At Laptop Mag, we test tons of peripherals, which is why we're experts on the best USB Type-C hubs. With a single USB Type-C hub, you can add USB Type-A ports, HDMI inputs, Ethernet jacks, and SD memory readers to some of the best laptops or best Chromebooks that have forsaken larger ports.
Even with a small USB Type-C hub, you can change how your device is used entirely when you give it some necessary ports.
We did the testing to guide you through the best USB Type-C hubs you can buy. Along the way, we've noticed little quirks, such as ports too small for USB sticks and HDMI inputs that don't work as well with PCs. We've noted them in this helpful buying guide so that you know exactly what to expect when purchasing a USB Type-C hub.
For everything you need to know about USB-C Cable types, we've got you covered. And, you can find our best USB Type-C accessories and cables and best portable chargers. Wonder what the difference between a USB-C hub and docking station is? Check our explainer.
What is the best USB Type-C hub?
The best USB-C hubs should have all the ports you desire while still being portable enough to lug around. And of course, it should work well and you should be satisfied with its performance.
We highly recommend the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia Hub, offering a multitude of ports and 100W power delivery in a sleek, travel-friendly design — making it the ideal USB-C hub for most laptop users.
However, if you're looking for a lightweight USB-C hub with 4K capabilities, you can't go wrong with Kensington's SD1650P USB-C Portable Docking Station or Targus' USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station.
Plugable, known for its laptop docking stations, has a new USB-C 7-in-1 Hub that's perfect for those who own a MacBook Pro, while Kingston's customizable Workflow Station can transfer video, photos, and audio from multiple sources at once. We'd be happy to give that system a try. Plus, Kensington has a new USB-C 4K portable dock (opens in new tab) offering an impressive 100W Pass Through power.
If you're in need of more power and ports, then you'll want to keep an eye out for the best docking stations for laptops. You can also check out the full extent of Thunderbolt 4.
The best USB Type-C hubs to buy today
As far as USB-C hubs go, the EZQuest Multimedia Hub is the best out there. With a competitive price, all the right ports to manage extra PC peripherals and storage devices, the added perk of 100W passthrough power delivery, and compatibility with virtually every platform, this sleek and travel-friendly hub will get the job done.
While its lack of support for 60Hz on external displays and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity make this a device more suited for professionals and casual consumers, it still offers incredible versatility that any laptop user can make the most out of. If you’re looking for a USB-C hub that will act as a faithful companion to your work setup, the EZQuest Multimedia Hub is a no-brainer.
See our full EZQuest USB-C Multimedia Hub
Plugable is known to deliver quality USB-C hubs and docking stations, but its USB-C 7-in-1 Hub knocks it out of the park. At its price (currently listed at $27) and the number of different ports and features it sports, this USB-C hub is a steal.
With three USB 3.0 ports with 5Gbps transfer speeds, HDMI 1.4 connectivity which can support 4K resolution at 30Hz, and two SD card readers, there’s not much else a laptop user who is on the move will need. It’s a shame the USB-C 87W pass-through charging is dodgy, but there are many laptops with a separate power supply for charging, anyway.
See our full Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub review
It’s unfair to call Targus’ USB-C Dual 4K Docking Station an actual “docking station,” as it doesn’t have nearly enough ports to contend with those formidable accessories. But I can see why Targus has called it one. It boasts 100W Power Delivery and two HDMI 2.0 inputs with 4K capabilities at 60Hz — that’s not something many USB-C hubs can do.
MacBook Air or Dell XPS 13 owners are due an awakening for port expansion, but any laptop user will get a kick out of how simple yet handy Targus’ dock can be in most circumstances.
The USB-C Dual 4K Docking Station is a hybrid USB-C hub in disguise. It could have benefitted from an extra USB-A port, (as well as better port management), but it’s still an incredibly handy accessory any laptop and tablet user will get great use out of.
See our full Targus USB-C Dual HDMI 4K Docking Station review
The Kensington SD1650P USB-C Single 4K Portable Docking Station is the “something more” owners of multiple devices should be interested in. Not only does the hybrid dock charge your Windows laptop with impressive 100W pass-through power while adding several ports, but it can also do the same for a MacBook, iPad, and even an Android tablet. If it supports USB-C connectivity, Kensington’s dock will, more likely than not, work like a charm.
