10 Essential USB-C Hubs for Your Desk: Top Picks for Maximum Productivity

You're probably no stranger to the frustration of limited ports on your laptop. That's where a reliable USB-C hub comes in – a game-changer for boosting your productivity. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your needs. You might be wondering, what features should you prioritize? Do you need a hub that supports multiple displays or one that offers fast charging? You're about to find out. Let's explore the top 10 USB-C hubs that can take your desk setup to the next level, and discover which one is the perfect fit for you.

Key Takeaways

• Consider a hub with a compact and space-saving design to declutter your workspace while ensuring stability and durability.
• Balance port variety and quantity, prioritizing USB 3.1 Gen 2 for faster data transfer and meeting your daily connectivity needs.
• Choose a hub with sufficient power delivery capability, prioritizing efficient charging and simultaneous charging of multiple devices.
• Verify compatibility with your devices and OS, ensuring USB-IF certification and charging devices at the required wattage.
• Opt for a hub that supports multiple monitors, with DisplayPort, HDMI, or other video output options for enhanced productivity.

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

For Microsoft Surface device users seeking a thorough and powerful docking experience, the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 is an ideal choice. It offers compatibility with a range of devices and features six USB ports, including two USB-C ports with video display capabilities.

This docking station supports wired connectivity technology and can connect to a variety of devices, including notebooks, desktop PCs, smartphones, monitors, keyboards, and mice. With a maximum power supply wattage of 199 W, the dock provides reliable power delivery.

Additionally, it features a headphone/microphone combo port and an RJ-45 network port, making it a complete solution for Surface device users.

Best For: Microsoft Surface device users seeking a powerful and reliable docking experience.

Pros:

• Offers compatibility with a range of devices, including notebooks, desktop PCs, smartphones, monitors, keyboards, and mice
• Features six USB ports, including two USB-C ports with video display capabilities, providing a complete solution for Surface device users
• Provides reliable power delivery with a maximum power supply wattage of 199 W

Cons:

• Some users have reported difficulties with multiple monitors and sound output
• There have been issues with screen dimming and a lack of helpful information online to resolve the problem
• Some users have experienced problems with the first dock, which may be a concern for those considering purchasing the product

HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter

Designed to cater to a diverse range of laptops, the HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter stands out as an excellent choice for those seeking a universal and versatile docking solution.

This compact dock supports charging, data transfers, and networking between devices, and can connect up to three displays.

Its small footprint (5 x 5 inches) reduces clutter and eliminates the need for extra cords and wires, making it an ideal space-saving solution for your desk.

Additionally, the HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter provides advanced network manageability features for secure and remote management, and firmware updates can be pushed to the laptop for efficient updates.

With an average customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, this adapter is a reliable and efficient choice for maximizing productivity.

Best For: Those seeking a universal and versatile docking solution for their laptops, particularly those with limited desk space or requiring advanced network manageability features.

Pros:

• Compact and space-saving design reduces clutter and eliminates extra cords and wires
• Supports up to three displays, making it ideal for multitasking and increasing productivity
• Advanced network manageability features and firmware updates provide secure and efficient management

Cons:

• May not be compatible with older laptops that do not have USB-C functionality
• Limited to HP and non-HP USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, may not work with other devices
• Weight of 1.65 pounds may be heavier than expected for a compact dock

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

What sets the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station apart is its exceptional versatility, offering a wide range of ports and features that cater to the needs of professionals and individuals alike who require reliable and flexible laptop expandability.

This docking station boasts two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack, making it an ideal solution for those who need to connect multiple devices and peripherals. Additionally, it features six USB ports, including two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0 ports, allowing users to expand their laptop's capabilities without sacrificing performance.

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, this docking station is suitable for web and productivity software, making it an excellent choice for home or office use.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who require reliable and flexible laptop expandability for web and productivity software in home or office settings.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of ports and features, including two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and six USB ports, making it an ideal solution for connecting multiple devices and peripherals.
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, making it a versatile option for various laptop users.
• Provides plug and play functionality, reducing the need for extra cables and making it easy to set up and use.

