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In an era when we increasingly rely on external keyboards, mice, memory keys, and various peripherals, new commercial computers have shortened us in the ports required to use them. A typical new laptop has only one or two USB ports, nothing more.
The answer is to get a USB hub to achieve modern magic by turning a single port into the multiple ports you need for your digital work. There are various USB hubs on the market that provide multiple USB ports to help you get your job done. Others took this idea a step further by adding ports for video, networking, and access to SD cards. Some can even provide enough power to charge a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop, but you need an AC adapter to provide power.
When buying a USB hub to help your small business, your biggest decision may be whether to buy a USB 3.0 or a USB C hub. Both have multiple models, but the former is suitable for older computers. These port hubs are cheaper. The latter applies to newer computers. The cost of the hub may be higher, but it can perform more tasks.
Here are some of the best models on the market.
USB hubs with many ports: hubs with video and network, and hubs that can span the world of USB C and USB 3.0 accessories. Only Anker's PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C PD 10Gbps data hub completes all the work in a small and lightweight package, allowing you to do more for small businesses with a laptop. The PowerExpand 8 in 1 is connected via a 7-inch USB C cable, turning the hub into a connection center, with two USB 3.1 and one USB C ports, as well as HDMI video that can support up to 4K resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate.
In addition to the Ethernet network, the 8-in-1 hub can also accommodate SD and micro SD cards from cameras or mobile phones. A big advantage is that the maximum data flow of the hub is 10Gbps, and it can provide up to 85 watts of power to charge mobile phones and tablets. Or laptop.
It is suitable for use from a 6-year-old MacBook to any latest Windows 10 laptop, expanding the computer's single USB C port to multiple connection options. The 8-in-1 hub comes with an 18-month warranty and a soft cloth bag in case you need it.
The Sabrent 4-port hub is for those who just want and need a simple USB hub that turns a single USB 3 port into four downstream sockets for anything from a mouse and keyboard to a printer or scanner. Help you run a small business. The cost of this hub is lower than the cost of a fast food meal for two, but it is far from basic, but with LED indicators that show which ports are active and move data back and forth. Each port can be opened and closed by pressing a square button. USB 3.0 hubs can support speeds up to 5Gbps and are backward compatible to work with USB 1.1 and 2.0 systems and accessories, but they cannot charge or power accessories. The black plastic hub is 3.5 × 1.5 × 0.5 inches and has the flexibility needed to hide the hub under a desk or behind a desktop computer. It is available for Windows (from Windows 2000 to Windows 10), Mac (Apple MacOS 9.1 or higher) and Linux (version 2.4 or higher) computers, making it the easiest, cheapest but universal way to add a USB port One of the methods.
Belkin's USB-C multimedia hub is not much larger than Altoids tin cans, weighs only 4 ounces, and compresses a lot of video power into a small package. The USB-C multimedia hub has a maximum bandwidth of 5Gbps and has an HDMI port that can send 4K video streams to a monitor or projector at a refresh rate of 30 Hz, turning any recent laptop into a powerhouse for small presentations. Business.
If this is what the Belkin hub does, then it will be the winner, but the hub also has an SD flash memory card slot and an Ethernet port for wired networks. In terms of ports, it has no shortcomings, with USB 2, USB 3 and USB C ports. A big benefit is that, according to reports, the USB C connection can provide up to 60 watts of power for powering computing accessories or charging mobile phones.
It may be one of the most expensive USB hubs on the market, but the Belkin USB-C multimedia hub can be used with the latest Windows and Mac computers and can be repaid with its two-year warranty.
If you only need more ports to work, then ioGear's USB-C laptop docking station with Power Delivery 3.0 can meet your needs. It is better known as GUD3C35, which is a monster USB hub that should be able to meet all connection needs. This long and narrow device can connect up to 10 devices with a single USB C cable, while charging a mobile phone or tablet with up to 85 watts of power.
