Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and Google Safe Browsing both use reputation and threat intelligence to warn about risky websites and downloads. The key difference is scope: SmartScreen works in Microsoft Edge and can also check internet-downloaded apps and files through Windows, while Chrome’s Safe Browsing offers Standard and Enhanced protection levels. Neither service guarantees that a site or file is safe, and official documentation does not establish a detection-rate winner.
How SmartScreen and Safe Browsing protect you
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Microsoft describes SmartScreen as a reputation-based warning service. In Edge, it checks webpages for suspicious behavior and compares sites with dynamic lists of reported phishing and malicious-software sites. Edge also checks downloads against reported malicious sites and unsafe programs. A warning that a file is not commonly downloaded signals limited reputation information; it is not, by itself, a finding that the file contains malware. Microsoft’s SmartScreen overview and Edge’s SmartScreen feature page describe these checks.
SmartScreen also has a Windows app-and-file reputation component. Microsoft says it can check files that an app tries to download and run, including files obtained through third-party browsers or email clients, depending on the supported environment and configuration. Its stated protection is for malicious files from the internet, not malicious files on internal locations or network shares. Microsoft’s overview explains this distinction.
Google Safe Browsing
Google says Safe Browsing analyzes the web and maintains lists of harmful sites. Chrome checks sites and downloads against this service, and Safe Browsing can warn about phishing, dangerous extensions, malicious or intrusive ads, abusive sites, and social engineering. Chrome’s Standard level protects against known dangers; Enhanced protection is intended to warn about known and potential new threats. Google’s Chrome Safe Browsing guidance describes the protection levels and warning categories.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Chrome lets users proceed past a warning and lets them turn Safe Browsing off, although Google does not recommend disabling it. A warning is a prompt to stop and assess the risk, not proof that every flagged item is malicious; the absence of a warning is not a guarantee of safety.
Where their coverage differs
| Comparison | Microsoft Defender SmartScreen | Google Safe Browsing |
|---|---|---|
| Main documented scope | Edge website and download warnings, plus Windows reputation checks on internet-downloaded apps and files in supported configurations. Microsoft | Chrome checks sites and downloads; warnings also cover listed categories such as phishing and dangerous extensions. Google |
| Protection choices | Edge SmartScreen setting; Windows and organizational policy controls also apply. Microsoft Support | Standard is the default; Enhanced is optional; No protection is available but not recommended. Google |
| New or unfamiliar items | Reputation and behavior checks can warn about files that are not well known or frequently downloaded. Microsoft | Enhanced is intended to cover potential new dangers and includes deeper checks of suspicious downloads. Google |
| Documented Windows integration | Edge checks plus Windows app/file checks in supported configurations, including downloads through other apps. Microsoft | The cited Chrome guidance describes Chrome Safe Browsing; it does not document an equivalent Windows shell check. Google |
| Published comparative detection rates | Not stated in the cited Microsoft documentation. | Not stated in the cited Google documentation. |
The practical choice is not necessarily one service or the other. A Windows user can use Edge’s SmartScreen and Chrome’s Safe Browsing, while Windows reputation checks may also apply to downloads launched through other apps. The cited documentation does not establish that the two services catch threats at the same rate or that one is categorically better.
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.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What each service says it sends for checks
SmartScreen data handling
Microsoft says Edge first checks locally stored classifications for top-traffic and known-dangerous URLs. For URLs outside those categories, Edge sends the URL, relevant site information, a device-unique identifier, and general location information for a synchronous reputation check. For downloaded files, Microsoft says Edge may send information such as the file hash, filename, download URI, and device-unique identifier. Microsoft states that SmartScreen requests use HTTPS, results are stored locally, and locally stored URL and download information can be cleared by clearing browsing cache or download history. Microsoft Edge privacy documentation
Safe Browsing data handling
Google says Chrome’s Enhanced protection sends the visited URL, a small sample of page content, extension activity, and system information to Safe Browsing for security purposes. Google also describes in-depth scanning of suspicious downloads. Standard and Enhanced therefore do not have identical disclosed data flows; review the level selected in Chrome rather than assuming the same checks apply to both. Google’s Safe Browsing settings guidance
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- 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.
These disclosures describe different products and protection levels; they are not an independent privacy audit. They do not support a simple conclusion that one service is more private in every circumstance.
How to check or change the settings
Microsoft Edge and Windows
- In Edge: Open Settings > Privacy, search, and services > Security and review the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen setting. A work or school administrator may control it. Microsoft Support’s setting instructions
- In Windows Security: Open App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings and review options such as Check apps and files and SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge. Availability and behavior depend on the Windows environment and configuration. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance
Chrome
- Open Chrome and go to Settings > Privacy and security > Security (or use Safety Check to reach security settings).
- Choose Standard protection or Enhanced protection. No protection is also available, but Google does not recommend it. Check the current descriptions in Chrome because the selected level determines which protection and data-sharing behavior applies. Google’s instructions
Managed Windows devices
Administrators can use Microsoft policy controls to enable SmartScreen, prevent users from bypassing site or file warnings, and configure shell app-install and reputation settings. This can matter for an organization standardizing protections across browsers and other apps, rather than relying only on each browser’s individual settings. Microsoft’s SmartScreen policy documentation
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What changed for Internet Explorer and IE mode
Microsoft’s November 4, 2025 notice says SmartScreen is no longer active in Internet Explorer or IE mode on Windows 11 version 24H2, version 25H2, and Windows Server 2025. Microsoft says SmartScreen continues in Edge, Windows Shell, and other supported environments. This is a version- and mode-specific change, not a general discontinuation of SmartScreen. Microsoft’s IE mode notice
Which protection should you use?
- If you browse in Edge: Keep SmartScreen enabled to receive its site and download warnings.
- If you browse in Chrome: Standard protection is on by default; consider Enhanced if you want its additional checks and accept the data handling Google describes for that level.
- If you use Windows apps beyond your browser: Review Windows Security’s reputation-based protection settings, since SmartScreen’s Windows component can check internet downloads from other apps in supported configurations.
- If you manage devices: Review the available policies and decide whether users should be allowed to bypass warnings.
Neither feature is a standalone antivirus replacement. Treat warnings seriously, especially for unexpected downloads, and do not use the absence of a warning as evidence that a site or file is safe. Vendor feature pages explain intended behavior, not comparative detection performance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
