USB-C hubs: which upgrades actually matter in daily use

USB-C hubs have become an essential accessory for modern laptops, bridging the gap to older peripherals like mice, keyboards, and printers. PCWorld's Mark Hachman has tested a wide range of options, and his latest roundup highlights which upgrades make a real difference in everyday use.

The top pick

Hachman recommends Anker's 8-in-1 hub for most people. It feels premium with an aluminum and polycarbonate body, and offers a practical mix of ports: two USB-A data ports, a USB-C data port, and a USB-C power input that delivers up to 85W to your laptop. Two upgrades over the older 7-in-1 model are particularly notable: an Ethernet port and an HDMI port that supports 60Hz refresh rates. The previous model only managed 30Hz over HDMI, which is now considered outdated. The hub also includes SD and microSD slots, and ships with a carrying pouch.

Budget and basic options

If you have an older laptop or just need basic expansion, there are still affordable hubs that work fine for a single 1080p monitor. One such model offers two USB-A ports, an HDMI port that tops out at 4K/30Hz, and SD/microSD slots. It's a cheap and capable choice for basic needs.

Travel-friendly design

The OWC Travel Dock stands out for its stability. Instead of a dangling dongle, it feels more like a compact docking station. It has two USB-A ports, Ethernet, HDMI, and USB-C power input. The built-in cable is a nice touch, though it's a bit short. This is a good pick for anyone who wants a tidier desk.

DisplayLink docks for productivity

For those who need multiple high-resolution displays, DisplayLink docks are the go-to. They use compression to push more data over a 10Gbps connection, making them excellent for office productivity but less ideal for gaming. The Ugreen 9-in-1 dock is a stable option that supports two 4K displays, but it lacks a power input, so you'll need to supply your own laptop charger. Plugable's UD-6950PDZ goes further, offering three 4K displays and both HDMI and DisplayPort connections. Performance is good, though heavy video or storage use may show some degradation due to compression.

A dock for tech enthusiasts

The Dockcase Smart USB-C Hub 10-in-1 has a small LCD screen that shows detailed information about connected devices, power delivery, and even glitches. It's like a diagnostic tool for your laptop. The interface is clunky and there's no real manual, but it's a fun gadget for those who want to see what's happening under the hood.

What to consider before buying

Hachman advises assessing your laptop's ports first. If you have only one USB-C port, you'll want a hub with a dedicated power input so you can charge and connect peripherals simultaneously. Make sure the power pass-through is sufficient for your laptop.

For video, check if your laptop supports DP Alt Mode over USB-C. Cables and ports aren't always labeled clearly, so consult your manual. A basic dongle with HDMI is fine for a single 1080p display, while a Thunderbolt dock is needed for dual 4K at 60Hz, provided your laptop has Thunderbolt.

Also consider your peripherals: legacy USB-A devices, SD cards, and Ethernet are common reasons to buy a hub. Remember that bandwidth is shared—a 10Gbps port can handle multiple basic devices but will struggle with high-resolution displays and fast SSDs simultaneously.

The article emphasizes that most users will be happy with a standard hub, and you don't need to spend a fortune. The upgrades that matter—Ethernet, 60Hz HDMI, and adequate power—are now available at reasonable prices.