Best USB hubs rating for 2020

The wide variety of devices connected to a computer is simply amazing. The huge list begins with the devices already familiar to the user, including:

• keyboard, mouse and printer;
• mobile phone and scanner;
• joystick, card reader and microphone;
• tablet, external hard drives and memory card;
• mp3 players, external disc readers and wireless devices;
• flash drives, digital camcorder and photo camera.

Also, every year the list of additional, unusual devices is replenished, such as coffee makers, lamps, air humidifiers, fans, vacuum cleaners, microscopes, refrigerators and heaters for drinks, heated slippers and many other interesting devices.

The large variety of USB-connected gadgets provides many possibilities, but, unfortunately, the number of ports on the computer is not enough to connect everything you want. In this case, a wonderful computer accessory comes to the rescue - a USB hub.

Information about USB hubs

What it is?

A USB hub is a device that expands the capabilities of a computer by expanding connectors. It is also called USB splitter and USB HUB (USB hub, USB HUB).

What types of hubs are there

Hubs can be divided into four types:

1. USB PCI card.
   The card is installed on the motherboard in a free PCI slot. You must first open the case. In order to install this type of hub with your own hands, certain knowledge and skills are required. And in their absence, it is better to contact a specialist so as not to harm the computer.
2. Passive hub.
   A compact and inexpensive external hub is perfect for a laptop or a desktop computer. Usually the device has two to six connectors. The downside of a passive hub is its inability to ensure the stable and correct operation of all simultaneously connected devices. This problem occurs due to insufficient amperage.
   The HUB is very easy to operate, it can be easily connected at home, no step by step instructions are required. To use it, just connect the device to a free connector on the computer.
3. Active hub.
   The active external splitter, thanks to the connection to the network, is supplied with sufficient power for the stable operation of several simultaneously connected devices. You can connect an active hub yourself: to do this, you need to connect it to a free computer slot and an outlet. If the socket cannot be used, the hub can be used as a passive hub.
   Typically an active hub comes with a long cord. Sufficient length ensures comfortable use of the device and expands its placement possibilities. Some models have a separate fast charging socket.
4. USB computer card. This is an alternative hub suitable for laptops. A small computer card has two sockets.To get started, you need to insert the card into the slot on the computer.

Interface

Having decided on the type of splitter, you should pay attention to such important criteria when choosing an interface. For efficient operation, it is desirable that the hub supports the following interfaces:

• Type-C HDMI socket, as HDMI A is being phased out;
• USB-C, micro USB and built-in charger;
• Ethernet (RJ-45). Now, not all laptops have this connector installed, since it is supposed to use a Wi-Fi wireless connection. But there are times when you still have to use the wired Internet;
• USB 2.0 and 3.0. The data transfer rate of USB 2.0 is up to 480 megabits per second, the half-duplex standard allows data to be transferred in only one direction. The USB 3.0 interface is impressive with data transfer rates of up to 5 gigabits per second and an amperage of 900 mA. And the full duplex standard allows data transfer in two directions.

USB extension cable

A USB HUB extension cable is necessary if you have a problem with the inconvenient location of computer slots or if you want to place the hub at a remote distance from the computer. Extenders are designated as USB 2.0 (3.0), AMAF (AMAF). The maximum cable length is 5 meters.

Note! The longer the cable, the greater the loss in amperage and data rate. The shortest cord should be chosen whenever possible.

What else you should pay attention to when choosing an extension cable is support for USB 2.0 and 3.0 connectors. If the splitter supports the USB 2.0 interface, then you can purchase an extension cable with both the USB 2.0 designation and 3.0. However, if the hub supports USB 3.0, then for maximum device performance, select only a cable with this designation.

Design

If the appearance of the device is important for the consumer, then modern hubs will not upset him. Manufacturers have paid great attention to the design of the device, so both classic and unusual hubs of various shapes and colors are presented on the market.

Review of the best USB hubs for 2020

The following best models are presented in the review (the number of ports is indicated in brackets):

• Moshi USB-C Multimedia Adapter (3);
• ANKER 4-Port Ultra-Slim USB 3.0 (4);
• ORICO M3H4 (4);
• budget Ginzzu GR-384UAB (4);
• budget Defender Quadro Express (4);
• Adam Elements CASA Hub A01 (6);
• MacBook 2017 and 2017 - Baseus Thunderbolt C + (7)
• MacBook compatible - Hyper HyperDrive SLIM 8-in-1 Hub (8);
• TP-LINK UH720 (9);
• SmartDelux SDU3-P10C3 (13).

3-Port Moshi USB-C Multimedia Adapter

Guarantee	1 year
A type	passive
Number of ports	3
Connector type	USB Type-C or Thunderbolt 3
average price	3,590 rubles
Body materials	aluminum
Indicator	charging
Colour	Gray
Baud rate	up to 5 Gbps
Card reader	built in
Dimensions	17.78 x 5.84 x 1.78 cm
Weight	77 g
Data transfer	speed up to 5 Gbps

The passive HUB is made of high quality anodized aluminum and is available in a gray color scheme. The hub is medium in size and has three connectors.

