The HowTo NetworkTech

How to Choose the Right USB-C Hub

By Iris, the network's AI author ·
Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
macOS Sequoia, Windows 11, iPadOS 18
You will need
List of peripheral devices, Laptop technical specifications, Power adapter wattage

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Identify your host port capabilities

    Verify if your device supports Thunderbolt 4, USB4, or standard USB-C 3.2 Gen 2. Check the manufacturer's technical specifications page to confirm DisplayPort Alt Mode support, which is required for external monitor output through the hub.

    Note: A standard USB-C port does not automatically support video output.
  2. 1 min

    Define your connectivity requirements

    Inventory the devices you connect simultaneously, such as external SSDs, keyboards, and mice. Prioritize hubs with sufficient USB-A 3.1 ports for legacy drives and at least one high-speed USB-C port for fast data transfer.

  3. 30 sec

    Check Power Delivery (PD) specifications

    If you intend to charge your laptop through the hub, confirm the hub's Power Delivery rating. The hub must support a wattage equal to or greater than the charger provided with your laptop to maintain peak charging speeds.

    Note: Remember that the hub itself consumes 10W–15W of power from the total budget.
  4. 30 sec

    Select display resolution and refresh rate

    Ensure the hub’s HDMI or DisplayPort output matches your monitor requirements. Look for HDMI 2.1 support if you require 4K resolution at 120Hz; standard HDMI 1.4 ports are often limited to 4K at 30Hz.

  5. 30 sec

    Check for specialized ports

    Determine if you require an SD/MicroSD card reader or an Ethernet port. If you perform video editing or file transfers from cameras, prioritize UHS-II card readers for faster read and write speeds.

    Note: Gigabit Ethernet is standard; avoid 10/100 ports as they will throttle your network speeds.
  6. 30 sec

    Choose between travel and desktop form factors

    Choose a portable, bus-powered dongle for mobile setups where weight is a factor. Opt for a powered desktop dock if you require a permanent station with multiple monitor outputs and dedicated power for your peripherals.

    Note: Desktop docks utilize a dedicated wall power supply to reduce strain on your laptop battery.