Best USB-C Hubs for MacBook

ORIGINAL POST

I’ve seen a lot of people recommending to purchase USB C hubs, do I need to buy one or do people manage without them?

11 replies

drivera1210 · 4 years ago

Thats a question you can only answer

Do you have devices that still have USB A?
Do you need a SD / Mirco SD Card Reader?
Do you need HDMI to connect to external monitor?

You could always wait and see if you need it. I waited a week or two before I got my hub. I found it useful for easily connecting to a monitor. Yes, you can get a HDMI to USB C cord. I found the Micro SD Card Reader very useful. Also, I used to have some USB Drives that were still on USB A. Again, this is only something that you can answer.

14 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 4 years ago

That’s a great answer, thank you. Can you recommend and good Hubs that don’t cost tones?

1 upvotes on reddit

antniomanso · 4 years ago

i’m not sponsored (i think it might be useful to add that disclaimer as i mentioned the company below a few times in this sub)

uni 8-in-1 USB C hub, i bought mine on amazon for €50, has 2 USB-A 3.0, 1 USB-A 2.0, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD, Micro SD, USB-C for 100W Power Delivery, the cable to the mac is detachable and braided, built in aluminum and it also comes with a blue silicone bumper so you don’t scratch it everywhere

(i don’t use it that much as only my gaming mouse and a few other oddly specific things need it, but it’s more of a “just in case”, if it wasn’t this one i’d probably buy a lot of single adapters and it’d probably cost me way more to do this setup)

1 upvotes on reddit

xcvbnm_ · 4 years ago

buy anker

1 upvotes on reddit

blackesthearted · 4 years ago

Not OC but I personally use the Anker 5-in-1 and 7-in-1. They're inexpensive (under $30 USD) and have worked great for me so far.

If you just need USB-A ports, I've also used this hub with no complaints (I simply realized I needed additional ports). I also use this SD/micro SD card adapter when I just need an SD or micro SD card slot/port.

With any hub, I generally use these right-angle USB-C adapters so the cord doesn't just stick out perpendicular to the MBA.

(Edit: perpendicular, not parallel. Migraine make brain no work good today.)

9 upvotes on reddit

Advanced_Path · 4 years ago

Keep in mind that cheap hubs won’t do HDMI @60Hz in 4K.

2 upvotes on reddit

Alessandro227 · 4 years ago

Not OP but are there any ports that offer Ethernet+DVI+USBA?

2 upvotes on reddit

youreallonsteroids · 4 years ago

i use mine for a mouse, keyboard, and external monitor. here’s a link its rly cheap; USB C Hub, uoeos 5 in1 USB C to... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0885WDH6S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2 upvotes on reddit

Timequake-Droid · 2 years ago

Given that you can buy them for 15 bucks, I think it's worth it for most people to have at least one.

Probably depends on devices you use and what accessories, but there are still plenty of USB-A accessories in the market.

1 upvotes on reddit

kartikpaliwal30 · 4 years ago

If you really need that port...then definitely

2 upvotes on reddit

Zohar_the_Pisces · 4 years ago

Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it…….😎

6 upvotes on reddit

See 11 replies

r/macbook • [2]

Summarize

What's the best USB-C hub for the M1 MacBook Air?

Posted by [deleted] · in r/macbook · 3 years ago

I recently just bought a MBA and I've seen scary reviews and comments about USB-C Hubs frying people's ports and I am wondering which one I should go for?

Your comments will be appreciated. Thanks

1 upvotes on reddit

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7 replies

NotDeadYet7917 · 3 years ago

You. An basically boil hubs into 2 categories.

Power delivery and non power delivery.

So with that in mind you have to treat each differently when buying.

A non pd hub you can get basically anything cheap that has decent reviews on Amazon. If you want power delivery though you need to be more choosy.

Pick one from a good brand like anker or satechi. If you get some cheap one it may burn out the port on your computer.

Personally I recommend anker since that’s the one I’ve been using since I bought the laptop.

1 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

Okay thank you, would you like to add the link to the one you have?

I’m not a heavy user so I only wanna use it for HDMI switch or HDD sometimes 🤷🏾‍♂️ Anker USB C Hub, 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1)

1 upvotes on reddit

NotDeadYet7917 · 3 years ago

Sorry I’m just now seeing this. this is the one I have

2 upvotes on reddit

C638 · 3 years ago

Anker has a bunch of variants with different port types. I like the 7 in 1 model with HDMI, SD Card, and ethernet.

