It is increasingly common to see computers using the USB-C port as a standard connector. This allows you to transfer data (USB and Thunderbolt), videos (HDMI) and enjoy high-speed power.
While our electronic devices have always had a multitude of different ports, now they may only include one or two USB Type-C ports for power and connectivity, like Apple Macs.
Therefore, to connect several peripherals to your PC/Mac, such as an external hard drive, a USB key, a DVD player, a charger or even another screen, the use of a USB-C multi- ports becomes essential.
Fortunately, there is a wide choice, of quality and more or less reasonable prices, to find out how to choose yours, read our buying guide.
1D-Link DUB-M810 8-in-1 USB-C USB-C Hub - The best in all areas
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You can add 8 ports to your laptop with the D-Link 8-in-1 USB-C Hub. It has three USB-A ports (including one with fast charging) and a USB-C pass-through port (going up to 100W). So you don't waste a valuable C or Thunderbolt 3 port on your computer if you need to charge or sync it.
It has SD and MicroSD (TF) slots to store additional data for example.
A Gigabit Ethernet port is also present, as well as an HDMI which can support 4K displays at 30Hz.
2Kingston Nucleum 7 Port - For two USC-C ports
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The Kingston Nucleum has seven USB-C connections, including a 4K HDMI output, a power transformer (60W) to charge connected devices and SD or microSD slots.
It also sports an HDMI port for output to a monitor in 4K UHD or Full HD.
Its two USB-A ports provide enough power to charge your smartphone or Bluetooth headset, for example.
Compact in size, lightness and cable, this Kingston model is therefore a perfect travel accessory.
3Satechi USB-C Hybrid - Best USB-C Adapter with SSD Enclosure
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Satechi's USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter isn't just a 4-port USB-C hub. Its hidden secret is its enclosure which allows you to add SSD storage to expand memory capacity, save data and transfer files at 5Gbps.
It supports SATA M.2 SSDs and features a 100W USB-C PD charging port and a 4K 60Hz HDMI display output for connecting an external monitor.
4Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub - Best USB-C Hub for Multiple USB-Cs
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Laptops often only have two USB-C or Thunderbolt ports, so some users yearn for more modern connectors.
The maximum we've seen on a single adapter is four USB-Cs on Satechi's aptly named 4-Port USB-C Hub, which will double the number of ports on most laptops and help add Type-C SSDs, flash drives and other peripherals.
5CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub - Best Thunderbolt 4 Hub
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Backward compatible, the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Element Hub is ideal for modern laptops that take advantage of the latest connectivity standards.
It has four 4Gbps Thunderbolt 40 ports (compatible with USB-C, Thunderbolt 3, and Thunderbolt 4) and four 10Gbps USB-A ports.
You can use the TB4 ports to add external USB-C monitors or, with a display adapter, to multiple HDMI or DisplayPort monitors, all at maximum speeds.
6HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB C Hub with Type-C - Best for iPad
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iPad Pro and Air (2018 and 2020) users will appreciate this aluminum HyperDrive USB-C hub that turns the tablet's single USB-C port into 6 (even with a Jack output).
Available in Space Gray and Silver, this hub has a handle that secures it to the iPad Pro without damaging it.
It comes with a USB-C cable, so you can use it as a USB-C hub for your MacBook or other device.
7StarTech.com USB-C Multiport Adapter - Featuring the Best Choice
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The Startech 4-in-1 USB-C Multiport Video Adapter connects your USB-C laptop to a VGA, DVI, HDMI or Mini DisplayPort display.
It has a USB Power Delivery (PD), which allows you to power (95W) your PC while reproducing quality videos and images, and this via the same USB-C port. The short cable has a magnetic device that keeps it in place when not in use.
This adapter supports 4K and UHD formats. It is also compatible with USB Type-C DisplayPort Alt Mode devices.
8Moshi USB-C to HDMI Adapter with Charging - Best for 4K
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This simple, compact and lightweight (23g) Moshi USB-C to HDMI adapter connects any USB-C device to a monitor, projector or TV with HDMI, whether it's your laptop , phone, iPad Pro, or USB-C tablet.
It supports 4K displays at 60Hz and HDR (compatible with HDR10), but also the HDCP 2.2 standard for Netflix, Amazon Prime and other streaming services. It can also be used as a charger.
9TrendNet TUC-ET5G ethernet adapter - For fast Ethernet
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The TrendNet TUC-ET5G boasts 5Gbps speed for faster wired transfers. It is the industry's first USB-C to 5GBASE-T Ethernet adapter that is compatible with existing Cat5e cables. Now you can add super-fast Ethernet to your laptop.
TrendNet also sells a TUC-ET2G model, to handle 2,5 Gbit/s speeds, which is cheaper and faster than Gigabit Ethernet.
10Moshi Symbus Q - Best USB-C adapter compatible with Q1
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As with the HyperDrive, the Moshi Symbus Q is a USB-C hub that doubles as a Qi wireless charger.
