How to Choose the Best USB Hub for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best USB hub

Overview

A USB hub is an essential device for anyone who needs to connect multiple devices to one computer or laptop. It allows you to quickly and easily add multiple USB ports to a single device, allowing you to connect multiple peripherals such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and more. This buying guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the features and considerations you should take into account when looking for a USB hub that meets your needs. We'll discuss the types of USB hubs, their features and ports, and the various performance standards available. We’ll also look at some of the top USB hub brands and explain how to choose the right one for your needs.

Key features

  1. Number of Ports: How many USB ports does the hub have? Make sure to get one with enough ports in order to accommodate all of your devices.
  2. Data Transfer Speed: What kind of transfer speeds does the hub support? A higher transfer speed will be beneficial if you frequently need to move large amounts of data.
  3. Power Source: Is the hub powered externally or are the individual devices connected to it responsible for their own power? If a hub is powered externally, make sure it has an appropriate power adapter.
  4. Compatibility: What kinds of devices is the hub compatible with? Make sure it is compatible with all of your devices before making a purchase.
  5. Size: Is the hub small enough to easily fit into your workspace? If portability is important, make sure the hub is small and lightweight.
  6. Durability: How well is the hub built? Check reviews to get a sense of how well it is constructed and how long it is expected to last.
  7. Price: How much does the hub cost? Consider all of the features and decide if it is worth the price.

See the most popular USB hub on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Increased port count - USB hubs allow you to connect multiple USB devices to your computer at once, increasing the number of ports available.
  • Portability - USB hubs are small and lightweight, making them easy to take with you wherever you go.
  • Compatibility - Most USB hubs are compatible with most computer operating systems, allowing them to be used with a wide range of devices.
  • Cost-effectiveness - USB hubs are typically inexpensive and can save money over buying multiple individual USB ports.
  • Expandability - Some USB hubs offer the ability to connect additional USB devices, allowing you to expand the number of ports available.
  • Data transfer speed - USB hubs allow for faster data transfer speeds than other types of port connections.

Cons

  • Cost: USB hubs come in a variety of price points, from low-cost models to more expensive, feature-rich options.
  • Power Supply: USB hubs need to be plugged into a power source to ensure that all the connected devices are adequately powered.
  • Speed: USB hubs are available in different speed ratings, so depending on your device setup, you might need to purchase a hub with higher speed ratings.
  • Compatibility: Not all USB ports are compatible with all devices, so it is important to make sure that the USB hub is compatible with the devices you plan to connect.
  • Number of Ports: USB hubs come with a limited number of ports, so you might need to purchase additional hubs if you plan to connect multiple devices.

Best alternatives

  1. Wireless Router - A device that provides a secure connection to the internet, allowing multiple devices to connect to it.
  2. Network Switch - A device that allows multiple computers to connect to a single network.
  3. Bluetooth Adapter - A device that allows multiple computers to connect to a single Bluetooth device.
  4. Ethernet Cable - A cable that connects two devices to each other, allowing data to be transferred between them.
  5. USB Flash Drive - A portable storage device that can store large amounts of data and be easily connected to any device.
  6. Wireless Access Point - A device that allows multiple devices to connect to a single wireless network.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • USB hub - A USB hub is a device that allows you to connect multiple USB devices to a single port on your computer. It can expand your computer's USB capacity and provide more power to individual devices.
  • USB Cables/Cords - USB cables are used to connect USB hubs to computers. They can vary in length, design, and features.
  • Power Adapter - A power adapter is used to provide power to USB hubs and other USB devices, such as flash drives. It is important to select the correct power adapter to ensure that the device gets the correct amount of power.
  • USB Extension Cable - A USB extension cable is used to extend the reach of your USB hub and can be used to connect multiple devices to a single hub.
  • Docking Station - A docking station is a device that allows you to connect multiple USB devices to a single port on your computer. It can also provide additional power and features to the connected devices.

Common questions

  1. What are the different types of USB hubs? There are four main types of USB hubs: Standard hubs, powered hubs, combo hubs, and hub and card readers. Standard hubs are the most basic type and provide the least amount of power. Powered hubs allow you to power devices that require more power than a standard hub can provide. Combo hubs combine the features of both a standard and powered hub. Hub and card readers are hubs that also allow you to read from various types of memory cards.
  2. What is the difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 hubs? The main difference between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 hubs is the speed at which they transfer data. USB 2.0 hubs are limited to 480 Mbps, whereas USB 3.0 hubs can transfer data at up to 5 Gbps. USB 3.0 hubs also have more available ports than USB 2.0 hubs, usually up to 10 ports.
  3. How many devices can a USB hub support? The number of devices a USB hub can support depends on the type of hub and its power rating. Standard hubs are limited to 4-7 devices, powered hubs can support up to 10, and combo and hub and card readers can support up to 15 devices. Additionally, some hubs may support more devices if they are connected to an externally powered source.
  4. Are there any special features to look for in a USB hub? Yes, there are certain special features to look for when buying a USB hub. Some hubs offer surge protection, which can help protect your devices from power surges and spikes. Other features to look for include USB charging ports, built-in cooling fans, LED indicators, and the ability to connect to an external power source.

Trivia

A humorous anecdote about USB hubs is the story of a man in Sweden who accidentally created a "USB Monster". He connected 127 USB devices to his computer, enough to cause an overload that resulted in a blue screen of death. And while this was not the intended result, it's a funny story that seems to pop up whenever someone mentions USB hubs. Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2011/jan/17/usb-monster-127-devices-one-man

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.