USB hubs and expansion cards add extra ports to laptops and desktop PCs. The range covers USB-C and USB-A hubs, plus PCIe cards that add ports inside a desktop. It suits anyone whose laptop has too few sockets or whose desktop ports are all taken. Brands include SANDBERG, StarTech, SBOX and NEDIS.
How to choose a USB hub or expansion card
Host connection. Check which port the hub plugs into. Many hubs in our range connect through USB-C, most of them at USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed (5 Gbps), and some at Gen 2 (10 Gbps). Others use a USB-A plug, and a few use USB 2.0, which is fine for keyboards and mice but slow for storage. A hub never runs faster than the port it is connected to.
Number and type of ports. Count everything you connect at the same time, such as keyboard, mouse, external drive, webcam and memory card reader. Hubs in our range offer from one to eight USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and layouts with two or four ports are the most common. Leave one or two spare ports so you do not have to swap cables later.
Power supply. A bus-powered hub draws its power from the computer, which is enough for input devices and flash drives. External hard drives, several devices at once or phone charging usually work better with a hub that has its own power adapter.
Hub or PCIe card. A hub is the simple choice for laptops and for any computer where you do not want to open the case. A PCIe expansion card suits a desktop with a free slot: it adds ports directly to the motherboard and keeps the desk free of extra boxes. Check that your PC has a slot of the right size before you order.
USB hub and expansion card brands we carry
- SANDBERG: a Danish computer accessories brand that offers USB hubs among a broad set of everyday connectivity products.
- StarTech: a connectivity specialist known for hubs, docks, adapters and expansion cards aimed at office and professional use.
- NEDIS: a Dutch brand best known for cables and consumer electronics accessories, including simple USB hubs.
- LINDY: a German-founded maker of cables and connectivity products, popular with IT departments.
- EXSYS: known for PC expansion cards, including PCIe cards that add USB and other interfaces to desktops.
- AXAGON: a Czech brand focused on PC accessories such as USB hubs, card readers and adapters.
- j5create: known for USB-C hubs and multiport adapters designed for thin laptops.
Also in our range: SBOX, eStuff, INLINE, LogiLink and HP.
USB hubs and expansion cards: frequently asked questions
Do I need a powered USB hub?
A powered hub is needed when you connect devices that draw a lot of current, such as external hard drives, or when you plug in many devices at once. For a keyboard, mouse and flash drive, a bus-powered hub is normally enough. If a device disconnects at random, insufficient power is a common cause.
Does a USB hub slow down my devices?
A hub shares the speed of one computer port between all connected devices. A single fast drive on a USB 3.2 hub performs close to a direct connection, but two busy drives at once will share the bandwidth. Plugging a hub into a USB 2.0 port limits everything to USB 2.0 speed.
What is the difference between USB 3.2 Gen 1 and Gen 2?
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (also called USB 3.1 Gen 1) runs at up to 5 Gbps, while Gen 2 runs at up to 10 Gbps. Gen 2 matters mainly for fast external SSDs. For keyboards, mice, webcams and ordinary flash drives, Gen 1 is enough.
How can I add more USB ports to a desktop PC?
You can plug a USB hub into a spare port, or fit a PCIe expansion card into a free slot on the motherboard. A hub is quicker to set up and needs no tools. A card gives you ports at the back of the PC without using up an existing port.
