10 Best Usb Hubs for Smart Tv

When you're looking to expand your smart TV's capabilities, a reliable USB hub is a must-have. You're probably wondering which one to choose from the numerous options out there. With so many devices vying for your attention, crucial to narrow down your search to the best ones that fit your needs. From top brands like Dell and Lenovo to more affordable options, the right USB hub can make all the difference in your viewing experience. But which ones stand out from the crowd, and what features should you prioritize? Let's explore the top contenders.

Key Takeaways

• Consider a USB hub that supports your smart TV's operating system and resolution to ensure seamless connectivity and avoid compatibility issues.
• Choose a hub with multiple USB ports (USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI) to accommodate different device types and connection needs.
• Verify the hub's power delivery capacity to ensure it can charge devices while transferring data, especially for power-hungry devices like laptops.
• Look for a hub that supports the desired video resolution (1080p, 1440p, or 2160p) and refresh rate (Hz) for a seamless viewing experience.

Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter and Dual DisplayPort

For professionals and heavy users seeking a reliable and powerful docking station, the Dell WD19S Docking Station with Power Adapter and Dual DisplayPort stands out as an ideal choice, offering a robust 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery to support demanding devices.

With its USB Type-C host connection, this docking station provides seamless connectivity to devices.

The WD19S features an array of ports, including three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C ports, two DisplayPorts, one HDMI port, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

This docking station can support up to 3840 x 2160 max resolution at 60 Hz, making it suitable for high-definition displays.

Additionally, it comes with a 130W power adapter and a USB Type-C cable, ensuring convenient and reliable operation.

Best For: Professionals and heavy users seeking a reliable and powerful docking station to support their demanding devices.

Pros:

• Robust 130W power adapter and 90W power delivery to support demanding devices
• Multiple ports, including USB, DisplayPorts, HDMI, and Ethernet, for seamless connectivity

Cons:

• Some customers have reported receiving faulty or used products
• No specific warranty information is provided

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock

Equipped with two DisplayPort 1.2 ports and two HDMI ports, the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock is an ideal choice for individuals seeking a reliable docking solution that can support up to two 4K displays.

This hybrid dock is compatible with most Windows laptops and features a range of ports, including 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 connection.

The dock's compact design and lightweight construction make it easy to take on the go.

With an average customer review rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, this dock has proven to be a popular choice among users, offering a reliable and organized way to connect multiple devices.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who need a reliable docking solution to connect multiple devices, including two 4K displays, to their Windows laptop.

Pros:

• Supports up to two 4K displays with two DisplayPort 1.2 ports and two HDMI ports
• Offers a range of ports, including USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C, USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A, and USB 2.0 Type-A, for connecting multiple devices

Cons:

• Some customers 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 with resolving issues

Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Offering lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-speed docking station with dual 4K monitor support and versatile compatibility for their smart TV setup.

This docking station boasts a range of features, including USB-C and USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio jack, 2.5G Ethernet, and a security lock slot, making it a convenient and secure solution for connecting multiple devices.

Additionally, it supports quick charging, allowing users to power up their laptop in just 2.5 hours.

With its compact design and eco-friendly construction using 20% recycled ocean-bound plastic, the Microsoft Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock is a reliable and sustainable choice for smart TV enthusiasts.

Best For: Those who prioritize Microsoft's design language and need a high-quality Thunderbolt dock with dual 4K monitor support and versatile connectivity options.

Pros:

• Offers lightning-fast connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports and supports dual 4K monitors
• Features a compact design and eco-friendly construction using 20% recycled ocean-bound plastic

Cons:

• Lacks some features compared to other docks, such as triple/quad monitor support, HDMI, DisplayPort, and SD card readers
• Considered expensive, priced at $300

TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station for MacBook Pro/Air

The TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station is an ideal choice for MacBook Pro/Air users seeking a versatile and all-encompassing connectivity solution, with its 18 powerful ports and compatibility with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and full-featured USB-C laptops.

