PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchChoose a hub that matches an available port on your PC and provides the features your setup needs. A USB-A hub adds USB connections through a USB-A port; a USB-C hub connects through USB-C and may add data, video, or charging capabilities—but the connector shape alone does not guarantee those features. Check your PC’s exact model specifications and the hub’s host requirements before buying.
USB-A vs. USB-C hubs: what is the actual difference?
USB-A and USB-C describe connector types, not a complete list of what a hub or computer can do. A USB hub connects to a PC through an upstream, or host, connection and provides downstream ports for peripherals. The host port, hub, and connected devices determine the supported features and performance.
| What to compare | USB-A hub | USB-C hub |
|---|---|---|
| PC connection | Requires a compatible USB-A host port. | Requires a compatible USB-C host port; some models also support specified Thunderbolt hosts. |
| Adding USB ports | Adds the downstream ports listed for that hub, commonly for USB peripherals. | Adds the downstream ports listed for that hub; some models include USB-A ports as well as USB-C. |
| Data speed | Depends on the host port, hub protocol, and connected devices. | Depends on the host port, hub protocol, and connected devices. |
| Display output | Not provided by an ordinary USB hub connection. A specialized USB-A display dock may use a different technology and require software or drivers. | Possible only when the PC, hub, and display path support the required video feature, such as DisplayPort Alternate Mode. |
| Laptop charging | Do not assume a USB-A hub can charge the PC. | Possible only when the PC accepts power through that port and the hub and charger provide suitable power. |
These are not guaranteed properties of every product bearing either connector. Check the hub’s specifications for its host connector, supported data protocol, ports, video modes, and power details.
Which USB hub do you need for your PC?
Choose a USB-A hub for a USB-A host port
If the PC has an available USB-A port and your goal is to connect more USB peripherals, a USB-A hub is the direct option. Match the hub’s data capability to the PC port and your devices. Microsoft advises using a matching high-speed port for top performance; a hub cannot make a slower host port faster.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose a USB-C hub for a USB-C host port
A USB-C hub is appropriate when the PC has a suitable USB-C port and you want the hub’s listed connections. This can include USB-A ports: for example, StarTech.com’s HB31C3A1CPD3 datasheet describes a hub with three USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and power-delivery passthrough, connecting to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 host. That configuration is specific to this documented model, not a standard feature of USB-C hubs.
Consider a dock for a full desk setup
If you need a single connection for monitors, peripherals, and laptop power, compare docks as well as hubs. Check the dock’s stated output to the host, its power supply, and the power budget available to downstream devices. A dock’s advertised charging feature is useful only if it meets the PC’s requirements.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Will a USB-C hub work with your monitor?
Not necessarily. USB-C on a PC may support data without supporting video output. Microsoft Support describes DisplayPort Alternate Mode as allowing video projection and audio to an external display that supports DisplayPort. DisplayPort’s documentation describes discovery and enablement through USB Power Delivery negotiation. In practice, the PC port, hub, and display connection must all support the required video path.
- Look up the exact PC model’s USB-C capabilities in the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Check the hub’s supported display standard, resolution, and refresh rate rather than relying on “USB-C” or “video” in the product name.
- Confirm the monitor input and cable or adapter are compatible with the hub’s stated output.
If your PC has only USB-A and you need external displays, a USB-A DisplayLink dock is a separate possible route, not the same as ordinary USB-A hub video. Verify the dock’s operating-system and driver requirements and its compatibility with your PC; model-specific compatibility is not established here.
Rank #3
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Can a USB-C hub charge your laptop?
Only if the whole setup supports it. The PC must accept power through the selected port; the hub must support suitable power delivery; and the charger and hub must provide enough power for the computer and any connected devices. A “PD” label by itself does not establish that a hub will charge every laptop.
Power figures also need context. Microsoft’s Windows USB-C bring-up page says Type-C can support charging up to 100 watts with Power Delivery; that page-specific statement is not a guarantee for every port, hub, or implementation. Separately, USB-IF says USB Type-C Specification Release 2.1 defines cable requirements for 240W. That specification figure does not mean an ordinary PC port or hub supplies 240W.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ultra-Fast Data Transfers: Experience the power of 5Gbps transfer speeds with this USB hub and sync data in seconds, making file transfers a breeze.
- Long Cable, Endless Convenience: Say goodbye to short and restrictive cables. This USB hub comes with a 2 ft long cable, giving you the freedom to connect your devices exactly where you need them.
- Sleek and Compact: Measuring just 4.2 × 1.2 × 0.4 inches, carry the USB hub in your pocket or laptop bag and connect effortlessly wherever you go.
- Instant Connectivity: Anker USB-C data hub offers a true plug-and-play experience, instantly connecting your devices and enabling seamless file transfers.
- What You Get: 2ft Anker USB-C Data Hub (4-in-1, 5Gbps) , welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- 5 in 1 Connectivity: The USB C Multiport Adapter is equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 100W USB C PD port, a 5 Gbps USB A data port, and two 480 Mbps USB A ports
What to check before buying
- Identify the PC’s host port. Check the computer’s exact model documentation to confirm whether the port is USB-A or USB-C and what capabilities it supports.
- List the connections you need. Count the required USB-A and USB-C ports, and note whether you need a card reader, network connection, audio, or display output.
- Match data performance. Compare the host port, hub protocol and speed, and peripheral requirements. The slowest relevant link limits performance.
- Verify video support if you need a monitor. Confirm the PC’s supported video mode and the hub’s display specifications, including the resolution and refresh rate you intend to use.
- Check power requirements. For laptop charging, verify host charging support, hub output, charger capacity, and the PC’s power needs. For a powered hub or dock, also check its downstream power budget.
- Confirm physical and software compatibility. Check the hub’s host connector and cable arrangement, plus any operating-system, driver, or manufacturer requirements.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
