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Save yourself some cash by choosing one of these cheap USB hubs.

Jason Cipriani | November 15, 2021 | Topic: Hardware

As we continue to work remotely, our task is to connect more accessories and devices to our computers. Whether it's a Mac or a PC, the number of ports on desktop or laptop computers has been declining in recent years (except for the latest MacBook Pro, Apple has changed direction). As the number of ports decreases, figuring out how to connect better webcams, wireless keyboards, mice and dedicated microphones, and external drives is a chore.

When adding more ports to your computer, you have several different options. You can choose to add dedicated docking stations with multiple connection types, from Thunderbolt to SD card readers, or you can add a simple USB hub that converts a single USB port into multiple USB ports.

Docking stations have many advantages, but one disadvantage is the price. Options usually cost hundreds of dollars. A simple USB hub sells for less than $15. 

Below you will find some USB hubs that we have tested by ourselves or have received positive and highly rated USB hubs.

Total number of ports: 4 | Type: 4 x USB-A | USB speed: 3.0 | Operating system support: Windows, Mac, Linux |

Anker is known for producing cheap accessories suitable for all types of devices and scenarios, and its 4-port USB hub is no exception. This hub converts a single USB-A connection into four USB-A ports, each with USB 3.0 speed (up to 5Gbps according to Anker). Connect the 2-foot USB cable to your Windows, Mac or Linux computer and start connecting the remaining accessories.

This hub is ideal for use with keyboards, mice, and connection adapters for connecting external storage devices (such as thumb drives). If you try to connect too many devices with high power consumption, such as USB microphones or external hard drives, you may encounter connection problems-this is something to remember.

Total ports: 7 | Type: 2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C with power supply, 1 x USB-C, 1 x HDMI, 1 x microSD card, 1 x SD card | USB speed: 3.0 | Operating system support : Windows, Mac, Linux |

If you need more than a standard USB port, Anker's 7-in-1 USB-C hub can do the job, and it works very well. Connect the hub to a single USB-C port on a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. With this separate connection, you can power your laptop with up to 85W of power through the USB-C power transfer port. Technically, the hub can accept up to 100W of power, but it reserves 15W of power to power itself and any accessories connected to it. Unlike the previous Anker hub, you should not experience any power issues with this hub.

In addition to two standard USB ports and one USB-C port, you can also get an HDMI connection for external monitors and memory card readers to unload files or pictures from the camera.

Total number of ports: 4 | Type: 4 x USB-A | USB speed: 3.0 | Operating system support: Windows, Mac |

The Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 hub is very similar to the Anker 4-port hub I introduced earlier, but with one big difference. Sabrent's hub has an on/off switch to control each port individually, instead of all four ports being always open and available.

This is a basic hub that provides a way to connect small accessories, such as USB storage devices, keyboards, or mice. It is not intended to be used to power things like microphones or external hard drives. For the past two years, I have been using this hub to connect multiple devices to my Mac or PC, and the only time a problem occurred was when I connected something that required a lot of power (such as an external microphone). But in terms of connecting everyday equipment, it has been stable and reliable.

Total ports: 9 | Type: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x HDMI, 1 x MicroSD, 1 x SD card, 3 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C PD 60W, 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack| USB speed: 3.0 | Operating system support: Windows, Mac, ChromeOS |

Hyper's 9-in-1 USB-C hub provides a long list of connections, including one that provides a Gigabit Ethernet port. This is an important port for people who need a wired, more reliable connection. This particular hub is actually designed for use with iPad Pro. However, I have used it for various devices and it works normally.

You can get 60W pass-through charging through a USB-C connection, three USB-A ports, an HDMI connection for an external monitor, several card readers, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The hub connects to your laptop, desktop, or tablet using a USB-C connection. As long as you open the USB-C port, it's fine.

Total ports: 7 | Type: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet, 1 x HDMI, 1 x MicroSD, 1 x SD card, 2 x USB-A, 1 x USB-C PD 100W | USB speed: 3.0 | Operating system support : Windows, Mac |

uGreen’s 7-in-1 USB-C hub uses a single USB-C connection to add multiple ports to your computer at half the price of a Hyper 9-in-1 hub. But as the name suggests, you gave up two ports in exchange for saving some cash.

You will lose a USB-A port and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, but retain a USB-C power port, which can accept up to 100W of power to charge your device and connected accessories, and two SD card readers , Two USB-A ports and HDMI port.

I have not used this particular uGreen product, I have used some uGreen cables and other hubs, and they are all great.

Choosing a USB hub can be a complicated matter. First, you need to figure out how many additional ports you need. This is where I suggest to start. Figure out the devices you want to connect to your computer, and if your budget allows, add one or two additional ports to handle everyday items—such as USB flash drives. 

If your computer has a USB-C port that can double as a power supply or charging method, a hub with USB-C power supply option can not only expand your port, but also charge your laptop at the same time. 

If you need to connect a device that requires additional power, then a USB-C PD hub is almost a necessity. Otherwise, you may (read: may) encounter the problem that the standard USB hub does not have enough power. 

Generally speaking, yes. Most USB hubs are suitable for Windows and Mac computers, and some are also compatible with Chromebook and Linux systems.

We have personally tested countless USB hubs, including many on this list. We chose a reasonably priced hub, the price range is under $100. Full-size docking station has more features and functions, but the cost is higher. 

When compiling this list, we also read user reviews and considered other reviews. 

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