This docking station supports multiple operating systems, including macOS 11+, Windows 10 or later, Chrome OS 100 or later, Ubuntu, and Android, making it a highly adaptable option.

The TobenONE DisplayLink Docking Station features triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities, allowing users to connect up to four monitors on Windows and three on macOS.

Additionally, it comes with a 120W power adapter, supporting laptop charging up to 100W and phone charging up to 18W, making it a convenient and efficient solution for users.

Best For: MacBook Pro/Air users seeking a versatile and all-encompassing connectivity solution with multiple operating system compatibility.

Pros:

• Supports multiple operating systems, including macOS 11+, Windows 10 or later, Chrome OS 100 or later, Ubuntu, and Android.
• Features triple/quad 4K extended display capabilities, allowing users to connect up to four monitors on Windows and three on macOS.

Cons:

• Requires installation of DisplayLink Drivers for optimal performance.
• May require additional power for some laptops to support three monitors.

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

Surface owners seeking a seamless expansion of their device's capabilities will appreciate the Microsoft Surface Dock 2, a high-performance docking station designed specifically for Microsoft Surface products.

This docking station boasts six USB ports, including two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and video display enabled, ensuring effortless connectivity to devices such as notebooks, desktop PCs, smartphones, monitors, keyboards, and mice.

Additionally, it features a wired connectivity technology, network RJ-45 port, and a headphone/microphone combo port.

With a maximum power supply wattage of 199 W, this dock can support multiple devices simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to enhance their work-from-home experience.

Best For: Microsoft Surface owners seeking to expand their device's capabilities and enhance their work-from-home experience.

Pros:

• Offers seamless connectivity to multiple devices with six USB ports, including two USB-C ports with 10 Gbps speed and video display enabled
• Provides a high-performance docking experience with a maximum power supply wattage of 199 W

Cons:

• Some users have experienced difficulties with multiple monitors and sound output
• Screen dimming issue has been reported, with limited helpful information available online

HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter for Laptops

This HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter stands out as an ideal choice for laptop users seeking a versatile and compact docking solution that supports up to three displays.

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

The compact dock measures 5 x 5 inches, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for extra cords and wires with its easy single-cable setup.

Additionally, it provides advanced network manageability features for secure and remote management, with firmware updates pushed to the laptop for efficient updates.

With an average customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, this adapter is a reliable choice for laptop users.

Best For: Laptop users seeking a versatile and compact docking solution that supports up to three displays.

Pros:

• Compact design with a small footprint, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for extra cords and wires
• Supports up to three displays, making it ideal for multitaskers and those who need multiple screens

Cons:

• No specific cons mentioned in the product description
• No information provided on the maximum resolution supported by the adapter

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

Boasting an unprecedented 18 ports of extreme connectivity, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is the ultimate solution for professionals and heavy users seeking to consolidate their devices and peripherals into a single, high-performance hub.

With powerful 98W charging, support for single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, and 2.5 gigabit Ethernet, this dock is designed to meet the demands of heavy users.

Universally compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C devices, it supports connection to Thunderbolt or USB-C monitors, routers, and NAS devices.

While some users have reported concerns about the dock running warm and network connectivity issues, overall feedback is positive, with users praising its ease of setup and functionality.

Best For: Professionals and heavy users seeking to consolidate their devices and peripherals into a single, high-performance hub.

Pros:

• 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including powerful 98W charging and support for single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays
• Universally compatible with Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, and USB-C devices

Cons:

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

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station

The Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking an exhaustive media display solution, capable of supporting up to three monitors simultaneously.

This 13-in-1 docking station offers huge expansion capabilities, featuring multiple ports and slots to connect various devices.

Additionally, it allows for simultaneous charging of laptops and phones, making it a convenient option for desktop use.

