Best USB-C Hubs to Improve Your Laptop Performance in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 11, 2024
Recently purchased a new laptop that features nothing but USB Type-C ports but all of your devices come with older interfaces? No ...Read more
PROS

This data hub from HooToo features an EMI protection that prevents interference with just about any wireless device and a Mac-style LED indicator that is as useful as it is stylish.

CONS

The model tends to heat up when more than 2 USB devices are connected to it.

OUR VERDICT

The HooToo HT-UC001B is a model that combines a well-thought-out design with a slew of intelligent solutions and functionality that offers enough for just about any user to appreciate what it is capable of bringing to the table.

detailed parameters
Plug Type

USB Type-C

Ports

USB Type-C charging port, HDMI port, 3 x USB 3.0 ports, SD Card slot

Housing

2.5D unibody aluminium alloy ionised finish

Extras

Reinforced TPE cable coating, Mac-style LED indicator, EMI protection

Warranty

1 year

PROS

With an Ethernet port that can provide Internet access of up to 1000 Mbps, this hub will be able to ensure more speed than some Wi-Fi routers.

CONS

Some users find the storage pouch to be somewhat inconvenient.

OUR VERDICT

The Letscom USB-C hub will prove to be the right choice if you would like to greatly to improve the functionality of your laptop. With 8 different ports and slots, this hub will allow you to connect any device at your disposal.

detailed parameters
Plug Type

USB Type-C

Ports

USB Type-C charging port, HDMI port, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, 1 x USB 2.0 port, Ethernet port, SD Card slot, TF Card slot

Housing

Brushed aluminium finish

Extras

Reinforced TPE cable coating, Storage pouch

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Featuring plug and play type, this Lenovo USB-C hub is ready to use right out of the box. No software or drivers are necessary to enjoy all of the advantages this device can provide.

CONS

The device won't handle the total current load of more than 900 mA. 

OUR VERDICT

The Lenovo C610 is what you need when there are not enough USB ports on your MacBook or Chromebook. With three ultra-fast ports, you'll be able to use flashcards and peripherals as well as charge your smartphone with ease.

detailed parameters
Plug Type

USB Type-C

Ports

4 x USB 3.0 ports

Housing

Brushed aluminium finish

Extras

Reinforced TPE cable coating, Storage pouch

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Reinforced cable coating protects the cable from damage, thus prolonging the service life of this hub. The model is available in four colour options.

CONS

The USB ports are located too close to each other.

OUR VERDICT

If USB ports are the only thing you lack in your laptop, this Lention USB-C hub will be able to solve this problem for you. And you'll definitely be pleased with its sleek design and affordable price.

detailed parameters
Plug Type

USB Type-C

Ports

USB Type-C charging port, 1 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 port

Housing

2.5D unibody aluminium alloy ionised finish

Extras

Reinforced TPE cable coating, EMI protection

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connection is capable of offering data transfer of speeds up to 40Gbps, connecting two 4k displays, and charging all of the latest iterations of MacBook Pro.

CONS

The size of this device may be an issue for some customers.

OUR VERDICT

The Satechi USB-C hub is one of those products that you could easily recommend to the type of customers that are willing to spend a few additional bucks in order to obtain one of the most versatile interface solutions that the market has to offer.

detailed parameters
Plug Type

2 x USB Type-C

Ports

USB-C PD port, HDMI port, 2 x USB 3.0 ports, SD Card slot, MicroSD Card slot

Housing

Brushed aluminium finish

Extras

LED indicator

Warranty

1 year

USB Hubs USB-C Hubs

An Impressive Combination

The HooToo HT-UC001B USB C Adapter 3.1 is one of those models that manages to seamlessly combine design and functionality, making the product a great option for a fairly large variety of customers. In terms of functionality, the model has you covered with up to three USB 3.0 slots, and, as you are probably aware at this point, you can use these to connect virtually any piece of information technology out there, from a fairly new camera or a printer to a more legacy device like an old tablet or an external hard drive. There's also a slot for an SD card, so you'll be able to read and write information recorded by your digital camera, audio player, or an older smartphone. And, not too far from the SD card slot, you'll be able to find an HDMI port that will allow you to hook up your TV or a monitor to your laptop and enjoy movies on a larger screen in resolutions all the way up to Ultra HD. Finally, there's the USB Type-C charging port, the importance of which shouldn't be underestimated since the hub itself will be occupying one of your USB-C ports, so it is always convenient to have an extra one at hand.