The first connector is HDCP compliant HDMI. The port allows you to display images with a resolution of 1,080 pixels, with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, as well as with a resolution of 4K and a refresh rate of 30 Hz. The HDMI port also outputs multi-channel audio.

The next two ports are USB 3.1 Gen, with fast charging up to 60W and high speed data transfer up to 5Gbps. To determine the status of the devices being charged, the manufacturer has installed a charging indicator light.

Additionally, the device is equipped with a card reader that reads information from SDHC, XC and SD memory cards. Data is transferred at a speed of 104 megabits per second.

To connect to a PC, you can use USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 connectors.

• high throughput;
• slot for reading a memory card;
• HDMI compatible with HDCP and 4K support;
• high-quality case;
• support for fast charging;
• charging indicator light;
• Thunderbolt 3 support.

• no additional USB-C port.

ANKER 4-Port Ultra-Slim USB 3.0

average price	1,028 rubles
Hub type	active
Type and number of connectors	USB 3.0, 4
Overall dimensions	107 x 30 x 10 mm
Colour	the black
Indicators	activity
How to connect to PC	USB Type A

The HUB has four high-speed USB 3.0 ports with a maximum data transfer rate of up to 5 gigabits per second.

The small dimensions of ANKER Ultra-Slim allow you to conveniently position the accessory in the workplace. Internal elements are well protected from damage by heat-resistant connectors and durable construction.

A USB Type A connector is used to connect the hub to a computer. USB 3.0 ports have an optimal distance from each other, which allows you to connect large devices to the hub. The user can monitor the operating status using the power LED indicator.

• small size;
• high-speed USB 3.0 interface;
• heat-resistant connectors;
• robust construction;
• power indicator;
• optimal distance of the connector from each other.

• not found.

ORICO M3H4

Overall dimensions	18 x 10 x 4 cm
Weight	100 g
Guarantee	2 years
A type	passive
Interface view	USB 3.2 Gen 1
Connectors	4 things.
Colour	silver
Maximum baud rate	5 Gbps
Connection socket	USB 3.0
average cost	RUB 1,672

ORICO M3H4 is made of aluminum for maximum strength and durability. The tilt of the case at 32 degrees allows for convenient and simple device connection.

Four USB 3.0 ports allow you to transfer the necessary data at speeds up to 5 Gbps.

• ease of use;
• good appearance;
• durability;
• high speed.

• not.

Ginzzu GR-384UAB

Number of ports	4
A type	active
Connector type	USB Type A
Colour	the black
Dimensions	44 x 20 x 57 mm
Weight	60 g
Indicator	there is
average price	890 rubles
Guarantee period	1 year

The budget hub is black. The device is very small, but at the same time it accommodates 4 USB 3.0 ports, which provide high data transfer rates (up to 5 Gb / s).

Ginzzu GR-384UAB is connected to the mains using a power adapter with a current strength of 5 V / 2.1 A. The package includes a 60 cm cable.

• small size;
• low cost;
• high throughput.

• not.

Defender quadro express

Overall dimensions	1.4 x 26.5 x 2.4 cm
Weight	75 g
Colour	the black
Interface	USB 3.0
Number of connectors	4
A type	passive
The cost	average price 790 rubles
Guarantee	1 year

Defender Quadro Express passive splitter is made in classic black color. For the user, four USB 3.0 ports are provided, which are capable of transferring data at high speed - up to 5 Gbps. The current for each port is 900 mA.

For a convenient location, you will most likely need to purchase an extension cord, since the cable is only 16 cm long.

• high speed of synchronization;
• budget cost.

• short cable.

Adam Elements CASA Hub A01

A type	passive
Colour	gray, yellow, pink, white
Guarantee period	3 years
Weight	85.8 g
Connectors	6 items
Connection	USB Type-C
Price	on average 6 490 rubles
Length x width x height	270 x 46.5 x 15.8mm

Adam Elements CASA Hub A01 has a stylish design and comes in four colors: white, pink, gray and yellow.

The multifunctional hub provides the user with the following connectors:

• two Type-A USB 3.0, with data transfer rates up to 5 Gb / s;
• one HDMI, with support for 4K and Full HD;
• one Ethernet, for connecting wired Internet;
• one USB 3.1 Type-C;
• one card reader that reads memory cards of SD, SDHC, SDXC formats.

• assortment of colors;
• nice design;
• multifunctionality.

• not found.

Baseus Thunderbolt C +

Weight	70 g
Overall dimensions	11.43 x 3.55 x 1.01 cm
Guarantee period	1 year
A type	passive
Colour	Gray
Material	aluminum
Number of connectors	7
Connection	USB Type-C
Interface	USB 3.0

The splitter has a beautiful appearance, compact size and high-quality assembly, made of high strength aluminum alloy. Connecting to a laptop is done using two UCB-C connectors. And the working status can be monitored by the LED indicator.