In addition to the three traditional USB 3 ports, GUD3C35 also has a pair of next-generation USB C ports, as well as SD and micro SD card readers and Ethernet wired networks. Its multimedia performance is excellent, with audio jacks for headphones or external speakers, and connection options for mini DisplayPort, HDMI, and older VGA monitors. In fact, a USB-C laptop docking station with Power Delivery 3.0 can support up to three 4K resolution video streams.
In addition to being compatible with Windows and Mac, the USB-C laptop docking station with Power Delivery 3.0 can also be used with Chromebooks. For laptop users, a big advantage is that the 14-inch long base can support the computer at a comfortable typing angle while allowing more cooling air to flow in from below.
Although other USB hubs are connected via a single cable, Anker’s Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB C adapter has a pair of USB C ports that can be plugged directly into the side of the nearest MacBook. It can reach up to 40Gbps and can be used with MacBook Pro and Air models from 2016 to 2020 to produce the best integrated USB hub available.
The Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB C adapter not only takes advantage of the Thunderbolt 3 function of the MacBook, but its HDMI port can also drive 5K displays. In addition to the 100 watts of power for charging mobile phones, the hub also has a USB C port and a pair of USB 3 ports for connecting various accessories. There are also SD and micro SD card readers for moving images and videos. Like other Anker products, it includes an 18-month warranty and a soft fabric pouch, but the Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB C adapter is suitable for Mac users who want their laptops to be both beautiful and versatile.
The silver and black Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock may be big and heavy, but no USB hub can turn a laptop into a desktop system to handle serious business. According to reports, by using Thunderbolt 3 technology, Belkin Express Dock can reach a maximum speed of 40Gbps and can be used to connect up to five Thunderbolt devices in a daisy chain. It has the expected ports, including three USB C and two USB 3 connections, and an Ethernet wired network.
Its DisplayPort video may not be as versatile as the HDMI port, but it is very powerful and can drive a pair of 4K displays. The hub has two audio output jacks for headphones or external speakers. It is a rare USB hub with a 170 watt AC adapter that can power the device and can provide up to 85 watts of mobile phone charging power. In other words, Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock is the best way to turn a notebook into a complete business desktop computer.
If you only need an extra USB port, then why spend a lot of money, trouble, and a lot of money to have a hub with a lot of ports you will never use? The pluggable USB 2.0 2-port hub/splitter is a one-trick pony that can turn a single USB port into a pair of connections, from a memory key to a wireless keyboard and mouse set. The simple, basic and self-powered pluggable USB 2.0 2-port hub/distributor is based on the powerful NEC USB chipset. The small and lightweight black plastic hub/splitter is a two-piece, allowing you to share a USB port with two devices that can operate at a claimed maximum speed of 480Mbps. It cannot handle the faster speeds of USB 3 or USB C, but has a 16-inch USB cable for plugging devices into computers with insufficient ports. On the downside, the pluggable USB 2.0 2-port hub/distributor cannot charge mobile phones or power accessories. However, the hub includes a two-year warranty.
The beauty of the Urbo monitor stand with Type C USB hub is not just superficial. Of course, the stylish and sturdy aluminum stand looks great on a table and can safely bear 31 pounds to safely handle a 27-inch display, but it is indeed USB alchemy. Urbo engineers did their homework for those who lack USB ports. The bracket has a full hub built into it that can provide three USB 3 ports and a USB C connection for anything from a keyboard and mouse to a scanner or printer.
The hub is connected with a 17-inch USB cable. The innovative design allows the hub to be connected on the right or left side to provide maximum convenience. In addition to maintaining a good posture when working or playing, the stand can also place a keyboard underneath and a mobile phone on the side. Its design is suitable for all types of laptops, including Windows, Mac and Chromebook, but the maximum data speed of the hub is 400Mbps.
