This category covers USB hubs and docking stations that add extra ports to laptops, desktop PCs and tablets. Shoppers will find simple multi-port USB-A hubs, USB-C hubs with HDMI and card readers, and larger docks with Ethernet and monitor outputs. Brands in our range include UNITEK, AXAGON, GEMBIRD, VENTION and TP-Link.
How to choose a USB hub or docking station
Connection to your computer. Check which port your device has before anything else. A hub with a USB-C plug suits most modern laptops and tablets, while a USB-A hub is the right match for older laptops and desktop PCs. Some thin laptops have only one or two USB-C ports, so a hub with several outputs saves you from swapping cables.
Ports you will actually use. Count the devices you plug in daily: keyboard, mouse, external drive, webcam, memory card reader, wired network. Choose a hub with at least one or two spare USB ports on top of that. If you connect an SD or microSD card often, a model with a built-in card reader is more convenient than a separate adapter.
Video output. If you want to connect a monitor or TV, look for HDMI or DisplayPort on the hub or dock. Check the maximum resolution and refresh rate in the specification, because many hubs support 4K at a lower refresh rate than Full HD. Running two monitors from one cable generally needs a docking station designed for it, and your laptop must support it too.
USB speed and power. Ports on a hub share the bandwidth of the single cable that connects it to the computer. For external SSDs or large file transfers, choose a hub that states a USB 3.0 or faster rating, since USB 2.0 ports are noticeably slow for storage. Hubs with a separate power adapter can supply more current to hungry devices such as portable hard drives. If you want to charge your laptop through the hub, look for USB Power Delivery pass-through and check that its wattage covers your laptop.
Network and extras. A Gigabit Ethernet port is useful for a stable wired connection in an office or when Wi-Fi is weak. Docking stations often add audio jacks and extra display outputs, which makes them a better fit for a permanent desk setup than a pocket-sized hub for travel.
Brands we carry
- UNITEK: known for display cables, adapters and USB hubs, with a focus on connecting laptops to monitors.
- AXAGON: a Czech maker of USB adapters, card readers and drive enclosures, so its hubs often sit alongside other storage and connectivity accessories.
- GEMBIRD: offers cables, adapters and basic hubs at an everyday level for home and office use.
- VENTION: specialises in cables and adapters, with a strong line in HDMI and USB connectivity.
- TP-Link and CUDY: both are best known for networking equipment such as routers and switches, which carries over to their Ethernet-equipped USB adapters and hubs.
- UGREEN: known for chargers, cables and computer accessories, including multi-port USB-C hubs.
- Transcend: a long-established maker of memory cards, flash drives and card readers.
Also in our range: iBOX, Dahua, Vakoss and MediaRange.
USB hub and docking station FAQ
What is the difference between a USB hub and a docking station?
A USB hub mainly multiplies USB ports, though many USB-C models also add HDMI or a card reader. A docking station is usually larger and adds more connections such as Ethernet, several display outputs and laptop charging. A hub suits travel and occasional use, while a dock suits a fixed desk.
Do I need a powered USB hub?
You need a powered hub if you connect devices that draw a lot of current, such as portable hard drives or several devices at once. Keyboards, mice and flash drives usually work without extra power. A hub with its own power adapter keeps connected devices steadier and can also charge your laptop.
Will a USB-C hub work with my laptop?
It will work if your laptop has a USB-C port, but some features depend on the port itself. To output video through the hub, the laptop port must support video over USB-C, and charging pass-through needs USB Power Delivery. Check your laptop's specification for these before buying.
Can I connect two monitors with one hub?
Only if both the hub and your laptop support dual displays. Many hubs offer a single HDMI port, which drives one monitor. For two screens, look for a docking station with two video outputs and confirm that your laptop can handle them.
