Pro Setup 101: Best USB Hub for Gaming Picks

A good hub connects all your gear like headsets and controllers smoothly, making your gaming setup truly epic. Looking for the ultimate USB hub to take your gaming to the next level? You come to the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through what to keep in mind when choosing the best USB hub for gaming, highlight the top three picks for 2024, and offer tips on getting the most out of your hub for an unbeatable gaming experience. Read on!

What to Look for When Choosing a Gaming USB Hub? 

Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a gaming USB hub:

1. Number of Ports: Evaluate the number of devices you plan to connect simultaneously. A gaming setup might require connections for a keyboard, mouse, gaming headset, and perhaps charging cables. A USB hub with at least 4 to 7 ports offers ample connectivity without forcing you to swap devices frequently.

2. USB Type and Speed: Modern gaming devices benefit from USB 3.0 or above due to their faster data transfer rates, essential for minimal latency and quick data access. Ensure the hub supports USB 3.0 (also known as USB 3.1 Gen 1) or newer standards like USB 3.2 or USB4 to future-proof your setup.

3. Power Delivery: For devices like gaming controllers that may need charging, a USB hub with power delivery (PD) support is advantageous. Hubs with dedicated charging ports or the ability to deliver more power per port can maintain optimal device performance during long gaming sessions. 

4. Durability and Build Quality: Gaming gear can take a beating, so a USB hub with a sturdy build is preferable. Metal housings are more durable and provide better heat dissipation compared to plastic ones.

5. Latency and Performance: Look for hubs that are optimized for gaming, which may offer lower latency and more reliable performance. Some hubs are designed to prioritize gaming devices or offer dedicated ports for high-priority connections.

6. Compatibility and Drivers: Make sure the hub is fully compatible with your gaming platform, whether PC, Mac, or console, and doesn't require additional drivers that could interfere with game performance. 

3 Best USB Hubs for Gaming in 2024 

Here is a list of the top 3 best USB hubs for gaming in the market that you can check out:

Anker 543 USB-C Hub (6-in-1, Slim)

If you're a gamer who wants to simplify your setup without compromising functionality, the Anker 543 USB-C Hub (6-in-1, Slim) is the perfect solution for you. It's great for connecting multiple devices while gaming, with features including a powerful 65W Power Delivery, a 4K HDMI output, and high-speed data ports. All of these features are designed to keep you at the top of your game performance and make sharing multimedia easy.

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

To upgrade your gaming setup to the next level, consider the Anker 553 USB-C Hub (8-in-1), a versatile connectivity solution. This hub includes dual 4K HDMI outputs, rapid 100W Power Delivery, and various data transfer options, such as an SD card slot. It's the perfect choice for gamers who want a centralized command center for intense gaming sessions and quick charging. 

Anker PowerExpand 9-in-1 USB-C PD Dock

For serious gamers looking for top efficiency and high-performance data transfer, the Anker PowerExpand 9-in-1 USB-C PD Dock is worth considering. It features dual 4K display support, multiple fast-charging options of up to 60W, and a variety of ports for extensive connectivity. This docking station ensures seamless high-resolution gaming and simultaneous device charging, making it a must-have tool for enhancing your gaming setup. 

Useful Tips to Making the Most of Your USB Hub for Gaming

To maximize your gaming USB hub's potential, here are some useful tips:

1. Prioritize Devices: Connect essential gaming peripherals like mouse and keyboard to high-priority ports if your hub differentiates them, making sure they have the fastest data paths and power supply.

2. Maintain a Clutter-Free Setup: A USB hub can greatly reduce cable clutter. Organize cables and position the hub to keep your gaming area neat, reducing distractions and keeping focus on the game. 

3. Use Shorter Cables: For devices that don't require long cables, use shorter ones to minimize signal degradation and power loss, especially important for high-performance gaming peripherals.

4. Explore Power Management Settings: If using a powered hub, adjusting power management settings for USB ports on your computer can prevent peripherals from entering power-saving modes unexpectedly, crucial during intense gaming moments.

5. Regularly Update Firmware: If your USB hub supports firmware updates, periodically checking for updates can improve performance and compatibility with new devices.

Conclusion 

To wrap it up, finding the best USB hub for gaming can truly transform your tech setup. It not only tidies up your space but can also enhance how well you play. Keep the key features in mind and choose one from the top three recommendations. With the right choice, every gaming session will be more enjoyable and smoother. Happy gaming! 

FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best USB hub for gaming.

Can USB Hubs Cause Lag in Gaming?

Yes, USB hubs can cause lag in gaming if they are not designed to handle the high data throughput required by gaming devices such as mice, keyboards, and headsets. Plus, if the hub is of low quality or overcrowded with devices, it may introduce latency issues, impacting game performance negatively.

Are USB hubs good for gaming?

USB hubs can be suitable for gaming when they provide additional ports for gaming peripherals, especially when a computer lacks sufficient ports. A high-quality hub with high-speed data transfer capabilities that matches the USB version of the connected devices can be good for gaming. However, it's important to ensure that the hub can handle the bandwidth and power needs/demands of gaming devices to avoid any negative impact on performance. 

Does a USB hub affect performance?

A USB hub can affect performance if it doesn't efficiently manage data transfer or provide adequate power to each connected device. High-bandwidth devices connected through a low-speed hub may experience slower response times, while insufficient power supply can lead to device disconnects or malfunctions, overall impacting the gaming experience.