USB-C hubs are like power strips for laptops. These little boxes allow a whole host of peripherals (monitor, USB switch, memory card, network jack, etc.) to be connected to a single USB-C cable that can also pass electric charging. Here is our comparison for the good choice.
USB-C hubs are designed to make life easier for those whose laptop is unplugged every day. So we can see these little boxes as multimedia power strips. You connect your USB devices (keyboard, mouse, USB key, etc.), you can also connect the monitor via HDMI, sometimes network cable or memory cards, etc. At the other end, only the USB-C cable connects to the laptop. Even better, on some models, the latter is electrically powered by the hub (which is then connected to the computer’s AC adapter). Obviously, it is necessary for the said computer to bear the charge by USB-C.
Models are quite numerous, prices range from ten to several hundred euros. The cheapest ones are content that offers a few USB-A ports, while the most advanced are offering laptop charging, 4K video output at 60 frames per second, or even an integrated video conferencing solution.
In order to help you make the best choice in your purchase, we present to you this comparison that lists some models.
USB-C hubs are lab tested. We first assess their working environment, the quality of their manufacture, as well as the number and nature of the proposed output. Then we test the speed offered by the USB output, network jack, or SD card reader. On models that offer power delivery, we verify that recharging the laptop does not affect the proper performance of the rest of the connections. Finally, with the help of our thermal camera, we check that the operating temperature of the box is suitable.
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