Users have reported positive experiences with the build quality and performance, praising its compatibility with different devices and operating systems.

Furthermore, Anker's customer service has received high marks, with efficient and hassle-free defect replacement processes.

Overall, the Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station is a reliable and versatile option for those seeking a thorough media display solution.

Best For: Those who need a reliable and versatile docking station for desktop use, compatible with multiple devices and operating systems, and require simultaneous charging and media display capabilities.

Pros:

• Offers huge expansion capabilities with 13-in-1 ports and slots for connecting various devices
• Supports up to three monitors simultaneously, making it ideal for comprehensive media display

Cons:

• May cause confusion with USB-C formats and PD support for some users
• Initial setup may require some trial and error due to the complexity of the device

Plugable Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports

For professionals and individuals seeking a reliable laptop docking solution, the Plugable Universal Laptop Docking Station with 2 HDMI Ports stands out as an excellent choice, offering a dual-monitor setup with resolutions up to 1920×1200 and a range of connectivity options.

This docking station features two HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, audio, and six USB ports, making it a versatile and convenient option for those who need to expand their laptop's capabilities.

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, it provides flexible expandability for laptops and supports dual HD HDMI video outputs, wired Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

With a 2-year warranty and positive user reviews, this docking station is an ideal solution for home or office use, particularly for web and productivity software applications.

Best For: Professionals and individuals seeking a reliable laptop docking solution for home or office use, particularly for web and productivity software applications.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Not recommended for gaming due to limited performance capabilities
• Does not charge the host PC, requiring a separate power source

WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station

Ideal for professionals and gamers seeking high-resolution dual-monitor setups, the WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station stands out with its support for flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays, offering a maximum resolution of 5120x1440p60 (5K Ultrawide) or 4096x2160p60 (Cinema 4K).

This docking station is compatible with a range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android, making it a versatile option for various users.

Additionally, it features a Gigabit Ethernet port, six USB 3.0 ports, and a 100W power adapter for laptop charging, making it an all-inclusive solution for expanding your laptop's capabilities.

Best For: Professionals and gamers seeking high-resolution dual-monitor setups.

Pros:

• Supports flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays for high-resolution dual-monitor setups
• Compatible with a range of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android

Cons:

• No specific cons mentioned in the product description
• No information on the product's durability or build quality

Factors to Consider When Choosing a USB Hub for Smart TV

When choosing a USB hub for your smart TV, you'll want to ponder a few key factors.

You'll need to think about whether the hub is compatible with your TV, how many devices you need to connect, and how much power you require.

Device Compatibility Matters

Choosing the right USB hub for your smart TV requires careful consideration of device compatibility to guarantee seamless connectivity and peak performance.

You'll want to certify the USB hub is compatible with your smart TV's operating system, whether it's Android TV, Tizen, or webOS, to avoid any connectivity issues.

Check the USB hub's specifications to verify it supports your TV's resolution and refresh rate, such as 4K at 60Hz or 8K at 30Hz.

You'll also need to verify that the USB hub is compatible with your devices, such as keyboards, mice, and external hard drives.

Consider a USB hub with multiple USB ports, including USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI, to accommodate different device types and connection needs.

Be aware of any specific device limitations, such as power consumption or data transfer speed, that may impact the performance of your smart TV and connected devices.

Number of Ports Needed

You'll need to determine how many USB ports you require based on the number of devices you plan to connect to your smart TV, including streaming devices, gaming consoles, and external hard drives.

For most users, two to three USB ports will suffice, but if you're a heavy user, you might need four or more to accommodate multiple devices.

Consider the type of devices you'll be connecting – if you have high-power devices like laptops or tablets, look for a hub with a higher power output, such as 2.4A or higher, to guarantee stable charging.

You should also think about the type of USB ports you need.

Do you need USB-A, USB-C, or USB-3.0? Make sure the hub you choose has the right ports to match your devices and desired transfer speeds.

