10 Best Usb Hubs for Oculus Rift

As you prepare to immerse yourself in the world of VR gaming with Oculus Rift, you're likely wondering which USB hub is best suited to enhance your experience. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming. But don't worry, rest assured. From the CalDigit TS4's 18 ports of extreme connectivity to the WAVLINK's flexible video interfacing, each of the top 10 USB hubs we've selected offers unique features that'll take your gaming to the next level. But which one will reign supreme? Let's take a closer look at what sets these hubs apart and find the perfect fit for your Oculus Rift setup.

Key Takeaways

• The WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station is an ideal choice for Oculus Rift users, offering flexible video interfacing up to 5K Ultrawide or Cinema 4K resolution.
• The CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock provides powerful 98W charging and supports single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, making it suitable for demanding applications.
• The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station offers flexible expandability, but is not recommended for gaming due to performance limitations.
• The Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station supports up to three monitors for multitasking with dual HDMI and DisplayPort, making it suitable for Oculus Rift users.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

For those seeking a high-performance USB hub capable of supporting 8K/6K displays and 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 speeds, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock stands out as a top choice, offering 18 ports of extreme connectivity and powerful 98W charging.

This dock is universally compatible with Mac, PC, and Chrome OS devices, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of users.

With its impressive array of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and 2.5GbE, the CalDigit TS4 provides unparalleled connectivity options.

Additionally, its ability to support single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays makes it an excellent choice for those requiring high-resolution display capabilities.

Best For: Professionals and individuals requiring high-performance connectivity, 8K/6K display support, and universal compatibility with Mac, PC, and Chrome OS devices.

Pros:

• Offers 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including USB-A, USB-C, and 2.5GbE, for unparalleled flexibility and convenience.
• Provides powerful 98W charging and supports single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays for demanding applications.

Cons:

• Runs warm/hot due to the nature of high-performance docks, which may be a concern for some users.
• Some users have reported network connectivity issues, which may require troubleshooting.

Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock

The Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking a high-speed docking station that can support dual 4K monitors, making it particularly well-suited for users who require simultaneous connections to multiple high-resolution displays.

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

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

The dock's ability to support quick charging, allowing laptops to be powered up in just 2.5 hours, is an added convenience.

With its sleek design and commitment to sustainability, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a reliable choice for those seeking a high-performance docking solution.

Best For: Those who require simultaneous connections to multiple high-resolution displays and prioritize Microsoft's design language.

Pros:

• Supports dual 4K monitor setup with quick charging capabilities
• Offers versatile compatibility with various ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, 3.5mm audio jack, and 2.5G Ethernet

Cons:

• Lacks triple/quad monitor support, HDMI, DisplayPort, and SD card readers compared to other docks
• Priced at $300, which is $40 more than the launch price of the older Dock 2

WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station

Gamers seeking a reliable and versatile USB hub for their Oculus Rift can rely on the WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station, which supports flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays and offers a maximum resolution of 5120x1440p60 (5K Ultrawide) or 4096x2160p60 (Cinema 4K) for dual monitors.

This docking station is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android, making it an ideal choice for users with different devices.

It also features six USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer, a Gigabit Ethernet port for fast network speeds, and a 100W power adapter for laptop charging.

With its wide range of features and compatibility, the WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station is an excellent option for Oculus Rift users.

Best For: Gamers, especially Oculus Rift users, who need a reliable and versatile USB hub with high-resolution video support and multiple connectivity options.

Pros:

• Supports flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays up to 5K Ultrawide or Cinema 4K resolution for dual monitors
• Compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android

Cons:

• None mentioned in the product description
• None mentioned in the product description

HP USB-C Dock G5 8-in-1 Adapter

Its universal compatibility with USB-C functionality makes the HP USB-C Dock G5 8-in-1 Adapter an ideal choice for owners of both HP and non-HP laptops seeking a reliable and versatile USB hub for their Oculus Rift.

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

With a small footprint of 5 x 5 inches, it reduces clutter and eliminates the need for extra cords and wires, making it a convenient solution for gamers.

Additionally, the HP USB-C Dock G5 8-in-1 Adapter provides advanced network manageability features for secure and remote management, and firmware updates can be easily pushed to the laptop for efficient updates.

Best For: Owners of both HP and non-HP laptops seeking a reliable and versatile USB hub for their Oculus Rift or other devices.

Pros:

• Universal compatibility with USB-C functionality makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of laptops
• Compact design reduces clutter and eliminates the need for extra cords and wires

Cons:

• No specific cons mentioned in the product description
• No specific cons mentioned in the product description

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

Offering flexible expandability for laptops, the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station is an ideal choice for professionals seeking a reliable solution for their dual-monitor setup needs.

This docking station features two HDMI ports, supporting resolutions up to 1920×1200, along with Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and six USB ports.

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, it provides a seamless plug-and-play experience with Windows systems, while requiring manual driver installation on Mac.

The docking station is well-suited for web and productivity software, making it an excellent choice for home or office use.

With a 2-year warranty and positive user reviews, it's a reliable option for those seeking to expand their laptop's capabilities without the need for extra cables.

