10 Best Usb Hubs for Printer

When you're on the hunt for the perfect USB hub for your printer, you're likely looking for a solution that checks all the right boxes. Do you prioritize portability, or is expanded connectivity a must-have? Whether you're a freelancer or a busy office worker, the right USB hub can make all the difference. You've got a range of top-tier options to choose from, each with its own unique strengths. But which one will give you the flexibility and reliability you need to get the job done? Let's take a closer look at the top contenders.

Key Takeaways

• Consider the number and type of ports you need, including USB-A, USB-C, and USB-B, to ensure compatibility with your printer and other devices.
• Check the power delivery capabilities of the hub, with higher power delivery (up to 100W) necessary for charging larger devices like laptops.
• Ensure the hub can provide sufficient power to the printer, and check the printer's specifications for any direct connection requirements.
• Look for durable and high-quality hubs with sturdy casings, secure port connections, and reliable power management systems to prevent overheating and short-circuiting.

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook Pro/Air

Ideal for MacBook Pro and Air users seeking a thorough docking solution, the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station offers an impressive array of 18 powerful ports, catering to a wide range of connectivity needs.

This docking station is compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and full-featured USB-C laptops, making it a versatile option for various devices.

It supports multiple operating systems, including macOS 11+, Windows 10 or later, Chrome OS 100 or later, Ubuntu, and Android, guaranteeing broad compatibility.

Additionally, the docking station requires the installation of DisplayLink Drivers to certify seamless performance.

Best For: Ideal for MacBook Pro and Air users seeking a thorough docking solution with multiple connectivity options.

Pros:

• Offers an impressive array of 18 powerful ports, catering to a wide range of connectivity needs.
• Compatible with multiple operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android.

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers for seamless performance on macOS.
• May require additional power for some laptops to run 3 monitors effectively.

Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock

For professionals and creatives seeking a seamless and efficient workflow, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock stands out as a top choice for USB hubs for printers, offering lightning-fast connectivity and versatile compatibility with a range of devices.

This high-speed docking station boasts dual 4K monitor support, Thunderbolt 4 ports for data transfer, media streaming, and device charging, as well as USB-C and USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a security lock slot.

The dock also supports quick charging, allowing your laptop to be powered up in just 2.5 hours.

With its compact design and commitment to sustainability, using 20% recycled ocean-bound plastic, this dock is an excellent addition to any workstation.

Best For: Professionals and creatives seeking a seamless and efficient workflow who need a high-speed docking station with versatile compatibility and sustainable design.

Pros:

• Offers lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports for data transfer, media streaming, and device charging
• Supports dual 4K monitor setup and quick charging, allowing laptops to be powered up in just 2.5 hours

Cons:

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

Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter for Workspace

The Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter for Workspace stands out as a top choice for professionals seeking a reliable and powerful docking solution, boasting a 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery to support demanding workspaces.

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 DisplayPort, one HDMI port, and an RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port, providing ample connectivity options.

With a maximum resolution of 3840 x 2160 at 60 Hz, this dock is capable of handling video from multiple monitors with ease.

The included 130W power adapter and USB Type-C cable guarantee a seamless and clutter-free experience.

With a 4.3-star rating and over 84 customer reviews, this docking station has proven itself to be a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performance docking solution.

Best For: Professionals seeking a reliable and powerful docking solution for their workspace.

Pros:

• Boasts a 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery to support demanding workspaces
• Provides ample connectivity options with multiple USB ports, DisplayPort, HDMI port, and RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet port

Cons:

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

WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station

The WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station is an excellent choice for users who require high-resolution dual monitor setups with its ability to support flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays.

This docking station can support maximum resolutions of 5120x1440p60 (5K Ultrawide) or 4096x2160p60 (Cinema 4K) for dual monitors.

In addition, it's compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android, making it a versatile option for users with different devices.

The docking station also features a Gigabit Ethernet port, six USB 3.0 ports, and a 100W power adapter for laptop charging, providing users with an all-encompassing connectivity solution.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who require high-resolution dual monitor setups and versatile connectivity options for their laptops.

Pros:

• Supports high-resolution dual monitor setups with flexible video interfacing options
• Compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android

Cons:

• No specific information available on the product's durability and build quality
• May not be compatible with older devices or operating systems

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock with USB-A Adapter

This Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock with USB-A Adapter stands out as an ideal choice for professionals seeking a reliable docking solution that can support up to two 4K displays and multiple USB devices, making it perfect for those who need to multitask efficiently.

With its compatibility with most Windows laptops, this dock offers a range of connectivity options, 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 4.5-star rating from 161 customers, this dock is a reliable choice for those seeking a versatile and efficient docking solution.

Best For: Professionals seeking a reliable docking solution that can support up to two 4K displays and multiple USB devices, making it perfect for those who need to multitask efficiently.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays, making it ideal for multitasking and increasing productivity.
• Offers a range of connectivity options, including DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and USB-A ports, as well as an Ethernet port.