1 upvotes on reddit

hail-satan_666_ · 3 years ago

I don't know what's the best but I have an Anker 5 in 1 hub with Ethernet port and it works great for what I need.

here's the link to mine https://us.anker.com/products/a8338

2 upvotes on reddit

poopmagic · 3 years ago

Apple fixed the issue over a year ago.

3 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

Thank you very much for this advice I was thinking the same thing.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 7 replies

r/macbookpro • [3]

Summarize

Best USB-C hub from M1 Macbook Pro?

Posted by lymeguy · in r/macbookpro · 3 years ago

Anyone know any good ones that work smooth?

Thanks

1 upvotes on reddit

4 replies

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4 replies

poopmagic · 3 years ago

“Best” is going to depend on what you want connected. Do you just need a few USB-A ports for a mouse and keyboard? Or are you looking for something that will support multiple USB-C displays? Ideally, name every single device that you’re planning to plug in.

It would also be useful to know your budget, because there are some great options out there that will run you close to $400.

Also: I’m assuming you’re talking about the 13” M1 MacBook Pro? The best choices for the 14” and 16” models will be different if you’re thinking about plugging in multiple displays.

1 upvotes on reddit

lymeguy · OP · 3 years ago

Thanks. I'm looking for one for a 16" M1 Macbook Pro.

I use it for electronic music production so I think I just need USB connections pretty much.

My current setup is- two seperate midi controllers and an interface, so that comes out to 3 USBs to attach to the hub.

Also was looking to spend less than $100 ideally.

1 upvotes on reddit

Kahrg · 3 years ago

I just use the one in my monitor.

Caldigit makes good thunderbolt ones.

Anker thunderbolt ones too.

3 upvotes on reddit

Jfishin_ · 3 years ago

I’ve been using j5create 12 in 1. It’s been awesome I’ve never had a dock to do it all lol. Usually been rocking two adapters in my setup for the longest time it’s nice to just have one dock lol.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/macbook • [4]

Summarize

Looking for a reliable USB-C hub. Please help!

Posted by awkwardeagle · in r/macbook · 3 years ago

Hi all. I'm looking for a USB-C hub for my 2021 Macbook Pro 14 inch that can support charging. I would like to plug this USB-C hub into my MBP, and then plug for example an iPad and charge other devices through the respective USB-A or USB-C ports in this hub. The Anker ones I've bought (7-in-1, 8-in-1), have pass through charging but I have no interest in that. I'd also ideally like these to have data transfer and maybe even ethernet if that's available too.

Are there any reliable brands that make these?

16 upvotes on reddit

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12 replies

605movesofdoom · 3 years ago

you need a dock: https://us.anker.com/collections/hubs-and-docks/products/a8392?variant=37438617944214

10 upvotes on reddit

MoeFugger7 · 3 years ago

he doesnt need all that shit, any USB-C hub with PD will do the job. Not sure why he said he doesnt want passthrough charging on his iPad since that is exactly what he's looking for.

1 upvotes on reddit

enoughbutter · 3 years ago

That one looks great for the 2020 M1 MacBooks and Mac Mini-the 2021 Pros have the 2.0 HDMI and SD Card slots built in, so those become a bit redundant for some users (i.e. me, lol)

Hoping there is a new generation of Thunderbolt Docks that focus just on more Thunderbolt ports and maybe a nice Ethernet port, which is missing on the 2021 Pros.

(Alternatively, an HDMI 2.1 port and UHS-III SD slot might be a nice upgrade for the current 2021 Pros, which only support 2.0 and UHS-II)

1 upvotes on reddit

605movesofdoom · 3 years ago

its not redundant if you undock often. I dont want anything except one cable going to my laptop.

4 upvotes on reddit

Eveerjr · 3 years ago

I bought the 8 in 1 hub one from ugreen brand on Aliexpress, cheap with excellent build quality and works great.

4 upvotes on reddit

aitianci · 3 years ago

Don't charge with it, I see some users reports issues when charing. USB-A or HDMI ports are OK.

2 upvotes on reddit

Eveerjr · 3 years ago

This was fixed in MacOS a long time ago. The PD port works fine.

0 upvotes on reddit

angelospp · 3 years ago

I have this one: https://satechi.net/products/type-c-multi-port-adapter-with-ethernet-v2?variant=45020091145

It's ports are: 3 USB 3.0, 1 Gigabit Ethernet, 1 HDMI, 1 Micro SD Card, 1 SD Card and 1 USB-C PD (no video/data)

1 upvotes on reddit

mo0_mo0 · 3 years ago

Caldigit Pro Dock.

