A USB-C hub allows you to add connections and ports that your laptop or tablet lacks: an HDMI connection, for example, or an SD card slot. But it’s also important to know whether what you’re looking for is a true USB-C hub, or a more powerful, pricier Thunderbolt dock. Both have their uses.
Laptops with USB-C ports are becoming more and more common, as the world moves away from slower, somewhat inflexible USB-A ports to this faster, more versatile connection standard. Some laptops only have USB-C connections—that means a USB-C hub is essential if you want to connect a wired USB mouse or keyboard, or an older wired printer.Â
Fortunately, there are so many USB-C hubs available with various combinations of legacy I/O that finding one to meet your particular needs is as easy as ordering off a menu. We’ve divided our picks into two categories: basic and full-featured, the latter denoting hubs that offer greater extensibility, including charging.Â