― Category
USB hubs
USB-A and USB-C hubs, from compact four-port models to self-powered seven-port hubs, including multiport adapters with 4K or 8K HDMI output, an RJ45 network port and PD charging. They expand a laptop short on ports or connect more peripherals to a desktop PC. Choose by the connector to the computer, the number and speed of ports (USB 2.0 up to 5 Gbps) and power; brands include DeLock, i-Tec, Gembird, PremiumCord and Axagon.
Products in this category
3 products
Frequently asked questions
- A hub or a docking station?
- A hub expands one port into several USB ports and often adds HDMI and a card reader; it is powered by the laptop and suits travel. A docking station has its own power supply, charges the laptop, connects two or three monitors and the network, and stays on the desk. For a permanent workstation we recommend a dock, for occasional use a hub.
- What does a USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD) mean?
- Such a hub has a USB-C input for the laptop charger and charges the laptop through the hub. The stated pass-through (for example 100 W) is the charger wattage; the hub keeps some for itself, so the laptop usually receives 10 to 15 W less. Without a PD input the hub draws power from the laptop and shortens its battery life.
- Why does an external drive in the hub keep disconnecting?
- A hub without its own power supply gives all its ports together only 0.9 A (USB 3.x), which a 2.5-inch drive exceeds when spinning up. Choose a hub with an external power adapter, or plug the drive straight into the computer. The same applies to several power-hungry devices at once, such as a drive and a webcam.