USB Hubs

Choose a USB-C hub around the connections you actually need, rather than the highest port count. Check whether your laptop's USB-C port supports video output and which data speeds it offers. Then look for suitable HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, SD card or Ethernet ports, depending on your accessories. If you regularly work away from your desk, size and cable length may matter too. Remember that USB-C hubs differ in charging and display capabilities. If you only need one extra connector, a simple adapter could be more practical.

These labels describe the total number of connections or functions advertised for each model, not a universal set of ports. A 5-in-1 hub might combine HDMI and USB data ports, while a 7-in-1 design may add an SD card reader, Ethernet or another USB connection. Check exactly what is counted and whether each socket supports data, video or charging. If a reliable wired network matters, consider a model with Ethernet and a compatible Ethernet cable. The right combination matters more than the number alone.

Many USB-C hubs work with MacBooks, Windows laptops and USB-C iPads for supported functions, but compatibility varies by device and model. Having a USB-C socket does not guarantee HDMI output, fast data transfer or charging through a hub. Check the host device's specifications alongside the hub's requirements, especially for external displays. On macOS, the number of independent external monitors depends on the Mac model and display technology; Windows laptops also have hardware limits. Our MacBook display setup guide explains why compatible video connections matter.

Some USB-C hubs support 4K at 60Hz through HDMI; others are limited to 4K at 30Hz. At 60Hz, movement such as scrolling and dragging windows usually looks smoother. To get the advertised resolution and refresh rate, your laptop must support the required video output mode, and the monitor and cable must be compatible. For certain UGREEN hubs, this includes a host connection supporting DisplayPort 1.4. A hub labelled 4K does not necessarily deliver 4K at 60Hz, so check the specific product's display specifications before buying.

Some USB-C hubs support Power Delivery pass-through charging, letting a compatible charger power your laptop while the hub connects accessories. However, the hub typically uses part of the incoming power. For example, certain UGREEN models accept up to 100W PD input but deliver up to 85W to the laptop. Check the hub's actual output rating, your laptop's charging requirements and the capacity of the connected power adapter. Browse our USB-C chargers if you need a compatible power source. The hub's other USB-C sockets may not support charging.

No. USB-C describes the connector shape, not the functions available on every port. On some hubs, one USB-C socket is reserved for PD input, another supports data transfer, and video is provided only through HDMI or DisplayPort. A 10Gbps USB-C data port may not support video output or laptop charging. Also check whether the USB-C port on your computer supports the hub's required video mode. Read the labels and specification table for each port rather than assuming any USB-C socket can handle every task.

Potentially. A USB-C hub and all its connected devices use the available bandwidth of the link to your laptop. A 5Gbps hub may limit a faster external SSD, and transfers can slow when multiple high-speed devices are active. USB specifications generally describe maximum signalling rates, not guaranteed file-copy speeds. Actual performance also depends on the SSD, enclosure, cable and host port. If storage speed matters, compare the hub's data ports with your drive's requirements, or connect the SSD directly. See our external SSD speed guide for further troubleshooting.

A bus-powered USB hub draws power from the connected computer, which helps keep it compact and convenient for travel. A powered hub uses an external power source and can be more suitable for peripherals that need additional power. Check how much power the hub provides to individual devices, particularly external drives. USB-C PD pass-through is a separate feature: it may charge the laptop through the hub but does not necessarily make every USB port independently powered. Our powered versus unpowered USB hub guide explains the trade-offs in more detail.