Product Overview. Supports both USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Don’t have an Ethernet connection. Combines the versatility of our U3HUBA and the convenience of our U3GBA in a single device. 3 USB 3.0 hubs that are compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1, and an Ethernet port for broadband connections. The Benefits are -Specially designed for MacBook Air.
- Oct 01, 2018 The Best USB Hub for Mac: All MacBook Pro/ Air, Mac mini, iMac Anker 10-port USB 3.0 hub for Mac OS X/ Windows. This hub is USA’s most popular brand Anker’s 10-port USB 3.0 hub. Good in demand for the Mac and Windows users. It comes with sleek features like super speed ports to Mac/ PC and delivers fast data transfer rates up to 5Gbps for.
- 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Network Adapter 1000Mbps LAN for PC Mac.$17.95 USD USB to USB C connector from google store much cheaper than apple.
- Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock. It's got two USB-C ports that transfer data up to 40GB per second, three USB-A 3.0 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a DisplayPort port. It charges your MacBook Pro with up to 85 watts and is capable of charging multiple devices, even when not connected to a computer, at up to 15 watts.
- Unlike USB 3.0 hubs I've tried in the past, this one works very well. I bought 2 of these hubs, and I've got one plugged into the other, effectively giving me an additional 7 free USB 3.0 ports. To my surprise, it appears that the data transfer rate is not impacted by this configuration. Transfers are fast and reliable.
Usb 3.0 Hub For Mac
The new MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs are mostly great (except, of course, the issues with the butterfly keyboard). While you get a lot of power in a sleek case, you tend to miss out on ports. A lot of them. The MacBook comes with one port. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) features two ports. You have to spend close to $2000 to get a MacBook Pro with 4 USB-C ports. Here are the best USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
But there’s a simple solution for the lack of ports. And no, it’s not dongles. Dongles are the worst. Instead of buying 6 different dongles that you’ll forget about in a week, buy a hub. It will fit neatly on the side of your MacBook or MacBook Pro and will instantly turn your single USB-C ports into six different ports (HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, SD Card reader, Display Port and more).
And you can buy a 6-in-1 USB-C hub from a reputable third-party manufacturer for less than what Apple’s HDMI dongle costs. Here are our top recommendations for the best USB-C hubs for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.
The Best USB-C Hubs For MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in 2019
1. Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Hub
Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C ranks as one of the best in the list of USB-C hubs thanks to its all-rounder features. Bearing a stylish, carry-able and sleek design, it comprises of Micro SD card reader, 49 W charging port, 4K HDMI and USB 3.0 port, with only one USB-C port. There are absolutely no hassles for connecting or installing it, just plugging the hub to your MacBook is enough.
It can increase your productivity and cut down on your need to buy extra dongles for any functions that you will probably need to do while working because it inhabits tons of port in one!
And one of the reasons Satechi is highly rated is its reliability factor. Cheap USB-C hubs and dongles tend to flake out after a couple of months of use. But Satechi is one of the few companies that put out USB-C related products that are solid and that work reliably for a long time.
Buy: Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Hub ($69.99)
2. Lenovo USB C Hub
It comprises of seven ports in one device that includes a USB-C charging, HDMI Port, two USB 3.0 & one USB 2.0 Port, SD & Micro SD card reader. It has a great design which is slim and easy to carry around reducing your desk space and can fit into a pocket or a bag easily.
If you’re looking for a basic USB-C hub for under $40 which just has USB-A ports, HDMI port, and a card reader, you can’t go wrong with this model from Lenovo (which is also a trusted brand).
Buy: Lenovo USB C Hub ($35.99)
3. HyperDrive PRO 8-in-2
This product is suitable to buy for the ones who look out for a USB-C hub that offers more than the conventional features. As the name goes by, this device turns two USB-C into 8 ports with an additional Mini DisplayPort. As it requires two ports, this hub will not work on the one-port MacBook.
It is one of the best-selling Hub as it contains everything a pro user looks for: high-speed data transfer and power delivery port, 4K HDMI + 4K mini Display Port for an outstanding display setup, with two more expansion USB-A 3.0 ports and memory card slots for more convenient data transfer.
It completely camouflages with the MacBook as it is designed to suit its lines perfectly, available in silver and gray colors. It is super easy to carry and ultra- sleek as well, reducing your desk space clutter. And frankly, it just looks cool. This is the best looking and most compact USB-C hub on the list. It also happens to be the most powerful and the most versatile.