Cons:

• Not recommended for gaming due to limited performance capabilities.
• Does not support DisplayPort connections or playback of encrypted/copy-protected content, limiting its use for certain applications.
• May have minor issues with certain Mac models, such as the M1 Mac, and requires manual driver installation on Mac systems.

Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station for Laptops and MacBook

This Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station is an ideal choice for professionals and multitaskers seeking to expand their laptop's port options and support up to three monitors simultaneously.

With its dual HDMI and DisplayPort, users can connect multiple monitors, each displaying different content, making multitasking a breeze.

The docking station also features high-speed charging up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones, as well as fast file transfer with USB-C and USB-A ports.

Additionally, the product has a compact design, weighing only 1.6 ounces and measuring 6.7 x 3.15 x 0.96 inches.

With an 18-month warranty and customer service, users can have peace of mind with their purchase.

Overall, this docking station is a reliable and efficient solution for those looking to boost their productivity.

Best For: Professionals and multitaskers seeking to expand their laptop's port options and support up to three monitors simultaneously.

Pros:

• Supports up to 3 monitors for multitasking with dual HDMI and DisplayPort
• High-speed charging up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones
• Compact design with fast file transfer capabilities through USB-C and USB-A ports

Cons:

• Requires DisplayLink driver for independent display outputs on Macs
• Some users experience USB connection inconsistency and display resolution issues
• Limited refresh rate of 60Hz for 2K and 4K monitors

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

For users seeking a robust multi-connectivity solution that can efficiently power their MacBook Pro while supporting up to 8K display or two 5K displays, the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock is an ideal choice. This dock features 96W charging, Thunderbolt and USB-C connectivity, and USB4 compatibility, making it a versatile option for users with M1/M2 Macs, PCs, and USB-C devices.

The OWC dock boasts an impressive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output. With its ability to deliver 96W of power to the host computer and support for multiple displays, this dock is designed to maximize productivity.

Customer reviews praise its plug-and-play functionality, compatibility, and ability to overcome the limitations of MacBook Pro's limited ports.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who need a reliable and versatile docking solution to connect multiple devices and displays to their MacBook Pro or other compatible devices.

Pros:

• Supports up to 8K display or two 5K displays with 96W charging and multiple connectivity options
• Compatible with M1/M2 Macs, PCs, and USB-C devices, making it a versatile option for different users
• Features plug-and-play functionality, eliminating the need for software installation or configuration

Cons:

• Some users have reported issues with fullscreen video playback on external monitors
• The placement of the charging port may be inconvenient for some users
• No specific information is provided about the product warranty or support details

RVP+ Docking Station for 3 Monitors with USB-C

Thirteen ports and functions in a single device make the RVP+ Docking Station for 3 Monitors with USB-C an ideal choice for professionals and heavy users seeking a comprehensive desktop solution.

This 13-in-1 docking station supports triple display with 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, ensuring seamless multitasking.

Fast and powerful 100W laptop charging, effortless data transfer with USB-C 3.1 and USB 3.0, and stable Gigabit Ethernet for a wired Internet connection make it a reliable and convenient option.

Additionally, its compact and lightweight design with multiple functioning ports simplifies laptop setup and reduces cable clutter.

With an impressive 4.3 out of 5-star rating from 121 customers, this docking station has proven itself to be a high-quality choice for those seeking maximum productivity.

Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter

The Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter stands out as an ideal choice for professionals seeking a reliable and versatile USB-C hub. It offers a robust 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery to keep laptops charged while supporting multiple high-resolution monitors and peripherals.

This docking station features a USB Type-C host connection, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two DisplayPorts, and one HDMI port, allowing for seamless connectivity. Additionally, it includes a 130W power adapter and a USB Type-C cable, making it a complete solution for desk setup.

With a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz, this docking station is perfect for multitasking and high-demanding tasks.

Best For: Professionals seeking a reliable and versatile USB-C hub for their laptops and multiple high-resolution monitors.