Best For: Professionals seeking a reliable solution for their dual-monitor setup needs in a home or office setting.

Pros:

• Offers flexible expandability for laptops with multiple USB ports, HDMI outputs, and Gigabit Ethernet
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, making it a versatile option for various laptop users

Cons:

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

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook and Windows

Ideal for professionals and creatives seeking a versatile docking solution, the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station stands out with its 18 powerful ports, supporting a wide range of devices and platforms.

This docking station is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and full-featured USB-C laptops, and supports multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android.

It features triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities, allowing users to connect up to four 4K monitors on Windows and three on macOS.

The docking station also includes a 120W power adapter, supporting laptop and dock charging, as well as super-speed data transfer with four USB 3.1 and two Type-C ports.

Best For: Professionals and creatives seeking a versatile docking solution.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of ports and compatibility with multiple operating systems
• Supports triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities and super-speed data transfer

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers
• Has limited monitor support on macOS (HDMI 3 and DP 3 cannot be used simultaneously)

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

For users seeking a thorough docking solution, the Anker 10-in-1 USB C Docking Station for Laptops stands out with its ability to support up to three monitors and high-speed charging for laptops and phones.

This docking station offers multiple connectivity options, including dual HDMI and DisplayPort, allowing users to expand their port options and multitask with ease.

Additionally, it features high-speed charging up to 100W for laptops and 30W for phones, making it an ideal solution for those who need to keep their devices powered throughout the day.

With its compact design and 18-month warranty, this docking station is a reliable choice for Oculus Rift users seeking a complete docking solution.

Best For: Those who need a reliable and compact docking solution for multitasking with multiple monitors and high-speed charging for laptops and phones.

Pros:

• Supports up to three monitors for multitasking with dual HDMI and DisplayPort
• High-speed charging 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

RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station with 3 Monitors

The RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station with 3 Monitors stands out as a top choice for Oculus Rift users seeking an exhaustive connectivity solution, boasting 13 ports and functions that cater to diverse device requirements.

This docking station supports triple display with 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, ensuring seamless connections for multiple devices.

It also features 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.

With its compact design and lightweight build, this docking station is widely compatible with various devices and operating systems.

Users have praised its high-speed network performance, excellent customer service, and reliable connectivity, making it an excellent choice for Oculus Rift users.

Best For: Oculus Rift users seeking an exhaustive connectivity solution with high-speed network performance and reliable connectivity.

Pros:

• Excellent customer service for resolving compatibility issues
• Reliable and convenient docking station with no cable clutter and fast charging capabilities

Cons:

• Limited HDMI ports
• No other notable drawbacks mentioned by users

USB C Docking Station Dual Monitor for MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro users seeking a seamless dual-monitor experience will appreciate the USB C Docking Station's 15-in-2 expansion capabilities, which support up to 4K@60Hz resolution.

This docking station is designed specifically for MacBook Pro, matching its Space Gray color and offering a minimalist look that eliminates the need for multiple cables and adapters.

With its compact size, it provides a range of ports, including 4 USB 3.0, 2 USB 2.0, 1 USB-C, 2 HDMI, and an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port.

The docking station also features a strong power delivery USB C PD 3.0 port, supporting up to 87W charging for MacBook Pro/Air.

Its plug-and-play functionality and easy setup make it a convenient solution for users.

Best For: MacBook Pro users seeking a seamless dual-monitor experience with a compact and minimalist design.

Pros:

• Supports up to 4K@60Hz resolution and offers a range of ports, including USB 3.0, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
• Features a strong power delivery USB C PD 3.0 port, supporting up to 87W charging for MacBook Pro/Air.

Cons:

• Minor malfunction experienced after a year of usage, although customer service was prompt and efficient in resolving the issue.
• Headphone jack requires manual selection in System Preferences, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock (40AF0135US)

Frequently, users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution for their Windows laptops will find the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock (40AF0135US) to be the best choice, thanks to its ability to support up to two 4K displays and multiple USB devices simultaneously.

This dock boasts an impressive array 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 features a 10/100/1000 Mb/s Ethernet port and comes with a USB Type-C cable with a Type-A adapter.

With a compact design and a weight of just 1.06 pounds, this dock is perfect for those who need a reliable and portable docking solution.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who need a reliable and versatile docking solution for their Windows laptops, particularly those who require multiple USB ports and support for up to two 4K displays.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays and multiple USB devices simultaneously, making it ideal for multitasking and increasing productivity.
• Features a compact design and lightweight construction, making 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 navigate, with some users experiencing long wait times and being asked to contact the seller instead.

Factors to Consider When Choosing USB Hubs for Oculus Rift

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

You'll need to think about the types of ports you need, how fast you need your data to transfer, and how many devices you'll be plugging in at once.

Port Compatibility Matters

To guarantee seamless performance with your Oculus Rift, you'll need to choose a USB hub that meets the headset's specific port requirements.

Oculus Rift requires a minimum of three USB 3.0 ports, one for the headset, one for the sensors, and one for the controllers. So, it's vital to select a hub with enough USB 3.0 ports to support these devices.

