As laptops get thinner and lighter, one of the first features to get dropped is connectivity. Consider the most recent Apple MacBook, which has just a single USB-C port. What happens if you want to plug in a mouse, use your laptop to charge your phone, or connect an external display? You're going to need some extra ports. That's where a USB hub comes in. These handy devices can plug into your laptop and open up a whole new world of connectivity. The ones featured here offer up to 13 additional USB ports, and some come with connectivity options including Ethernet (you won't find that on the latest MacBook either) and SD card readers. Whether you're looking for a sleek hub that won't add more clutter to your desk space, or prefer a powerful docking station for your laptop and peripherals, these are some of our favorite hubs.
This article originally appeared on PCMag.com.
ALLFU 8-in-1 USB C Hub
This eight-in-one USB-C hub fits snugly into the side of your Apple MacBook Pro—or any device with two side-by-side USB-C ports. Unlike most USB-C hubs that require a connecting cable to link to your laptop, this hub from ALLFU has a streamlined rectangular shape, accenting the side of your laptop without adding additional cluttering wires. The aluminum exterior houses eight ports: a Thunderbolt port, a 4K HDMI port, a USB C 3.1 charging port, three USB 3.0 ports, and SD and microSD card readers. Hot swapping is supported, so you can insert and remove this hub while your device is running. If your laptop has a case or lacks two side-by-side USB-C ports, you can still attach this hub using a USB-C extension cord (not included).
Anker 3-Port USB 3.0 Portable Data Hub with Ethernet Port
The “power-bar” design of this portable data hub from Anker, measuring a mere 0.91 by 1.18 by 3.7 inches (HWD), ensures it’ll take up very little space in your computer bag or on your desk. The black plastic has a mirror-like top surface, where the three USB 3.0 ports lie; an Ethernet cable can connect on the lower edge. On the opposite side, the detachable 1.6-foot USB-Type-A-to-USB-Type-B cable connects the hub to your laptop and can be substituted for a cable of a different length, or one with a USB-C connector (sold separately). The Anker USB hub is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux 2.6.14 or above.
Anker 7-Port USB 3.0 Aluminum Portable Data Hub with Power Adapter
A leveled-up version of the Anker 3-Port USB Hub, the this version’s bright, scratch-resistant aluminum exterior houses seven ports to transfer your data at rates of up to 5GBps. Horizontally positioned ports give a wide enough berth for most over-sized USB connectors, and an LED at the top of the hub indicates connection status. Though it can be powered solely through the USB connection when on the go, you can connect the hub to the five-foot power adapter cable for a higher power output, and free your laptop from the draw on its battery. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux OS without the need to install drivers before use.
Anker USB 3.0 4-Port Portable Aluminum Hub with 2-Foot USB 3.0 Cable
At a pocket-sized 2 ounces, this aluminum-unibody hub is as small as a candy bar. Four USB 3.0 ports with data-transfer speeds of up to 5GBps lie on the angled top surface, with LED lights to indicate connection status. The 2 ft. USB cable connects this Anker hub to your laptop or desktop, and a velcro installation strip allows for easy attachment to any surface. You can even use it to hook up Chromecast or Roku devices to a TV with a USB port.
AUKEY Powered USB 3.0 Data Hub with Power Adapter
The sleek white design of this Aukey USB data hub is unobtrusive and complements the look of most setups. Ten vertically oriented USB 3.0 ports transfer data at up to 5GBps. The hub connects to your laptop via a detachable USB-3.0-A-to-A cable; if your laptop only has a USB C port, this cable could be swapped out for a USB-3.0-A-to-USB-C cable, at your own cost. An included adapter powers the hub to prevent pulling charge from your laptop.
Dacrown USB C Hub
The Dacrown USB C Hub is an attractive USB 3.0 and Ethernet dongle: The compact aluminum body, with a space gray finish that nicely complements the MacBook Pro, measures only 0.6 by 2.5 by 1.8 inches (HWD) to fit unobtrusively on your desk. A blue LED indicates that the hub is powered up and its two ports are ready for use. It includes one RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port and one USB 3.0 port, promising stable network connection and data-transfer rates of 5GBps.
