Finest USB-C Hubs and Adapters for MacBook and Mac 2024

The Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C Hub is compact and highly effective, providing higher specs than a number of the different main choices on this record.

It provides two USB-C ports—one which helps 85W USB-C Energy Supply, whereas one other helps information transfers as much as 10Gbps. You additionally get speedy 10Gbps switch charges via two further USB-A ports, the place many rivals max out at 5Gbps. 

The Anker PowerExpand is particular because it provides an HDMI port that helps 4K 60Hz resolutions, the place most are restricted to 4K 30Hz. For 4K 60Hz decision, your gadget should help DP 1.4. This consists of MacBook Air (from 2020), MacBook Professional 15in (from 2018), MacBook Professional 16in (from 2019) and iPad Professional (from 2018).

Additionally included are an SD card reader (that may help a microSD card with an adapter). That is rated at UHS-I (104MBps) so not the quickest however speedier than another hubs examined right here provide.

The Gigabit Ethernet port is nice for these instances when Wi-Fi simply received’t do.

It’s additionally extremely mild at just below 130g and compact so you possibly can take it wherever. At $79.99/£79.99 it’s laborious to disclaim this hub’s worth for cash. In our expertise, it does get heat with use however Anker says that is regular.

If all you want from an adapter is the flexibility to attach a bunch of older USB-A units to your MacBook, this easy adapter ought to do the trick.

The Ugreen USB-C 4-port hub is a slim and cheap adapter that lets you add 4 full-size USB 3.0 ports that may deal with information switch at as much as 5Gbps. It has not too long ago been upgraded to characteristic an extra USB-C port that may provide a 10W cost for linked units, however not the host laptop. Whereas all 4 ports can be utilized concurrently, a most of two laborious drives might be linked at one time.

It appears the half with most trendy MacBooks, and is a simple method to join reminiscence sticks, a printer or different older units that don’t include USB-C.

All the moveable USB-C hubs reviewed listed here are appropriate with the Mac’s Thunderbolt 3 and 4 ports, however most characteristic slower USB-C connections (5Gbps or 10Gbps) in comparison with Thunderbolt (40Gbps).

The Satechi Professional Hub Max, obtainable in both Silver or Area Grey, options USB4 ports which might be each appropriate with Thunderbolt and might attain the identical 40Gbps most throughput.

Connecting instantly to 2 of the MacBook’s Thunderbolt ports, it boasts a bunch of ports that needs to be sufficient for many of us. The hub receives 40Gbps from every of the Thunderbolt ports on the Mac (so a complete of 80Gbps). 40Gbps is used for the USB4 pass-through port, whereas the second Thunderbolt port distributes 40Gbps of bandwidth to the remainder of the ports on the hub.

The USB4 port helps as much as 96W charging—simply effective for a 14-inch MacBook Professional and punchy sufficient to maintain a 16-inch Professional going and charged fairly rapidly. This identical USB4 port can be utilized to connect with an exterior show—as much as 6K at 60Hz show output, transferring information at 40Gbps.

It ought to enable video output and passthrough charging concurrently. In a check connection from a MacBook to an LG 4K UltraFine Show, the MacBook was in a position to output video to the monitor, whereas the monitor was in a position to present energy to the MacBook, all via the only connection. House owners of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Professional and M2 Air can cost by way of the MagSafe connector similtaneously utilizing the Professional Hub.

The HDMI 2.0 port can be used to attach a 4K 60Hz show, so you possibly can obtain a twin 4K monitor setup on any Professional or Max M1 or M2 MacBook. Plain M1/M2 MacBook Airs are restricted to only one exterior show.

Additionally onboard are a 5Gbps USB-A port and a 5Gbps USB-C port—though neither can cost linked units. There are each SD and MicroSD card readers (UHS-I), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and three.5mm combo audio jack port.

In the identical household, Satechi additionally provides the Professional Hub Mini (the identical because the Max however with out the HDMI port) and the Professional Hub Slim (which swaps the Ethernet port for an additional USB-A port, and boasts 10GBps USB-A and USB-C ports in comparison with the Mac and Mini’s 5Gbps). Should you don’t want wired Web entry, the Professional Hub Slim edges out the Professional Hub Max. Should you don’t want multiple exterior display otherwise you wish to save the USB4 for passthrough charging solely, contemplate the Professional Hub Mini or the Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub reviewed under..

Be aware that each one three requires a MacBook with two adjoining Thunderbolt ports on one facet.