Some USB hubs may have a mix of USB-A and USB-C ports, which can be beneficial if you have devices with different connector types. However, make certain the hub's USB-C ports can support USB 3.0 speeds.

You'll also need to ponder the power delivery capabilities of the hub. Oculus Rift requires a significant amount of power to function, and a hub with inadequate power delivery may not be able to support the headset.

Look for a hub with a reliable and stable power supply to prevent data transmission interruptions or device shutdowns during use.

Data Transfer Speeds

As you're selecting a USB hub for your Oculus Rift, consider the data transfer speeds you need to guarantee a seamless VR experience. You'll want a hub that can keep up with the demands of your VR setup.

USB 3.0 hubs, for instance, can transfer data at speeds of up to 5 Gbps, which should be sufficient for most VR applications. However, if you need even faster speeds, consider a USB 3.1 Gen 2 hub, which can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

If you're dealing with high-bandwidth applications like 4K video transfer, a Thunderbolt 3 hub with speeds of up to 40 Gbps might be the way to go.

Keep in mind that the data transfer speed of a USB hub also depends on the device it's connected to.

Newer devices typically support faster transfer speeds than older ones, so make sure your hub can keep up with your device's capabilities.

Additionally, if you need to charge your devices while transferring data, look for USB-C hubs with Power Delivery (PD) that can deliver power up to 100W while maintaining high-speed data transfer.

Number of Ports Needed

You'll need to weigh how many devices you'll be connecting to your Oculus Rift at the same time, since this will dictate the number of ports your USB hub should have.

If you plan to connect multiple monitors, a keyboard, and a few other accessories, you'll need a hub with at least 5-6 ports. Some USB hubs, like the AOM model, offer an impressive 7 ports, including 2 DisplayPort 1.2 ports, 2 HDMI ports, and 3 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports. This should be more than enough to support your Oculus Rift setup.

When deciding on the number of ports, consider the types of devices you'll be connecting. If you have a lot of USB-A devices, look for a hub with multiple USB-A ports.

If you need to connect monitors, verify the hub has the right display ports. Don't forget to check the product dimensions and weight to confirm the hub won't take up too much space or be too heavy to carry around.

Power Delivery Capacity

Seven devices drawing power from a single hub can quickly add up, so making certain to ponder the power delivery capacity of your USB hub is vital to verify it can handle the load of your Oculus Rift setup.

You'll want to guarantee that your hub can provide enough power to your devices without overheating or shutting down. Check the hub's power output rating, usually measured in watts (W) or amperes (A), to determine if it can handle the total power requirements of your devices.

For Oculus Rift, you'll need a hub that can deliver at least 1.5 amps per port to power your controllers and other devices.

Look for hubs with high-power ports, such as USB 3.0 ports that can deliver up to 900mA, or dedicated charging ports that can provide up to 2.4A.

Be mindful of hubs that claim to have high power delivery but can't actually sustain it over time. You don't want your devices to malfunction or your hub to overheat during extended gaming sessions.

Compactness and Portability

When taking your Oculus Rift on the go, compactness and portability become essential factors to ponder in a USB hub, since a cluttered and bulky setup can quickly become a nightmare.

You'll want a hub that's lightweight, easy to carry, and won't take up too much space in your backpack or bag.

Look for options like the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock, which packs 18 ports into a compact design, or the HP USB-C Dock G5 8-in-1 Adapter, which has a small footprint of just 5 x 5 inches.

The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station is another great option, featuring a compact design and 6 USB ports.

These hubs are designed to prioritize compactness and portability, making them ideal for Oculus Rift users who need a reliable and space-saving solution.

Cable Management Features

Cable management features in your USB hub can be a game-changer for Oculus Rift users, as they help to reduce clutter and keep cables organized, making it easier to set up and use the VR headset.

When choosing a USB hub, look for built-in cable ties, cable organizers, or cable management systems that'll keep your cables tidy and prevent tangles. Some hubs even feature retractable cables or removable cable organizers, making it easy to store and transport the hub.

These features won't just keep your workspace organized, but they'll also help reduce cable strain and prevent damage to the cables or the hub itself.

Considering the number and type of cables you need to manage is vital when selecting a USB hub for your Oculus Rift. You'll want a hub that can handle the cables you need to connect, and one that's built with a design and quality that can withstand regular use.

Brand Reliability Matters

As you're considering the importance of cable management features, you'll also want to prioritize brand reliability when choosing a USB hub for your Oculus Rift, as a trustworthy brand can make all the difference in ensuring a seamless and safe VR experience.

A reliable brand's USB hub is less likely to cause connection issues, data loss, or even damage to the Oculus Rift or connected devices.

You'll want to opt for brands with a history of producing high-quality, compatible products that provide a seamless and safe experience for Oculus Rift users.

Reputable brands invest in rigorous testing and quality control, ensuring their USB hubs meet the necessary standards for Oculus Rift compatibility.

This means you can trust their products to work as intended, without any hiccups or surprises.

Additionally, a trusted brand's USB hub will likely come with a warranty or support options, providing you with protection and assistance in case of any issues.

By choosing a reliable brand, you can also expect a durable product that's built to withstand regular use, reducing the need for frequent replacements.