Need more ports on your laptop? Discover the best USB-C hubs and dongles of 2024. Our expert reviews and buying guide help you choose the perfect solution for your needs.
Modern laptops are sleek and powerful, but often lack the ports we need. Enter the USB-C hub and dongle – small devices that add extra connectivity to your computer. Whether you need to connect older USB-A devices, external monitors, or Ethernet cables, a USB-C hub can be a lifesaver.
Here are some of the best USB-C hubs and dongles available today, catering to different needs and budgets:
The Anker 555 offers an excellent balance of build quality, port selection, and power delivery. It includes USB-A ports, HDMI, a USB-C port for data, an Ethernet port, and SD/microSD card slots. It also provides 85W of power to your laptop.
Anker's 8-in-1 USB-C hub feels premium, with a metallic sheen that helps keep it cool. In our opinion, this hub strikes the right balance between price and features.
For basic expansion on a budget, the Hiearcool USB-C hub is a solid choice. It provides HDMI output, two USB-A ports, and SD/microSD card slots. It also supports 100W pass-through charging.
If you're looking for something cheap and capable, this hub will work just fine. The fact that it comes in multiple colors is a nice touch. This is a USB-C hub that we've personally used and would recommend to others.
The OWC USB-C Travel Dock is a compact option that offers a good mix of ports. It includes USB-A, Ethernet, HDMI, and USB-C charging input. Its unique design makes it more stable than traditional dongles.
The "hidden" USB-C cable is a nice touch, even if it's a bit short. This would work well for someone who likes a tidier desk.
The Monoprice 13-in-1 dock is packed with ports, including dual HDMI, DisplayPort, and multiple USB-A connections. It supports two 4K displays and offers a power input jack for charging your laptop.
If you own a modern laptop and want access to a ton of legacy ports for a reasonable price, this Monoprice hub/dock should be your choice.
For tech enthusiasts who want detailed information about their USB-C connections, the Dockcase hub is an excellent choice. It features an LCD display that shows device information and performance metrics.
The Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 feels more like an OBD2 diagnostic device for your car, or a USB multimeter. As a dock, it’s excellent.
The rise of thin and light laptops has come at the cost of fewer built-in ports. USB-C hubs and dongles provide a way to regain that lost functionality, connecting essential peripherals and expanding your laptop's capabilities. Choosing the right hub can greatly improve productivity and convenience.
The market for USB-C hubs is crowded, with options ranging from basic dongles to feature-rich docking stations. The key is to identify your specific needs and choose a hub that offers the right balance of features, performance, and price. Brands like Anker, Hiearcool, and Monoprice offer reliable options, but it's important to read reviews and compare specifications before making a purchase. In our opinion, the Anker 555 provides the best overall value for most users.
As USB-C continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advanced hubs and docking stations with increased bandwidth and power delivery. Technologies like Thunderbolt and DisplayLink will continue to play a role in expanding connectivity options. Future hubs may also incorporate features like wireless charging and built-in storage. This could impact how we work and travel, allowing us to be more productive on the go.
