10 Best Usb Hubs for Gaming Pc

As you build your gaming PC, you're probably thinking about how to connect all your devices and peripherals. A reliable USB hub is a must-have to keep your setup organized and clutter-free. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. You're likely wondering what features to prioritize – high-speed data transfer, power delivery, or multi-monitor support? Don't worry, rest assured. We've rounded up the top 10 USB hubs for gaming PCs, and we're about to delve into the details.

Key Takeaways

• Verify the USB hub's compatibility with your gaming PC's operating system to avoid connectivity issues.
• Opt for a hub with a high power delivery capacity, such as 60W or 80W, to charge laptops and power-hungry devices.
• Consider the number and type of USB ports needed for your gaming peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and controllers.
• Choose a hub with fast data transfer speeds, such as USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 3, to ensure low latency and efficient data transfer.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

For gamers seeking a robust and versatile connectivity solution, the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock stands out as a top choice, offering 96W charging and support for up to 8K displays or two 5K displays.

This dock boasts an impressive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output.

Additionally, it supports multiple displays and provides power delivery of 96W to the host computer, 15W to external devices, and 1.5A to bus-powered drives and device charging.

With its compatibility with M1/M2 Macs, PCs, and USB-C devices, this dock is an ideal solution for gamers seeking a reliable and high-performance connectivity solution.

Best For: Gamers and professionals seeking a reliable and high-performance connectivity solution with multiple display support and fast charging capabilities.

Pros:

• Offers 96W charging and support for up to 8K displays or two 5K displays, making it ideal for gamers and professionals who need high-resolution displays.
• Features an impressive array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output, providing versatility and convenience.

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.

Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter

Gamers seeking a reliable and powerful docking station that can handle multiple monitors and laptop charging simultaneously will appreciate the Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter's 90W Power Delivery and 130W Power Adapter capabilities.

This docking station boasts a USB Type-C host connection, three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports, providing ample connectivity options.

Additionally, it features two DisplayPort and one HDMI port, supporting up to 3840 x 2160 max resolution at 60 Hz.

The included 130W power adapter and USB Type-C cable guarantee seamless laptop charging and data transfer.

With its compact design and noble wedge and Kensington security slots, this docking station is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a reliable and high-performance docking solution.

Best For: Gamers seeking a reliable and powerful docking station that can handle multiple monitors and laptop charging simultaneously.

Pros:

• Handles video from multiple monitors with no issues and provides plenty of power for laptops
• Offers a compact design with noble wedge and Kensington security slots for added convenience and security

Cons:

• Some users have reported receiving faulty or used products
• Dell branded products are generally considered overpriced

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock

Expanding desk real estate while maintaining a clutter-free workspace, the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock is an ideal choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable docking solution that can support up to two 4K displays and multiple USB devices.

This docking station is compatible with most Windows laptops and features a range of ports, including two DisplayPort 1.2 ports, two HDMI ports, one USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C port, three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports.

Additionally, it has a 10/100/1000 Mb/s Ethernet port, ensuring a stable and fast connection.

With its compact design and lightweight construction, this dock is perfect for gamers and professionals alike, offering a convenient way to connect and manage multiple devices.

Best For: Professionals and gamers who need a reliable and versatile docking solution to connect and manage multiple devices, including up to two 4K displays.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays and multiple USB devices, making it a great option for those who need to connect multiple peripherals.
• Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go.

Cons:

• Some users have reported issues with the monitor ports becoming non-functional after a few months of use.
• Customer support can be difficult to communicate with, leading to frustration and wasted time.

Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock

If you're seeking a high-speed docking station that can support dual 4K monitors and rapid charging, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is an excellent choice.

This docking station boasts lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports, enabling data transfer, media streaming, and device charging at incredible speeds.

Furthermore, it features versatile compatibility with USB-C and USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, 2.5G Ethernet, and a security lock slot.

The dock's multi-monitor setup capability allows connection of up to two 4K monitors, making it ideal for gamers and professionals alike.

With its eco-friendly design made from 20% recycled ocean-bound plastic, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a reliable and sustainable option for your gaming PC.

