USB hubs have almost universal compatibility, often working with Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS devices without issues, though there are system-specific models out there like the Kensington SD5750T; so before you buy, double-check to make sure the USB hub you want is going to work with your computer. I’ve gathered five of the best USB hubs available and broke down their features and connectivity to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs and budget. Also: Best cheap USB hub: Add more ports to your PC or Mac This is an almost perfect choice for a USB hub. It has 7 ports, including a USB-C power input for charging mobile devices and laptops. You can connect a second display to your laptop or tablet with the HDMI port or quickly offload photos and videos with the microSD card reader slot. It’s compatible with Windows, ChromeOS, and Mac devices, so even if you use different computers for different tasks, you won’t have to worry about connection issues. The aluminum outer shell is designed to protect delicate components from bumps and drops as well as magnetic fields that can corrupt data. If your home office or workspace uses mostly Apple devices, the Ugreen 9-in-1 USB-C hub is a great addition to your setup. It features USB-C data and power ports for quickly transferring files and charging your laptops and devices. It also has an SD card reader for offloading photos and videos for editing, a VGA port for connecting older monitors to your laptop, an HDMI connection for 4K display support, and USB 3.0 ports for wired peripherals and storage devices. It even has an ethernet port for wired internet connections without having to be tethered to a router. The cable that connects the device to your computer neatly folds away for more compact storage, while the aluminum case helps dissipate waste heat more efficiently while perfectly matching your Apple devices. Having different kinds of connections in one hub is convenient. But if you need a simple way to keep all of your peripherals and storage devices connected and charged, the Wenter 11-port hub is great. It features 7 USB 3.0 ports for connecting things like mice, keyboards, and flash drives to your computer as well as 4 USB ports for charging mobile devices, wireless peripherals, and laptops. It’s compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS with true plug-and-play operation: no complicated driver installation needed, just plug the hub into your computer and easily set up the perfect workstation. Each USB port has its own power switch, allowing you to reduce energy consumption when you’re not using a particular device. Each switch has a handy LED indicator to let you know when the port is powered on or off. The Satechi multiport adapter is a great option for anyone who is looking to consolidate their computer accessories while increasing connectivity options. Not only does this hub have USB-C, USB 3.1, and HDMI ports, but it also features a slot on the back for a SATA M.2 SSD to turn the unit into a portable hard drive. The USB-C connection allows for charging as well as data transfer, while the HDMI port allows for 4K output at up to 60Hz. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, so as long as you configure the SSD correctly, you won’t have to worry about connection issues. If you’re a die-hard Microsoft Surface user, the Kensington SD5750T is designed specifically for your devices. It aims to be more than just a USB hub, allowing you to use it as a docking station. It has 11 ports: an SD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack, 3 USB 3.0 ports, 3 Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a Thunderbolt 4 host port for power, data, and video. The Thunderbolt 4 ports not only allow data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, but you can also connect up to 2 external displays with 4K resolution or a single 8K display. It already has a super-compact design, but if you really need the desk space, you can mount the unit out of the way either under your desk or behind your monitor. It also has security cable locks to prevent theft. The USB-C charging port delivers up to 90W of power for super-fast charging of devices and laptops. You can then connect wired peripherals like headsets, mice, and keyboards along with external storage devices without having to rearrange your whole setup or drop a fortune on a new computer with more ports. A USB hub, however, allows you to add more USB ports to your computer so you can connect more external storage devices or peripherals. However, it will look and feel like a tangled mess, so I suggest getting a USB hub with 10 or more ports if you need a lot of things plugged in.