Pros:

• Offers a robust 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery to keep laptops charged while supporting multiple high-resolution monitors and peripherals.
• Features a comprehensive set of ports, including USB Type-C, USB Type-A, DisplayPorts, and HDMI, for seamless connectivity.
• Includes a 130W power adapter and a USB Type-C cable, making it a complete solution for desk setup.

Cons:

• Some users may experience issues with faulty or returned products.
• The product may be overpriced compared to similar alternatives.
• No specific dislikes were mentioned in the customer reviews.

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook Pro/Air

MacBook Pro and Air owners seeking a complete docking solution will appreciate the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station, boasting an impressive 18 powerful ports to elevate their workflow. This docking station is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and full-featured USB-C laptops, supporting macOS 11+, Windows 10 or later, Chrome OS 100 or later, Ubuntu, and Android.

It features triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities with 3x HDMI and 3x DisplayPort, allowing for up to 4 monitors on Windows and 3 monitors on macOS. The powerful 120W power adapter charges laptops with up to 100W and phones with 18W, reducing charging time.

With super-speed data transfer capabilities and a range of USB ports, this docking station is perfect for maximizing productivity.

Best For: MacBook Pro and Air owners seeking a complete docking solution with multiple ports and high-performance capabilities.

Pros:

• Offers 18 powerful ports, including triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities, to elevate workflow and maximize productivity.
• Features a powerful 120W power adapter that charges laptops with up to 100W and phones with 18W, reducing charging time.
• Provides super-speed data transfer capabilities and a range of USB ports for connecting multiple devices simultaneously.

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers, which may be an additional step for some users.
• May require additional power for some laptops to support triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities.
• Has limited monitor support on macOS, with HDMI 3 and DP 3 unable to be used simultaneously.

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station

For users seeking an all-inclusive and versatile docking solution, the Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station stands out with its impressive 13-in-1 expansion capabilities, allowing for simultaneous charging and support for up to three monitors.

This docking station has received positive feedback for its build quality and performance, making it an excellent choice for desktop use. It's compatible with various laptops and devices, including the Surface Pro 7, and supports different operating systems.

The Anker 575 also boasts extensive media display capabilities, with display information available for macOS and iPadOS. With its robust performance, ease of use, and hassle-free customer service, this docking station is an excellent addition to any desk setup.

Best For: Users seeking a comprehensive and versatile docking solution for desktop use, particularly those with multiple devices and monitors.

Pros:

• Impressive 13-in-1 expansion capabilities with simultaneous charging and support for up to three monitors
• Robust performance and ease of use, with no need for driver installation
• Hassle-free customer service with efficient defect and replacement process

Cons:

• Potential confusion with USB-C formats and PD support
• Initial misunderstanding with accidental power disconnection
• Limited information on display resolution and refresh rate differences

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock

Business professionals seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution will appreciate the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock. This dock supports up to two 4K displays and offers a range of ports for connecting peripherals. It is compatible with most Windows laptops and features two DisplayPort 1.2 ports, two HDMI ports, and multiple USB ports, including a USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port and three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports.

Additionally, the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock includes a 10/100/1000 Mb/s Ethernet port and comes with a USB Type-C cable with a Type-A adapter. With its compact design and 1.06-pound weight, this dock is easy to take on the go. It has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 161 customer reviews, making it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and efficient docking solution.

Best For: Business professionals seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution for their Windows laptops.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays and offers a range of ports for connecting peripherals
• Compact design and lightweight (1.06 pounds) make it easy to take on the go
• Compatible with most Windows laptops and has received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 161 customer reviews

Cons:

• Some customers have reported that the monitor ports become non-functional after a few months of use
• Customer support can be difficult to communicate with, and resolving issues may require multiple calls
• May require additional purchases, such as a power cord, to get the job done

Factors to Consider When Choosing USB-C Hubs for Desk

When selecting a USB-C hub for your desk, you'll want to ponder several key factors to guarantee you get the right one for your needs.

You'll need to contemplate the hub's design and build, as well as the types and number of ports it offers.

Additionally, you'll want to examine the hub's power delivery capability, compatibility, and display support to make an informed decision.