Best For: Gamers and professionals who need a high-speed docking station with dual 4K monitor support and rapid charging capabilities.

Pros:

• Lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports for data transfer, media streaming, and device charging
• Versatile compatibility with USB-C and USB-A ports, 3.5mm audio jack, 2.5G Ethernet, and a security lock slot

Cons:

• Lacks features such as triple/quad monitor support, HDMI, DisplayPort, and SD card readers compared to other docks
• Priced at $300, which is considered expensive for some users

USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor for MacBook Pro

For MacBook Pro users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution, the USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor stands out with its 15-in-2 expansion capabilities and compatibility with a range of devices.

This docking station boasts an impressive array of ports, including dual 4K@60Hz/4K@30Hz HDMI, four USB 3.0, one USB-C, two USB 2.0, and more.

It also features a strong power delivery USB C PD 3.0 port, supporting up to 100W power input and 87W charging for MacBook Pro/Air.

The compact and minimalist design matches the Space Gray color of MacBook Pros, eliminating the need for multiple cables and adapters.

With plug-and-play functionality and easy setup, this docking station is an excellent choice for MacBook Pro users seeking a reliable and efficient docking solution.

Best For: MacBook Pro users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution with multiple ports and high-speed data transmission.

Pros:

• Offers 15-in-2 expansion capabilities with a range of ports, including dual 4K@60Hz/4K@30Hz HDMI, four USB 3.0, and more
• Features a strong power delivery USB C PD 3.0 port, supporting up to 100W power input and 87W charging for MacBook Pro/Air

Cons:

• May experience minor malfunctions after extended use (e.g., a year or more)
• Headphone jack requires manual selection in System Preferences

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

Ideal for users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution, the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station boasts an impressive array of features, including dual HDMI ports and Gigabit Ethernet.

This docking station is compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS devices, making it a great option for those who need to connect multiple devices.

It supports dual monitor setup with resolutions up to 1920×1200, providing an extended display over external and laptop displays.

The docking station also comes with six USB ports, including two USB 3.0 and four USB 2.0, as well as a 3.5mm audio jack.

While it's not recommended for gaming, it's a great option for web and productivity software, and is suitable for home or office use.

Best For: Users who need a reliable and versatile docking solution for web and productivity software, suitable for home or office use.

Pros:

• Supports dual monitor setup with resolutions up to 1920×1200, providing an extended display over external and laptop displays.
• Comes with a comprehensive set of ports, including dual HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, six USB ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Cons:

• Not recommended for gaming due to performance limitations.
• Does not support DisplayPort connections or playback of encrypted/copy-protected content.

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

The Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station stands out as an excellent choice for gamers and professionals seeking to expand their laptop's port options and support up to three monitors for seamless multitasking.

This docking station features dual HDMI and DisplayPort, allowing users to connect up to three monitors and enjoy simultaneous displays.

With high-speed charging capabilities of up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones, users can power their devices efficiently.

The docking station also boasts fast file transfer capabilities with USB-C and USB-A ports, making it ideal for data-intensive tasks.

Measuring 6.7 x 3.15 x 0.96 inches and weighing 1.6 ounces, this compact device is designed for convenience and portability.

Best For: Gamers and professionals seeking to expand their laptop's port options and support up to three monitors for seamless multitasking.

Pros:

• Supports up to 3 monitors for multitasking with dual HDMI and DisplayPort
• High-speed charging capabilities of up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones

Cons:

• Requires DisplayLink driver for independent display outputs on Macs
• Some users experience USB connection inconsistency and display resolution issues

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

Microsoft's Surface Dock 2 stands out as a top choice for Microsoft Surface users seeking a seamless and efficient docking experience, thanks to its tailored compatibility and impressive array of six USB ports.

This docking station is specifically designed for Microsoft Surface products, ensuring a hassle-free connection and peak performance.

With two USB-C ports capable of supporting 10 Gbps speeds and 15W power delivery, users can enjoy fast data transfer and charging.

Additionally, the dock features a network RJ-45 port, headphone/microphone combo port, and supports up to three monitors.

