Modern laptops are thinner than ever, but that sleek design comes at a cost: fewer ports. If you’ve ever stared at your MacBook’s lone USB-C port while needing to connect a monitor, external drive, and charge your phone, you understand the problem.
A USB-C hub solves this by expanding one port into many. But with dozens of options on the market—each with different specs, port configurations, and price points—choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
This guide explains everything you need to know to make a smart purchase. No marketing fluff, just practical information for EU consumers.
What Is a USB-C Hub and Do You Need One?
A USB-C hub is a compact device that plugs into your laptop’s USB-C port and provides additional connections: USB-A ports for older devices, HDMI for external monitors, SD card slots for photographers, and sometimes Ethernet for stable internet.
You need a USB-C hub if:
- Your laptop has limited ports (common on MacBooks, Dell XPS, most ultrabooks)
- You connect external monitors, drives, or peripherals
- You want a single-cable desk setup
- You work with SD cards regularly
You might NOT need one if:
- Your laptop already has all the ports you need
- You only use wireless peripherals
- You never connect external displays
Key Specifications Explained
Understanding these specs will help you avoid buying a hub that doesn’t meet your needs—or paying extra for features you’ll never use.
Power Delivery (PD) Wattage
USB Power Delivery determines whether your hub can charge your laptop while you use it. This is critical for desk setups.
What the numbers mean:
- No PD support: The hub draws power from your laptop but can’t charge it
- 60W PD: Sufficient for most ultrabooks and lighter laptops
- 85-90W PD: Good for 13-15″ MacBooks and similar laptops
- 100W PD: Maximum for USB-C standard; handles most power-hungry laptops
Important caveat: When a hub advertises “100W PD,” that’s typically the input capacity. The hub uses some power internally, so your laptop receives less—usually 80-90W. This is normal, not a defect.
EU laptop charging context: Most USB-C laptops sold in the EU (MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13, ThinkPad X1 Carbon) require 45-65W for normal operation. A hub with 85W+ pass-through is comfortable for most users.
Technical note: USB PD 3.0 introduced Programmable Power Supply (PPS), allowing more efficient charging with less heat. Higher-end hubs support PPS for faster, cooler charging.
HDMI Output: 4K@30Hz vs 4K@60Hz
This spec determines how smooth your external monitor will look. The difference matters more than many people realize.
4K@30Hz means the screen refreshes 30 times per second. For watching movies (which run at 24-30fps), this is fine. But for everyday computer use—moving windows, scrolling documents, moving your mouse cursor—30Hz feels noticeably choppy.
4K@60Hz means 60 refreshes per second, resulting in smooth cursor movement and fluid animations. This is the standard for comfortable desktop work.
Why many hubs only support 30Hz: USB-C bandwidth limitations. Pushing 4K@60Hz through USB-C requires either:
- DisplayPort Alt Mode using all four data lanes (limiting other ports)
- DisplayPort 1.4 with HBR3 and DSC compression (newer hubs)
- A more expensive video chipset
Our recommendation: For monitor work, always choose 4K@60Hz if your budget allows. The few extra euros are worth the dramatically better experience. If you only need 1080p output, 30Hz vs 60Hz matters less.
USB Ports: Types and Speeds
USB naming is confusing. Here’s what actually matters:
USB-A vs USB-C (physical shape):
- USB-A: The rectangular port you’ve used for years. Still needed for keyboards, mice, older drives, and many accessories.
- USB-C: The small, reversible oval connector. Newer, faster, but not all your devices have it yet.
USB 3.0 vs USB 3.2 (speed):
- USB 3.0 / USB 3.2 Gen 1: 5 Gbps (about 625 MB/s theoretical max)
- USB 3.2 Gen 2: 10 Gbps (about 1.25 GB/s theoretical max)
For most peripherals (keyboards, mice, webcams), speed doesn’t matter. For external SSDs and fast storage devices, USB 3.2 Gen 2 makes a real difference.
Practical tip: Count how many USB-A devices you actually use. Most people need 2-3 USB-A ports. More than that often goes unused.
Ethernet: Gigabit vs 100 Mbps
If your hub includes Ethernet, check the speed rating carefully.
100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet): Caps your connection at roughly 12 MB/s. Fine for browsing and email, but noticeably slow for large file transfers or if you have fast internet.
Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps): Up to 125 MB/s theoretical, typically 100-120 MB/s real-world. Matches most EU home fiber connections.
Common issue: Some budget hubs advertise Gigabit but actually operate at 100 Mbps due to poor chipsets. Check reviews mentioning actual speed tests.
Do you need Ethernet? If you work from home and need reliable video calls or transfer large files regularly, wired Ethernet beats WiFi for stability. If you’re always mobile, skip it and save the cost.
SD Card Slots
Important for photographers and videographers; unnecessary for everyone else.
Types of slots:
- SD: Standard full-size SD cards
- microSD: Smaller cards used in phones, drones, action cameras
- UHS-I vs UHS-II: Speed standards. UHS-II is faster but requires compatible cards
Most hubs include SD slots running at UHS-I speeds (up to 104 MB/s). If you shoot high-resolution video and need faster transfers, look specifically for UHS-II support—but expect to pay more.
USB-C Hub vs Thunderbolt Dock: Which Do You Need?
This is a crucial distinction that can save you money—or prevent frustration.
