

This necessitates USB-C hubs, which are adapters that transform your computer’s USB-C port into a variety of other inputs/outputs, ranging from Ethernet and USB-A ports to microSD slots and microphone jacks. However, in the process of standardization, many companies have opted to rely solely on USB-C when building laptops, entirely eliminating other ports that many of us still rely upon. The USB-C port has been adopted by major manufacturers-including Apple, Dell, Microsoft, and Samsung-which is great for creating a standardized approach to power and connectivity and limiting the need for that tangle of cords in your kitchen drawer. That means users can plug into the oval-shaped USB-C port and power up or transfer data without thinking twice about cord orientation. The USB-C, an upgrade to the once-standard rectangular USB-A port, has the upside of never being upside down. Here’s what you need to know if you want to boost your buying power: What is a USB-C hub?Īs the name universal serial bus (USB) suggests, USB connections are designed to be used with a variety of devices.

What to consider when shopping for the best USB-C hubįrom packability to compatibility, there’s a lot to consider when shopping for the best USB-C hub.

Best USB-C docking station: Accell Driverless USB-C 4K Docking Station.Best USB-C hub for MacBook Pro: Satechi USB-C On-the-Go Multiport Adapter.

Best USB-C hub for travel: Dell USB-C Mobile Adapter.The best USB-C hubs problem-solve this paucity of ports by plugging into one of those now-ubiquitous oval-shaped ports built into modern laptops and expanding the data and devices it can manage. While that’s well and good for users surfing the internet in a café or taking notes in class, most of us still need those “old-school” ports for some computer accessories-whether it’s to connect a projector for a presentation, charge our smartphone, or share files directly with another device. To create ultralight devices that can easily travel anywhere, manufacturers have opted to eliminate ports like USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet, which take up space and add pounds. Ports or portability? That’s long been the tradeoff considered by makers of modern laptops.