The SD1650P Portable Docking Station’s compatibility is hard to beat, and since it can work off a devices’ power supply without needing a power adapter (you’ll lose the 100W power pass through), the device is a fantastic choice for travelling professionals. The ability to immediately give virtually all your devices extra ports, video output options, and a power supply using one USB-C port makes this hybrid portable dock one of the best USB-C hubs on the market, especially for MacBook users.
It’s a shame the price and limited selection of ports lets the SD1650P Portable Docking Station down, especially when other hubs are significantly more affordable. For those in need of a highly versatile device, the dock is worth your hard-earned cash, especially with its 100W pass-through power, which rivals even pricier docking stations.
See our full Kensington SD1650P USB-C 4K Portable Docking Station review
The Kensington SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock is unique as it acts as a viable docking station and an excellent USB-C hub for laptop users on the move. Its USB-C passthrough power supply and additional ports will free up all your other laptop inputs while charging your laptop and any other devices connected to it. Don’t need a power supply? That’s fine, as it can also be powered by your laptop.
While Kensington labels the SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock as a docking station on the device’s listing page (opens in new tab), it also claims it can use a laptop’s battery when traveling — which is, by the company’s definition (opens in new tab), a USB-C hub. In truth, it simply brings the best of both worlds. If you can excuse the awkward port placement and don’t have a 16-inch MacBook Pro (2020), this mobile dock is a solid purchase for traveling professionals.
See our full Kensington SD1600P USB-C Mobile Dock review
The Dell DA300 is one of the smallest and most portable USB-C hubs that I've seen, thanks to its circular shape and retractable cable. It features an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, a VGA port, an RJ45 Ethernet port, one USB Type-C port, and one USB 3.1 port. It doesn't have the largest number of ports, but its wide variety makes up for that. Overall, it's a great USB-C hub to take on the go, as long as you're okay with the price.
You may not have heard of accessory-maker Landhoo before, but this snap-on hub, available in silver, space gray, black, gold and rose gold, is starting the company out on the right foot with us.
Not only does it offer an HDMI output port, dual USB 3.0 ports, an SD memory reader, and a microSD memory reader, but its pass-through-charging Type-C port means it's good for those with only one Type-C port. The only thing I disliked is that its connection didn't feel as stable as others, as it jiggled uncomfortably when I connected devices to it.
It's easy to see why this is a best-seller on Amazon. Pass-through charging, SD card readers, three USB 3.0 ports, and HDMI output mean it has everything we look for in a Type-C hub. But unless you want those card readers, you're better off saving $25 and buying Aukey's squarish-puck hub, which packs one more USB 3.0 port.
The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock has four ports: one USB 3.1 port, an HDMI port, a DisplayPort, and an RJ45 Ethernet port, which all functioned correctly. This dock allows you to enjoy fast Thunderbolt speeds and the luxury of two 4K extended displays, and it also has a slim design with a convenient tuck-away wire.
However, the dock isn’t compatible with USB Type-C, so it’ll only connect to a Thunderbolt 3 port, and it doesn’t have a Type-C connector to replace the one that it’s taking up.
The Elgato Thunderbolt Dock Utility app that it does offer is available for only macOS (it allows you to disconnect all storage devices at once and tells you when it's safe to disconnect the dock itself).
It’s a little pricey for $149 (even when it’s on sale for $99), but overall, the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock is a solid choice if you’re interested in connecting to high-resolution displays.
The Euasoo hub has a slim, sleek design with a plentiful amount of ports for a decent price. That includes a USB-C charging port, 3 USB 3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI port, RJ45 port, MicroSD card slot, SD card slot and a headphone/mic jack.
The spacing between the USB ports is enough so that connectors don’t touch, but its wire connecting to the laptop is annoyingly short. I also found that the audio jack was unreliable in producing sound through both left and right earphones, as the right ear would only produce sound if I held the cord a certain way and even the mic won’t work at all.
USB-C: What you need to know
USB Type-C has plenty of perks, and with one of the USB Type-C hubs you might be considering getting, you'll be able to copy files at USB 3.1 speeds, deliver enough power to charge a laptop, or use Alt Mode to send other types of data using DisplayPort or Thunderbolt 3 connections.
Essentially, it's a tiny, super-fast connector that many of the best laptops today have a connector for, with the only downside being that USB A or USB B connectors can't be used with a USB Type-C port (that's where a USB Type-C hub comes in handy).
However, there are USB-C accessories and cables that make charging and transferring data even better for the best laptops, best Chromebooks, and best tablets on the market. Better yet, they don't have to be too pricey, either.