Buy: HyperDrive PRO 8-in-2 ($98)
4. Anker USB C 7-in-1 Hub
Anker has always managed to ace up the list of best devices and this time it’s no different. With its Anker USB-C 7-in-1 Hub, it has managed to compete with many other USB-C Hubs, that too at a lower cost.
It parallels technology with affordability. The Anker USB-C Hub has seven ports in a single device, that includes two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a micro SD and SD card reader, a USB-C Port for high-speed data transfer and a USB-C port for up to 100 watts of charging.
Buy: Anker USB C 7-in-1 Hub ($49.99)
5. Lenovo USB-C Aluminum 6-in-1 Hub
Lenovo is a brand that can be trusted and relied on, and the same stands for its USB-C 6-in-1 Hub, which is something basic, affordable and guarantees to be worthy in multiplying the efficiency of your work.
With an effortless design and easy to carry feature topped up with an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB-C port with charging, two USB-A ports, and an SD card reader, also supporting 4K crystal-clear display via HDMI and supplies 5 Gbps of data transfer with the USB-A 3.0 ports, is a hub worth picking up.
Buy: Lenovo USB-C Aluminum 6-in-1 Hub ($54.99)
6. Totu USB-C 11-in-1 Hub
Usb 3.0 Hub For Macbook Pro
If you are someone who relies greatly on your MacBook for resource-intensive multiple tasks and needs to connect a lot of devices altogether for your work, Totu USB-C Hub is the best choice for you.
Totu’s hub is durable, has high material quality, and versatility that offers you with tons of features like Gigabit Ethernet port, 4K USB C to HDMI, VGA, two USB3.0 and USB2.0 ports, Micro SD/TF Card Reader, Mic/Audio, USB-C PD 3.0 port and so on.
You can charge your laptop or other devices, plug in with a keyboard or external hard drives, connect your device with your monitor, all at the same time!
Buy: Totu USB-C 11-in-1 Hub ($69.99)
7. HooToo USB C Adapter
HooToo is quite affordable and can be the best choice for users with basic needs.
It supports pass-through charging, 4K Ultra HD HDMI port that allows you to enjoy a good resolution display, 3 USB 3.0 Ports for your peripheral device extensions, 5 Gbps SD card slot and 100-watt power delivery that allows you to work and charge your devices simultaneously.
The aluminum-bodied design suits your MacBook and is compact yet stylish.
Buy: HooToo USB C Adapter ($39.99)
8. TIWANC 7-in-1 USB -C Hub
Tiwanc 7-in-1 USB-C hub is a fairly good and moderately priced product that has 7 ports and is quite durable and reliable. The aluminum enclosed case comprises of 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 4K HDMI port, 1 SD card slot, 1 Micro SD card slot and 1 USB-C hub charging port.
It supports speedy data transfer, crystal clear 4K video resolution through the HDMI port and extremely safe power delivery that won’t harm your devices while charging as it features a multi-protection system of over-current protection, over-voltage protection, and short circuit protection. It can fulfill almost all your needs without getting heavy on your pockets.
Buy: TIWANC 7-in-1 USB -C Hub ($39.99)
Your Favorite MacBook Pro Accessories?
So these are our top USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. What are some of your favorite accessories for improving the MacBook Pro? Do you use a laptop stand to make your MacBook more ergonomic? Do you usually attach a keyboard and a mouse or do you prefer using MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad?
How many devices do you usually need to attach to your USB-C MacBook Pro? Share your MacBook Pro setup with us in the comments below.
MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published August 12, 2019
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What is the best USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling?
As many MacBook Air users certainly have noticed -- based on e-mail received -- there are definitely times when the single built-in USB 2.0 port on models released prior to the 'Late 2010' line is inadequate. Even for subsequent MacBook Air models, which have two USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports, there still are times when additional ports are desirable.
For MacBook Air notebooks released prior to the 'Late 2010' models, there is the option of serious hacking, but the realistic way to add more USB ports to any MacBook Air is to use a USB 2.0 hub or a USB 3.0 hub.
Identification Help
As some MacBook Air models have USB 2.0 ports and others have USB 3.0 ports, it is important to identify your MacBook Air correctly before buying a USB hub. A USB 2.0 hub still will work with a USB 3.0-equipped MacBook Air, but it will be slower.
MacBook Air models released prior to the 'Late 2010' series are easy to collectively identify by the single USB 2.0 port and no further identification information is needed.
However, for the 'Late 2010' and 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air -- which have USB 2.0 ports -- and the 'Mid-2012,' 'Mid-2013' and 'Early 2014' MacBook Air -- which have faster USB 3.0 ports -- the simplest way to collectively identify these models is externally by Model Number, which is listed in tiny type on the bottom of the notebook toward the hinge.