USB-C Hubs (€20-€80)
- Work with any USB-C port
- Portable and lightweight
- Basic port expansion
- Typically one external display at 4K
- Powered by your laptop or pass-through charging
Thunderbolt Docks (€150-€400)
- Require a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port (not all USB-C ports qualify)
- Larger, usually stationary
- Up to 40 Gbps bandwidth (vs 5-10 Gbps for USB-C)
- Support multiple 4K displays simultaneously
- Include their own power supply
- Better for professional multi-monitor setups
How to check if you have Thunderbolt: Look for a lightning bolt icon next to your USB-C port, or check your laptop’s specifications. MacBooks with M1/M2/M3 chips and most business laptops include Thunderbolt.
Our recommendation: For most EU consumers, a USB-C hub is sufficient and offers much better value. Choose a Thunderbolt dock only if you need dual 4K@60Hz monitors or transfer huge files daily.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on user complaints and technical limitations, here are the biggest pitfalls:
1. Assuming All USB-C Ports Are Equal
Your laptop might have two USB-C ports with different capabilities. One might support video output and Thunderbolt; the other might only handle data. Check your laptop’s documentation.
2. Ignoring Heat Buildup
USB-C hubs generate heat, especially when charging your laptop while running an external display. Budget hubs with plastic cases can overheat and throttle or disconnect. Aluminum housings dissipate heat better.
3. Expecting Full Speed on All Ports Simultaneously
When multiple devices share one USB-C connection, they share bandwidth. Copying files to two external drives while running an external monitor will be slower than doing each separately.
4. Buying More Ports Than You Need
A 12-in-1 hub sounds impressive but costs more and is larger than a focused 5-in-1 that covers your actual needs. List your devices first, then buy accordingly.
5. Overlooking Cable Length
Many hubs have short, fixed cables (10-15cm). If your USB-C port is in an awkward position, this can be frustrating. Some hubs offer detachable cables, giving you flexibility.
6. Assuming “100W” Means Your Laptop Gets 100W
As mentioned above, hubs consume some power internally. Read the actual “pass-through” or “to host” wattage in reviews.
Choosing by Use Case
Home Office / Desk Setup
Priority: Reliable power delivery, 4K@60Hz HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet
Nice to have: Multiple USB-A ports, SD card slot
Skip: Ultra-portability (you’re not carrying it)
Look for aluminum construction to handle heat from continuous use. A hub with 85W+ PD lets you use your laptop all day without the battery draining.
Travel / Mobile Work
Priority: Compact size, lightweight, basic ports
Nice to have: Small enough to fit in a pocket
Skip: Ethernet, high PD wattage (you’ll charge directly)
A slim 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 hub covering HDMI, USB-A, and possibly SD is usually enough. Weight matters when it’s in your bag daily.
Creative Work (Photo/Video)
Priority: UHS-II SD card slot, USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds, 4K@60Hz
Nice to have: Dual card slots (SD + microSD)
Skip: Ethernet if you’re always on the move
Fast data transfer is essential when dealing with large RAW files or 4K video footage. Don’t compromise on card reader speed.
Multi-Monitor Power User
Priority: Thunderbolt dock with dual display support, high PD
Skip: USB-C hubs (likely insufficient)
If you need two 4K@60Hz monitors, a USB-C hub won’t cut it. Invest in a proper Thunderbolt dock with its own power supply.
FAQ
Can I use a USB-C hub with my iPad or Android tablet?
Usually yes, but functionality varies. iPads support external displays and some USB devices through hubs. Android compatibility depends on your specific tablet and Android version.
Will a USB-C hub slow down my external SSD?
It depends on the hub and SSD speeds. A USB 3.0 hub caps transfers at ~450 MB/s real-world. If your SSD is faster, you’ll see reduced performance. For the fastest transfers, connect directly to your laptop.
Do I need to install drivers for a USB-C hub?
Most hubs are plug-and-play on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Some Ethernet or display functions might require driver updates on older operating systems.
Can I daisy-chain multiple USB-C hubs?
Technically yes, but performance degrades significantly. You’re sharing the same limited bandwidth across more devices. Not recommended.
Why does my hub disconnect randomly?
Common causes: overheating, insufficient power, poor cable quality, or driver issues. Try a different USB-C port, ensure ventilation, and check for OS updates.
Is a €20 hub as good as a €60 hub?
Usually not. Budget hubs often have inferior chipsets, weaker build quality, and less reliable video output. The €40-€70 range typically offers the best balance of quality and value for EU consumers.
What’s the warranty like on USB-C hubs?
EU consumer law guarantees 2 years minimum. Many reputable brands (Anker, UGREEN, Satechi) offer longer warranties. Keep your receipt.
How We Choose Products
At UsefulTechHub, we evaluate products based on actual specifications, verified user experiences, and value for EU consumers. We don’t claim to have “tested” products unless we’ve physically used them. Our recommendations prioritize:
- Clear, accurate specifications
- Availability on Amazon.de with reliable shipping
- Reasonable pricing for EU markets
- Strong warranty and customer support
We earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, but this never influences which products we recommend.
Ready to Choose?
Now that you understand what to look for, check out our curated recommendations:
5 Best USB-C Hubs 2025: Top Picks for Your Desk Setup — Our top picks for different budgets and use cases.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
