The best USB hubs depend on which connections your computer or creative setup is missing, from fast storage ports to card readers and external displays. This guide compares compact USB-C docks and powered multiport hubs so you can match the ports, charging, and controls to your workflow.
Quick Top Products
SABRENT USB-C Hub & SSD Enclosure HB-6PNV
- Adds HDMI output up to 4K at 60Hz and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Includes an M.2 slot for SATA or NVMe storage.
- Provides up to 90W power delivery pass-through.
Best For: Laptop users who want display, network, and expandable M.2 storage from one USB-C connection.
SABRENT 5-in-1 USB-C Hub HB-TG5P
- Four USB data ports support speeds up to 10Gbps.
- Supports HDMI output up to 4K at 60Hz.
- Passes through up to 80W to a laptop from a 100W PD charger.
Best For: USB-C laptop users who need several fast peripherals, 4K display output, and pass-through charging.
j5create USB-C Multi-Port Hub JCD373EC
- Combines HDMI, audio, SD, and microSD connections.
- Supports HDMI up to 4K at 30Hz.
- Has a USB-C power-delivery port rated up to 100W.
Best For: Laptop and tablet users who need HDMI, memory-card access, audio, USB-A ports, and charging.
SABRENT 10-Port Powered USB 3.0 Hub HB-B7C3
- Connects up to seven USB 3.0 data devices.
- Has three dedicated charging ports rated up to 2.4A per port.
- Includes a 60W power adapter and individual switches.
Best For: Desktop users connecting several USB-A peripherals who also want dedicated charging ports.
SABRENT USB-C Hub HB-SHPU
- Supports HDMI output up to 4K at 60Hz.
- Provides three USB-A ports with one 5Gbps connection.
- Accepts up to 90W power delivery.
Best For: Traveling USB-C laptop users who need a monitor connection, basic USB-A expansion, and charging pass-through.
SABRENT 7-Port USB-C Hub HB-3A4C
- Provides three USB-A and four USB-C ports at 5Gbps.
- Has an individual switch and LED for each port.
- Includes a 48W adapter and one USB-C port supporting up to 20W PD.
Best For: USB-C host users with a mix of USB-A and USB-C accessories who want individual port switches.
SmallRig 4-in-1 USB-C Hub 4598
- Combines a 100W PD port with one 10Gbps USB-C data interface.
- Supports ProRes 4K at 60fps recording on mobile phones.
- Includes a cold shoe mount and weighs 38.3 g.
Best For: Mobile video creators who need charging, high-speed USB-C data, and a mounting point for a phone rig.
SABRENT 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub HB-UM43
- Adds four USB 3.0 ports with individual switches.
- Includes a two-foot cable for flexible placement.
- Supports data speeds up to 5Gbps.
Best For: Users adding a few USB-A peripherals who want individual controls and a longer cable for flexible placement.
SABRENT 16-Port USB 3.0 Hub HB-PU16
- Provides sixteen downstream USB 3.0 ports.
- Supports data speeds up to 5Gbps.
- Includes individual power switches and blue LEDs.
Best For: Workstations that need many USB-A connections for peripherals, storage, or charging.
SABRENT USB-C Gaming Hub HB-STDK
- Designed for Steam Deck and Steam Deck OLED.
- Includes two downstream USB-A ports and a USB-C PD port.
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and SteamOS.
Best For: Steam Deck and handheld users who need two USB-A ports and USB-C power delivery in a compact hub.
Hub With Built-In SSD Storage
SABRENT USB-C Hub & SSD Enclosure, 6-Port Dock with M.2 SSD Slot, 90W Power Delivery, USB 3.0 & 2.0 Ports, 4K HDMI, RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet (HB-6PNV)
This USB-C hub combines a set of everyday connections with an M.2 SSD slot, which makes it distinctive for a desk or travel kit that also needs portable storage. It has three USB-A ports, HDMI output up to 4K at 60Hz, Gigabit Ethernet, and up to 90W power delivery pass-through.
