How to Choose a USB Hub
When shopping for a USB hub or docking station, there are three key factors worth paying close attention to.
1. Port Types and Count Start by listing the devices you need to connect. External monitor? You need HDMI. Wired internet? You need Ethernet. Having both USB-A and USB-C ports gives you flexibility to work with both new and legacy peripherals without adapters.
2. PD (Power Delivery) Charging A hub with pass-through PD charging lets you power your laptop through the same USB-C cable that connects the hub. Look for 60W-100W output depending on your laptop’s requirements. Without PD support, you’ll end up with extra cables cluttering your desk.
3. Portability and Design If you travel frequently, prioritize a compact, lightweight hub. For a permanent desk setup, a larger model with more ports is perfectly fine. Also check the cable length – it has a bigger impact on day-to-day usability than most people expect.
USB Hub Comparison Table
| Product | Ports | HDMI Output | PD Charging | Ethernet | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker 332 5-in-1 | 5 | 4K/30Hz | 85W | No | ~$30 |
| Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 | 8 | 4K/60Hz | 100W | 1Gbps | ~$70 |
| UGREEN Revodok 10-in-1 | 10 | 4K/60Hz x2 | 100W | 1Gbps | ~$75 |
| Anker 675 Monitor Stand | 12 | 4K/60Hz | 100W | 1Gbps | ~$170 |
| CalDigit TS4 | 18 | — (TB4) | 98W | 2.5Gbps | ~$380 |
| Anker Nano 13-in-1 | 13 | 4K/60Hz x2 | 100W | 1Gbps | ~$100 |
Product Details
1. Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 — Our Top Pick
This is the all-rounder that most people should start with. It packs HDMI, two USB-A ports, USB-C, an SD card slot, Ethernet, and 100W PD pass-through charging into one compact aluminum body. The 4K/60Hz HDMI output delivers sharp, smooth visuals on an external monitor. Good heat dissipation keeps it running reliably during long work sessions. The balance of features, build quality, and price is hard to beat.
2. Anker 332 5-in-1 — Best Budget Option
At around $30, this entry-level hub punches above its weight with HDMI output and 85W PD charging. It includes two USB-A ports and a USB-C data port, covering the basics for everyday laptop expansion. Its compact size makes it an easy travel companion that won’t weigh down your bag.
3. UGREEN Revodok 10-in-1 — Best for Dual Monitors
The dual HDMI ports are the star here, letting you drive two external monitors simultaneously at 4K/60Hz. With 10 ports total including SD card slots, this hub is a strong choice for photographers, video editors, and anyone running a multi-monitor setup. 100W PD charging means your MacBook or Windows laptop stays powered at full speed.
4. Anker 675 Monitor Stand — Best for Desk Organization
This is a docking station built into a monitor stand, and the concept is brilliant. Your monitor sits on top, while all your USB hub connections are hidden neatly inside. Front-facing USB-C and USB-A ports make it easy to plug in phones or flash drives for quick access, keeping your desk clean and cable-free.
5. CalDigit TS4 — Best for Professionals
The TS4 is the gold standard for Thunderbolt 4 docking stations, offering 18 ports in a single device. With 2.5Gbps Ethernet, SD/microSD slots, and an abundance of USB ports on both the front and rear panels, it handles even the most demanding professional setups. Video editors, software developers, and anyone who connects a large number of peripherals will appreciate the TS4’s unmatched expandability and rock-solid reliability.
6. Anker Nano 13-in-1 — Best Feature-to-Size Ratio
Anker manages to squeeze 13 ports into a surprisingly compact body. Dual HDMI for two external monitors, 100W PD charging, Ethernet, and SD/microSD slots – it rivals premium docking stations in features while remaining portable enough to carry in a bag. If you want near-desktop-level connectivity on the go, this is a standout choice.
Summary
If you can only pick one, go with the Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1. It covers all the essentials – HDMI, Ethernet, 100W PD charging – in a well-built package at a very competitive price. On a tighter budget? The Anker 332 5-in-1 handles the basics for around $30. Need dual monitor support? The UGREEN Revodok 10-in-1 has you covered.