USB hubs and adapters add extra ports or convert one connector type to another, so a laptop, tablet or phone can connect to a monitor, memory stick, card reader or wired network. The range is small and focused, with models from Anker, Canyon and Mobilis, and suits anyone whose device has too few ports.
How to choose a USB hub or adapter
Connector on your device. Look at the port on your laptop, tablet or phone first. Most modern devices use USB-C, while older laptops rely on USB-A, and the hub or adapter must match that connector as well as the devices you plan to attach.
Port mix. Count what you plug in at the same time. A typical desk setup needs USB-A for a mouse or flash drive, HDMI for a display and perhaps an SD card slot for a camera. A hub with one or two spare ports saves you from buying another adapter later.
Video output. If you want to connect a monitor or TV, confirm that the hub supports video and check the maximum resolution and refresh rate, for example 4K at 30 Hz or 60 Hz. Not every USB-C port on a laptop or phone can send video, so check the device specifications as well.
Power pass-through. A hub with a USB-C power delivery input lets you charge the laptop while the other ports are in use. Compare its wattage with your charger, because some hubs reserve part of the power for themselves.
Data speed. Ports rated USB 3.0 or faster move files much more quickly than USB 2.0, which matters for external SSDs and backups. Heavy users should also consider cable length and whether the hub draws power from the host or needs its own supply for power-hungry drives.
USB hub and adapter brands we carry
- Anker: best known for chargers and power banks, and also makes USB-C hubs aimed at laptop and phone users.
- Canyon: sells computer and mobile accessories, including multiport USB-C adapters for everyday office and home use.
- Mobilis: known mainly for protective cases and accessories for phones and tablets.
With only a few models available, you can compare all three brands directly on ports, video output and power delivery.
USB hubs and adapters: frequently asked questions
What does a USB hub do?
A USB hub turns one port on your device into several. This lets you connect items such as a keyboard, mouse, external drive or card reader at the same time. Many hubs also add HDMI or Ethernet, which most thin laptops no longer include.
Do I need a USB-C hub for my laptop?
You need one if your laptop has fewer ports than the devices you want to connect. Many thin laptops offer only one or two USB-C ports, so a hub is the easiest way to add USB-A, HDMI or an SD card slot. If your laptop already has all the ports you use, you do not need one.
Can a USB hub connect a monitor?
Yes, if the hub has a video port such as HDMI and your device's USB-C port supports video output. Check the maximum resolution and refresh rate the hub supports, since this limits the quality of the picture. A hub with only USB-A ports cannot drive a display.
Will a USB hub slow down my devices?
It can, because the connected devices share the bandwidth of a single port. A mouse and keyboard make almost no difference, but two fast external drives on one hub may each run slower. Choosing a hub with USB 3.0 or faster ports and spreading heavy transfers over time keeps speeds closer to normal.