Whereas not licensed as both USB4 or Thunderbolt 4, this compact and really moveable 5-in-1 USB-C hub (AMS-5IN1E) provides 40Gbps data-transfer by way of its USB-C port, and is designed for the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Professionals launched after 2021, or MacBook Airs launched after 2022. A sensible cutout retains entry to these MacBooks’ MagSafe charger port.

The inclusion of the 40Gbps USB-C port is beneficial because the hub makes use of the 2 Thunderbolt or USB4 ports in its flush facet connection to the MacBook. However, in return, it offers you two 5Gbps USB-A ports (4.5W charging) and Gigabit Ethernet. The audio jack port can be coated however replicated on the hub.

The 40Gbps USB-C port can be utilized to attach a show as much as 6K at 60Hz, or provide passthrough charging at as much as 100W—15W for telephones and different units.

Its closest rival is the Satechi Professional Hub Mini (reviewed above), which options an additional USB-C port (5Gbps) however is costlier, so this hub wins our funds 40Gbps hub award.

The StayGo is, as its title suggests, one for the house, workplace and in your travels. It’s light-weight and far more compact than most USB-C docks.

It encompasses a full array of 8 ports, together with: USB-C 3.1 for 85W Energy Supply (PD) charging of the laptop computer; an HDMI port (4K at 30Hz) for attaching to an exterior show; two 5Gbps USB-A 3.0 ports and one other USB-A port with 7.5W for sooner charging; Gigabit Ethernet for wired Web; and SD and Micro SD card readers.

It comes with a 1m USB-C cable to attach along with your laptop computer, plus a removable journey cable that hides contained in the dock when not in use. Whereas not Thunderbolt 3 or 4 it’s appropriate with Thunderbolt MacBooks – its information switch is simply restricted to 5Gbps reasonably than TB’s 40Gbps.

It’s pricier than a lot of the hubs reviewed right here, but it surely’s bought the lot when you want every part, and we prefer it lots. It feels extra sturdy than a number of the cheaper hubs, but weighs simply 150g.

It’s obtainable in both Black or White.

We’re huge followers of the Baseus 6-in-1 USB-C Hub which lacks the cardboard readers discovered on some hubs however boasts three 10Gbps USB ports (2x USB-A and 1x USB-C) and Gigabit Ethernet, plus an HDMI port that helps an exterior show at 60Hz. It additionally encompasses a button that may rapidly flip the linked exterior show off.

(The 6-in-1 mannequin at present on sale within the UK provides lesser efficiency: 5Gbps USB-A as an alternative of 10Gbps, and exterior show help at 30Hz in comparison with 60Hz.)

Baseus has a number of different wonderful and reasonably priced USB-C hubs, one in every of which could go well with you higher, so try what every provides:

Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: 100W passthrough charging; 1x HDMI (4K@60Hz); 3x USB A (5Gbps, 7.5W charging), SD and MicroSD card readers by way of Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Baseus 8-in-1 USB-C Hub: 100W passthrough charging; 1x HDMI (4K@30Hz); Gigabit Ethernet; 3x USB A (5Gbps, 7.5W charging), SD and MicroSD card readers by way of Baseus.

Baseus 9-in-1 USB-C Hub: 100W passthrough charging; 2x HDMI (one at 4K@120Hz; different HDMI can solely mirror the show on Macs at 4K@30Hz); Gigabit Ethernet; 3x USB A (two at 5Gbps and one at 480Mbps), SD and MicroSD card readers by way of Baseus, Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Every hub consists of an built-in USB-C cable that may be minimized for journey with its neat cable-tidy port that creates a loop. And there’s an LED that exhibits you when the the hub is in use.

The StayGo mini is, at its title suggests, a cut-down model of Twelve South’s admirable StayGo moveable USB-C hub. It’s primarily designed for the iPad Professional however may also work with a MacBook.

Whereas it lacks its greater sibling’s Ethernet port and SD/microSD card readers, it nonetheless packs a HDMI Port (4K at 30Hz), USB A-port, USB-C Port for passthrough 85W PD charging, and a 3.5 mm audio jack.

The StayGo’s singular USB-A port options BC 1.2 for as much as 7.5W quick charging, however is USB 2.0 so restricted to 480MBps information switch in comparison with the StayGo’s three 5Gbps USB-A ports.

It will possibly join on to a pill USB-C port, and in addition ships with a 0.5 meter USB-C cable if you wish to use it with a MacBook. And in case your iPad is in a protecting case, the cable will imply the hub can nonetheless hook up with the pill.

Accessible in Black solely.

