10 Best USB Hubs for Sharing Between Two Computers, Reviewed and Ranked

When you're constantly switching between two computers, a reliable USB hub can be a game-changer. You've probably found yourself juggling cables and adapters, wasting precious time and space. That's why you need a high-quality USB hub that can handle the demands of dual-computer sharing. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. You're likely wondering which hubs offer the most versatile port selection, compact designs, and seamless connectivity. Let's explore the top 10 USB hubs that can streamline your workflow and take your productivity to the next level.

Key Takeaways

• Ensure the USB hub is compatible with both computers' operating systems and USB ports to avoid connectivity issues.
• Consider the number and type of ports available, including USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI, to support workflow efficiently.
• Verify the hub's power delivery capabilities, such as Power Delivery (PD) or QuickCharge, to determine if it can charge both computers simultaneously.
• Effective cable management is crucial to prevent clutter, reduce the risk of damage, and guarantee reliable connections.

Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock (40AF0135US)

For professionals seeking a reliable USB hub for sharing between two computers, the Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock (40AF0135US) stands out as an excellent choice, offering unparalleled versatility with its support for up to two 4K displays and multiple USB ports.

This hybrid dock is compatible with most Windows laptops and features 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 a compact design and a weight of just 1.06 pounds, this dock is easy to carry around, making it an ideal solution for professionals on-the-go.

Best For: Professionals who need a reliable and versatile USB hub for sharing between two computers, particularly those who require multiple display ports and USB connections.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station

The Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking a robust and extensive expansion solution, offering a whopping 13 ports and slots to satisfy even the most demanding users.

This docking station has garnered positive feedback for its build quality and performance, making it an excellent recommendation for desktop use.

It's compatible with various laptops and devices, supporting simultaneous charging for both laptop and phone.

The exhaustive media display allows for connection to up to three monitors, with display information available for macOS and iPadOS.

With its impressive expansion capabilities and ease of use, the Anker 575 USB-C Docking Station is a top contender for those seeking a reliable and efficient docking solution.

Best For: Those seeking a robust and extensive expansion solution for desktop use with multiple devices and operating systems.

Pros:

• Huge expansion with 13 ports and slots for simultaneous charging and media display
• Compatible with various laptops and devices, including Surface Pro 7, with ease of use and no driver installation required

Cons:

• Confusion with USB-C formats and PD support may occur
• Initial misunderstanding of accidental power disconnection may happen

Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station

Ideal for professionals seeking to streamline their laptop setup, the Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station offers a versatile solution with its dual HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and six USB ports.

This docking station provides flexible expandability for laptops, supporting dual HD HDMI video outputs, wired Gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5mm audio jack.

Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, it's an excellent choice for home or office use, ideal for web and productivity software.

The Plugable USB 3.0 Universal Laptop Docking Station includes USB 3.0 and USB-C cables and comes with a 2-year warranty, making it a reliable option for those seeking to reduce clutter and increase productivity.

Best For: Professionals seeking to streamline their laptop setup and increase productivity with a versatile and reliable docking station.

Pros:

• Offers flexible expandability for laptops with dual HDMI ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and six USB ports
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, and ChromeOS, making it an excellent choice for home or office use

Cons:

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

USB C Docking Station for MacBook Pro

Designed specifically to cater to MacBook Pro users, this USB C Docking Station stands out with its 15-in-2 expansion and compatibility features, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a seamless and efficient way to connect multiple devices.

The docking station boasts a range of ports, including two 4K@60Hz/4K@30Hz HDMI ports, four USB 3.0 ports, one USB-C port, two USB 2.0 ports, and an SD/TF card slot, among others.

This allows for effortless connection of multiple devices, including dual monitors, peripherals, and storage devices.

With its compact size, minimalist design, and Space Gray color, this docking station is a perfect match for MacBook Pro users, providing a clutter-free and organized workspace.

Best For: MacBook Pro users seeking a seamless and efficient way to connect multiple devices and expand their laptop's capabilities.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of ports, including dual 4K HDMI ports, multiple USB ports, and an SD/TF card slot, making it easy to connect multiple devices at once.
• Compact and minimalist design with a Space Gray color that matches MacBook Pro aesthetics, providing a clutter-free and organized workspace.

Cons:

• May experience minor malfunctions after extended use, such as a year or more.
• Headphone jack requires manual selection in System Preferences, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Targus USB C Docking Station Universal

For users seeking a seamless and efficient way to connect multiple devices and monitors to their laptops, the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal stands out with its ability to support up to two monitors via two HDMI 2.0 ports and provide 65W Power Delivery.

This docking station is designed to transform and organize workspaces, reducing clutter with its compact design and wide range of connectivity options.

Compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and more, it connects laptops to desktops with a single USB-C connection, making it an ideal solution for users who need to share devices between two computers.

With its 3-year limited lifetime warranty and positive customer reviews, the Targus USB C Docking Station Universal is a reliable choice for those seeking a hassle-free docking experience.

Best For: Users who need to connect multiple devices and monitors to their laptops and require a reliable and efficient docking solution.

