Tech

USB-C hubs: 6 of the best to pair with your MacBook or iPad Pro

HyperDrive Power 9-in-1 USB-C hub

What it is: This $99 hub offers nine connections from one port: three full-size USB 3.0, one gigabit Ethernet, 4K 30Hz HDMI, USB-C Power Delivery up to 60 watts, and microSD and SD 3.0 UHS-1 card readers.

Why you'll love it: This hub offers practically anything you could want from a hub of this kind and then some, with plenty of sockets to spare.

Why you might not: As with many hubs of this kind, a 30Hz refresh rate over 4K is half the standard.

Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 USB-C PD 10Gbps Data Hub

What it is: This $59 hub offers a USB-C data port, two full-size USB ports, an Ethernet port, an HDMI support that supports 4K at full 60Hz speeds, and microSD and SD card readers.

Why you'll love it: This hub supports 4K at 60Hz without missing out on connections.

Why you might not: The 4K support at 60Hz depends on the device supporting DisplayPort 1.4. Anker lists the 15-inch MacBook Pro from 2018 onwards, 16-inch MacBook Pro, and iPad Pro from 2018 onwards as among those compatible.

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adaptor

What it is: This $69 hub has three connections: a 4K 60Hz HDMI port, a USB-C charging connector, and a full-size USB port.

Why you'll love it: The HDMI port offers full-speed 60Hz refresh rate when paired with a 4K screen.

Why you might not: There's a very small selection of other connections.

Satechi Type-C Multimedia Adaptor

What it is: This $99 hub offers an HDMI port with 4K 30Hz, a mini DisplayPort with 4K 30Hz, gigabit Ethernet, two full-size USB 3.0 ports, microSD and SD card slots.

Why you'll love it: Mini DisplayPort is a unique addition here, enabling the use of a variety of adaptors and connectors.

Why you might not: The hub offers just two full-size USB ports.

Kingston Nucleum

What it is: This hub offers two USB-C ports, two full-size USB ports, an HDMI port, and SD and microSD card slots.

Why you'll love it: Two USB-C ports are something of a rarity. Cult of Mac described this one as the "best USB-C hub for iPad Pro."

Why you might not: No Ethernet and one less full-size USB ports could hold some buyers back.

CalDigit USB-C Pro Dock

What it is: This $199 hub supports both regular USB-C devices like the iPad, plus Thunderbolt 3 devices like the MacBook Pro. It offers two DisplayPort ports, three full-size USB ports, one USB-C port, an SD card reader and audio in/out.

Why you'll love it: When used in Thunderbolt mode the dock offers full 4K 60Hz resolution for both screens.

Why you might not: It's pretty big and pretty expensive.

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