Upgrade Your Workspace: The Best Mac USB-C Hub 2023

Feel the power at your fingertips with our handpicked selection of the best USB-C hub for Mac! This feature-packed, compact, yet indispensable device is the missing puzzle piece to your MacBook’s performance and functionality. Whether you're craving more connectivity options or just hunting for the ideal alternative to a handful of dongles, read on. We're about to unveil not only what a USB-C hub is, but also the champion hub best suited for your MacBook and some savvy tips to optimize its use. Dive in as we untangle the world of Mac USB-C hubs.

What is a USB-C hub?

A USB-C hub is a peripheral device that primarily allows a USB-C enabled device, like a laptop, to connect with multiple devices or peripherals. This is particularly useful when the host device has limited USB ports. Equipped with the new standard USB Type-C connection, these hubs often come with a variety of other ports such as HDMI, SD card slots, Ethernet, and traditional USB ports. This allows users to simultaneously connect and use devices such as monitors, keyboards, mice, or even network connections that their primary device may not support directly.

The biggest advantage of using a USB-C hub is that it offers versatility and convenience to users, especially in a world where many modern devices are slimming down and ditching traditional ports. For instance, the latest laptops and smartphones only use USB-C ports in favor of being sleeker and lighter. In such cases, USB-C hubs can be a lifeline, giving users back the flexibility to connect and use their older USB devices, charge their devices, attach external displays, and enjoy a more seamless digital ecosystem. Additionally, the USB-C standard supports the transfer of power, data and video signals over a single cable, breaking the barriers of one-to-one connections between devices.

Which USB-C hub is best for your MacBook?

The best USB-C hub for your MacBook may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. However, we can provide you with some popular and highly regarded options that were available at that time.

Anker 655 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)

With its unique faux leather exterior and braided nylon cable, the Anker 655 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) exudes an unmatched sense of sophistication. Moreover, the Earthy White and Charcoal Gray color options add to its appeal. The hub's 8-in-1 design offers versatility with a 100W USB-C Power Delivery input port, two high-speed USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 data ports, a 4K HDMI port, an Ethernet port, microSD / SD card slots, and an AUX port. When transferring files, its USB-A data ports can achieve speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and the SD/microSD card slots offer access to media files at up to 312 MB/s. Additionally, it enables seamless 4K@60Hz display connectivity, but it's important to note that a laptop with a DP 1.4 port is required for this resolution, whereas laptops with a DP 1.2 port can support a maximum resolution of 4K@30Hz.

Anker 533 USB-C Hub (5-in-1, Slim)

This sleek Anker 533 USB-C Hub (5-in-1, Slim) offers massive expansion capabilities, conveniently transforming your laptop's USB-C port into three USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port with support for resolutions up to 4K@30Hz, and an Ethernet port for a stable internet connection up to 1 Gbps. With this hub, you can easily connect multiple peripherals and enjoy a vivid display experience. Furthermore, the high-speed data transfer of up to 5 Gbps via the three USB ports ensures swift file transfers.

Anker 535 USB-C Hub (5-in-1, for iMac)

The Anker 535 USB-C Hub (5-in-1, for iMac) is versatile, designed specifically for both older and newer iMac models. It enhances port accessibility, negating the hassle of reaching for rear ports by bringing five types, including SD/microSD card slots, two USB-A ports, and a USB-C port, to your fingertips. The hub supports swift file transfer, with a maximum speed of 10 Gbps for USB ports and up to 312 MB/s for SD/microSD card slots.

Anker 575 USB-C Hub (12-in-1, Dual HDMI, DP)

The Anker 575 USB-C Hub (12-in-1, Dual HDMI, DP) is a multifaceted 12-in-1 device, complete with a high-speed USB 3.2 Gen 2 Upstream Port, dual USB-A ports, 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a 1 Gbps Ethernet port, SD and TF card slots both capable of 104 MB/s and a 3.5mm AUX. It facilitates triple-monitor display with maximum resolution support varying by monitor count and offers high-speed file transfer up to 10 Gbps. Additionally, it extends an 85W pass-through charging feature for laptops.

Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1)

The Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) offers an impressive array of functionalities, including a USB-C port, two USB-A data ports, two HDMI ports, an Ethernet port, and a microSD/SD card reader—all emerging from one single USB-C port. It uniquely integrates a dual HDMI Display that can mirror or stream content in up to 4K@60Hz to a single device, or to two displays on both HDMI ports up to 4K@30Hz. Besides, it incorporates USB-C Power Delivery compatibility, which supports quick pass-through charging up to 85W.

Tips for using USB-C hubs on your MacBook

1. Ensure Your USB-C Hub Is Compatible with Your MacBook

Before plugging in your USB-C hub, make sure it's compatible with your MacBook. Whilst most are universal, some might not work perfectly with your MacBook.

2. Connect to an External Power Source (if available)

Many best USB-C hub MacBook allow for external power delivery. This can be useful if you plan to connect devices that require a high power demand.

3. Avoid Overloading the Hub

Don't plug in too many power-hungry devices into the hub at the same time (such as multiple external hard drives). This can overload the hub, potentially causing heat issues or connectivity instabilities.

4. Position the Hub in a Well-Ventilated Area

USB-C hubs can get warm/hot when they're being used heavily. To avoid excessive heat, keep the hub in a place where air can flow freely around it.

5. Always Safely Remove Devices

Always safely eject devices from your MacBook before you unplug them. This can minimize the risk of data corruption, particularly for storage devices like pen drives or external hard drives.

6. Use High-Quality Cables

Always use high-quality cables to connect devices to the hub. Poor quality cables might not only affect the performance of the devices but can also even damage the hub's ports.

7. Monitor temperature

Some hubs may get warm during extended use, which is normal. However, if it becomes excessively hot, unplug it and let it cool down.

8. Regularly Update Your MacOS

Ensure you have the latest MacOS updates installed on your MacBook. This can affect the compatibility and performance of the devices connected to the USB-C hub.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it's worth noting that finding the right USB-C hub for your MacBook doesn't have to feel like navigating a maze. With the knowledge of what a USB-C hub is, you become empowered to make an informed choice that best suits your needs. And if you are looking for more USB-C charging products, check out our collection for USB-C devices. Go on, plug into the game-changer world of USB-C!

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked queries about the best Mac USB-C hub.

Are USB-C hubs safe for Mac?

Yes, USB-C hubs are safe for Mac. However, it's crucial to ensure that you are purchasing from reputable manufacturers. These hubs are designed to be universally compatible with all USB-C devices, including Macs.

Will any USB-C adapter work with MacBook Pro?

Most USB-C adapters will work with a MacBook Pro, but it's essential to check the specifications before purchasing. Some adapters may not support the full range of capabilities that a MacBook Pro can offer, such as power delivery or high-speed data transfer.

Does the quality of the USB-C hub matter?

Yes, the quality of a USB-C hub matters enormously. Different USB-C hubs can vary in terms of data transfer speed, power delivery, and the number of ports they provide. A higher-quality hub will generally offer faster data transfer, more efficient power delivery, and more ports. It can also be more durable and reliable.