The Best USB Hubs – Test and Comparison 2021
We reviewed some best USB hubs for you. You can never have enough USB slots. A USB slot is required for external hard drives, USB sticks, and the connection of other devices. A USB hub is an ideal solution to this problem. The best USB hubs are reviewed in this guide. And it shows what should be considered when buying a USB hub.
Anker Ultra Slim USB 3.0 Hub – Editor’s Recommendation
The Anker Ultra Slim is a data hub that can be used for different devices. It is compatible with MacBooks, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro as well as Windows laptops, ultrabooks, or PCs. It offers 4 USB 3.0 ports for fast data transfer of up to 5 Gbps. The only 103 x 30 x 10 inches (10.3 x 3 x 1 cm) large Anker Ultra Slim USB 3.0 Hub is extremely light. It weighs only 1.23 ounces (30 grams) and the USB hub is made from impact-resistant plastic. The connection cable is reinforced for long service life.
The Anker Ultra Slim USB 3.0 Hub is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, Max OSx 10.6-10.12 or later, Linux 2.6.14 or later, and higher operating systems. If external hard drives are connected to the hub, they should be powered separately. The Anker Ultra Slim USB 3.0 Hub does not charge external devices.
Sabrent USB Hub – Our Price Tip
The Sabrent USB hub offers 4 USB 3.0 ports as well as an input with which the compact USB hub can be connected to a PC, for example. The USB 3.0 ports are backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1. It allows a maximum data transfer rate of 5 Gbps. The Sabrent USB hub, measuring just 3.4 x 1.4 x 0.61 inches (8.6 x 3.6 x 1.5 cm), is simply connected to a PC or notebook and is immediately ready for use. There is no need to install driver software.
The USB hub is equipped with a 4 inches (10 cm) long connection cable for connection to a PC or notebook. Each port of the Sabrent USB hub is equipped with its power switch. The ports can thus be controlled independently of one another. The Sabrent USB hub is suitable for devices with Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Mac OS 9.1 & higher, and Linux 2.4 or above.
AUKEY USB C Hub 10-in-1 Multiport Adapter – Premium USB Hub
The USB-C hub multiport adapters are ideal when a simple USB Hub is not enough. AUKEY USB C Hub 10-in-1 Type C Adapter offers 2 USB 3.0 slots, 2 USB 2.0 slots, one Gigabit Ethernet port, 100W power delivery, a USB-C data port a card reader each for SD and Micro-SD memory cards, and a 4K HDMI output, and a VGA. The 2 standard USB 3.0 ports enable a data transfer rate of up to 5 Gbps.
The HDMI port is ideal for fast transmission of Full HD and 4k UHD videos with a resolution of 1080p to connected HD televisions and monitors. Corresponding memory cards can be read via the SD and Micro-SD slot with a data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps and data can be written to the cards. Despite its wide range of connection options, the USB-C hub multiport adapter is compact and, with a size of approx. 9.69 x 3.66 x 1.02 inches, fits in any pocket.
What should be considered when buying a USB Hub?
With a USB Hub, several slots for USB sticks, hard drives, or smartphones are a thing of the past. The small, compact devices only have to be connected to a PC or laptop and are immediately ready for use. USB Hubs, which in addition to USB interfaces offer further connection options, for example for memory cards, are useful.
There are a few points that should be considered when buying a USB hub so that the device meets your own needs and can perform its function as desired. The most important selection criteria for a USB hub are:
Number of slots
Before buying a USB hub, you should consider how many USB slots you will need. USB hubs with at least 4 slots for sticks, hard drives, or smartphones are recommended. Depending on how many devices are used in the household, the hub should have more slots.
USB type
When buying a USB hub, make sure that the hub has fast USB 3.0 interfaces. With USB 3.0 interfaces, data can be transferred at a rate of up to 5 Gbps. Sometimes, however, USB hubs with USB 2.0 interfaces are still offered. These devices are significantly slower and no longer recommended.
Features
Some USB hubs are not suitable for charging the batteries of smartphones or tablets. External hard drives can only be connected to other USB hubs if they have a separate power supply. These points should be taken into account when buying a USB hub.
Additional slots
USB hubs are practical as they offer several USB interfaces as well as additional interfaces and slots. For example, an HDMI output that can be used to transmit high-resolution videos to a flat-screen. Card readers for micro SD and SD memory cards are also useful additional equipment.