Sick of hubs that also suppose USB-A is a factor? If what you need is extra USB-C ports, the Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub has a lot for you. Every port is USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 so 5Gbps, though that needs to be quick sufficient for many.

The USB-C ports don’t help passthrough charging or video output, and might deal with solely two laborious drives or SSDs on the identical time.

If it’s simply USB ports it’s good to add, you then discover greater than obtainable on Startech.com’s 7-Port USB-C Hub, though we’d have most well-liked extra USB-C ports, which listed here are outnumbered by legacy USB-A.

There are 5 USB-A ports, all rated at a speedy 10Gbps. One provides 12W of device-charging energy. One of many two 10Gbps USB-C ports also can cost linked units at 12W. The opposite USB ports every provide a small cost of 4.5W.

Even 12W is just not highly effective sufficient to quick cost an iPhone but it surely’s sufficient to maintain most linked units powered up.

The hub is self-powered by way of its 65W energy provide.

This hub has sufficient completely different ports to name itself a docking station. It has two HDMI ports, two USB-C ports (one PD and one 5Gbps), SD/microSD/SD readers (UHS-I), two 5Gbps USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio combo jack for headphones, and Gigabit Ethernet.

It doesn’t have its personal energy provide however provides passthrough PD charging at a greater than wholesome 100W.

That’s an amazing set of ports, however that’s not it’s largest plus for customers of Apple’s plain M1/M2/M3-based MacBooks.

The usual M1, M2 and M3 chips (that’s non-Professional/Max) in Apple’s latest MacBooks are highly effective however have a significant limitation: in contrast to Intel-based Macs, they don’t help multiple exterior show. The smarter M1/M2/M3 Professional and Max chips do help a number of shows.

If that may be a drawback for you there’s a {hardware} answer within the Hyperdrive Twin 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub, which lets non-Professional/Max Macs join two exterior shows. There may be some mild software program set up concerned for M1/M2/M3 customers, and it’s good to enable InstantView entry to your Privateness settings in System Preferences. There are different options for including two or extra screens to an M1, M2, M3 MacBook.

One HDMI port permits for 4K at 60Hz, and the opposite 4K at 30Hz.

In order for you the quickest Web and community speeds, it’s good to push previous Gigabit Ethernet to Multi-Gig Ethernet, ranging as much as 10Gbps. This six-port hub from Satechi boasts a 2.5Gbps (2.5GbE) Ethernet port—2.5x sooner than common Gigabit Ethernet. 2.5GbE improvement is changing into extra commonplace now that WiFi 6 allows wi-fi connection to over 1GbE LAN, and you will discover 2.5G ports on some WiFi 6 routers. Present CAT5e Ethernet cables are appropriate so there’s no want for rewiring.

Other than this super-fast Ethernet this hub boasts 4K at 60Hz HDMI, 10Gbps USB-A and two 10Gbps USB-C ports (one with 100W passthrough charging) and a combo 3.5mm audio jack. Be aware that neither USB-C port helps video switch so it’s a one-display hub.

This hub additionally stands other than normal USB-C ports by being USB4, which suggests you get to play along with your Mac’s full 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth.

If all you want is the two.5Gbps (2.5GbE) Ethernet port, take a look at Satechi’s extra reasonably priced USB-C 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, which boasts a robust braided cable.

If all you want is a USB-C adapter that may add super-fast Ethernet to your laptop, the Ugreen USB-C to Ethernet Adapter 2.5G provides 2.5x community speeds in comparison with normal Gigabit Ethernet on supporting networks.

The brief cable isn’t braided just like the Satechi USB-C 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter however the adapter is cheaper and simply as ready.

Satechi guarantees that this adapter can deal with two 4K shows at 60Hz – most display-friendly USB-C hubs can deal with 4K shows solely at 30Hz, a decrease body fee that’s effective for many duties however not excellent for high-resolution gaming or broadcasts.

This straightforward double-HDMI adapter additionally features a USB-C PD charging port (at as much as 60W) so you possibly can preserve your MacBook charged whereas it’s in use.

It’s appropriate solely with MacBook fashions with two facet Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, and weighs 62g (2.2oz). Be aware that it doesn’t help two exterior shows on non-Professional or Max M1, M2 or M3 Macs.

It’s obtainable in both Silver or Area Grey. 

The Satechi USB-C to HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter makes use of the most recent HDMI 2.1 know-how that helps 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz video for ultra-high decision and refresh fee.