Pros:

• Supports up to two monitors via two HDMI 2.0 ports and provides 65W Power Delivery, making it ideal for users who need to multitask.
• Offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB-A, USB-C, Ethernet, and audio ports, to connect accessories and peripherals.

Cons:

• Some users have reported network connectivity issues with the docking station.
• There have been reports of laptops being damaged after using the docking station, although these cases are rare.

Microsoft Surface Dock 2

The Microsoft Surface Dock 2 stands out as a top choice for those seeking seamless connectivity and compatibility with Microsoft Surface products, boasting a robust set of features and a sleek design that caters to the demands of modern professionals.

This docking station offers six USB ports, including two USB-C ports that support 10 Gbps data transfer and 15W power delivery. Additionally, it features a network (RJ-45) port, a headphone/microphone combo port, and supports up to three monitors.

With a maximum power supply wattage of 199 W, this dock is designed to meet the power needs of multiple devices.

According to customer reviews, the Surface Dock 2 is praised for its ease of setup, compatibility, and enhanced work-from-home experience.

Best For: Professionals seeking seamless connectivity and compatibility with Microsoft Surface products.

Pros:

• Offers six USB ports, including two USB-C ports that support 10 Gbps data transfer and 15W power delivery
• Supports up to three monitors and features a network (RJ-45) port and a headphone/microphone combo port

Cons:

• Some customers have reported difficulties with multiple monitors and sound output
• A few users have experienced screen dimming issues and found limited helpful information online

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

With its 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 and 10Gb/s USB ports, the CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock is an ideal choice for professionals and power users seeking a seamless and high-speed connection experience between two computers.

This dock offers powerful 98W charging, single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

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 issues with the dock running warm and network connectivity, the overall feedback is positive, with users praising its ease of setup and functionality.

Best For: Professionals and power users seeking a seamless and high-speed connection experience between two computers.

Pros:

• Offers 18 ports of extreme connectivity, including 40Gb/s Thunderbolt 4 and 10Gb/s USB ports, for a seamless connection experience
• Provides powerful 98W charging, single 8K or dual 6K 60Hz displays, and 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity

Cons:

• Some users have reported issues with the dock running warm
• Some users have experienced network connectivity issues

HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter

Designed to accommodate both HP and non-HP USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops, the HP USB-C Dock G5 Adapter stands out as an ideal choice for users seeking universal compatibility and robust functionality.

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

Its small footprint of 5 x 5 inches reduces clutter and eliminates the need for extra cords and wires, making it an excellent option for those looking to streamline their workspace.

Additionally, the dock 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 users seeking a versatile and efficient USB-C dock.

Best For: Those seeking a compact and versatile USB-C dock that can accommodate multiple devices and displays while providing advanced network manageability features.

Pros:

• Universal compatibility with USB-C and Thunderbolt-enabled laptops from HP and other manufacturers
• Supports charging, data transfers, and networking between devices, and can connect up to three displays

Cons:

• No specific information provided on maximum power delivery for charging
• Limited operating system compatibility, with no mention of support for older systems

OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock

High-performance users seeking a versatile docking solution that can drive up to 8K displays and provide 96W charging will find the OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock an ideal choice for sharing between two computers.

This dock features multiple ports, including Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, USB 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and a 3.5mm Stereo Audio Input/Output, making it a multi-connectivity solution for M1/M2 Macs, PCs, and USB-C devices.

With the ability to support up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz displays, users can enjoy seamless connectivity and high-quality visuals.

Additionally, the dock provides 96W of power delivery to the host computer and 15W to external devices, ensuring efficient charging and powering of devices.

Best For: High-performance users seeking a versatile docking solution that can drive up to 8K displays and provide 96W charging.

Pros:

• Supports up to 8K @ 60Hz or 4K @ 120Hz displays for seamless connectivity and high-quality visuals
• Provides 96W of power delivery to the host computer and 15W to external devices for efficient charging and powering of devices

Cons:

• Some users experienced issues with fullscreen video playback on external monitors
• The placement of the charging port may be inconvenient for some users

WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station

Sharing two computers between a single workstation becomes seamless with the WAVLINK Universal USB C Laptop Docking Station, which supports flexible video interfacing with DP and HDMI displays and can accommodate dual monitors with maximum resolutions of 5120x1440p60 (5K Ultrawide) or 4096x2160p60 (Cinema 4K).

This docking station is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Chrome OS, Ubuntu, and Android, making it a versatile solution for diverse work environments.

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

Additionally, the dock supports power delivery through its USB-C port, ensuring efficient power management.

Best For: Professionals and individuals who need to connect multiple devices and monitors to their laptop and require fast data transfer, power delivery, and network speeds.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Limited to 100W power delivery, which may not be sufficient for larger laptops
• May require additional software or drivers for optimal performance on certain platforms

Factors to Consider When Choosing USB Hubs for Two Computers

When shopping for a USB hub to share between two computers, 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 the devices you'll be connecting, how many ports you'll need, and how you'll manage cables.