The SSD slot supports SATA or NVMe drives in several M.2 form factors, with transfer speeds up to 5Gbps. Its integrated USB-C connection is rated at 10Gbps.
Check that the host supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode for video, and note that the hub does not include an SSD.
Best For: Laptop users who want display, network, and expandable M.2 storage from one USB-C connection.
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Choose this model if a single USB-C connection needs to handle wired networking, a monitor, and removable internal storage. The M.2 slot offers a useful option for carrying project files, while its 5Gbps ceiling is lower than the hub's 10Gbps host connection.
Check the computer's USB-C video support before relying on HDMI, and account for the separate cost of an M.2 drive.
Fast USB-C Data and Display Dock
SABRENT USB C Hub 5-in-1, 10Gbps USB-A & USB-C Ports, Single 4K@60Hz HDMI, 100W PD Input, 80W Laptop Charging, Compact Aluminum Docking Station for MacBook, iPad, Laptops & Tablets (HB-TG5P)
This compact hub prioritizes fast USB connections and a high-refresh 4K display output. It has two USB-A and two USB-C data ports rated at 10Gbps, plus HDMI output up to 4K at 60Hz.
A separate USB-C input accepts a 100W power-delivery charger and passes up to 80W to the laptop; the power adapter is not included. The integrated cable is 60cm long, and the aluminum enclosure uses passive cooling.
For external display use, the computer needs DisplayPort Alternate Mode, and extended desktop mode also requires MST support.
Best For: USB-C laptop users who need several fast peripherals, 4K display output, and pass-through charging.
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Pick this hub when fast external drives and multiple USB-C accessories matter alongside a 4K monitor. Its 10Gbps data ports are a better fit for that mix than hubs built mainly for basic keyboards and mice.
It requires your own USB-C PD charger to pass power through, and the computer's display capabilities determine whether HDMI works as expected. Check for DisplayPort Alternate Mode and MST if you need extended rather than mirrored desktop output.
All-Rounder With Card and Audio Ports
j5create USB-C Multi-Port Hub with Power Delivery with 4K HDMI/2 USB-A 5Gbps/PD 100W Charging SD&Micro SD/3.5mm Audio | for MacBook Pro&Air/iPad Pro/iMac/Surface/XPS/Thinkpad/Galaxy/and More(JCD373EC)
The j5create hub brings a useful range of connections to USB-C devices: two USB-A data ports, HDMI, an audio jack, SD and microSD card readers, and a USB-C power-delivery input. HDMI supports resolutions up to 4K at 30Hz, while the PD port supports charging up to 100W.
That combination suits a general desk or media workflow with photos and headphones, though its 4K-at-30Hz refresh rate is more limited than some options. Its plastic enclosure and recycled-material packaging are also specified.
Confirm your device's USB-C video and charging support before choosing it.
Best For: Laptop and tablet users who need HDMI, memory-card access, audio, USB-A ports, and charging.
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This is a sensible choice for a mixed-use USB-C setup where memory cards and wired audio matter as much as a monitor. It offers an SD and microSD reader and a 3.5mm jack that the faster-display hub options here do not list.
Its HDMI limit is 4K at 30Hz, so check whether that suits your screen and workflow. Also verify USB-C video support on the host before expecting HDMI output.
Powered Hub With Port-Level Controls
SABRENT 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Individual Power Switches and LEDs, 3 Smart Charging Ports, 60W Power Adapter, for PC, Mac, Xbox, PS5, Laptop, Desktop, USB Devices (HB-B7C3)
This powered hub is designed for a busy desk with multiple USB-A devices. It supports up to seven USB 3.0 devices for data at speeds up to 5Gbps, while three dedicated charging ports can deliver up to 2.4A per port.
A 60W power adapter is included, and each port has its own switch and LED indicator. It works with Windows, macOS, and Linux without driver installation.
The tradeoff is that the three charging ports are separate from the seven data connections, so check which kind of connection each device needs before arranging a crowded setup.
Best For: Desktop users connecting several USB-A peripherals who also want dedicated charging ports.