By the way, we did point out earlier that this HooToo USB-C hub combines both design and functionality, but we weren't just talking about the variety of ports when it comes to functionality. Aside from looking particularly impressive, incorporating a 2.5D unibody aluminium alloy ionized finish, the design of the model is also as thought-out as it gets, featuring an EMI protection that prevents interference with wireless devices and a Mac-style LED indicator.

And if you still aren't sold on this product, we'd just like to bring up the fact that this is also one of the cheaper models on the market. So, to reiterate our earlier point, the HooToo HT-UC001B is a model that combines a well-thought-out design with a slew of intelligent solutions and functionality that offers enough for just about any user to appreciate what it is capable of bringing to the table.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B01KJ1HEV2

Unrivalled Functionality

Are you looking for a device to greatly expand the functionality of your laptop, MacBook, or ChromeBook? Then, the Letscom 8-in-1 USB-C hub is exactly what you need. Aside from the compact design that will allow you to fit it even in your purse, this gadget has a lot of advantages:

  • It gives you a chance to use three more USB ports (two USB 3.0 and one 2.0) to read flashcards, connect peripherals, for example, a mouse or a keyboard, and charge other devices.
  • HDMI video output allows you to watch videos in great quality on widescreen monitors. It’s possible to enjoy 4K videos thanks to this output. Moreover, you can even connect it to a projector if need be.
  • RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port will come in handy if you want to get access to a high-speed network. The port can handle 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps transmissions.
  • TF and SD card slots will provide you with the opportunity to process information stored on cards of these types with the maximum amount of convenience.
  • The last but not the least important feature of this Letscom hub is a USB-C port that allows you to charge your laptop, MacBook, or Chromebook and use other ports of the hub at the same time. However, keep in mind that this port supports no more than 87 Watts of power delivery.

All in all, this USB-C hub is a compact yet functional device that will be able to provide your laptop with a great number of additional possibilities.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075R2Q5ZG

Improve Data Processing

This USB-C hub from Lenovo is all about, you guessed it, USB. It is not only connected to your laptop via the newest generation of USB ports but it also provides you with 4 additional 3.0 USB ports to extend the functionality of your gadget. Luckily, the majority of peripherals are connected to laptops via USB ports, so with this hub, you’ll be able to read flash drives, connect mouse and keyboard to your device, or charge your smartphone while working with a laptop. Moreover, all the ports of this hub feature high-speed mode to process information on connected devices in the blink of an eye. By comparison, USB 2.0 ports handle data processing 10 times slower than the 3.0 ports of this Lenovo hub.

We’d also like to point out the sleek design of this hub. It measures at 1.26” x 4.39” x 0.37”, so you'll be able to fit it in your pocket. Having this Lenovo hub at hand, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits it can provide even on the go. And its aluminium alloy coating makes it look stylish and ensures the durability of the core at the same time.

Other than that, plug and play feature of this USB-C hub is worth mentioning too. It allows you to use the hub right out of the box without the need to install any software or drivers. Simply connect it to your laptop and the Lenovo hub is ready to use.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B076BP55WR

The Right Kind of Simplicity

People that are looking for a simple USB-C hub to add a couple of USB ports to their laptop might not want to spend a whole lot of money on a device like that. And that is where a model like the Lention UC0010C13 comes in. Being a wallet-friendly gadget, this hub is equipped with one type-C, one USB 3.0, and two USB 2.0 ports, to provide some additional functionality and convenience for your laptop. Hopefully, there's no need to mention that USB 2.0 and 3.0 are the ports that offer you fast and effortless data processing stored on flash drives, the ability to charge your smartphone, and the opportunity to connect your peripherals. But we would first like to point your attention towards the type-C port that can be used to charge the laptop it’s connected to as well as to support 2K USB display connection to enjoy high-quality videos.