Normal cables and adapters are primarily rated to help decrease resolutions similar to 4K and refresh charges capped at about 60Hz. As a result of this adapter helps HDMI 2.1 protocol, it could actually attain double the bandwidth used for increased resolutions at as much as 8K and refresh charges as much as 120Hz/144Hz and even generally 500Hz if utilizing a decrease decision similar to 1080p. Normal cables that don’t use HDMI 2.1 are restricted in decision and refresh charges.

Sadly, the Mac’s. show choices don’t stretch to 8K except you employ the MacBook Professional’s personal built-in HDMI port. The Satechi USB-C To HDMI 2.1 8K Adapter, nevertheless, permits for sooner refresh charges:

• 4K at 60Hz/120Hz/144Hz
• 1080p at as much as 240Hz

You have to to personal a high-speed HDMI cable that may help HDMI 2.1 protocol—Satechi additionally sells a 2-meter USB-C to HDMI 2.1 cable, however you wouldn’t want that and this adapter because the cable would do every part you require. The adapter is customers who wish to use their present HDMI to HDMI cable that helps increased refresh charges. The adapter additionally offers you the flexibility to resolve how lengthy the HDMI cable you will join can be. For instance, in case you have a compact desk area and don’t wish to have a protracted HDMI cable to assist with cable administration, you should buy a shorter HDMI 2.1 cable and hook up with the adapter.

Apple bought plenty of flack when shifting to USB-C as a result of it meant that lots of its customers had to purchase a number of adapters to copy the ports they had been used to, and wanted.

It wasn’t a lot that we would have liked adapters, however extra to do with the worth Apple was charging for its easy USB-C hubs and adapters.

Take, for instance Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which price lots for simply an HDMI port, one USB-A port and a passthrough-power USB-C port.

Plugable has a less expensive different, at a few third of the worth. And it appears fairly equivalent.

Other than the worth, the one downside is that the HDMI connection can join a 4K exterior show at 30Hz reasonably than the complete 60Hz, which can postpone players.

However in any other case, it is a nice different at a fraction of the worth, and might cost at 60W.

We have a tendency to consider hubs for laptops, similar to Apple’s MacBooks, which lack multiple or two USB-C ports and so require a dock so as to add additional units.

The Mac Mini and Mac Studeio, you’d suppose, have a military of ports compared to Apple’s laptops.

The most recent Mac mini fashions boast two Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 (quick USB-C) ports, two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and three.5mm headphone jack.

That seems like lots, however Apple accent specialist Satechi believes the Mini wants maxing.

Satechi’s Kind-C Aluminum Stand & Hub for Mac Mini expands these capabilities with six ports: together with a USB-C information port, three USB-A ports, micro/SD card readers, and one other 3.5mm headphone jack port.

(Be aware which you can’t cost units linked to the USB ports, as they’re there for syncing and information switch solely.)

The essential level is that these factors are front-facing, and never tucked across the again with the unwieldy and ugly energy provide. It additionally lifts the Mini off the desk, and its built-in air vents assist regulate temperature and encourage airflow.

There’s a superior mannequin, the Satechi Stand & Hub For Mac Mini / Studio With NVMe SSD Enclosure, which incorporates an built-in slot the place you possibly can insert an SSD card so as to add reasonably priced quick storage, accessible when linked to your Mac mini or Mac Studio. Learn our Satechi Stand & Hub With SSD Enclosure overview.

You may not suppose a desktop Mac wants a hub, however the 24in iMac is sort of missing, having both simply two Thunderbolt ports on the entry-level mannequin or two Thunderbolt and two USB-C on the top-end. These ports are additionally all hidden away on the again, which may imply snaking cables throughout your desk.

5 of the ports on this hub that clamps to the underside of the iMac are front-facing ports for simple entry to reminiscence playing cards, USB storage, or storage playing cards. There are two USB-C ports and one USB-A port (all rated at a speedy 10GBps). The USB-A port can cost a telephone at 7.5W.

The UHS-I (104MBps) SD and microSD card readers aren’t the quickest however ought to suffice. Such reminiscence playing cards are an reasonably priced means of including moveable storage, and also will delight digital camera customers.

On the rear of the hub is an HDMI port that may help an exterior 4K show at 60Hz.

Hyper additionally sells a 5-in-1 iMac USB Hub with two USB-C (5Gbps) and three USB-A (5Gbps and one which expenses at 7.5W).

Fairly brilliantly, the hubs can color-match along with your 24in iMac, with 7 iMac coloration faceplates included.

Should you’re a digital skilled or only a pictures fanatic, likelihood is you could be barely peeved that the brand new MacBook Professional you held out for doesn’t have an SD card slot. 