Its casing is made from aluminum, which gives it a sturdy design. It is covered with a fabric and its rubber finish prevents your phone from slipping off.
It has two USB-A 3.1 ports, a 4K HDMI port and Ethernet. As a complement, it offers 60W USB-C PD charging on any laptop.
Please note that the Moshi Symbus is more suitable for sedentary use. Indeed, it needs to be continuously powered from the mains, so it is less suitable for transport.
11UGreen 4-in-1 USB C Hub - Perfect for Old School USBs
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If you only need standard USB 3.0 (USB-A) ports, then this UGREEN adapter is the one for you. It has 4 USB 3.0 ports, and even a micro USB power port.
It does not have an HDMI port, USB-C, Ethernet or card slot.
12Startech.com USB-C Audio - Best Audio Jack Adapter
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If your laptop, tablet or even your phone doesn't have a 3,5mm audio jack, then this simple and compact 2-in-1 adapter is the one for you.
It not only has an audio jack, but also a USB-C port for 60W power delivery. You can even attach it to your mura charger.
13Satechi Aluminum V2 Slim 4K Multi-port Adapter - A lightweight hub
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The Satechi adapter is available in silver, gold, rose gold and gray, it works great with MacBooks. And, of course, it is also compatible with any laptop with USB-C connectivity.
The Type-C 4K Multi-port hub is one of the lightest and smallest on the market. Although it weighs only 46 g, it includes two USB 3.0 ports and a 4K HDMI to take advantage of a 2nd screen or a projector.
It's also equipped with an extra USB-C port for continuous charging, so you keep your PC/Mac charged while in use.
14OWC USB-C Travel Dock v2 Space Gray - A mini USB-C Dock
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The OWC USB-C Adapter is tiny, but it has the advantage of including at least one port of each type you might need, whether on the go or just on your desk at home or in the office.
There are two 5Gbps USB-A ports, a pass-through USB-C PD port (100W), HDMI 2.0, SD card reader (speed UHS-II) and Gigabit Ethernet for wired internet access .
The HDMI 2.0 version is an upgrade from most HDMI 1.4 adapters, and can reach 60Hz with 4K displays.
At 174g, it's heavier than most USB-C adapters in this review, but we like its compact and sturdy design.
Note that the USB-C cable that connects to your computer is quite short (15cm), so it will need to go right next to the host.
The minor quibble is that it doesn't have Gigabit Ethernet, which we believe is essential for any hub.
15Moshi USB-C Multimedia Adapter - A 3-Port Hub
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The Moshi hub is a simple 3-in-1 adapter dressed in an anodized aluminum casing.
It offers two USB-A (3.1) outputs to expand the capacity of your PC with additional peripherals, an SD card reader for transferring photos and videos, and a 4K UHD (30Hz) HDMI port.
Additionally, it supports SD and SDHC/XC memory cards with transfer speeds of up to 104 Mbps. This feature makes it the ideal companion for photographers.
Note that there is no additional USB-C port, so it does not allow you to charge your device while you are using it.
16Satechi 3-in-1 Type-C Combo Hub - Perfect for 12-inch Macbooks
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Although aimed specifically at MacBook users, the Satechi Aluminum USB-C also works with all other computers that have a port for this connection.
It doesn't have a cable, but it plugs directly into the USB-C port, making it very compact, if less convenient.
Regarding its composition, we note two USB 3.0 ports, an SD and MicroSD card slot and a USB-C charging port. You will therefore notice the absence of the Ethernet and HDMI.0 ports.
Buying guide: the different types of USB-C adapters
First, before choosing your USB-C adapter, think carefully about what you will be using it for. Many of the models available are multiport and offer multiple connection options.
USB-A
To use accessories that require a standard USB connection (USB key, chargers, etc.), there are many low-cost USB-A adapters.
HDMI
To connect your computer to the TV, turn instead to USB-C hubs that include an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. Most are also compatible with 4K.
USB Power Delivery
Some computers only have one USB-C port. In this case, we think it makes sense to get an adapter with a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) port so that you can charge your device at the same time, for example.
Ethernet
To enjoy the same speed as a wired Ethernet connection, why not get a hub with an RJ45 Ethernet output?
Just make sure it's a Gigabit Ethernet connection for high-speed data transfer.
Memory cards
Nowadays, memory card slots are rare. Fortunately, it is possible to find adapters capable of accommodating SD, MicroSD and TF cards.
Thus, you will increase your storage capacity without changing the device.
Portability
It's important to think practical when shopping for a USB-C adapter.
Whether traveling or on business trips, you will often, if not always, need to take it with you. Therefore, pay special attention to the weight and size of the multi-port hub.
The price
As with any other type of product, there are a plethora of models that suit all budgets.
However, in order not to risk damaging your PC/Mac or your other devices, we advise you, even with a tight budget, to always favor quality.
Recommended articles:
- The best USB Type-C to Lightning cables
- What are the different USB standards?
