USB hubs add extra connections to a laptop or tablet when one or two ports are not enough for a mouse, keyboard, external drive and printer. Our range has over 200 models: USB-A and USB-C hubs with anywhere from 4 to 10 ports, including products from StarTech, i-tec, j5create and LogiLink.
How to choose a USB hub
Connection to your computer. Check which USB ports your computer has first. Our range includes hubs with both USB-C and USB-A plugs, and if your laptop only has USB-C ports, a USB-C hub connects to it directly.
Speed standard. USB 3.2 Gen 1 runs at up to 5 Gbit/s, which suits external drives and cameras, and hubs of this type make up most of our range. For fast external SSDs, choose a 10 Gbit/s (USB 3.2 Gen 2) model, while a 480 Mbit/s (USB 2.0) hub is enough for a mouse, keyboard and printer.
Number and type of ports. Many hubs have 4 ports, but there are also models with 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10. Check how many are USB-A and how many USB-C, because older devices still mostly connect through USB-A. It is sensible to buy at least one more port than you need today.
Power supply. A hub without an external power supply draws energy from the computer, which is fine for a mouse or a memory stick. External hard drives and phone charging work better with a hub that has its own power adapter, especially when it has 7 or more ports.
Where you will use it. A small 4-port hub with a short cable fits easily in a laptop bag for travel. A permanent desk setup is better served by a larger model with more ports and its own power supply.
Brands we carry
- StarTech: a well-known maker of connectivity accessories, adapters and docking stations for business users, and the brand with the most hubs in our range.
- i-tec: specialises in docking stations and USB-C hubs for laptops.
- j5create: known for USB-C multiport hubs and adapters, including ones designed for Mac computers.
- Raidsonic: makes the ICY BOX line, known for drive enclosures and connection accessories.
- TP-Link: a networking equipment manufacturer that also offers USB hubs.
- Microsoft: maker of Surface computers, offering accessories for its own devices.
Also in our range: LogiLink, Sandberg, Gembird, Axagon, InLine and Unitek.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a USB 3.2 Gen 1 and a USB 2.0 hub?
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (formerly called USB 3.0) transfers data at up to 5 Gbit/s, while USB 2.0 manages only 480 Mbit/s, roughly ten times slower. Choose USB 3.2 for copying files to an external drive, and USB 2.0 is enough for a mouse and keyboard.
Can I connect an external hard drive to a USB hub?
Yes, but power matters. Small SSDs and 2.5-inch drives can often run from the hub alone, but for more demanding drives, or several devices at once, a hub with its own power adapter is the safer choice.
Does a USB hub slow down connected devices?
All devices on a hub share the bandwidth of its single connection to the computer. Two fast external SSDs used at the same time will each run slower than when used alone, but you will not notice any difference with a mouse or keyboard.
How many ports should a USB hub have?
Four ports are usually enough for a desk setup: mouse, keyboard, storage drive and printer. If you connect more devices or charge phones, choose a model with 7 or 10 ports and an external power supply.