Hub Design and Build

As you shop for a USB-C hub to elevate your desk setup, consider the design and build quality that will guarantee durability and reliable performance. You'll want a hub that fits seamlessly on your desk, so look for compact and space-saving designs.

A sturdy and stable base is also essential to prevent tipping or sliding, ensuring your devices stay connected and secure.

Next, evaluate the material used in the hub's construction. A high-quality build will withstand wear and tear, ensuring your hub lasts for a long time.

Thoughtful design features, such as cable management options, will also help keep your desk organized and clutter-free. You won't have to deal with tangled cords or lost cables, making it easier to stay focused on your work.

Port Availability and Type

Frequently, your USB-C hub's port availability and type will make or break its ability to support your devices, so it's crucial to take into account the specific connections you need.

When choosing a USB-C hub, consider the number and type of ports available for connecting devices like monitors, keyboards, and external storage. Look for a hub that offers a mix of USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and SD card slots to meet your connectivity needs.

Look for a hub that supports the latest USB standards, such as USB 3.1 Gen 2, for faster data transfer speeds. You'll want a hub that provides a good balance of port variety and quantity to support your daily work or entertainment setup efficiently.

Power Delivery Capability

You'll want to prioritize the power delivery capability of your USB-C hub, since it determines how much power it can provide to charge your devices, and look for hubs with Power Delivery support to guarantee fast and efficient charging for your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

This feature is especially important if you need to charge power-hungry devices, like laptops, quickly. When checking the power delivery capability, make sure to look for the maximum wattage supported by the hub.

A higher wattage means you can charge multiple devices at once while still using peripherals connected to the hub. This can greatly reduce cable clutter, as you'll only need a single connection for both data transfer and charging.

With Power Delivery, you can charge your devices up to 100W, depending on the hub's capabilities. By prioritizing power delivery, you'll be able to keep your devices charged and ready to go, ensuring maximum productivity at your desk.

Compatibility and Certifications

When choosing a USB-C hub for your desk, compatibility and certifications are crucial factors to consider, since they determine how smoothly your devices will work together and guarantee you're getting a high-quality product that meets industry standards.

You'll want to make sure the hub is compatible with your specific devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Check for certifications like USB-IF certification, which verifies that the hub meets industry standards for performance and safety.

Take inventory of the hub's ports – do you need HDMI, USB, Ethernet, and SD card slots? Ensure the hub has the right ports to meet your connectivity needs.

It's also important to verify the hub's power delivery capabilities to make sure it can charge your devices at the required wattage. Don't forget to confirm compatibility with your operating system (Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, etc.) to avoid any potential compatibility issues.

Display Support and Resolution

Set up your ideal workspace by considering the maximum display support and resolution of the USB-C hub, making sure it can handle your multiple monitor setup requirements.

When choosing a USB-C hub, look for one that supports dual or triple monitor displays with resolutions up to 4K or higher for a seamless visual experience. You'll also want to check if the hub supports DisplayPort, HDMI, or other video output options to connect monitors with different input types.

It's crucial to make sure the USB-C hub can handle multiple displays simultaneously without compromising on resolution or refresh rates. You might need a hub that offers flexibility in display configurations, such as extended, mirrored, or independent displays, depending on your work or gaming needs.

Consider whether you need a hub that can support a single 5K display or multiple 4K displays. By considering these factors, you'll be able to find a USB-C hub that meets your display requirements and enhances your productivity.

With the right hub, you'll be able to create a workspace that's tailored to your needs and boosts your efficiency.

Cable Management Options

Organizing your workspace is a breeze with USB-C hubs that feature built-in cable management options, which keep your desk clutter-free and your cables neatly routed. These features are a must-have for anyone who wants to maintain a clean and professional look while staying efficient.

You'll appreciate how cable management options like clips, Velcro straps, or channels keep your cables secure and prevent tangles. Some hubs even offer detachable or adjustable solutions, allowing you to customize your organization setup.

By keeping your cables organized, you'll reduce the risk of damage and make it easier to connect and disconnect devices. Plus, prop