Specifically, the 'Late 2010' and 'Mid-2011' lines share model numbers A1369 and A1370 (USB 2.0) whereas the 'Mid-2012' and subsequent lines share model numbers A1465 and A1466 (USB 3.0).
These MacBook Air models also can be collectively identified by Model Identifier in software:
Series | 11-Inch | 13-Inch | USB |
Late 2010 | MacBookAir3,1 | MacBookAir3,2 | 2.0 |
Mid-2011 | MacBookAir4,1 | MacBookAir4,2 | 2.0 |
Mid-2012 | MacBookAir5,1 | MacBookAir5,2 | 3.0 |
Mid-2013 | MacBookAir6,1 | MacBookAir6,2 | 3.0 |
Early 2014 | MacBookAir6,1 | MacBookAir6,2 | 3.0 |
Early 2015 | MacBookAir7,1 | MacBookAir7,2 | 3.0 |
Mid-2017 | N/A | MacBookAir7,2 | 3.0 |
Finally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- additionally can uniquely identify these MacBook Air models by their serial numbers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Best Mac Compatible USB 2.0 Hubs
'Best' is a subjective term, but it seems logical that one if views size and weight as a priority (and those who buy a MacBook Air typically do), one also would want a USB hub that is as small and lightweight as possible.
It also is worth noting that the MacBook Air optical drive still must be plugged directly into the MacBook Air and is not to be used with USB hubs.
Nevertheless, for all the other USB devices you might like to plug into a MacBook Air -- an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, a mouse, printers, scanners, cameras, and so on -- there are a variety of small USB 2.0 hubs designed for travel.
Four of particular interest include the Belkin Swivel Hub, IOGear MicroHub, Gear Head Integrated Hub, and StarTech Mini Hub.
Photo Credit (clockwise from top left): Belkin, IOGear, Gear Head, StarTech.
Please note that the above images are not precisely to scale, but the USB connectors can be used for an idea of relative size.
The Belkin Swivel Hub and IOGear MicroHub are difficult to find these days, but the Gear Head Integrated Hub and StarTech Mini Hub -- are available readily and inexpensive.
![Usb 3.0 Hubs For Mac Usb 3.0 Hubs For Mac](/uploads/1/2/6/0/126013115/981712393.jpg)
The convenient Belkin Swivel Hub design provides four USB 2.0 ports and rotates 180-degrees -- up, down, left, and right -- to make accessing ports easier in tight spaces. In hands on use, EveryMac.com became quite fond of this hub.
The other three are quite similar in design, and all have four USB 2.0 ports, but the Gear Head and IOGear products both have a USB cable that conveniently 'tucks away' within the device to protect the connector from damage in transit, whereas the StarTech option does not.
Best Mac Compatible USB 3.0 Hubs
There also are a variety of small USB 3.0 hubs that are compatible with MacBook Air models with USB 3.0 ports.
Four small USB 3.0 hubs of potential interest include two port and four port options from StarTech as well as four port options from IOGear and Sabrent.
Photo Credit: StarTech (Top), IOGear (Bottom Left), Sabrent (Bottom Right)
Note that the options from StarTech and IOGear have a built-in cable, which is convenient but potentially subject to damage whereas the Sabrent option includes an external cable.
You might also be interested in the Macally 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter -- which as the name makes clear -- helpfully combines three USB 3.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter in the same compact design.
Photo Credit: Macally (USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter)
Please note that USB 3.0 hubs essentially require OS X 10.8 'Mountain Lion' or later versions of OS X (and have been reported to be flaky running OS X 10.7 'Lion', although they are formally supported by this version of OS X, too).
USB Hub Performance Tips & Summary
No matter which USB hub you buy, for maximum performance, be sure to plug the hub itself into your Mac before connecting any peripherals. Then, plug in the fastest USB device before connecting any slower ones.
In other words, if you are using one of the above USB 3.0 hubs, and you have an external hard drive that uses USB 3.0 and a printer that uses USB 2.0 -- (1) plug the hub into your Mac, (2) connect the external hard drive into the hub, and (3) plug the printer into the hub. The first peripheral you connect will determine whether the hub operates at its maximum speed or a slower one.
All of these USB hubs can be used with other Macs as well, not just the MacBook Air, and it is hoped, add as little weight as possible to your already overburdened carry-on bag.
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells many of the USB hubs mentioned above as well as others. OWC sells the Macally 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, too.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells many of the USB hubs mentioned above, as well.
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