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Choose this powered model for a desk with several USB-A data peripherals and separate devices to charge. The included adapter and per-port switches support a more managed setup than an unpowered splitter, while the dedicated charging ports do not replace the seven data ports.
Map out which devices need file transfer and which only need charging before buying, especially if you expect every connection to handle both.
Compact Hub With 4K at 60Hz HDMI
SABRENT Multi-Port USB-C Hub with Power Delivery, HDMI Out, 3 USB A Ports, 4K@60Hz, 90W PD, Aluminum [HB-SHPU]
This compact USB-C hub focuses on the core connections many laptop users need on the go: HDMI, three USB-A ports, and power-delivery pass-through. Its HDMI 2.0 output supports up to 4K at 60Hz, while the three USB-A ports are split between one 5Gbps port and two USB 2.0 ports rated at 480Mbps.
It accepts up to 90W PD input and includes a short integrated cable measuring 15cm. The lightweight aluminum case suits travel.
Check for DisplayPort Alternate Mode on the host, and keep faster storage on its single USB 3.2 port.
Best For: Traveling USB-C laptop users who need a monitor connection, basic USB-A expansion, and charging pass-through.
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This option fits a travel kit that needs a monitor connection and a few everyday USB-A devices without a longer cable run. Its HDMI output supports up to 4K at 60Hz, and one of its USB-A ports reaches 5Gbps.
Use that port for external storage and reserve the two slower ports for lower-bandwidth peripherals. Confirm host video support and bring a compatible PD charger.
Mixed USB-A and USB-C Port Expansion
SABRENT 7-Port USB-C Hub, 48W Powered, 5Gbps, 3 USB-A + 4 USB-C (HB-3A4C) | 20W PD; LED status; aluminum body; power switches; for Mac, PC, Steam Deck, ROG Ally
This powered hub adds a blend of USB-A and USB-C connections, which is useful when a desk has accessories with different plug types. Its seven ports include three USB-A and four USB-C connections, all rated at 5Gbps.
Each port has a switch and white LED indicator, and a 48W power adapter is included. One USB-C port supports up to 20W PD, while the other USB-C ports are specified at 5V/900mA.
That makes it important to distinguish the dedicated higher-power connection from the ordinary peripheral ports. The aluminum housing and plug-and-play operation suit a fixed workstation or a portable gaming setup.
Best For: USB-C host users with a mix of USB-A and USB-C accessories who want individual port switches.
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Choose this hub if your accessories span USB-A and USB-C and you want to switch individual connections off. Its seven 5Gbps ports provide consistent data rates across both connector types, but the power roles differ: only one USB-C port supports up to 20W PD, and the others are specified at 5V/900mA.
Check which port your device needs for charging before connecting a power-hungry accessory. The included 48W adapter helps power the hub.
Mobile Video Rig USB-C Hub
SmallRig 4-in-1 USB-C Hub with Cold Shoe Mount
SmallRig's four-port hub targets mobile shooting, with a combination of USB-C power, data, and audio/video connections. It has a PD port rated up to 100W, one USB-C 3.1 interface supporting data up to 10Gbps, and two USB-C 2.0 interfaces.
The hub supports ProRes 4K at 60fps recording on compatible phones, and its cold shoe mount can attach to standard cold shoes or clamp onto equipment. At 38.3 g, it is built for a compact rig.
Check your phone, recording app, and connected accessories for compatibility before planning a shoot around it.
Best For: Mobile video creators who need charging, high-speed USB-C data, and a mounting point for a phone rig.
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This is the most specialized choice here, suited to a phone-based video rig rather than a general laptop docking station. The cold shoe mount gives it a clear role in mounting gear, and the 10Gbps USB-C connection is paired with two slower USB-C 2.0 ports.
If you need 4K60 ProRes capture, verify that your particular phone and recording setup support the workflow. The supplied facts do not identify compatible phone models.
Four-Port Hub With Individual Switches
SABRENT 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches - Slim, Portable Design - 2 Ft Cable - Fast Data Transfer - Compatible with Mac & PC (HB-UM43)
This straightforward USB-A hub provides four USB 3.0 ports, individual on/off switches, and an LED status indicator for each connection. Its two-foot cable can help position the hub within reach when a computer's ports are awkward to access.
