Why USB-C hubs exist

From around 2016, laptop manufacturers began removing traditional ports in favour of USB-C. Apple led with the MacBook Pro, followed by Dell XPS, HP Spectre, and most other premium Windows ultrabooks. The result: millions of users with laptops that have no USB-A for a flash drive, no HDMI for a monitor, no SD card slot, and no ethernet.

A USB-C hub plugs into one of those USB-C ports and provides all the connections you need. In Apple circles they are universally called “dongles” – the irony of paying premium prices for a laptop and immediately buying a dongle to restore its functionality was not lost on the tech press.

Thunderbolt vs USB-C

Not all USB-C ports are equal. Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports use the USB-C connector but carry additional protocols that enable higher bandwidth, daisy-chaining displays, and connection to Thunderbolt docking stations. Standard USB-C ports do not support Thunderbolt peripherals.

Check your laptop spec before buying a hub. MacBooks have Thunderbolt ports. Many Windows ultrabooks have a mix of Thunderbolt and standard USB-C ports. A Thunderbolt hub works in a standard USB-C port but only at USB-C speeds.

What ports do you actually need?

Before buying, list what you actually connect:

• USB-A – For existing flash drives, wired mice, keyboards. Most people need at least two.
• HDMI or DisplayPort – For external monitors or projectors. Check whether your monitor needs HDMI 2.0 for 4K at 60Hz.
• SD / microSD card reader – Essential for photographers and videographers.
• Ethernet – For wired connections in hotels, offices, or where WiFi is unreliable.
• 3.5mm audio – If your laptop has dropped the headphone jack.
• USB-C pass-through charging – Allows you to charge the laptop through the hub, freeing up other USB-C ports.

Power delivery and charging

A USB-C hub with power delivery (PD) pass-through lets you plug your laptop charger into the hub and have it charge the laptop while the hub is in use. This is important because using a hub occupies the USB-C port – without PD pass-through, you lose the ability to charge through that port. Look for at least 60W PD pass-through for laptops; 100W for MacBook Pro and larger Windows laptops.

Single cable docking stations

If you use a desk setup with multiple monitors, keyboard, mouse, and ethernet, a USB-C dock rather than a hub makes more sense. A dock sits on your desk, connects to all your peripherals permanently, and connects to your laptop with a single USB-C cable. One cable to connect and disconnect is the goal. Docks are larger and more expensive than hubs but far more convenient for desk workers.