Your computer has two USB ports, and you want to connect a mouse, keyboard, external drive, and charger. A USB hub solves the problem, but not all hubs are the same: they differ in how they connect, their speed, their ports, and how they’re powered.

Let’s take a closer look so you can get all your questions answered!

1. How does the hub connect to your device: USB-A or USB-C?

The first thing to check is which port is available on your device. That determines the basic type of hub you need.

• USB-A connection: suitable for desktop computers and laptops with a standard rectangular port. It’s usually the simplest way to add more ports to the ones you already have.

• USB-C connection: for computers, tablets, and phones with a small, symmetrical port. On slim laptops, which often have only USB-C ports, it’s the only way to connect older USB-A devices.

Choose this if: your laptop has only USB-C ports and you want to connect devices with a standard plug too.

2. Speed: USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or 3.1/3.2?

The hub’s speed determines how quickly files are copied. It matters when you connect drives and memory cards, but hardly at all when you connect a mouse or keyboard.

• USB 2.0: sufficient for peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard and printer, where large files aren’t transferred.

• USB 3.0: offers much faster speeds and is suitable for external drives and USB flash drives. The same speed is often listed as “USB 3.2 Gen 1”.

• USB 3.1 and 3.2: these include the fastest versions, with speeds of up to 10 Gbps. They’re worth it if you often transfer large files to fast SSDs.

The table below lets you compare them at a glance.

SkroutzTip: the speed you get in practice is determined by the slowest link in the chain: the hub, the computer’s port and the device. A fast drive connected to a USB 2.0 hub won’t work any faster.

3. How many ports do you need?

Count the devices you want connected at the same time, then add one or two extra for whatever comes up. This way, you won’t have to keep switching cables.

• 4 ports: the usual choice for an office or travel, for a mouse, keyboard, drive and one more device.

• 5 to 6 ports: when you add a camera, microphone or memory card to your workstation.

• 7 to 8 ports: for a permanent setup with lots of peripherals, such as a printer, scanner and several drives at once.

• 10 ports: for labs, setups with many devices or charging several phones at once.

Choose it if: you have many devices permanently connected. The more ports you need, the more important the next section becomes.

4. Power: with or without an external power supply?

A hub without its own power supply draws power from your computer’s port and distributes it to all connected devices. The more devices you connect, or the more power-hungry they are, the more that power is shared.

• Unpowered hub: lightweight and portable. Suitable for a mouse, keyboard, and USB flash drive.

• Powered hub: plugs into a wall outlet and supplies each port with its own power. It’s the right choice for external drives, which need more power, and for connecting multiple devices at once.

For more information, read the article USB HUB with or without an external power supply?

Choose one if: you connect external drives powered via USB, or have several devices connected at the same time.

5. Charging and Power Delivery

Many hubs do more than just transfer data—they can charge devices too. What matters is what you want to charge and how.

• Power Delivery (PD): with pass-through, the hub delivers power from the charger to your laptop. This lets you connect a single cable to your laptop and use the hub while charging.

• Dedicated charging port: designed for phones and tablets, which charge faster than they do through a standard data port.

SkroutzTip: if you charge your laptop through the hub, check that the power output specified for the hub matches your charger's, since the hub itself uses some of that power.

6. Additional ports: Ethernet and USB-C expansion

Some hubs offer additional features, so you don’t need a second accessory.

• Ethernet port: provides a wired network connection for laptops without an RJ45 port. It’s useful for video calls and large downloads.

• USB-C expansion ports: for devices with a modern connector, such as fast drives and mobile phones.

7. Apple compatibility

Mac computers usually have USB-C ports, and most hubs work without any setup. If you plan to use the hub with your Mac, check the product description to make sure it supports Apple devices, especially the features you need, such as charging or Ethernet.

You can view hubs listed as having Apple support in the relevant list.

Don't forget! Choose the features that suit your needs: connection type, speed, number of ports, and power supply. Before deciding, read reviews from other users about the model you're interested in.

This article was created with the help of AI and reviewed and edited by the Skroutz team.