SanDisk is right here to avoid wasting the day. This neat SD card reader is USB-C appropriate and can enable Thunderbolt 3 velocity transfers of all of your high-resolution photographs and movies. 

SD playing cards are additionally a really cheap means so as to add moveable storage to your laptop computer, from 32GB as much as 1TB.

This straightforward adapter makes a USB-C port right into a VGA port for older shows and projectors, and in addition can deal with two exterior shows.

VGA was as soon as the most well-liked video connector however is seen much less lately, being overtaken by DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and direct USB-C.

It helps 920×1200@60Hz HD resolutions by way of VGA, and 4K at 30Hz via its HDMI port. It isn’t appropriate with supporting two shows on an M1 MacBook.

If it’s good to hook up with a DVI (Digital Visible Interface) show or projector, this adapter does the trick. 

It will possibly help resolutions as much as 1,920-x-1,080 at 60Hz.

Slim and durable whereas nonetheless being very moveable, the most recent model of Plugable 7-in-1 USB-C hub comes with HDMI port that may help an exterior 4K show at 30Hz.

There are additionally two 5Gbps USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, and a USB-C port for PD passthrough charging at as much as a powerful 87W—sufficient for many laptops.

At simply 106g, it’s the lightest of the really multifunctional (show plus Ethernet) hub/docks obtainable.

It is a very well-constructed USB-C hub that provides entry to seven ports from one USB-C connection.

It consists of two 5Gbps USB-A 3.1 ports, and two USB-C ports—one in every of which permits for passthrough charging at as much as 60W.

There’s no Ethernet port with this adapter, however most of us are effective with Wi-Fi anyway. However when you want a wired Web connection, look elsewhere.

There’s additionally an HDMI port for including an exterior show (4K at 30Hz), and an SD and Micro SD Card reader slot.

This multimedia adapter makes use of the twin USB-C ports of a MacBook to connect with a hub of ports, together with two USB-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, SD and Micro SD Card reader, a USB-C charging port (60W) and two HDMI ports.

It’s appropriate with MacBook fashions with two facet USB-C ports on the identical facet. It doesn’t help MacBook fashions with a single USB-C port.

One of many HDMI ports can deal with 4K at 60Hz port, whereas the opposite helps 4K at 30Hz.

It’s obtainable in both Silver or Area Grey, and weighs 102g (3.6oz).

The brushed aluminium Satechi USB-C Multi-Port Hub Adapter provides two 5Gbps USB 3.0 Kind-A ports and 4K HDMI. It’s very light-weight at simply 51g (1.8oz).

It lacks an SD card slot however does embody a USB-C pass-through port (60W) so that you don’t sacrifice your laptop computer’s Kind-C port – permitting you to cost your laptop computer whereas utilizing the adapter’s different retailers. That is particularly useful for house owners of the 12in MacBook, which has only one USB-C port.

It doesn’t characteristic an Ethernet port, so that you’ll have to stay to Wi-Fi.

it’s designed to enrich Apple’s MacBook vary with availability in Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, and Area Grey colours.

Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter lets you join your USB-C enabled MacBook port to an HDMI show, a regular USB gadget, and a charging cable–all on the identical time. The USB port lets you join incompatible USB equipment (flash drives, cameras) to your USB-C enabled MacBook.

The adapter helps full 1080p HD video output to your TV (HDMI-enabled, in fact) the place you possibly can mirror your MacBook’s show or play motion pictures. 

Some older shows and particularly projectors nonetheless use the VGA normal for connection. Unveil your shiny new MacBook at your subsequent assembly, then die of frustration when the projector has a VGA connection.

All is just not misplaced, besides that assembly then and there, and a pile of money, as Apple’s USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter doesn’t come low-cost.

This adapter is designed to assist house owners of actually fairly outdated Macs easily transition to utilizing USB-C. You might effectively have units similar to laborious drives and exterior shows that use Thunderbolt 2 connections. This little gadget permits you to preserve utilizing them along with your MacBook or new MacBook Professional.

It additionally permits new Thunderbolt 3 units to connect with a Mac with Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports–however to reap the benefits of it this manner spherical Apple advises it’s good to be operating macOS Sierra or above.

There’s a false impression that USB-C is an inconvenience, therefore the existence of little adapters like this one from Nonda. USB-C isn’t a lot an inconvenience as a very new tech normal, so merchandise like this are simply there to assist us bridge the hole. Positivity, folks.

This cute little adapter is just to assist you to plug in a single normal USB gadget or cable at a time, nice for charging or syncing your iPhone or utilizing a USB stick. Simply don’t misplace it, it’s tiny.