Cons:

• Some customers have reported issues with the monitor ports becoming non-functional after a few months of use.
• The product's warranty and support process can be difficult to navigate, leading to frustration and wasted time.

RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station for Laptops

Those seeking a thorough laptop docking solution will appreciate the RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station, which boasts a range of features that cater to their multifaceted needs.

This docking station supports triple display with 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, ensuring seamless connectivity.

Additionally, it offers 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 measuring 4.73 x 4.73 x 1.46 inches and weighing 0.035 ounces, it's both portable and convenient.

The RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station has received an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars from 121 customer reviews, solidifying its position as a reliable and efficient laptop docking solution.

Best For: Those seeking a comprehensive laptop docking solution with multiple ports and high-speed charging capabilities.

Pros:

• Supports triple display with 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, ensuring seamless connectivity
• Offers fast and powerful 100W laptop charging and effortless data transfer with USB-C 3.1 and USB 3.0

Cons:

• Minor issue with limited HDMI ports, but overall decent quality
• No other significant drawbacks mentioned by customers

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

The OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock stands out as an excellent choice for professionals and creatives seeking a multi-connectivity solution that can efficiently power their MacBook Pro while supporting up to 8K display 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 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output, ensuring seamless connectivity for a wide range of devices.

With its 96W power delivery, it can efficiently charge your MacBook Pro while providing 15W to external devices and 1.5A to bus-powered drives and device charging.

Compatibility with M1/M2 Macs, Intel Macs, and PCs makes it a versatile option for various setups.

Best For: Professionals and creatives seeking a multi-connectivity solution that can efficiently power their MacBook Pro while supporting up to 8K display or two 5K displays.

Pros:

• Supports up to 8K display or two 5K displays with its 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.
• Offers efficient power delivery with 96W to the host computer, 15W to external devices, and 1.5A to bus-powered drives and device charging.

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.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Professionals seeking a thorough docking solution that can support high-speed data transfer and multiple display connections simultaneously will find the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock to be an ideal choice.

This dock offers an impressive 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and USB-C, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.

It also features powerful 98W charging, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and supports single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays.

While some users have reported concerns about the dock running warm and network connectivity issues, overall feedback suggests ease of setup and functionality.

With its high-end price range and great value, function, and design, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a worthwhile investment for those seeking a reliable and efficient docking solution.

Best For: Professionals seeking a thorough docking solution that can support high-speed data transfer and multiple display connections simultaneously.

Pros:

• Offers an impressive 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and USB-C, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
• Features powerful 98W charging, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and supports single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays.

Cons:

• Some users have reported concerns about the dock running warm.
• There have been some network connectivity issues reported by users.

Targus USB C Docking Station Universal

Ideal for users seeking a reliable and versatile docking solution, the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal stands out with its ability to support up to two monitors with two HDMI 2.0 ports, making it an excellent choice for individuals who require multiple display connectivity.

This docking station offers a range of features, including 65W Power Delivery, USB-A and USB-C ports, Ethernet, and audio ports, making it an all-encompassing solution for connecting accessories and peripherals.

With its compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, this docking station is a great option for those who need to connect their laptop to a desktop setup.

Additionally, its 3-year limited lifetime warranty provides added peace of mind.

Best For: Users who need a reliable and versatile docking solution with multiple display connectivity options and compatibility with a wide range of operating systems.

Pros:

• Supports up to two monitors with two HDMI 2.0 ports for enhanced productivity
• Offers a range of features, including 65W Power Delivery, USB-A and USB-C ports, Ethernet, and audio ports for connecting accessories and peripherals

Cons:

• Some users have reported network connectivity issues
• There have been reports of laptops being damaged after using the docking station

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

For users seeking a reliable and versatile docking station that can support dual monitors with resolutions up to 1920×1200, the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station stands out as a top choice.

This docking station offers a range of features, including two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and six USB ports, making it an ideal solution for those who need to connect multiple devices to their laptop.

Additionally, it's compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, and comes with a 2-year warranty.

With its flexible expandability and support for dual HD HDMI video outputs, this docking station is suitable for web and productivity software, and is ideal for home or office use.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who need a reliable and versatile docking station for connecting multiple devices to their laptop, particularly for web and productivity software in home or office settings.

Pros:

• Offers flexible expandability and support for dual HD HDMI video outputs, making it ideal for dual-monitor setups and conference room presentations.
• Compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, and comes with a 2-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Cons:

• Not recommended for gaming due to potential performance issues and lack of support for HDCP or playback of encrypted/copy-protected content.
• Does not charge the host PC, which may be a drawback for some users.

Factors to Consider When Choosing USB Hubs for Printer

When selecting a USB hub for your printer, 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 how many ports you require, whether the hub is compatible with your printer, and what kind of power delivery options it offers.

Port Quantity and Type

You'll need to weigh the right balance of port quantity and type to guarantee your USB hub can accommodate your printer and other devices seamlessly.

