If you have an old desktop with six USB A ports, you probably need a USB A hub for an extra mouse and thumb drive. If you have a modern laptop with two USB C ports and nothing else, you almost certainly need a USB C hub that brings back HDMI, ethernet, and an SD slot. They are not really competitors. They solve problems on opposite ends of the connector generation.
USB A hub
A hub with a traditional rectangular USB A upstream plug. Splits one USB A port into several more, useful for keyboards, mice, thumb drives, and older peripherals.
USB C hub
A hub with a USB C upstream plug. Often adds HDMI, ethernet, SD card, and power delivery in one adapter.
The real tradeoffs
| Dimension | USB A hub | USB C hub |
|---|---|---|
| Upstream connector | USB A, fits old desktops and older laptops. | USB C, fits modern laptops and many tablets. |
| Extra ports offered | More USB A ports, occasionally a card reader. | USB A, HDMI, ethernet, SD, often power passthrough. |
| Power delivery passthrough | Rare. | Common on mid tier and above. |
| Display output | No. | Yes on most models. |
| Portability | Bulkier per port. | Slim, pocket sized adapters. |
| Price range | Entry level. | Entry level to mid tier. |
So which one should you buy
Pick USB A hub
Pick a USB A hub if your computer has plenty of USB A ports and you just need more of them for legacy accessories.
Pick USB C hub
Pick a USB C hub if your laptop has only USB C and you need HDMI, ethernet, or an SD reader on top of extra USB ports.
See our picks in this category
Once you've decided which concept fits your life, our hand tested roundups cover the specific products we recommend:
Frequently asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a USB C hub charge my laptop too?
Only if it has power delivery passthrough. Look for PD on the spec sheet and plug your charger into that port.
Do I need a powered hub?
For a handful of low draw accessories, no. For external drives, printers, or lots of devices, a powered hub avoids the port undervolting.
Can I run two monitors off a USB C hub?
Some hubs support it via DisplayLink or MST. Native dual display needs a Thunderbolt dock in most cases.
Why does my SD card reader run slow?
Cheap hubs cap SD at USB 2.0 speeds. A hub with UHS II and USB 3 upstream runs many times faster.
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