Also Caldigit TS3+ Dock.

These are expensive pieces of equipment but they are 100% worth it.

2 upvotes on reddit

awkwardeagle · OP · 3 years ago

I feel ridiculous. I started out just trying to get a USB-C to USB-A adapter and I just bought this thing. I've spent like multiple hours and at this point I might as well have bought this before I spent all the time on research. I need a shower

1 upvotes on reddit

KoCMoHaBT61 · 3 years ago

They are bloody expensive because TB3 controllers are very expensive. I dream for TB3 NVM enclosure, but chinesse from Ali sells a USB-C as TB3 with mark 'TB3 compatible’. And they are not lie, it is really compatible.

And the dock -- I don't know any TB3 dock except CalDigit TS3.

1 upvotes on reddit

MoeFugger7 · 3 years ago

Not sure what you have against USB-C hubs with Power Delivery, they do exactly what you are looking for.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/macbook • [5]

Summarize

USB-C Hub recommendations

Posted by Maximus34672 · in r/macbook · 2 years ago

Hello, I'm looking for a reliable USB-C Hub for my MacBook pro M1 2020. Do you guys have any recommendations? The HDMI stability and quality is most important to me but I also want an SD card reader. I was thinking of getting the Apple USB‑C Digital AV Multiport Adapter but it only has a few ports.

1 upvotes on reddit

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3 replies

inactiveuser0 · 2 years ago

Can’t give you an exact product name but if you look up Anker on Amazon, they have really good products. I love them. They make really nice charge and data hubs, pretty sure they’d have a USB-C hub that’ll feed your needs.

1 upvotes on reddit

inactiveuser0 · 2 years ago

Maybe something like this?

https://a.co/d/cMIlirV

1 upvotes on reddit

inactiveuser0 · 2 years ago

That looks like a new model. Here is the previous model, with more reviews.

https://a.co/d/45d0F0R

1 upvotes on reddit

See 3 replies

r/macbookpro • [6]

Summarize

Looking for quality hub devices like this for MacBook, any recommendations? Apple-certified?

Posted by Lickmyb4c0n · in r/macbookpro · 2 years ago

34 upvotes on reddit

12 replies

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12 replies

Lickmyb4c0n · OP · 2 years ago

I’ve purchased an accessory similar to this before and it completely ruined my computer’s ability to connect to power and recharge… was told it was an extremely rare occurrence but still. Now I am cautious and skeptical of 3rd party devices…

Wishing Apple developed something similar, unless they do and I’m not aware… thanks again all.

6 upvotes on reddit

poopmagic · 2 years ago

I understand your hesitation, but (like you said) it's a rare occurrence and Apple fixed the "USB hub bricked my MacBook" issue in macOS 11.2.2.

Still, I think it's reasonable to bias towards "better" brands like CalDigit, Sonnet, and OWC. Hyper and Anker should be fine. I've actually had good luck with Plugable products too, although they're not as popular and honestly kind of ugly. It's mostly the shit-tier Chinese brands that you find on Amazon like XMPBNING or whatever that you might want to avoid.

4 upvotes on reddit

Lickmyb4c0n · OP · 2 years ago

Would definitely seek out a better spec if I was connecting monitors… would like to in the future, but don’t need to at the moment.

Thanks for pointing that out though. Might just go big when I do buy a hub to future proof my set-up.

1 upvotes on reddit

konforming · 2 years ago

Hyper brand is good, but I would highly suggest CalDigit products. If you want a hub, check out the Element Hub. If you want a docking station, check out the TS4. I just bought the TS4 and it’s absolutely amazing. It’s expensive, but worth the price if you want a way to connect your monitors, peripherals, etc with just one cable. Turns your laptop into a proper desktop and doesn’t look messy. I’m not sure if the element hub can be bus powered (someone can correct me). That would be the only downside if it isn’t.

9 upvotes on reddit

Lickmyb4c0n · OP · 2 years ago

What is the overall impact on your computer battery? I generally leave my laptop plugged in at all times, and I’ve heard that’s not the best for your battery… then factor in several devices being powered through your computer…

I just wonder how strenuous it is on your system. I don’t believe many of my devices pull or require that much power at all, but it’s just a place my mind goes when considering these types of things.