EagleTec USB 2.0 4 Port Hub
This tiny USB hub from EagleTec is available in six bright, exciting colors across its two sizes. The smaller version is incredibly light at just heavier than half an ounce, and it measures 0.3 by 1.3 by 2.8 (HWD) inches for maximum portability. It's available in black, blue, metallic blue, and red. The four USB 2.0 ports are compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 for charging and data transfer, but will do so at USB 2.0 speeds (60MBps) rather than the higher USB 3.0 speeds. The larger size has four USB 3.0 ports in a straight line down the hub's side—unlike the smaller hub's L-shaped orientation—and is available in blue and yellow.
EUASOO 9 in 1 USB C Hub
The attached USB-C cable connects your laptop to the aluminum body of this hub, giving you access to all of its nine ports. These ports include an RJ45 Ethernet port, a 4K HDMI port, a USB-C charging port, three USB 3.0 ports, TF and SD card slots, and an audio/microphone jack. The USB 3.0 ports and card slots support transfer rates up to 5GBps, and the Ethernet adapter offers full 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet speed. It’s compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, Windows XP or higher, and Chrome OS on devices with a USB-C port available.
Henge Docks Stone USB-C Dock for MacBook Pro
This is a pricey but powerful laptop dock that doubles as a USB-C hub. It’s optimized for the MacBook Pro, but it’s still compatible with other desktops and laptops that support USB-C connections. Even positioned by itself on a desktop, this sturdy dock has a sleek and discrete appearance, and it's tilted upward for a comfortable typing position. In addition to a USB-C port on the right side that connects to your MacBook, the Stone’s many ports include an SD Card reader on the right side, and three USB 3.1 ports, an audio/microphone jack, an Ethernet port, a mini DisplayPort that supports up to 4K for connecting an external display, a USB-C (out/downstream) port, and a port for the dock power supply cable lie on the rear.
HooToo 9-Port USB 3.0 Hub with 2 Smart Charging Ports and 7 Data Transfer Ports
Of the nine ports on the HooToo 9-Port USB 3.0 Hub, the bottom two are smart charging ports that detect the device that is connected and adjust power output accordingly. The remainder of the ports have data-transfer rates of up to 5GBps, and also support USB 2.0 at standard transfer rates. LED lights inside the hub’s mirrored surface indicate the connectivity status for each port. The 8-foot AC adapter powers the two smart charging ports, so juicing up doesn't pull power from your laptop. Hot-swapping is supported, meaning you can safely plug in or unplug the hub while your computer is running.
iXCC USB C to USB 3.0 Multi-Port Hub - Silver
Encased in the iXCC USB C’s aluminum body are a total of three USB-A ports: one USB 3.0 port, with a 5GBps data-transfer rate, and two USB 2.0 ports with standard data-transfer rates. Windows, Mac, and Linux computers are all supported, and it requires no software to start up. You simply plug into your laptop’s USB-C port and it’s ready. Its price is also competitive, meaning that connecting your peripherals via this dongle certainly won’t break the bank.
LETSCOM USB C Multiport Hub 8-in-1 with Ethernet & TF/SD Card Readers (Silver)
This versatile LETSCOM USB- C hub has an HDMI output port, two USB 3.0 ports, a USB 2.0 port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, slots for TF and SD cards, as well as a USB-C charging port. The USB-C charging port allows you to connect your laptop’s USB-C charging cable to a wall outlet, and charges the device while you transfer data or connect peripherals. The smooth silver exterior matches the finish of the MacBook Pro, and it’s compatible with the MacBook Pro, chromebooks, and other devices with Type-C ports.
Sabrent 10 Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual Power Switches and LEDs
This hard-working hub can support up to 10 USB 3.0 ports and transfer data at up to 5GBps. It’s also backward-compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1, so your older peripherals won’t be left in the dust. Each port has a dedicated power button and a blue LED to indicate if the power is on. This hub is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux OS.
Sabrent 13-Port USB 2.0 Hub
Packing a powerful total of 13 USB ports, this hub charges tablets and phones as well as allowing you to connect card readers, mice, keyboards, headsets, and more. It’s a USB 2.0 hub, so you won’t get the faster transfer speeds of a USB-C port, but if you’re interested in a volume of peripherals over speed, this is the hub for you. Twelve vertically oriented ports respond to the two buttons near the top that let you toggle the lights and power in the ports. Daisy-chain multiple Sabrent hubs together for access to up to 127 USB 2.0 ports. A power adapter is included to keep you connected without draining your laptop’s battery.