10 Best Usb Hubs for Raspberry Pi Zero W

When you're building a project with your Raspberry Pi Zero W, you want a reliable USB hub that can keep up with your creative vision. You've got a lot of options, but which ones are worth your time and investment? From CalDigit's powerhouse dock to Anker's feature-packed hub, there are some serious contenders out there. But what makes them stand out, and which one is right for you? Let's take a closer look at the top 10 USB hubs for Raspberry Pi Zero W and explore what sets them apart.

Key Takeaways

• Consider the number of USB ports and their version (USB 2.0, 3.0, or 3.2) to ensure compatibility with your Raspberry Pi Zero W peripherals.
• Look for hubs with a dedicated power adapter or high-power delivery to prevent overloading and ensure stable operation.
• Check the hub's compatibility with the Raspberry Pi Zero W's operating system and any specific requirements, such as USB OTG support.
• Compact and lightweight designs are ideal for portable projects, while larger hubs may be better suited for desktop applications.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

For users seeking a thorough connectivity solution for their Raspberry Pi, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock stands out with its impressive 18 ports of extreme connectivity, offering a powerful 98W charging capability and 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 speed.

This dock is universally compatible with Mac, PC, and Chrome devices, supporting connection to Thunderbolt or USB-C monitors, routers, and NAS devices.

The CalDigit TS4 also features a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, and supports SD & microSD 4.0 UHS-II Card Readers.

With its ease of setup and functionality, this dock is a game-changer for Raspberry Pi users, providing a reliable and high-performance connectivity solution.

Best For: Professionals and heavy users who need a high-performance connectivity solution with multiple ports and high-speed charging for their Mac, PC, or Chrome devices.

Pros:

• Offers 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4, USB-A/C, and 2.5GbE, making it a versatile and convenient solution.
• Provides powerful 98W charging and supports single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, making it ideal for users who need to connect multiple devices.

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 firmware updates to resolve.

Plugable Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports

Those seeking a robust and versatile docking station that can support dual monitors with resolutions up to 1920×1200 may find the Plugable Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports an ideal solution.

This docking station offers a range of features, including two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and six USB ports, making it suitable for web and productivity software use.

It's compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS systems, and supports plug-and-play driver installation via Windows Update.

The docking station also includes USB 3.0 and USB-C cables, making it easy to connect to laptops.

While it isn't recommended for gaming, users have reported positive feedback on its ease of use and compatibility with various laptops, making it an excellent choice for home or office use.

Best For: Those who need a reliable and versatile docking station for web and productivity software use, particularly in home or office settings.

Pros:

• Supports dual monitors with resolutions up to 1920×1200 and provides flexible expandability for laptops
• Offers a range of features, including two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and six USB ports

Cons:

• Not recommended for gaming due to potential performance limitations
• Does not support DisplayPort connections or HDCP-protected content

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

The Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station stands out as an ideal choice for users seeking a thorough desktop solution, boasting a massive 13-in-1 expansion that simultaneously supports multiple devices, charging, and high-resolution displays.

This docking station offers an all-encompassing media display, supporting up to three monitors, and is compatible with different laptops and devices.

Users have reported positive feedback on the build quality and performance, with seamless compatibility with various operating systems.

The Anker 575 also features simultaneous charging for laptops and phones, making it an excellent choice for desktop use.

With its impressive expansion capabilities, ease of use, and reliable performance, this docking station is an excellent option for those seeking a reliable and efficient desktop solution.

Best For: Desktop users who need a reliable and efficient docking station with multiple ports and high-resolution display support.

Pros:

• Offers a massive 13-in-1 expansion with simultaneous charging for laptops and phones
• Compatible with different laptops and devices, with seamless compatibility with various operating systems

Cons:

• Some users may experience confusion with USB-C formats and PD support
• May have issues with display resolution and refresh rate differences

RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station for Laptops

Raspberry Pi users seeking a thorough docking solution with fast laptop charging and triple display capabilities will find the RVP+ 13-in-1 Docking Station an ideal choice.