Another undeniable advantage of this hub from Lention is its design. Not only is it sleek and attractive, it is also quite durable. Thanks to the unibody aluminium alloy exterior, ionised finish, and reinforced cable coating, this hub will be able to last a lifetime. By the way, the model will also come to the liking of people that appreciate aesthetics as well as functionality. Aside from the sleek design, the manufacturer of this model also gives you a chance to choose your Lention hub in one of 4 colour options, making sure you'll be able to match the look of your laptop.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £17.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01N0406E8

A Powerhouse of Connections

The Satechi ST-CMBPM Aluminum Type-C Pro Hub Adapter is definitely not the cheapest option out there, let's just get that out of the way first. However, an elevated price tag is not just the result of manufacturers simply going on a whim nor is the "pro" part in the name of this hub stems from some kind of cheap advertising trick. On the contrary, the model in question is an absolute powerhouse that features just about everything you would want out of a device like that and then some for good measure.

Of course, one of the best things about this Satechi USB-C hub is the fact that it features a Thunderbolt 3 USB-C connection. As some of you may already be aware at this point, Thunderbolt 3 is by far the most versatile interface out there, capable of offering data transfer of speeds up to 40Gbps, connecting two 4k displays, and charging all of the latest iterations of MacBook Pro. Aside from the Thunderbolt port, the model comes equipped with every single interface you would expect out of a high-end USB hub, like an HDMI port, a couple of USB 3.0 ports, and two slots both for regular SD cards and microSD cards.

As far as the visual aspect is concerned, this device does not disappoint either, offering a brushed aluminium design that gives this hub the sort of sleek and modern look that will be able to complement your MacBook Pro. All in all, the Satechi USB-C hub is one of those products that you could easily recommend to the type of customers that are willing to spend a few additional bucks in order to obtain one of the most versatile interface solutions that the market has to offer.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £99.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B06XRVX3XM

What Is a USB-C Hub?

We'd wager that not a whole lot of people would argue the point that living in the world with so many incredible pieces of technology is a pretty great experience overall. And the sort of freedom such a remarkable choice of potential options provides is definitely not the one to that should be taken for granted. Nevertheless, there's a negative side to everything, and one of the very few downsides to this phenomenon is that a variety of devices means a variety of ports and connections, with new pieces of technology arriving on the scene with new types of interfaces. Now, there's simply no arguing that the USB Type-C is the port of the future since it is capable of drawing power, sending data and even extending displays. The only problem with that is some laptop manufacturers are taking too much of a step towards this future, leaving the rest of us with older connections behind. That is where a USB-C hub comes in. All you have to do is simply plug one of these gadgets into your laptop and the latter will be able to utilise your legacy devices with USB Type-A ports, HDMI outputs, Ethernet jacks, or even SD memory readers, depending on the model you're using. Plus, even the most expensive hubs out there are still relatively affordable, so there's next to no reason not to purchase one of these things if your laptop is light on ports.

And while you're at it, why not grab yourself a new USB flash drive or a wireless hard drive to go with the hub?

Sources:

1. Chris Hoffman USB Type-C Explained: What It Is and Why You’ll Want it, HowToGeek. March 6, 2017.

2. Jessica Dolcourt Your next phone could have USB Type-C (and that's a good thing), CNET. October 26, 2016.

3. USB Type-C™ Cable and Connector Specification, USB.

4. Gary Sims What is USB Type-C? How does it change the game? AndroidAuthority. March 17, 2015.

5. Matthew Murray, Joel Santo Domingo What Is USB-C? An Explainer, PCMag. March 2, 2017.

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