Data rates are listed up to 5Gbps for USB 3.0, with backward compatibility for older USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices. It is plug and play and hot swappable.
Charging is not supported, so this is a data expansion choice for peripherals such as drives, keyboards, and mice rather than a charging station.
Best For: Users adding a few USB-A peripherals who want individual controls and a longer cable for flexible placement.
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This hub suits a simple desk setup that needs a few extra USB-A data ports and individual control. The longer cable can bring the ports closer to a keyboard or other frequently connected devices.
It lacks charging support, so choose a powered model if charging phones or supplying power to multiple accessories is part of the plan. Also check that your host has a compatible USB connection, since this model is a traditional USB-A hub.
High-Capacity 16-Port Expansion
SABRENT 16-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub and Charger with Individual Power Switches, 90W High-Power Output (HB-PU16)
This high-capacity hub offers sixteen downstream USB 3.0 ports, giving a desktop setup substantial room for drives, card readers, and other USB peripherals. It supports data transfers up to 5Gbps and is also described for connecting or charging USB devices.
Individual power switches and blue LED indicators provide per-port control and status. It is plug and play and hot swappable, with backward compatibility for USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices.
The large port count is useful for a crowded workstation, but the source details do not identify the included power adapter or per-port power limits, so check those needs before purchase.
Best For: Workstations that need many USB-A connections for peripherals, storage, or charging.
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Select this hub when the main problem is the number of USB-A connections available at a workstation. Sixteen ports offer much more room than the four- and seven-port options here, while individual switches can help manage devices that do not need to stay active.
The supplied details do not give power limits or adapter specifications, so check whether the power budget fits your connected drives and accessories. Its size and desk footprint are also not provided.
Compact USB-C Hub for Steam Deck
SABRENT USB-C 3-Port Gaming Hub for Steam Deck, PD (HB-STDK) | 5Gbps USB 3.2; dual USB-A ports; PD charging; compact; for Steam Deck & handhelds
This compact hub is shaped and positioned for Steam Deck use, including the Steam Deck OLED, while also working with other USB-C host devices. It connects through USB-C, offers two downstream USB-A ports, and includes a separate USB-C port with PD 3.0 power delivery.
The upstream connection supports 5Gbps data, and the unit is described as lightweight and portable for gaming away from a desk. Its focus is handheld connectivity rather than broad desktop expansion: it does not list HDMI, memory-card readers, or a large bank of ports.
Check your handheld's power setup and the accessories you plan to connect.
Best For: Steam Deck and handheld users who need two USB-A ports and USB-C power delivery in a compact hub.
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This model is a fit for handheld gaming when the goal is to add a couple of USB-A accessories while retaining USB-C power delivery. Its compact, Steam Deck-focused design is less versatile for users who need HDMI, card readers, or several data ports.
The power-delivery port's maximum wattage is not provided in these details, so verify that it works with your charging setup before relying on it for extended play.
How to Choose Usb Hubs
How We Picked USB Hubs
We selected hubs that address different expansion needs: fast USB-C laptop docking, simple USB-A port increases, powered desktop setups, mobile video rigs, and handheld gaming. The products vary in how many ports they add and whether those ports handle data, charging, video, or card access, so each inclusion has a distinct practical use.
For creative work, a hub can shape how easily a setup moves files, connects displays, or organizes accessories. We prioritized clear port and speed information, meaningful power features, and compatibility details that help match a hub to a computer, tablet, phone, or gaming device.
Comparing USB Hubs
The largest differences are connection type, charging approach, and extra media features. Compact USB-C adapters like the SABRENT HB-SHPU combine HDMI and laptop pass-through power, while the HB-TG5P emphasizes four 10Gbps data ports and 4K-at-60Hz output.
The j5create option adds SD, microSD, and audio connections, with HDMI limited to 4K at 30Hz.
