The best USB-C hubs for laptops and tablets of 2021

Laptops and tablets have become devices with greater prominence compared to the traditional use of the PC, especially now that many citizens telework from home or from a second residence. 

The portability offered by these devices has enormous advantages over the desktop computer, much less likely to be shared between users or to carry them from one room to another when necessary. techwadia

Another great extra that both laptops and tablets provide is that they have webcams to carry out video calls, something that in recent times has become essential to be in communication or participate in online events. 

Take a look at the article on the best laptops of the year.e a smartphone 

However, its use also has certain disadvantages. The size of the screens is usually smaller, and the latest trend in the new generation models is to limit the number of connection ports, which makes it necessary to use hub adapters or concentrators.

In this way, the perfect configuration would be the laptop with greater flexibility, to which you can add additional external screens, some USB ports for connecting peripherals, as well as an Ethernet port that allows you to use the wired Internet connection instead of a wifi signal.

It is for this reason that we have prepared this article with a complete selection of USB-C adapters and hubs valid for computers and tablets, with which you can strengthen the connectivity of your device. 

Therefore, we encourage you to consult the technical sheet of each of the products that we analyze below, which will help you choose the solution that best suits your needs. 



The best USB-C hubs for laptops and tablets of 2021

D-Link DUB-M810 8 in 1 - The best USB-C hub for its variety of ports

·        £ 61.19

Without a doubt, one of the cheapest that you will find in this report, but not for that reason, less functional if what it offers allows you to cover all your needs for use. Compact format, it is designed to accompany your laptop on the go. 

As an 8-in-1 adapter, choose to include core functionality instead of duplicating connectors. Thus, the use of a second screen as a monitor depends on the HDMI connection it offers.

Another essential connector to work from hotels or residences is the Gigabit Ethernet port that supplies wireless connections, which can become desperate if the Hotel network is saturated. 

The D-Link DUB-M810 hub also has both a microSD and SD card reader, 3 USB A ports, another USB-C connector, and the short cable that enables the USB-C connection with the laptop or tablet. 

With the power supply function, it is possible to charge the laptop at the same time that you connect your devices to the hub without losing your laptop ports, the output quality of a printer is measured by

 nowadays so scarce in the new generations of equipment. 

Specifications

  • Compatible with USB-C laptops 
  • 1 x USB-C port to connect to the host
  • 1 USB-C to host (5 Gbps)
  • 1 x HDMI (dual 4K @ 30Hz)
  • 2 x USB-A 3.0 (5 Gbps); 1 x USB-A 1.1 
  • Gigabit Ethernet port

Caldigit USB-C HDMI - The Most Complete USB-C Hub

·        £ 209.99

Although it is called a USB-C dock with HDMI, the first thing to know is that the Caldigit adapter is compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 laptops, as well as any USB4 certified device.

The advanced docking station uses the latest Thunderbolt 3 chipset called 'Titan Ridge' that makes it possible to operate at both T3 speeds and USB-C. 

This flexibility allows compatible laptops to take advantage of the full bandwidth provided by Thunderbolt 3, while users with USB-C laptops will be able to use the same dock without having to purchase a simple USB-C docking station. 

It is one of the few base that has two integrated HDMI 2.0 connectors that support 4K monitors (at 60 Hz if you use a Thunderbolt laptop). USB-C laptops support the connection of dual displays in HD (1080p), or a single 4K monitor at 30Hz. 

Unlike most USB-C docks , Caldigit's charges at 94W , which is sufficient for most high-end laptops. The independent charging functionality also allows you to charge other devices such as 7.5W mobile phones, tablets or smart watches. 

In short, one of the most advanced USB-C bases you'll find, with Thunderbolt 3 and 4, USB4 compatibility and a multitude of ports for mixed work environments in order to complement your laptop or tablet with all kinds of connectors.

Specifications

  • Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 laptops
  • Compatible with Windows USB-C tablets and USB-C iPads
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C port to host
  • 94W PD charging, plus independent charging
  • 2 HDMI 2.0b ports (dual 4K @ 60Hz to T3 laptops; or dual 1080p or single 4K @ 30Hz display to USB-C laptop)
  • 3 x USB 3.2 Type A Gen 1 Ports (5Gbps)
  • 1 USB 3.2 Gen. 2 ports Type-C (10 Gbps)
  • SD card reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
  • Gigabit Ethernet port for wired Internet access
  • Front 3.5mm analog audio input and output port
  • 150W power supply

Anker Power Expand 13 in 1 - For the one who handles multiple displays

·        £ 299

If you need a good number of ports to complement your laptop, don't overthink it. The Anker 13-in-1 Powe Expand Dock, with its Titan Ridge chipset, is USB-C compatible and guarantees a large repertoire of ports of all kinds. 

In fact, you can connected up to 3 external screens in laptops with Windows operating system, since in the case of macOS it does not support the so-called MST (multiple transmission transport). 

The HDMI and Thunderbolt / USB C port connects two displays with 4K quality at 60 Hz for Thunderbolt laptops, while the third external display would use one of the USB-C ports with 4K at 30 Hz. 

What stands out about the Anker Power Extend adapter is its easily accessible on / off switch, which helps to unplug it to save energy in those moments when you are not using it, also prolonging the battery of the device and preventing it from getting hot. 

The two provided USB-C ports are 10Gbps Gen.2 type, where some other models have Type-C ports as fast as 5Gbps.

Specifications

  • Compatible with USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 laptops
  • Compatible with Windows USB-C tablets and USB-C iPads
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 ports (40 Gbps) - one to host
  • 85W PD charging, plus independent charge
  • Up to two external display (2 x 4K @ 60Hz; or 1 x 5K @ 60Hz)
  • 1 HDMI 2.0 port (4K @ 60Hz; or 1 x 5K @ 60Hz)
  • 2 USB-C ports (10 Gbps): allows a second 4K 60Hz display with adapter
  • 4 USB-A ports (5 Gbps)
  • SD card readers (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
  • MicroSD 4.0 card reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II)
  • Gigabit Ethernet port for wired Internet access
  • Front 3.5mm analog audio input and output port
  • 180W power supply

 

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