1 upvotes on reddit

konforming · 2 years ago

In term of overall impact on battery, I don’t think it affects it, but I haven’t done thorough testing or research to know for sure. If you’re asking about the docking station, this is why I recommended CalDigit because it’s trusted by Apple. I would worry more about the device affecting my battery health if it was from an unknown brand. CalDigit is a California based company constantly releasing firmware updates and they regularly test their products to make sure it works well with different OS’s or devices. Customer service is amazing!

I’m personally very careful when it comes to preserving my battery health. I have a 2019 MacBook Pro i bought when it was released and I only have like 10-13 cycles or less on it. So I would never use something if I didn’t trust it.

Also, if you have your original apple charger connected to the MacBook Pro while also connecting the CalDigit docking station, then your MacBook will draw power from your original charger and NOT the CalDigit device. This is a software inside the apple computers that prioritizes power draw from the original source if both cables are connected.

My laptop is the old touch bar version with no MagSafe so all I do is just connect the thunderbolt cable from my CalDigit and charge with a single cable because it has 98W power delivery.

2 upvotes on reddit

accidental_tourist · 2 years ago

Could you elaborate your differentiation of hub vs dock? I honestly thought they were interchangeable

1 upvotes on reddit

konforming · 2 years ago

Sure thing, i had the same confusion when I was looking to purchase. Hubs and docks are in fact different things.

A hub is usually smaller in size and you can throw it in your bag - usually in the form of usb and hdmi port expansion. They usually don’t come with a power adapter either and cannot charge your device. A dock on the other hand is larger, isn’t portable, and has the ability to charge your device and gives you additional ports and connections using just one cable, essentially transforming your laptop into a desktop. Say you have 2-4 monitors, you can use the dock to connect all of these monitors and use them without mirroring. If you used a hub to do this, you would mirror your screens. Also, because of the power adapter that powers the dock, each port will get the same amount of power distributed to it so you don’t have to worry about changes in performance or speed using only 1 cable.

If you just need extra ports like usb, ethernet, hdmi, then buy a hub. If you need to connect multiple monitors to your laptop plus the extra ports and charging, a dock will come in handy. They are not too different after all, it’s just that a dock gives you more options compared to a hub, but you sacrifice portability. Hope this helps.

1 upvotes on reddit

Hateno1loveonlyafew · 2 years ago

Definitely CalDigit TS 4. Easily the best hub on the market.

27 upvotes on reddit

art_dealer · 2 years ago

I’ve been using the CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub and it’s been fantastic, if you only need USB/USB-C ports.

5 upvotes on reddit

farwesterner1 · 2 years ago

>CalDigit TS 4.

Seems cool, but just absurdly expensive. Hubs are not Veblen goods; they're utility items.

7 upvotes on reddit

BudBundySaysImStupid · 2 years ago

Satechi makes a good one. I got mine at the Apple Store, so I guess that’s sort of an endorsement?

3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/macbookpro • [7]

Summarize

USB-C hub recommendations

Posted by Interesting_Bank4465 · in r/macbookpro · 3 years ago

I'm Australian, first off.

I need a USB-C hub to do the following:

2 USB-C ports; 1 power, 1 SSD time machine
1 ethernet port
2 USB-A ports; keyboard, webcam

I'm happy to plug my external monitor in through HDMI port on my MBP 14" for now.

I prefer a reputable brand, such as Belkin, Anker, Apple, or Satechi. I'm work from home, so I can write it off on tax.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

NB: That will do for now, but I'll eventually want to get a TB4 hub that will power multiple screens (later, maybe over a year away; not now). I'm not sure if it's worth just splurging on an all-in-one TB4 dock, or just getting a USB-C hub that's more specialised.

17 upvotes on reddit

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wreeper007 · 3 years ago

Owc has some nice ones

3 upvotes on reddit

SalsaGreen · 3 years ago

I've had good experiences with multiple OWC USB-C docks over the years.

1 upvotes on reddit

Naxthor · 3 years ago

Anker USB C Hub, 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)

5 upvotes on reddit

[deleted] · 3 years ago

question: Do they work with the apple silicon models of macbooks?

1 upvotes on reddit

Naxthor · 3 years ago

Yes using it on my 2020 M1.

1 upvotes on reddit

rooter81 · 3 years ago

I have the anker 555 also, it’s great!

1 upvotes on reddit

nevrar · 3 years ago

After lots of research I ended up going with a Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Pro. It’s awesome.

2 upvotes on reddit

Thadili · 3 years ago

The Caldigit TS4 is awesome for later in the year!

