PC users everywhere know that connecting and charging devices can be a bit of a juggling act once more thanyour mouse and keyboardare involved. Gamers especially can appreciate the struggle of having too many devices that connect and charge through USB, because they often rely on speakers,standalone mics, and controllers while playing online.
Hatoku USB Docking Station
ORICO USB 3.0 Hub
Luckily, USB hubs present a quick, easy, and affordable solution to busy desks. A good USB hub allows for more accessories to be plugged into PCs and laptops while also providing fast data transfer when needed. Given their affordability, there are hundreds of USB hubs to choose from, but these are the ones offering the best value for money, depending on your specific needs.
Game Rant’s Picks of the Best USB Hubs in 2024
Anker 7-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub
The Anker 7-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub is a compact, lightweight USB hub that adds 7 USB 3.0 ports to any PC. Users can transfer data at speeds of up to 5Gbps, as well as charge devices. The USB hub comes with a short, 2.6-foot cable, perfect for any desk size.
Anker is well-known for their grip onpower banks and chargersfor all kinds of devices, so it should come as a surprise to no one that their USB hubs are just as impressive. At nearly $40, this USB hub isn’t the cheapest one around, even when looking at other Anker products, but it does have a ton of features packed into one device.
First and foremost, the seven USB 3.0 ports allow for super speedy data transfer, up to 5Gbps. Users aren’t limited to just newer USBs though, as this data hub is backward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1. It does require a DC adapter, which is included, but this extra power adds stability to the connection and allows for device charging. The seventh data port delivers BC 1.2 charging speeds of up to 2.1 amps, while the other ports have a charging speed of just 0.5 amps.
Given its compact form and short cord, this little USB hub is ideal even for cramped desks, especially since it can handle most gamers’ retinue of peripherals. Plus, the Anker brand is known for quality products that last years at a time, so despite the slightly higher cost, it’s unlikely that you’d need to replace it anytime soon.
TOTU Premium 4-Port USB-A Hub
The TOTU USB A Hub is a compact docking station that combines a USB A 3.0 port and three USB A 2.0 ports, providing you with multiple options for connecting various devices. Offering seamless connectivity with high-speed 5Gbps data transfer, this USB hub is ideal for transferring files between physical locations and devices.
At less than $4, it’s basically impossible to beat the Totu premium USB hub as far as pricing goes. At the same time, that affordable price comes at quite a cost: this USB hub does not charge devices. However, for workers on the go and those who otherwise frequently transfer their work between devices, this handy little device can make life a lot more convenient for almost no money at all!
The four-way USB hub offers three USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports, allowing for super fast data transfer of up to 5Gbps when needed while providing additional, albeit slower, data transfer at the same time. Just as with most USB hubs, there are no drivers required, making it easy to use this hub with any PC. The super small design also lends itself well to compact desks and commuters who need to carry information to and from the office.
As long as you don’t need charging, anyone in need of a cheap, yet capable USB hub can’t go wrong with the TOTU Premium 4-Port USB-A Hub.
Wenter Powered USB 3.0 Hub
The Wenter Powered USB 3.0 Hub offers users 13 external USB 3.0 data ports for keyboards, mice, and more, along with card readers compatible with micro-SD and SD cards. With ultra-fast data transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, this efficient USB hub is ideal for office workers and gamers alike. The 36W USB hub also comes with surge protection, keeping devices safe while being charged or actively used with a PC.
Those looking for a one-stop shop for their USB-based devices will find a lot to love about the Wenter Powered USB 3.0 Hub. Although it’s a bit pricey compared to other options, it has by far the most features and is completely ready to support a wide array of devices, from keyboards and headsets to digital cameras and smartphones.
The long hub can support an incredible 13 USB 3.0 devices, with backward compatibility for USB 2.0 and 1.1. Plus, users can even use this hub for transferring images through micro and standard SD cards. The file transfer speed is as fast as you’d expect, with up to 5Gbps for USB 3.0 storage.
Each USB port also comes with its own power switch, which is handy during times when you know certain ports won’t be in use. LEDs near each button let you know when they have power and when they don’t, making it easy to stay organized when juggling multiple devices and file transfer tasks.
While this USB hub isn’t built for small desks, anyone who’s constantly running out of USB ports and needs a convenient way to charge their devices or transfer media should spring for this higher-end option.
