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.
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