TecnoOrange 
When I bought my MacBook Air with only two USB-C ports, I realized I needed a USB hub, period. I couldn’t connect my monitor, external hard drive, and charger at the same time. Since then, the USB hub has become one of my favorite accessories and I want to explain exactly what it is and why you probably need one too.
Table of contents
Table of contents
What is a USB hub
A USB hub is a device that multiplies the USB ports on your computer or laptop. It works like a power strip, but for USB connections: you connect the hub to a single port on your device, and the hub gives you multiple additional ports for connecting peripherals.
It’s a simple solution to an increasingly common problem. Modern laptops reduce the number of ports to be thinner, and many users find they can’t connect everything they need.
The basic components of a USB hub:
- Input port: Connects the hub to your computer (USB-A or USB-C).
- Output ports: The additional ports where you connect your devices.
- Power supply (optional): Some hubs have an external power supply for devices that need more energy.
Pro-tip: Don’t confuse a USB hub with a USB-C dock. A hub only multiplies USB ports, while a dock includes video outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort), Ethernet, card reader, and passthrough charging. If you need to connect a monitor, you need a dock, not a hub.
Types of USB hubs
Not all USB hubs are the same. There are several types based on their connection, speed, and power delivery.
Passive USB hub (no external power)
This is the most common and cheapest type. It draws power directly from the computer’s USB port. Works well for low-power devices like keyboards, mice, and flash drives.
Limitation: It can’t provide enough power for 3.5” external hard drives or fast charging.
Active USB hub (with external power supply)
Has its own power supply, which allows it to deliver more power to connected devices. Ideal for external hard drives, printers, and any device that needs more power.
USB-C hub
Designed for modern laptops that only have USB-C ports. Converts a single USB-C port into multiple USB-A, USB-C ports, and often includes HDMI, card reader, and Ethernet.
Desktop USB hub
Larger, with more ports (usually 6-10) and almost always with external power. Designed to stay fixed on your desk.
| Type | Typical ports | Power | Price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passive | 4-7 | From PC | $5-15 | Keyboard, mouse, USB |
| Active | 4-10 | External | $15-40 | Hard drives, printers |
| USB-C | 3-8 | Variable | $15-50 | Modern laptops |
| Desktop | 7-13 | External | $20-60 | Fixed desk setup |
What a USB hub is used for
The uses of a USB hub are more varied than you might think. These are the most common ones based on my experience.
Multiplying ports on laptops with few ports
This is the most obvious use. My MacBook Air has two USB-C ports. Without a hub, I can’t connect a charger and an external hard drive at the same time. The hub solves this instantly.
Creating a home workstation
A USB hub (or better, a dock) lets you create a complete workstation: external monitor, keyboard, mouse, hard drive, and charger, all connected to your laptop with a single cable.
Organizing your desk
Instead of having cables everywhere connected directly to the PC, a hub centralizes your connections in one accessible point. It’s tidier and more comfortable.
Connecting devices you use occasionally
Printer, scanner, card reader. Instead of plugging and unplugging constantly, leave them connected to the hub and just plug in the hub when you need them.
Charging multiple devices
Some hubs with external power allow charging phones, tablets, and other devices simultaneously, though not all offer fast charging.
How to choose the best USB hub
Choosing the right USB hub depends on your needs. These are the factors I consider most important.
Transfer speed
- USB 2.0: 480 Mbps. Enough for keyboard and mouse. Very cheap.
- USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1: 5 Gbps. Recommended for most users.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2: 10 Gbps. For fast transfers of large files.
- USB4 / Thunderbolt 3-4: 40 Gbps. Maximum speed for professionals.
Number of ports
Think about how many devices you need to connect simultaneously. A 4-port hub is usually enough for basic use. If you have many peripherals, look for one with 7 or more.
Power delivery
If you’re connecting external hard drives or need charging, choose a hub with external power. If you’re only connecting a keyboard and mouse, a passive one is enough.
Build quality
Cheap hubs from unknown brands can cause problems: overheating, random disconnections, reduced speed. Brands like Anker, Ugreen, and Hyper offer good quality at reasonable prices.
Pro-tip: If your laptop only has USB-C, invest in a decent USB-C dock instead of a basic hub. A dock gives you USB ports, HDMI, Ethernet, card reader, and passthrough charging through one cable. Worth every dollar.
USB hubs I recommend in 2026
For basic use (keyboard, mouse, USB)
The Ugreen 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub is compact, cheap (about $10), and does its job perfectly. No external power needed and works with any PC.
For USB-C laptops
The Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 is my favorite. Includes HDMI 4K, USB-A 3.0, USB-C with charging, SD and microSD card reader, and Ethernet. Costs about $45 and is worth it.
For a fixed workstation
The CalDigit TS4 is the reference for professionals. Thunderbolt 4, 18 ports, 98W charging. Costs over $300, but if you need the best, there’s nothing comparable.
Common mistakes when using a USB hub
Connecting too many high-power devices
A passive hub has limited power. If you connect three external hard drives without power, they probably won’t work correctly or will disconnect.
Using poor-quality USB cables
The cable connecting the hub to the PC is as important as the hub itself. A bad cable can reduce transfer speed and cause disconnections.
Buying the cheapest hub without checking specs
A cheap USB 2.0 hub will work for keyboard and mouse, but if you try transferring files to a hard drive, you’ll be surprised by the speeds.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Does a USB hub reduce transfer speed?
Bandwidth is shared between the hub’s ports. If you transfer files to two hard drives simultaneously through the same hub, each will have half the available speed. For normal use (keyboard, mouse, occasional USB), you won’t notice a difference.
Do I need a USB hub or a USB-C dock?
If you only need more USB ports, a hub is enough. If you need to connect monitors, Ethernet, and charge your laptop, you need a USB-C dock.
Can I connect a hub to another hub (daisy chain)?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Each hub level adds latency and reduces bandwidth. It’s better to buy a hub with enough ports from the start.
Do USB hubs work with consoles (PS5, Xbox)?
Yes, most USB hubs work with PS5 and Xbox. They’re useful for connecting headsets, external hard drives, and other accessories without taking up the console’s ports.
Can a USB hub damage my computer?
A quality hub from a known brand won’t damage your device. Cheap low-quality hubs could theoretically cause electrical issues, but it’s extremely rare.
Conclusion
A USB hub is one of those accessories you don’t know you need until you have one. If your laptop has few ports, if your desk is a mess of cables, or if you simply want more flexibility to connect devices, a USB hub is the solution.
My advice: if you have a modern laptop with USB-C, invest in a decent USB-C dock or hub. It’s a purchase that will improve your productivity and comfort every day. And if you only need a few extra basic ports, a simple $10-15 hub will do the job perfectly.