Additionally, if your smart TV has limited USB ports, consider a hub with a compact design and flexible cable to maximize space and reduce clutter.

Power Delivery Capacity

As you've determined the number of ports you need, it's now important to weigh the power delivery capacity of your USB hub, as it directly impacts your ability to charge devices while transferring data.

The power delivery capacity of a USB hub is measured in watts (W) and can range from a few watts to over 100W. If you plan to connect power-hungry devices like laptops, look for USB-C hubs with power delivery (PD) capabilities that can deliver up to 100W of power.

When choosing a USB hub, consider the power requirements of the devices you plan to connect and verify the hub's power delivery capacity can meet those needs.

To guarantee a seamless experience, strike a balance between power delivery and other features like data transfer speeds and the number of ports. A higher power delivery capacity doesn't always mean a hub is better, as it also depends on other factors.

Video Resolution Support

When connecting your devices to a smart TV, verifying your USB hub supports the desired video resolution is crucial to enjoying a perfect viewing experience. You'll want to ponder the maximum video resolution your hub can handle, especially if you plan to connect devices that output high-definition or 4K content. Check if the hub supports resolutions like 1080p, 1440p, or 2160p (4K).

You'll also want to ponder the refresh rate, measured in Hz. A higher refresh rate, such as 60Hz or 120Hz, provides a smoother viewing experience. Some USB hubs might only support lower refresh rates, like 30Hz, which could lead to a less-than-ideal viewing experience.

When choosing a USB hub, guarantee it can handle the video resolution and refresh rate you need. If you're unsure, check the manufacturer's specifications or product description. Don't settle for a hub that can't keep up with your devices' video output, as it may result in a poor viewing experience or even failure to display the content correctly. By pondering video resolution support, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in the best possible quality.

Data Transfer Speed

Your smart TV's data transfer speed requirements are crucial to ponder when selecting a USB hub, as it directly impacts how efficiently you can transfer files, stream content, and connect peripherals.

You'll want to ponder the types of ports your hub will have, as they markedly affect data transfer speeds. For instance, USB 3.0 ports can handle speeds of up to 5 Gbps, while USB 2.0 ports are limited to 480 Mbps. If you need even faster speeds, look for Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 ports, which can reach speeds of up to 40 Gbps. USB-C ports can also support speeds of up to 10 Gbps, depending on the device and implementation.

Keep in mind that theoretical speeds mightn't translate to real-world performance. Factors like cable quality, device limitations, and protocol overhead can reduce actual transfer speeds. Additionally, sources of overhead like encoding and error correction can further slow down data transfer.

When choosing a USB hub, ponder your smart TV's specific needs and the types of devices you'll be connecting. By prioritizing data transfer speed, you can guarantee a seamless viewing experience and efficient file transfers.

Durability and Build

You'll want to guarantee the USB hub you choose for your smart TV can withstand the wear and tear of regular use, so it's pivotal to ponder the durability and build quality of the device.

A sturdy outer casing made of high-quality materials like aluminum or thick plastic is a must-have. This will protect the internal components, including the circuit board and connectors, from dust, moisture, and physical stress, securing reliable performance.

A robust and stable design is also essential to prevent the hub from toppling over or shifting around, which can cause damage to the connected devices or the TV itself.

You'll want to confirm the USB ports are securely anchored to the hub's body to prevent them from loosening or breaking off over time. Additionally, strain-relieved cables will reduce wear and tear.

A reliable and efficient cooling system is also essential to prevent overheating, which can lead to device failure or data loss.

Connectivity Options

Connecting your smart TV to various devices requires a USB hub with the right connectivity options, so it's crucial to determine which types of ports you need.

You'll want to ponder the devices you plan to connect, such as keyboards, mice, and flash drives, which typically use USB-A ports. If you need to transfer data or output displays, look for a hub with USB-C ports.

You might also want a hub with HDMI ports to connect external devices like Blu-ray play