Quick picks
| Pick | Best for | Key ports |
|---|---|---|
| UGREEN Revodok 7-in-1 | Best budget hub | 4K HDMI, 3x USB, SD/microSD, 100W PD |
| Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub | Most trusted travel hub | 4K HDMI, 3x USB, SD/microSD, 85W pass-through |
| Satechi 8-in-1 USB-C Hub V3 | MacBook users and Ethernet | 8K HDMI, 4x USB, UHS-II SD, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Anker 563 10-in-1 | Two monitors on Windows | Dual 4K HDMI, Ethernet, 100W PD-in |
Before you buy: will it work with your laptop?
- Your USB-C port must support video (DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4 or Thunderbolt) for the HDMI port to work. Check your laptop's spec page or look for a small display or lightning icon next to the port.
- Charging: a hub's pass-through charging is always a bit lower than the charger you plug in. Use a charger rated at least 20W above what your laptop needs.
- 4K at 30Hz vs 60Hz: 30Hz is fine for documents and video but feels choppy for gaming. Check the hub's HDMI spec if you want smooth motion.
- Two monitors on a MacBook: base M-series MacBooks only support one external screen natively, so a dual-HDMI hub will mirror instead of extend on most of them.
The best USB-C hubs
Best for: Best budget hub
UGREEN Revodok 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
An aluminium hub with 4K HDMI, a 5Gbps USB-C data port, two USB-A ports, SD and microSD readers and 100W Power Delivery input (up to 95W reaches your laptop). Works with MacBooks, Windows laptops, Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
- Very affordable
- Aluminium body
- Up to 95W pass-through charging
- HDMI is 4K at 30Hz
- No Ethernet
Best for: Most trusted travel hub
Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
One of the best-reviewed hubs on Amazon. 4K HDMI, USB-A and USB-C data ports at 5Gbps, SD and microSD readers and up to 85W pass-through charging. Small enough to live in a laptop bag.
- Huge number of positive reviews
- Compact
- Plug-and-play, no drivers
- 85W charging cap
- HDMI is 4K at 30Hz on the standard version
Best for: MacBook users and Ethernet
Satechi 8-in-1 USB-C Hub V3
A premium hub that adds Gigabit Ethernet, a fast UHS-II SD reader, three 10Gbps USB ports and an HDMI 2.1 port that handles 4K at 60Hz and up to 8K at 30Hz on supported devices.
- Gigabit Ethernet
- 10Gbps USB ports
- 4K 60Hz HDMI
- Pricier than budget hubs
- 85W max charging to the laptop
Best for: Two monitors on Windows
Anker 563 USB-C Hub (10-in-1, Dual 4K HDMI)
A desk-style hub with two HDMI ports, Ethernet, USB-A and USB-C data ports, card readers and a 100W PD-in port for up to 85W pass-through charging. Great for turning a Windows laptop into a desktop setup.
- Two HDMI outputs
- Ethernet built in
- Good port spread
- Needs a 100W charger for full charging
- Most base MacBooks will only mirror on the second screen
- Not Linux compatible
Hub vs docking station
A hub is small, powered by your laptop and made to travel. A docking station usually has its own power brick, more ports and support for more monitors, and stays on your desk. If you sit at the same desk every day with a monitor on a monitor arm, a dock is worth it; if you work from cafes and hotels, a hub is all you need.
Using a hub with a handheld? See our guide to Steam Deck and ROG Ally docks and power banks. Want a second screen on the go? Read our best portable monitors guide, and add a mechanical keyboard and ergonomic mouse for a proper desk setup.
FAQ
Do USB-C hubs work with any laptop?
Data ports work with almost any USB-C laptop. HDMI only works if the laptop's USB-C port supports video (DisplayPort Alt Mode, USB4 or Thunderbolt).
Can I charge my laptop through a USB-C hub?
Yes, if the hub has a Power Delivery input. Plug your laptop charger into it; the hub keeps a few watts for itself and passes the rest through.
Do USB-C hubs work with the Steam Deck?
Yes. Most USB-C hubs with power delivery and HDMI, like the UGREEN Revodok, work with the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.
Can a USB-C hub run two monitors on a MacBook?
Most base M-series MacBooks support only one external display natively, so two HDMI ports will mirror. Pro and Max chips, or DisplayLink docks, can extend to more screens.