Weighing just 1 pound and measuring 11.6 x 5.6 x 4.4 inches, the Surface Dock 2 is compact and portable, making it an ideal accessory for professionals on-the-go.

Best For: Microsoft Surface users seeking a seamless and efficient docking experience.

Pros:

• Tailored compatibility with Microsoft Surface products for a hassle-free connection and peak performance
• Impressive array of six USB ports, including two USB-C ports capable of supporting 10 Gbps speeds and 15W power delivery

Cons:

• Some users have reported difficulties with multiple monitors and sound output
• Screen dimming issue and lack of helpful information online have been reported by some users

Targus USB C Docking Station Universal DV4K

Gamers seeking a reliable and high-performance docking solution for their USB-C laptops will appreciate the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal DV4K, which offers 65W power delivery and supports up to two 4K monitors via its dual HDMI 2.0 ports.

This docking station is compatible with a wide range of USB-C laptops and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

It features multiple ports, including USB-A and USB-C, Ethernet, and audio, making it easy to connect accessories and peripherals.

With a 3-year limited lifetime warranty, gamers can have peace of mind knowing their investment is protected.

The Targus USB C Docking Station Universal DV4K has received positive reviews for its reliability, performance, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking to enhance their gaming experience.

Best For: Gamers seeking a reliable and high-performance docking solution for their USB-C laptops.

Pros:

• Offers 65W power delivery and supports up to two 4K monitors via its dual HDMI 2.0 ports
• Compatible with a wide range of USB-C laptops and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS

Cons:

• Some users reported network connectivity issues
• Reports of laptops being fried after using the docking station

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1)

Frequently, gamers seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution for their gaming PC will find the Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station (13-in-1) to be an ideal choice, thanks to its impressive array of 13 ports and slots that enable simultaneous charging, extensive media display, and seamless connectivity.

This docking station offers a huge expansion of capabilities, with multiple ports and slots that cater to various devices and operating systems.

Gamers have praised the dock's build quality and performance, with many recommending it for desktop use.

Additionally, the Anker 575 has been found to be compatible with different laptops and devices, including the Surface Pro 7, and offers thorough media display support for up to three monitors.

Best For: Gamers and users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution for their desktop setup.

Pros:

• Offers a huge expansion of capabilities with 13 ports and slots for simultaneous charging, media display, and seamless connectivity.
• Compatible with different laptops and devices, including the Surface Pro 7, and supports up to three monitors.

Cons:

• Users may experience confusion with USB-C formats and PD support.
• Initial issues with accidental power disconnection may occur, leading to misunderstandings.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a USB Hub for Gaming PC

When selecting a USB hub for your gaming PC, you'll want to ponder a few key factors to guarantee you get the right one for your needs.

You'll need to think about whether the hub is compatible with your devices, how much power it can deliver, and how many USB ports it has.

Device Compatibility Check

Before connecting your gaming peripherals, you need to guarantee the USB hub you choose is compatible with your laptop or desktop's operating system, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS, to avoid any connectivity issues.

You'll also want to verify that the USB hub supports the specific type of USB connection on your device, such as USB-C, USB-A, or Thunderbolt 3.

Make sure the hub has the necessary ports to support your peripherals, including HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and USB-A.

Review the hub's specifications to certify it can support the resolution and refresh rate of your external monitors.

To confirm seamless operation, it's crucial to check the compatibility of the hub with your device's operating system.

Additionally, confirm that the hub is fully tested for compatibility with a wide variety of platforms and operating systems.

Power Delivery Capacity

Your gaming PC's power-hungry devices demand a USB hub that can deliver, so it's essential to ponder the hub's power delivery capacity – the ability to charge devices and laptops simultaneously – to guarantee seamless performance.

When choosing a USB hub for gaming, look for one with a high power delivery capacity, such as 60W or 80W, to certify it can charge your laptop and power-hungry devices.

You'll also want to weigh USB-C hubs with Power Delivery (PD), which can deliver up to 100W of power, making them suitable for charging larger laptops and devices.

