Many hubs also possess a USB-C port with power pass-through, allowing you to plug your charger into them. On the other hand, USB-C ports can transfer data at much faster rates of up to 40Gbps. USB-A ports, for example, are not as fast as USB-C for data transfer but can reach 10Gbps (1.2GBps) depending on the technology-USB 3.2, USB 3.1, USB 3.0, or USB 2.0 in descending order of speed. Starting with USB ports, you need to confirm the speed you’re getting, usually measured in gigabits per second (Gbps) or megabytes/gigabytes per second (MBps/GBps). Once you’ve decided on the types and numbers of ports you’d like on your hub, you need to look at the capabilities of each port. The same applies if you wish to connect more USB-A or HDMI-supported devices. If you use USB-C more, you might want to prioritize an adapter with multiple ports. While outlets for USB-A, HDMI, and Gigabit Ethernet cables are fairly common, they may be absent from some options. The first thing to consider when getting a USB-C hub is the port selection.

Before you purchase one, here are some things to consider.

Using a hub, you can easily connect other devices to your laptop, such as monitors, external hard drives, or SD cards. USB-C hubs expand the number of ports available on your laptop. What to Look For in a USB-C Hub in 2023 Best USB-C Hub Overall: EZQuest USB-C Hub Best Budget USB-C Hub: Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub Best USB-C Hub for MacBooks: Satechi Type-C Pro Mini Adapter Best Compact USB-C Hub: Anker 5-in-1 USB-C Hub Best USB-C Hub for 4K: Satechi USB4 Multiport Adapter Update, : We’ve reviewed our recommendations and are confident these are still the best USB-C hubs you can buy. Plus, it supports USB4 and super fast power delivery. Satechi offers an excellent adapter for the best viewing experience thanks to 8K 30Hz support.

If you need a compact, lightweight hub with a decent port selection, Anker's 5-in-1 hub is the perfect pick. The Satechi Pro USB-C hub comes with an excellent direct-connect style that matches Apple's MacBook finishes. Need a USB-C hub on a budget? Anker's hub comes with all the essential ports at a relatively low price.

EZQuest offers an all-round solid USB-C hub with a complete selection of ports, fast power delivery, and decent media capabilities.

Usb c hub macbook air