Fidioto USB Hub
The Fidioto USB Hub takes a single USB port and expands it into four data ports. This USB hub offers one USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports with no software, drivers, or complicated installation process requirements. Despite the compact form, which can plug directly into laptops without the use of a cord, this hub can achieve data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps.
Another contender for budget shoppers, the Fidioto USB Hub is the best choice for users on the go. The USB hub can be used with the very short cord included with the device, but it really shines without it. The hub can be plugged right into laptops, adding four USB ports without any tension being placed on the device. Only one of the ports is meant for USB 3.0, which allows for file transfers at up to 5Gbps, but the 2.0 ports still manage to provide fairly efficient data transfer.
This USB hub is best for laptops, as the design allows it to sit flush with either the left or right side of a laptop, depending on which model you choose at checkout. Although some PCs will be able to enjoy this same convenience, it’s less than ideal for desktop users overall. However, the compact size also means it’s perfect for tossingin a laptop bagon the way to work or school.
Those looking for portability first and foremost, especially users with laptops both at home and at work or school, should pick up the Fidioto USB Hub. Given its affordability, it’s a fairly low-stakes purchase that can make data transfer easier, no matter where you are.
The Hatoku USB Docking Station extends a single USB-C port to offer an incredible nine ports in total: one 4K@60HZ HDMI, one USB 3.0, two USB 2.0, one USB-C data port, one USB-C charging port, one SD/TF card slot, one audio port. This hub also supports up to 85W pass-through charging and is compatible with most OS out of the box.
The Hatoku USB Docking Station is one of the best USB hubs around, though its most impressive feature may only be appealing to a certain subset of users. Those looking for an easy way to stream content to laptops or gaming projectors are in luck, as the Hatoku USB Docking Station is one of the few USB hubs under $20 that allows for 4K content to be streamed at 60Hz. This function even works for gaming, as you simply connect the hub to a laptop or computer before attaching an HDMI cable to a TV.
This function is made more convenient by the addition of a screen rest button on the device, allowing you to pause screen mirroring at the tap of a button. It’s easy to pull up all kinds of content with the hub too, seeing as it comes with not only USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, but also a USB-C charging port, an AUX port, and slots for SD/TF cards.
Hybrid office workers can easily use this hub to have two monitors while in the office without having to bring anything but their laptops. However, fans of streaming and PC gamers who want to play on bigger screens, such as TVs and projections, will get the most benefit from this quality USB hub.
The ORICO USB Hub is designed with an adjustable screw to allow you to mount it to a monitor screen edge or desk edge, without occupying much space. The USB Hub is easy to install and offers a sturdy, rubber cover on the screw to protect monitor or desk finishes. This desk USB Hub also features an extra power supply port that can keep your connected devices and data safe. The compact design offers transfer rates of up to 5Gbps to allow data to move quickly between devices.
The ORICO USB Hub is perfect for PC gamers withlimited space on their desks. The aluminum clamp comes with a rubber cover and can be attached to either a desk or a monitor, depending on which suits you best. The main connection cord is fairly long, at just under five feet, but that just means it can attach to PCs and laptops from almost anywhere on or under a desk with ease.
All four of the USB ports are meant for 3.0 devices, though they are backward compatible with USB 2.0. A bonus of the clamp mechanism is that the hub has efficient heat dissipation, meaning that you won’t have to worry about overheating if the hub is attached to a powerful monitor or placed close to a PC tower. The max transfer speeds are 5Gbps, which is in line with the competition.
As far as charging goes, the ORICO USB Hub could do a bit better than its sole USB-C charging port. However, it is one of the few options to also offer a micro USB port, which is great newsfor retro fans. Plus, the hub comes in a few varieties that can be had for less than $20 and matches either black, white, or silver aesthetics.
How to Choose a Good USB Hub
USB hubs can be fairly straightforward, but there’s no reason to stick to the basics with so many options available. Finding the right USB hub for your needs means looking into a few key features each model may or may not offer:
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a USB dock and a USB hub?
A USB dock typically draws power from an outlet, while a USB hub typically draws power from a PC or laptop. Additionally, USB docks almost always have charging capabilities, while the main focus of USB hubs is data transfer.
Q: What are the disadvantages of a USB hub?
The main disadvantage of a USB hub is the fact that it can only use as much power as it is provided. This can make it difficult to do lots of data transfer quickly when plugged into a laptop, which has limited battery power available.