Be sure to check the power delivery capacity of a USB hub before purchasing to certify it can meet the power requirements of your devices.

A higher power delivery capacity means you can charge more devices at once, making it pivotal for gaming PCs.

Don't overlook this key factor, as it can make all the difference in your gaming experience.

Number of USB Ports

With your gaming PC's peripherals and accessories in mind, you'll need a USB hub that can accommodate them all, which is why the number of USB ports is a vital factor to ponder.

Consider the devices you need to connect, such as keyboards, mice, and controllers, to determine the required number of USB ports. A minimum of 4-6 USB ports is recommended for most gaming setups, but this can vary depending on the specific devices and peripherals used.

Some USB hubs offer as few as 2-3 ports, while others can have up to 10 or more, so selecting a hub that meets your specific needs is imperative.

Additionally, consider the type of USB ports needed, such as USB-A, USB-C, or USB-3.0, as some devices may require specific port types.

Having a sufficient number of USB ports is vital to accommodate multiple devices without the need for constant unplugging and replugging.

Data Transfer Speed

When it comes to choosing a USB hub for your gaming PC, data transfer speed is a critical factor to ponder, as it directly impacts the performance and responsiveness of your connected devices.

You'll want to opt for a hub that can keep up with your gaming demands. USB 3.0 hubs offer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, while USB 3.2 Gen 2 hubs can reach speeds of up to 20 Gbps, making them more suitable for demanding gaming applications.

The type of USB port used also affects data transfer speed, with USB-C ports capable of higher speeds than traditional USB-A ports.

Additionally, the number of devices connected to the hub can impact data transfer speed, so look for hubs that can handle multiple devices simultaneously without sacrificing speed.

For gaming PCs, it's recommended to opt for a hub with USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3 ports to guarantee fast data transfer rates and low latency.

Hub Size and Design

As you search for the perfect USB hub for your gaming PC, consider the hub's size and design, which can greatly impact your gaming experience and overall productivity.

A compact hub size is ideal for gaming PCs with limited desk space, allowing for a clutter-free environment and easy portability. However, a larger hub size can provide more ports and features, but may take up more desk space and weigh more.

When it comes to design, look for a hub that prioritizes heat dissipation, ruggedness, and durability.

A well-designed hub should also consider aesthetics, with a visually appealing design that complements your gaming setup. Additionally, the design should prioritize ease of use, with clearly labeled ports, easy-to-grip construction, and intuitive cable management features.

The material and build quality of the hub are also vital, as they can impact its durability and ability to withstand heavy use.

Multi-Device Connectivity

Your gaming PC's ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously is crucial, and the right USB hub can make all the difference in maximizing your productivity and gaming experience.

When choosing a USB hub, consider the number of devices you need to connect at once. Some hubs support up to 7-10 devices, while others have high-speed data transfer rates like USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 3 for fast file transfers and minimal lag.

You'll also want to think about the type of devices you need to connect and the required speed and power delivery for each. Look for hubs with powered USB ports to provide additional power to devices, reducing the strain on your gaming PC's power supply.

Additionally, consider hubs with built-in surge protection and short-circuit prevention to safeguard your devices from power spikes and electrical shocks.

With the right USB hub, you can connect multiple peripherals, accessories, and monitors, reducing clutter and increasing productivity.

Cable Length and Quality

Seven key factors come into play when evaluating the cable length and quality of a USB hub for your gaming PC.

First, consider the specific cable length you need, as it affects the distance between the hub and your devices.

You'll want high-quality cables with good shielding and insulation to reduce electromagnetic interference and guarantee reliable data transmission.

The material and thickness of the cable also matter, as thicker cables are more durable and flexible.

Be mindful that longer cables may reduce power output to connected devices.

When choosing a hub, opt for high-quality cables that meet your specific needs.

A longer cable length provides flexibility, but may compromise signal integrity and data transfer speeds.

Look for cables with shielding and twisted pair wiring to minimize electromagnetic interference.

Additionally, verify the cable is rated for the specific speed and protocol you need, such as USB 3.2 Gen 2 or DisplayPort A