This docking station boasts impressive features, including support for triple displays with 4K HDMI and DisplayPort, fast 100W laptop charging, and effortless data transfer with USB-C 3.1 and USB 3.0.

Additionally, it offers stable Gigabit Ethernet for a wired internet connection, making it suitable for various devices and operating systems.

Measuring 4.73 x 4.73 x 1.46 inches and weighing 0.035 ounces, this compact and lightweight docking station has garnered an impressive 4.3 out of 5 stars from 121 customer reviews, solidifying its position as a reliable and convenient solution for Raspberry Pi users.

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

Anyone seeking a powerful and versatile multi-connectivity solution for their M1/M2 Macs, PCs, or USB-C devices will appreciate the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock, which boasts 96W charging and support for up to 8K displays.

This dock features a range 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.

It also has a Secure Digital (SD) port and supports up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz displays.

With its ability to deliver 96W of power to the host computer and 15W to external devices, this dock is ideal for those who need a reliable and efficient connection hub.

Best For: Anyone seeking a powerful and versatile multi-connectivity solution for their M1/M2 Macs, PCs, or USB-C devices.

Pros:

• Connects multiple monitors and handles various devices without issues
• Powers MacBook Pro efficiently and supports up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz displays

Cons:

• Some issues with fullscreen video playback on external monitor
• Placement of charging port may not be ideal for some users

Targus USB C Docking Station Universal DV4K

For users seeking a docking station that can support up to two 4K monitors simultaneously, the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal DV4K stands out with its dual HDMI 2.0 ports and 65W Power Delivery.

This docking station is designed to transform and organize workspaces by reducing clutter, connecting laptops to desktops with a single USB-C connection.

It supports a wide variety of USB-C laptops and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Additionally, it features USB-A and USB-C ports for connecting accessories, as well as Ethernet and audio ports.

The docking station has received positive reviews for its reliability, performance, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a versatile and efficient docking solution.

Best For: Users who need a reliable and versatile docking station that can support up to two 4K monitors simultaneously and connect multiple accessories with ease.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K monitors with dual HDMI 2.0 ports and 65W Power Delivery
• Features multiple USB-A and USB-C ports for connecting accessories, as well as Ethernet and audio ports

Cons:

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

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook Pro/Air

Optimize your workstation with the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station, designed specifically for MacBook Pro/Air users seeking a powerful and versatile connectivity solution.

This docking station boasts an impressive 18 ports, including triple HDMI and DisplayPort, allowing for triple or quad 4K extended displays at 60Hz.

It also features four USB 3.1 and two Type-C ports, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps.

The included 120W power adapter efficiently charges your laptop and devices, reducing charging time.

Compatible with a range of operating systems, the TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station has received positive reviews for its build quality, design, and ease of setup, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and high-performance docking solution.

Best For: MacBook Pro/Air users seeking a powerful and versatile connectivity solution for their workstation.

Pros:

• Offers 18 powerful ports, including triple HDMI and DisplayPort, for triple or quad 4K extended displays at 60Hz.
• Features four USB 3.1 and two Type-C ports, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps for efficient data transfer.

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers for proper functionality.
• May require additional power for some laptops when running multiple monitors.

WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station

Ideal for users seeking a versatile docking station that can support dual 4K monitors and high-speed data transfer, the WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station offers an extensive range of features that make it an excellent choice for Raspberry Pi users.

This docking station boasts flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays, supporting resolutions up to 5120x1440p60 or 4096x2160p60 for dual monitors.

Additionally, it's compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android, making it a versatile option.

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

Best For: Professionals and users who need a versatile docking station that can support dual 4K monitors and high-speed data transfer across various platforms.

Pros:

• Supports flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays for dual 4K monitors
• Compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android

Cons:

• No mention of audio output or microphone support
• May have compatibility issues with older operating systems or devices

HP USB-C Dock G5-8 in 1 Adapter

This HP USB-C Dock G5-8 in 1 Adapter stands out as a top choice for users seeking a versatile and compact docking solution that supports multiple displays and offers advanced network manageability features.

