB hub that accepts several types of cables and top-notch memory cards, from the best USB flash drives to the top-ranked microSD cards. We've also tested home office staples like the best keyboards and top-ranked printers. We've also tested the top digital voice recorders if you need some extra help with note-taking. Picking out electronics to fit all of your needs can definitely be a hassle, but we're positive that you'll be able to find a perfect match in this lineup.
Editor's Note: We updated this article on May 8, 2024, to offer buying advice and provide readers with more in-depth details about our testing process.
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 the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port. 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.
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.
Unfortunately, a USB hub this small comes with drawbacks. For instance, the Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 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. If you want an extra USB C port, the Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1 comes with two, and we found it portable.
The Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 is the smallest and most portable USB hub we tested.
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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We tested these USB hubs in our home office.
Credit: Sam Schild
How We Test USB Hubs
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. Feel free to take a look into our full testing process here.
We test each USB Hub using the following four performance metrics:
Functionality: (40% of overall score weighting)
Material Quality: (25% weighting)
Portabiliity: (20% weighting)
Style: (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
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.
How to Pick the Best USB Hub
Here are some key considerations when selecting the right hub.
What Type of Devices Are You Connecting?
USB hubs help expand device connection and provide a wide range of device compatibility, but each hub will offer different ports and connection types. Some people may absolutely need an SD and micro SD card reader, while others will want to make sure their hub comes with an HDMI port. A good first step to finding the right hub is identifying which ports are a necessity for you.
How Many Ports Do You Need?
If you have multiple devices and peripherals, such as a headset, mouse, and keyboard, it's important to have enough ports to accommodate your setup. USB hubs can range from just a few simple ports to nine or more ports. If you don't need extra ports, you can often find simpler hubs that will cost less, but folks who plan on connecting an ample amount of devices will want to make sure their hub has plenty of port options.
A good first step to finding the right hub is figuring out how many ports you will need.
Credit: Laura Casner
Do You Travel a Lot?
If you find yourself frequently traveling or on the go, you'll probably want to find a USB hub that is fairly lightweight and portable. Look for a balance between portability and functionality, as smaller hubs tend to have fewer ports and fewer connection types. Consider how often you need a USB hub away from home and how much room you typically have in your bag or briefcase.
What Type of Device Do You Own?
While most devices come with a USB-C port, some USB hubs are attached directly to the computer, making them brand and model-specific. It's a good idea to keep an eye on potential options and make sure they are compatible with your device. Manufacturers will typically display this information on the product, but it's still wise to keep note of it.
Finding the right USB hub for your device ensures proper connectivity and saves a return trip to the store.
Credit: Laura Casner
Analysis and Test Results
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.
What's the Best Value?
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. The Anker 341 USB C 7-in-1, for example, earned high marks in every category while maintaining a low price tag, making it a great value.
We tested USB hubs both in the office and at home.
Credit: Laura Casner
Functionality
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.
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
Material Quality
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 Hiearcool USB C 7-in-1 and Anker PowerExpand Direct both had notably high material quality as well.
Portability
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 EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8 Port is 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
Style
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.
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.
We love the rose gold color of the LENTION C13.
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.
The Anker PowerExpand Direct almost looks like part of your Macbook Pro.
Credit: Ross Patton
Conclusion
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.