Desktop hubs trade portability for more connections and control. The ten-port HB-B7C3 has seven data ports, three separate charging ports, a power adapter, and per-port switches.
The sixteen-port HB-PU16 maximizes port count, while the seven-port HB-3A4C mixes USB-A and USB-C with individual controls. The coordinator's comparison table below summarizes the port and power differences.
| Product | Standout features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| SABRENT USB-C Hub & SSD Enclosure HB-6PNVCheck Price |
| Laptop users who want display, network, and expandable M.2 storage from one USB-C connection. |
| SABRENT 5-in-1 USB-C Hub HB-TG5PCheck Price |
| USB-C laptop users who need several fast peripherals, 4K display output, and pass-through charging. |
| j5create USB-C Multi-Port Hub JCD373ECCheck Price |
| Laptop and tablet users who need HDMI, memory-card access, audio, USB-A ports, and charging. |
| SABRENT 10-Port Powered USB 3.0 Hub HB-B7C3Check Price |
| Desktop users connecting several USB-A peripherals who also want dedicated charging ports. |
| SABRENT USB-C Hub HB-SHPUCheck Price |
| Traveling USB-C laptop users who need a monitor connection, basic USB-A expansion, and charging pass-through. |
| SABRENT 7-Port USB-C Hub HB-3A4CCheck Price |
| USB-C host users with a mix of USB-A and USB-C accessories who want individual port switches. |
| SmallRig 4-in-1 USB-C Hub 4598Check Price |
| Mobile video creators who need charging, high-speed USB-C data, and a mounting point for a phone rig. |
| SABRENT 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub HB-UM43Check Price |
| Users adding a few USB-A peripherals who want individual controls and a longer cable for flexible placement. |
| SABRENT 16-Port USB 3.0 Hub HB-PU16Check Price |
| Workstations that need many USB-A connections for peripherals, storage, or charging. |
| SABRENT USB-C Gaming Hub HB-STDKCheck Price |
| Steam Deck and handheld users who need two USB-A ports and USB-C power delivery in a compact hub. |
Choosing a Hub for Animation Work
An animation workstation may need to connect a drawing tablet, keyboard, mouse, external drives, card readers, and a reference display. Count the devices you expect to use at once, then distinguish data connections from charging ports.
A dedicated charging port does not necessarily replace a data port for a drive or tablet.
For project files on external storage, compare the listed USB speeds and keep faster drives on ports rated for higher throughput. The HB-TG5P offers 10Gbps USB data ports, while several USB-A expansion hubs support up to 5Gbps.
If a hub uses a mix of fast and slower ports, reserve the faster connections for storage and use slower ones for low-bandwidth accessories.
USB-C Displays, Power, and Compatibility
USB-C hubs with HDMI require the host device to support video over USB-C. The SABRENT HB-SHPU and HB-TG5P list DisplayPort Alternate Mode requirements, so confirm that feature before expecting monitor output.
Screen specifications matter too: the HB-SHPU and HB-TG5P support up to 4K at 60Hz, while the j5create adapter supports up to 4K at 30Hz.
Check power figures carefully. Some hubs accept power delivery from a separate charger and pass it to the laptop, while others have dedicated ports for charging accessories.
The HB-TG5P passes up to 80W from a 100W charger, and the HB-SHPU supports up to 90W PD input. Confirm whether a power adapter is included and whether the hub's port role matches the device you want to charge.
Who Should Buy Which USB Hub
Choose the HB-TG5P if fast USB data and 4K-at-60Hz HDMI matter together, or the HB-6PNV if built-in M.2 expansion and Gigabit Ethernet are useful. The HB-SHPU is a more compact fit for basic USB-A expansion, HDMI, and pass-through charging, while the j5create hub adds card readers and wired audio for media tasks.
For a crowded desktop, the HB-B7C3 brings seven data ports, separate charging connections, and individual switches; the HB-PU16 suits setups that need a much larger port bank. The HB-3A4C is useful when both USB-A and USB-C accessories need a shared hub.
Mobile creators can consider the SmallRig 4598, while Steam Deck users have a compact purpose-built option in the HB-STDK.