USB hubs and docks are very useful, especially if you don’t have enough ports on your laptop. If you always have the need to add other peripherals like your headphones, your smartphone, a mouse, a keyboard or any other peripheral, then you might find USB port hubs and USB docks very necessary.
Users with a lot of workload who require enough ports for connections are strongly advised to buy a USB hub or a USB dock.
In this article, we will be providing some of the best USB hubs and USB docks to consider for your use.
USB Hub vs. USB Dock– What is the Difference?
Size
USB hubs are small in size, while USB docks are larger in size. The former is small and portable and is best used if you like to move around. Because of its light weight, you can use it anytime, anywhere without carrying any burden. The USB dock, on the other hand, is larger in size and is best used if you always use your laptop while sitting at a table. Since you don’t move around, you will find this very comfortable to use.
Price
USB hubs are less expensive, while USB docks are more expensive. However, both of them offer enough ports, but it seems the docks offer more standardized features compared to the hubs.
Power supply
Most of the time, USB port hubs don’t power up the peripherals plugged into them since they don’t have a power supply of their own. However, docks have their own power supplies and can charge up the peripherals plugged into them.
The Best USB Port Hubs
Yeolibo
This powered USB hub is very affordable at a price of $24.99 on Amazon. It has one USB 2.0 port, three USB 3.0 ports, two USB-C ports, and one HDMI port. It also has slots for a micro-SD card and a regular SD card. However, it lacks an Ethernet connection.
Anker Hub
This USB port hub from Anker has an aluminum sheen and comes with an impressive design. It is small and very portable. It has about 7 ports for adding peripherals. It has two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI output, a standard SD card slot, and a microSD card slot. It has an affordable price of about $34.99 on Amazon.
Amazon Basics
This powered USB hub comes from Amazon, and it is simple. Unlike the others that are connected to systems with USB-C ports, this one connects to laptops with USB-A ports. Once you connect this hub to your laptop, you get about 4 USB A ports to connect your peripherals.
The Best USB Docks
Satechi
This dock from Satechi is quite expensive, but for an incredible value. It has a power supply, so you can charge your peripherals while using your system. It also offers Thunderbolt 4 ports for your peripherals with this connection. It also offers three USB A ports, an Ethernet connection, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack slot. It costs about $300 from Best Buy.
Plugable
This dock is called Plugable and it is perfect for anyone who prefers to sit at their desk and get their work done. It is also quite expensive and offers good value for the money. It offers about three USB-A 3.0 ports, two USB-A 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, a HDMI output, a microphone port and a headphone jack. It has a list price of about $169 on Amazon.
Powered USB hubs and ports are really unique and necessary, especially for those who need more ports for their peripherals. You can now easily set up your peripherals using these tools. Some of them also come with connection and storage capacities that can make your transfer easier.
Conclusion
USB hubs and docks should be employed since most laptops do not come with enough ports. This can make a laptop much easier to use.