4 upvotes on reddit

Tomr750 · 3 years ago

reviews are horrible

1 upvotes on reddit

coeuss · 3 years ago

The professional reviews I see are mostly great. However, I see on Amazon it is having some disconnect issues on standby. Hopefully they fix that or have with a firmware patch. I run two TS3 Plus docks and they are awesome. My TS4 is also great and I don’t have the sleep issues, as I don’t use external drives with it, other than time machine.

1 upvotes on reddit

Thadili · 3 years ago

Mine works perfectly since 2 months 🤔

1 upvotes on reddit

howlingwolf487 · 3 years ago

TwelveSouth StayGo is pretty nice - I use it frequently and have had nothing but a positive experience thus far.

EDIT: there is no second USB-C port, but I’s just as well plug in a dedicated line for an external drive.

3 upvotes on reddit

See 12 replies

r/LogicPro • [8]

Summarize

What is the best USB hub for my new Macbook Pro?

Posted by snowberheim · in r/LogicPro · 2 years ago

I need 7-10 USB devices (synths) hooked up via a hub into my Macbook Pro. Of course the new Macbooks only have USB type C connectors, so it needs to hook to the hub with such. I need a RELIABLE hub that doesn't overheat, drop connections intermittently, etc. Any recommendations either for or against particular hubs would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks!

5 upvotes on reddit

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Chasecee · 2 years ago

The caldigit TS3(?) is top of the line and never let me down.

3 upvotes on reddit

R_Prime · 2 years ago

Yep, can vouch for the Caldigit. Also handles your power and monitors (though no hdmi port is my only real complaint.

There’s a new TS4 version now which supports thunderbolt 4 and costs a good chunk more too.

3 upvotes on reddit

existentialzebra · 2 years ago

Have a caldigit at work. Same. Built like a tank and never failed me. Definitely pricey.. although I bought a cheapo Amazon hub and it disconnects randomly all the time. So maybe worth the extra money…

4 upvotes on reddit

Chasecee · 2 years ago

If you own a MacBook you already understand that quality is worth paying $$$ for. You’ll own that caldigit for 10 years before it even flinches!

3 upvotes on reddit

woodenbookend · 2 years ago

Another vote for Caldigit. I have the TS3 and it’s great.

Do bear in mind, your MacBook Pro has Thunderbolt ports. These are full compatible with USB-C but give you more options.

1 upvotes on reddit

See 5 replies

r/PakistaniTech • [9]

Summarize

Best type-c hub for macbook?

Posted by harris235 · in r/PakistaniTech · 3 months ago

Hey guys, bought a new macbook air m4 recently. I now need a usb hub for it. But a lot of the ones i saw online are compatible with models up to 2019 or 2020. Macbook users of pak, what are you guys using?

I need it to have at least one USB 3.0, one USB-C, and an HDMI port. Thora affordable bhi hou jaye toh best hai. Thanks!

3 upvotes on reddit

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https://s.daraz.pk/s.beatA

4 replies

Consistent_Rate5421 · 3 months ago

ugreen, under 5k and it fulfils ur requirements!

2 upvotes on reddit

harris235 · OP · 3 months ago

I couldnt find one under 5k, do you have a link?

1 upvotes on reddit

Consistent_Rate5421 · 3 months ago

2 upvotes on reddit

mmaslam94 · 3 months ago

I've used Baseus, Satechi and Ugreen.

2 upvotes on reddit

See 4 replies

r/mac • [10]

Summarize

What's the best USB C-Hub for my MacBook Pro?

Posted by winenotbeer · in r/mac · 6 years ago

Hi! I have a MacBook Pro 13" (2017) and I'm looking for a USB C-Hub because two ports is not enough for what I need to do. I've been reading reviews for hubs that are not too expensive but also work well, but I haven't found one that convinces me. What USB-C Hub do you recommend? Or is there one in particular that you don't recommend? Thank you!

2 upvotes on reddit

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5 replies

soundwithdesign · 6 years ago

What ports do you need?

2 upvotes on reddit

winenotbeer · OP · 6 years ago

I forgot to say! I need at least two USB-A and another two USB-C. I already have an SD adapter.

1 upvotes on reddit

soundwithdesign · 6 years ago

I have one from QacQoc though it has 3 USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, SD, and Ethernet.

2 upvotes on reddit

AppleAaron · 6 years ago

I really like the build quality of Satechi Hubs, you can look them up at their website or Amazon.

2 upvotes on reddit

winenotbeer · OP · 6 years ago

I've seen a few reviews recommending the Satechi ones, I'll check them out! Thanks!

1 upvotes on reddit

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