A USB-C hub (or USB-C docking station) is invaluable for us this year. Perhaps, like us, you switched from desktop to desktop Laptop for mobility or you've only ever owned one laptop. But like many of us this year, we suddenly found each other again to work from home and want a desktop-like setup with a monitor, keyboard, mouse and Ethernet without constantly exchanging dongles and relying on Bluetooth. The only problem: Many new laptops no longer have as many connections as they used to.
You can usually find USB-C ports in place of these connections. This all-rounder connection can operate multiple displays, move data, power your devices and much more with the help of a docking station and a single USB-C cable. Of course, there are a lot of options in this category, depending mainly on what connections you need and how portable they need to be. Here are some of our most popular USB-C docking stations that we tested. We'll keep updating this list as we find new models to recommend. And if you are looking for Here are the best options for charging your USB-C devices we have tested.
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Keep in mind Not all USB-C ports are created equal. For example, Blitz 3 or 4 Devices are only fully supported on a computer with a Thunderbolt USB-C port. Unfortunately, you can't just look at the harbor and know what you've got. Before purchasing, check with your computer manufacturer to find out what your laptop (or desktop) model supports.
Accell's simple, flat design doesn't tip over like vertical docks and is easier to plug blindly into ports. If you have limited desk space, it may actually fit on the base of your monitor. The slim, light body and the small power supply unit can be easily put in your pocket when you have to travel with you.
On the back you will find three USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports, two HDMI ports (one 4K and one 1080p port), an Ethernet port and sockets for microphone input and headphone output. A single USB-C port is on the right. Accell includes USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables for connecting to your laptop.
True to its name, you can plug it into your laptop and it will start mirroring your display almost immediately, with no driver installing first. However, if you want to expand the display, you will need to download a driver for macOS or Windows. Accell conveniently stores them on board. When you connect to the dock, you'll see a screen for you to install it.
It works with Chromebooks too. You'll need to switch to the Chrome OS beta channel to use it. However, it's as simple as enabling it in Chrome's settings, updating the operating system, and restarting. If you have an Android phone or tablet, you can download the free Accell app and then connect to the dock to mirror your device's display to a single monitor at 1080p resolution. You can also use a keyboard and mouse if you want. I tested it with my Galaxy S9 and while there was a slight lag, it otherwise worked fine.
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The PowerExpand Elite is part of a USB-C dock and part of a charging station. There are 85 and 15 watt Thunderbolt 3 ports on the back and an 18 watt USB-C power port on the front. A Thunderbolt 3 port supports a display with a resolution of up to 5K at 60 Hz, while its HDMI 2.0 port supports a display with a resolution of up to 4K at 60 Hz. You can also use a USB-C to HDMI dual splitter and connect two 4K displays at 30 Hz, so you can run up to three monitors between the HDMI and Thunderbolt 3 ports.
They also have four USB-A ports, a Gigabit Ethernet socket, and microSD and SD card slots. A 3.5 mm combo jack handles audio output and input.
However, the PowerExpand Elite has a large 180 watt power adapter to provide enough juice to run. The fanless design also means that the body is a single large heat sink so it can get hot when fully loaded. You can stand it vertically to keep it cooler. The Thunderbolt 3 port supports 5K @ 60Hz, while the HDMI port supports a resolution of 4K @ 60Hz
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If you want to expand the connectivity options of your laptop and dock your Nintendo Switch, the $ 65 Dock Pro 60 is all you need. The slim, small and light dock has two USB-C ports, one of which supports power supply. Connect your laptop (or switch) to the other USB-C port and use the dock's HDMI port to connect to a TV or external TV (resolutions up to 4K UHD @ 30Hz will work) , and you can start working or playing friends and family on one bigger screen. There are also two USB-A ports.
Bonus for Samsung Galaxy device users: The Dock Pro 60 supports Samsung DeX, so you can use your phone or tablet with an external display and a desktop experience.
Lori Grunin / CNET
This CalDigit is our first choice for creative people and can process up to two 4K 60 Hz monitors (4096 x 2160 pixels with 30-bit color) with its DisplayPort and the full-size Thunderbolt 3 connection. Or you can connect a single 5K 60Hz display with a Thunderbolt 3 connector. You also get five USB-A ports, Gigabit Ethernet, headphone and microphone jacks, optical audio output and an SD card slot that supports speeds of up to 312 MB per second.
Lori Grunin / CNET
Just a simple hub for a good price. On the left there is an HDMI output, which supports displays with up to 1080p at 30 Hz or UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) at 30 Hz, a USB-A port and a USB-C port for the passport Through charging of up to 100 watts. The other side has two more USB-A ports and slots for microSD and SD cards. There is a Gigabit Ethernet port on the front.