Device Compatibility Matters

As you prepare to connect your two computers to a single USB hub, it's crucial to ponder the hub's compatibility with both systems to avoid frustrating connectivity issues.

You'll want to guarantee the hub works seamlessly with both computers' operating systems, whether it's Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS.

Also, verify the hub's compatibility with the specific USB ports on each computer, including USB-A, USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, or USB4, to certify proper connection.

When choosing a hub, consider its power delivery capabilities, such as Power Delivery (PD) or QuickCharge, to determine if it can charge both computers simultaneously.

You'll also need to guarantee the hub supports the necessary data transfer speeds, like USB 3.2 Gen 2 or Thunderbolt 3, to accommodate both computers' data transfer needs.

Finally, check if the hub is designed for hot-swapping, allowing you to connect and disconnect devices without shutting down either computer.

Port Availability Importance

By connecting multiple devices to your computer through a single hub, you'll appreciate the importance of having ample port availability to support your workflow efficiently.

With a sufficient number of ports, you can connect various devices such as keyboards, mice, flash drives, and monitors, making it an essential consideration for your workflow.

The type of ports available, such as USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI, is also vital, as it determines the compatibility of the hub with different devices and computers.

You should also consider the speed and version of the USB ports, such as USB 3.0 or USB 3.2, as it substantially impacts the data transfer speed and charging capabilities of the hub.

If you need high-speed data transfer, look for a hub with faster USB ports.

Additionally, having multiple ports available means you won't have to constantly plug and unplug devices, making it a huge time-saver.

When choosing a hub, prioritize the number and type of ports that fit your specific needs, ensuring you can connect all your devices seamlessly and efficiently.

Power Delivery Needs

When selecting a USB hub, consider the power requirements of your devices to ensure the hub can support them. If you need to charge a laptop, you'll require a USB-C hub with Power Delivery (PD) that can deliver up to 100W of power.

If you only need to connect low-power devices like keyboards and mice, a USB-A hub with its limited 2.5W power delivery will suffice.

When choosing a USB hub, consider the power needs of your devices. Do you need to charge a tablet or smartphone? Do you have external hard drives or monitors that require power?

Verify the hub can provide enough power to support all connected devices. Be aware that some USB hubs may have limited power delivery capabilities, so it's crucial to check the specifications before making a purchase.

Cable Management Essentials

When sharing a USB hub between two computers, effective cable management is key to preventing clutter, reducing the risk of damage, and guaranteeing reliable connections.

You'll want to keep your cables tidy and organized to avoid a mess that can lead to problems down the line. Using cable ties, cable organizers, or cable management boxes can help you achieve a clutter-free setup.

Labeling your cables near the connector ends will also make it easier to identify and access specific cables, saving you time when troubleshooting connectivity issues.

To take your cable management to the next level, consider routing cables behind devices or along walls to conceal them from view.

This will create a neater and more professional-looking setup. Don't forget to regularly clean dust and debris from your cables and connectors to prevent corrosion and guaranteeing reliable connections.

Use compressed air or soft-bristled brushes for gentle cleaning.

Durability Key Factor

As you set up your cable management system, it's equally important to focus on the durability of the USB hub itself, considering factors that'll guarantee it withstands the demands of sharing between two computers.

You'll want a hub with a robust build quality, featuring a sturdy casing and reinforced ports that can handle frequent plugging and unplugging.

A solid foundation or weighted base is also pivotal to prevent the hub from toppling over and damaging connected devices.

When evaluating cable quality, look for shorter, thicker cables that are less prone to damage and tangling.

Furthermore, a reliable power supply system is essential, with features like overcharge protection and short-circuit prevention to safeguard your devices.

The hub's material and construction should also be resistant to environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and physical stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can USB Hubs Affect the Performance of My Computers?

When you add a USB hub to your setup, you're wondering if it'll slow you down. Yes, a low-quality hub can affect your computer's performance, but a good one won't bottleneck your speed.

Are USB Hubs Compatible With All Types of Computers?

You're wondering if USB hubs are compatible with all types of computers. Generally, yes, they are, as most hubs adhere to standard USB specifications, making them compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux systems, as well as laptops and desktops.

Do I Need a Power Adapter for a USB Hub?

You'll likely need a power adapter for your USB hub if it's bus-powered and can't draw enough power from your computer. Check the hub's specs, and if it requires an external power source, grab a suitable adapter to guarantee stable performance.

Can I Use a USB Hub With a Desktop Computer?

You can definitely use a USB hub with your desktop computer, as long as it's compatible with your desktop's USB ports and doesn't exceed the power limits.

Are USB Hubs Safe to Use With Sensitive Computer Equipment?

You're right to wonder if USB hubs are safe for your sensitive computer equipment. Generally, they're safe, but you'll want to choose a high-quality hub that won't overload or short-circuit your devices.

Conclusion

You've narrowed down your options to the top 10 USB hubs for sharing between two computers.

Now, consider your specific needs and prioritize factors like port count, compact design, and expansion capabilities.

With this list, you're ready to choose the perfect hub for your workflow.

Remember to check compatibility, read reviews, and consider your budget before m