When other USB hubs specifically provide one or the other port, the Aukey USB C 12-in-1 Type C adapter can do all this, making it one of the most flexible accessories in your work digital toolbox. The USB C 12-in-1 hub is a cornucopia of connection potential, not only has four USB 3 ports, but also a pair of USB C connectors.
It can extract images or videos from SD and micro SD cards and connect to a wired LAN through its Ethernet port. The video performed well, with a VGA port and two HDMI connectors. It is suitable for MacBook and Windows 10 systems, but it can achieve video magic by driving up to three displays at the same time. Nonetheless, the Aukey USB C 12-in-1 Type C adapter will keep you cool whether you are using its video function or just reading data from a memory card.
If you travel frequently on business, the Novoo USB C Hub 8-in-1 USB-C dock may be just a ticket, because it is very small. The other snaps into place. The Novoo hub can connect to eight devices and can provide up to 5Gbps of usable bandwidth.
It has three USB 3 ports, as well as a USB C connector and slots for reading SD and micro SD cards. The Ethernet wired LAN port complements the HDMI connector and can transmit 4K video at a refresh rate of 30 Hz. For those who want to charge accessories, the USB C Hub 8-in-1 USB-C dock can provide up to 60 watts of power, which is enough for even the thirsty mobile phones. The hub covers the base well and is compatible with everything from recent MacBook and Windows 10 systems to Google Pixel Chromebook and Samsung Galaxy tablets.
In a world full of various USB hubs, the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB C PD 10Gbps data hub (check it out on Amazon) stands out because of its small size, light weight and powerful functions, enough to help you do the real work. With ports for two USB 3.1 and one USB C device, it can perform basic functions well, but adds Ethernet network, SD and micro SD card slots, and can stream 4K resolution and 60 Hz refresh Rate HDMI video. In addition to being able to output 85 watts of power, PowerExpand 8 in 1 can be used with almost any recent laptop, making it a master of know-how and compatibility.
Try to get a USB hub with ports on all sides. This makes the desktop more tidy when working, and can prevent cables from tangling.
When shopping, look for a hub that claims a minimum of 10Gbps. You may never need this speed, but it is good to know that it is a potential option.
Based on the two USB C port design of the recent Apple MacBook, there are several hubs that plug directly into the side of the laptop. This gets rid of messy connecting cables and provides a more stylish appearance.
The latest USB C USB hub can provide a lot of power for mobile phones, computers or tablets. Although some can provide up to 90 watts of power, half of them are more common.
No, but many small business laptops only have one or two USB ports. In these cases, the hub is a great help. Not only does it allow the connection of peripheral devices such as a mouse, keyboard, and memory keys, but some can also send video signals to a monitor or projector.
Each connected device needs to share the overall bandwidth, so yes, distributing it among connected devices may be slower than when used alone. In fact, you may never notice the difference.
This depends on. By plugging the phone directly into the hub, having the power supply potential is a great way to simplify the desktop. In other cases, it can be a way to power a monitor or external hard drive.
You are lucky because there are many basic USB hubs that only provide USB ports. There are cheap products that offer 2 to 10 ports.
Generally speaking, yes. Almost any USB hub is suitable for Windows and Mac computers, while some are dedicated to Chromebook and Linux compatibility.
Many are capable of running display arrays with two or three screens at 4K resolution.
With all the equipment available, getting the right USB hub for your small business is not easy. In order to put this list of top candidates together, Brian Nadel used his extensive experience in the industry and a critical vision of everyone's work style and role.
As a freelance writer and critic outside of New York City, Nadel covers all aspects of desktop mobile technology, from keyboards, mice and other accessories to monitors, external drives and scanners. In order to connect all the equipment provided by the office, he uses no less than four USB hubs. They integrated his wireless mouse, SD card reader, label printer and other accessories.
He first created an industry overview of 10 main categories based on the functions that USB hubs can provide to business users. These attributes include the type and number of ports, size, and whether the phone can be charged. He then ranked each USB hub based on this standard to filter out the 10 best devices available.
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