Designed for both HP and non-HP USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, this adapter provides universal compatibility with USB-C functionality, supporting charging, data transfers, and networking between devices.

It can support up to three displays, making it an ideal choice for multitasking.

The compact dock has a small footprint of 5 x 5 inches, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for extra cords and wires, while its advanced network manageability features provide secure and remote management.

Best For: Those seeking a versatile and compact docking solution that supports multiple displays and offers advanced network manageability features.

Pros:

• Universal compatibility with USB-C functionality, supporting charging, data transfers, and networking between devices
• Compact design with a small footprint, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for extra cords and wires

Cons:

• No specific cons mentioned in the product description
• May require firmware updates to ensure optimal performance

Microsoft Surface Dock 2 – USB Type-C Wired

For Microsoft Surface users seeking a seamless expansion experience, the Surface Dock 2 stands out with its wired USB Type-C connectivity, offering six ports to accommodate a variety of devices.

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

The Surface Dock 2 features two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and 15W power delivery, as well as two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and video display enabled at 7.5W.

Additionally, it includes an RJ-45 network port and a headphone/microphone combo port.

With a maximum power supply of 199 W, this dock is capable of supporting multiple devices simultaneously.

Weighing approximately 1.13 pounds, the Surface Dock 2 is a compact and reliable expansion solution for Microsoft Surface users.

Best For: Microsoft Surface users seeking a seamless expansion experience with multiple devices.

Pros:

• Offers six ports to accommodate a variety of devices, including two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and 15W power delivery.
• Specifically designed for Microsoft Surface products, ensuring a hassle-free connection and easy setup.

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.

Factors to Consider When Choosing USB Hubs for Raspberry Pi Zero W

When selecting a USB hub for your Raspberry Pi Zero W, you'll want to contemplate several key factors.

You'll need to think about how much power your devices require, how many ports you need, and what type of ports they should be.

Power Delivery Capacity

You'll need to ponder the power delivery capacity of a USB hub to guarantee it can handle the power requirements of your Raspberry Pi Zero W and its connected devices. The power delivery capacity refers to the maximum amount of power a hub can supply to its ports. If the hub can't provide enough power, your devices might malfunction or not work at all.

Look for a hub with a high power output, typically measured in amperes (A) or watts (W). A minimum of 2.5A per port is recommended for Raspberry Pi Zero W, but you might need more depending on the devices you connect.

When checking the power delivery capacity, verify it's specified per port, not just the total output. Some hubs might've a high total output but can't deliver enough power to each individual port.

Also, consider the type of power delivery the hub supports, such as Quick Charge (QC) or Power Delivery (PD). These fast-charging technologies can quickly recharge your devices.

Be cautious of hubs with low power delivery capacity, as they mightn't be suitable for your Raspberry Pi Zero W and its peripherals.

Port Count and Type

Your Raspberry Pi Zero W setup requires a specific number of ports to accommodate all your devices, and the type of ports is just as essential to guarantee seamless connectivity.

When selecting a USB hub, consider how many ports you need – some hubs offer as few as 4 ports, while others have up to 13. The type of ports is also pivotal, as some hubs only have USB-A ports, while others offer a mix of USB-A, USB-C, and USB-3.0 ports to accommodate different devices and speeds.

If you need to connect devices that require high power, look for a hub with powered ports that can deliver up to 2.4 amps per port. Some USB hubs also have dedicated charging ports that can charge devices quickly and efficiently, which is imperative for devices like smartphones and tablets.

Compatibility With RPI Zero W

With your port count and type requirements in mind, it's now important to guarantee the USB hub you choose is compatible with your Raspberry Pi Zero W's unique specifications.

The Raspberry Pi Zero W has limited power output, so you'll need a hub that can operate within its constraints. The hub should be able to work with the Pi's maximum USB current output of 100mA. Additionally, the hub should support the Pi's USB OTG mode, which allows it to act as a host or device.