The number of ports you need will depend on the devices you want to connect. If it's just your printer, a hub with two or four ports might suffice. However, if you want to connect other devices like a keyboard, mouse, or external hard drive, look for a hub with more ports.

The type of ports is also vital. Check if your printer requires a specific type of port, such as USB-A, USB-C, or USB-B. Some hubs offer a mix of port types, which can be convenient if you have devices with different connectors.

Additionally, consider the speed of the ports, as some hubs offer faster data transfer speeds like USB 3.0. If you need to charge larger devices like laptops, look for a hub with higher power delivery capabilities, up to 100W.

Printer Compatibility Issues

As you narrow down your options for a USB hub, it's equally important to weigh the potential printer compatibility issues that can arise from a mismatch between your printer's requirements and the hub's capabilities.

You'll want to guarantee the hub provides sufficient power to your printer, as insufficient power can cause connectivity problems or slow printing speeds.

Check your printer's specifications to see if it requires a direct connection to the computer or if it can function properly through a USB hub.

Additionally, consider the communication protocol your printer uses, such as USB-C or Thunderbolt, and make sure the hub supports it.

The number of devices connected to the hub can also impact available power and bandwidth, potentially causing connectivity issues.

If you have a high-powered printer, like a 3D printer or laser printer, you may need a powered USB hub to guarantee reliable operation.

Power Delivery Options

Your printer's power requirements play a significant role in choosing the right USB hub, and understanding the power delivery options available is pivotal to guaranteeing reliable operation.

You'll need to ponder the power rating of the hub and the number of devices connected to it. Some hubs can deliver up to 100W of power, while others may only provide 2.5W, so selecting a hub that meets the power requirements of your devices is imperative.

Look for hubs with multiple high-power ports (e.g., 15W or higher) to guarantee reliable power delivery.

Be aware that some USB hubs may not provide power delivery at all, so scrutinizing the product specifications before making a purchase is paramount. When choosing a USB hub for a printer, ponder the power delivery options, as some hubs can charge devices while others only provide data transfer capabilities.

Opt for hubs with built-in power adapters or those that can draw power from the USB port to guarantee reliable printer operation.

Durability and Build Quality

When selecting a USB hub for your printer, it's essential to ponder the durability and build quality of the device, as a well-constructed hub can withstand the demands of frequent use and harsh environmental conditions.

You want a hub that can handle minor bumps and drops without compromising its internal components. A sturdy casing, solid weight, and high-quality materials like aluminum or robust plastics are essential indicators of a durable hub.

Secure and snug port connections are also imperative to prevent devices from accidentally disconnecting or falling out. Additionally, look for thicker, shielded cables and gold-plated connectors that can resist wear and tear.

A reliable power management system is also critical to prevent overheating and short-circuiting, which can extend the hub's lifespan and reduce the risk of device damage.

Space and Clutter Management

Managing your workspace efficiently is essential, and a USB hub for your printer can substantially contribute to this goal by helping you optimize space and reduce clutter.

When choosing a USB hub, consider the physical space available to accommodate the hub and printer, as well as the cable management options to reduce clutter.

A compact USB hub with a small footprint can help minimize desk space usage and keep cords organized. Look for a hub with built-in cable management features, such as cable ties or clips, to keep cords tidy and prevent tangles.

The number of ports on the hub should also be considered, as a hub with fewer ports may be more compact and reduce clutter.

If you have limited desk space, a vertical USB hub can be a great option, standing upright and keeping the printer and hub organized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a USB Hub for Printer With My Android Device?

You're wondering if you can use a USB hub with your Android device to connect your printer. Yes, you can, but you'll need an OTG adapter and a hub that supports Android's USB host mode.

Are USB Hubs for Printers Compatible With All Operating Systems?

You're wondering if USB hubs are compatible with all operating systems. Generally, they are, but you must verify the hub's specs to guarantee it supports your device's OS, whether it's Windows, Mac, Linux, or Chrome OS.

Do USB Hubs for Printers Require Additional Power Sources?

You're wondering if you'll need extra power for your USB hub. The answer is, it depends on the hub and devices connected. Some hubs get enough power from your computer, while others require an external power source.

Can I Connect Multiple Printers to a Single USB Hub?

You can connect multiple devices to a single USB hub, but it depends on the hub's capacity and power supply. If you're planning to connect multiple printers, guarantee the hub has enough powered ports to support them.

Are USB Hubs for Printers Hot-Swappable?

You're wondering if USB hubs are hot-swappable, and the answer is yes, most modern hubs allow you to plug and unplug devices without restarting, making it convenient to swap printers or other devices on the fly.

Conclusion

You've got a plethora of fantastic USB hubs to choose from for your printer.

From the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station's 18 powerful ports to the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock's sustainable design, each option offers unique benefits.

Consider your specific needs, such as monitor support, connectivity options, and design, to find the perfect hub for your printing needs.

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