Baseus Thunderbolt C + has a card reader for reading Micro SD, Micro SDHC, Micro SDXC, SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. Supports reading 2 cards at the same time.

There are two USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer.

The Gigabit Ethernet port is compatible with the RJ45 Ethernet port, which adapt to 10, 100 and 1000 Mbps data transfer rates and provide internet speeds up to 1 Gbps.

The Type-C pass-through port supports fast charging technology.

The HDMI port supports Full HD and 4K video resolution at 30Hz and 60Hz refresh rates.

Thunderbolt 3 port combined with Type-C supports two 4K displays or one 5K display. The data transfer rate is up to 40 Gbps.

• high quality;
• beautiful appearance;
• compact size;
• power LED indicator;
• functionality;
• good bandwidth.

• not.

Hyper HyperDrive SLIM 8-in-1 Hub

Weight	136 g
Overall dimensions	11.43 x 1.016 x 4.82 cm
Body material and color	aluminum, silver
Number of ports	8
Interface version	USB 3.0 (up to 5Gbps)
Connection	USB Type-C
A type	passive
average price	6 129 rubles

The popularity of this model is due to its fashionable design, small size, high quality and great functionality. Multi-slot Hyper HyperDrive SLIM, with its compactness and incredible thinness, contains the following ports:

• Gigabit Ethernet - provides a stable Internet with a speed of 10/100/1000 Mbps;
• Mini DisplayPort - displays an image with resolutions of 1,080 pixels and 4K, with refresh rates of 60 Hz and 30 Hz;
• HDMI - like Mini DisplayPort, supports 1,080 and 4K resolutions at 60 and 30 Hz;
• two USB 3.1 Gen - for high-speed data transfer (up to 5 Gb / s);
• USB-C Power Delivery - provides pass-through charging (the ability to charge the device while the splitter is on);
• SD - memory card reading speed up to 104 Mb / s;
• MicroSD - read speed up to 104 Mb / s.

• beautiful appearance;
• high-quality assembly;
• compactness;
• MacBook compatibility;
• support for all required connectors.

• short cable.

9-port TP-LINK UH720

How much is	average price RUB 2,589
Number of ports	9
Connection	USB 3.0 connector
Overall dimensions	165 x 65.5 x 17.5mm
Weight	0.56 kg
Body color	the black
Length of cable	1 meter

Together with the splitter, the kit includes:

• setup instructions;
• USB 3.0 cable, 1 meter long;
• power adapter 2.5 A and 12 V.

TP-LINK UH720 with external power has nine ports, of which seven USB 3.0 are designed for data synchronization at speeds up to 5 Gb / s, and two connectors for fast charging gadgets with an output current of 2.4 A. To ensure the fastest possible charging, smart the technology determines the type of each device and adjusts the output current depending on the need.

On the case there is a power on / off button for the device with an LED indicator that allows you to monitor the operating status. There are also 7 indicators above the connectors to monitor the status of connected devices.

Note! It is best to use a USB 2.0 port to connect the wireless mouse and keyboard adapter, as it may interrupt when connecting to USB 3.0.

TP-LINK UH720 protects connected devices against short circuit, overvoltage, overheating and power overload.

• special connectors for fast charging;
• LED power indicators;
• protection of devices from network outages and overheating;
• support for high baud rate.

• not found.

SmartDelux SDU3-P10C3

Colour	the black
Ports	13 pieces
average price	4 999 rubles
Connection	USB 3.0
A type	active
Guarantee period	1 year
Weight	167 g
Dimensions	197 x 43 x 25 mm

The active hub body is made of non-flammable and non-toxic industrial aluminum alloy. A special coating will protect the accessory from scratches and chips. The splitter also has overvoltage protection. All inscriptions are laser-engraved, which eliminates fading and wear.

SmartDelux SDU3-P10C3 provides the user with 10 ports, the maximum data transfer rate of which is up to 5Gbps. The hub also has 3 ports for charging gadgets, providing up to 2.4 A of current.

Connecting a large number of devices at the same time may cause overheating, so a vent is installed in the HUB.

The hub is convenient to use in the dark, as each port is equipped with LED lighting.
A 1.5 meter power cable and a 1 meter USB cable allows you to conveniently place the hub.

• excellent cable length;
• high-quality case with a protective coating;
• overvoltage protection;
• ventilation hole;
• LED backlighting of ports.

• not found.

Conclusion

In the review, we reviewed the best USB hubs, which were selected according to the positive opinion of buyers. All presented devices can be ordered online in the Yandex Market online store.
In order to eliminate mistakes when choosing, you should carefully read the description, characteristics of the devices, study the reviews, and also consult with experts. Enjoy the shopping!