A powered USB hub is highly recommended to certify that the hub and connected devices receive sufficient power. The Pi's power output may not be enough to support multiple devices, so a powered hub will take the load off.

When choosing a hub, look for one that's specifically designed for use with the Raspberry Pi Zero W. This will certify that the hub is compatible with the Pi's unique requirements. By choosing a compatible hub, you'll avoid any potential issues with power supply or device connectivity.

Size and Build Quality

When selecting a USB hub for your Raspberry Pi Zero W, size and build quality are crucial elements to ponder, as they directly impact the hub's functionality and durability in your project.

A compact USB hub is ideal for the Raspberry Pi Zero W due to its small form factor, allowing for easy integration into projects with limited space.

You'll want a well-built hub with a sturdy casing and secure connections to prevent damage to your Raspberry Pi Zero W and connected devices.

The build quality of a USB hub can make or break its durability and reliability.

High-quality hubs feature robust materials and construction, guaranteeing they can withstand the demands of your project.

If you need a high degree of portability, look for a USB hub with a low profile or foldable design.

Additionally, consider the hub's heat dissipation capabilities, as larger hubs often provide better airflow and heat management.

Speed and Data Transfer

Beyond physical considerations, you'll want to guarantee your USB hub can handle the data transfer demands of your Raspberry Pi Zero W project, as the speed and reliability of your hub can substantially impact overall performance.

When choosing a USB hub, look for high-speed data transfer rates like USB 3.0 or USB 3.2 to certify efficient communication between devices. Slower speeds can cause lag or dropped connections, so consider the number of devices you'll be connecting and the total bandwidth required for smooth data transfer.

Additionally, be aware that some USB hubs may have limitations on the total amount of power that can be drawn from the Raspberry Pi Zero W, which can impact the speed and performance of connected devices.

To avoid this, opt for USB hubs with dedicated power management features like voltage regulation and overcurrent protection. These features certify safe and efficient power delivery to connected devices, giving you peace of mind and peak performance.

Heat Dissipation and Cooling

You'll need to prioritize heat dissipation and cooling when selecting a USB hub for your Raspberry Pi Zero W, as excessive heat buildup can lead to device malfunctions, slow performance, and even permanent damage.

The Raspberry Pi Zero W's compact design and lack of onboard cooling systems make it prone to overheating, especially when connected to power-hungry devices or operating in hot environments.

A well-designed USB hub with effective heat dissipation features can help keep your Raspberry Pi Zero W and connected devices within a safe operating temperature range.

Look for a USB hub with a metal casing, heat sinks, or ventilation to guarantee reliable operation.

Some hubs may incorporate active cooling mechanisms, such as fans, but these may add bulk, noise, and power consumption to your setup.

When evaluating a USB hub, check the specifications for operating temperature ranges, thermal design power (TDP), and any specialized cooling features.

Additional Features and Functions

As you explore USB hubs for your Raspberry Pi Zero W, consider the additional features and functions that can enhance your project's capabilities and convenience.

You may find hubs that offer power delivery, allowing you to charge your Pi while powering connected devices.

Others may include USB-C alt mode, enabling multiple data streams and display outputs over a single cable.

If you need a wired network connection, look for hubs with built-in Ethernet ports, reducing your reliance on wireless connectivity.

Some hubs also feature audio jacks, letting you connect speakers or headphones directly.

If you need faster data transfer speeds and higher display resolutions, consider advanced hubs with USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt 3 support.

These features can greatly expand your project's possibilities, so think about what you need your hub to do.

Do you need to connect multiple devices at once?

Do you want to reduce clutter with a single cable connection?

Price and Value for Money

When shopping for a USB hub for your Raspberry Pi Zero W, factor in the cost per port to get the best bang for your buck. You'll find that hubs with more ports often provide better value for money.

However, prices can vary greatly depending on the number of ports, power delivery, and build quality. Basic hubs start at around $5, while high-end ones can reach up to $50.

Don't assume that a higher price always means better performance or quality. Be sure to research and read reviews before making a purchase.

You should also consider the power requirements of your devices, as some hu