A USB hub device is an important device that allows you to expand a single Universal Serial Bus port into multiple ports connected to the host system. It is very similar to the power strip. This device is very popular nowadays because laptops and other computers have fewer ports to make them more lightweight and thin. Due to this, you may need to buy a USB hub so other accessories like a keyboard, mouse, and other things can be plugged in. Looking to buy the best USB hub for your evolving needs? Below is a comprehensive guide of all the essential things you should look at when purchasing one for yourself:
What Are the Different Types of USB Hubs Available?
There are two types of hubs for USB that you can consider buying after carefully evaluating your needs:
Bus-Powered Hubs
This type of hub will draw the power from a computer or other self-powered hub, so it is unnecessary to put it directly into an AC outlet. Moreover, you can plug low-powered USB devices like a mouse or joystick into a bus-powered hub. For your information, the Apple USB keyboard contains a bus-powered hub. As a result, you are not able to connect two bus-powered hubs. To join them, one hub should be self-powered.
Self-Powered Hubs
This hub has an AC adapter that is going to provide you with external power to the hub. Remember that your computer is also self-powered. Using this hub, you will have to plug the adapter cord into an electrical outlet or a power strip. The hub will supply its power, allowing you to connect most USB devices to it. The typical self-powered hub comes with four or seven USB ports.
What Are Features to Consider When Buying a USB Hub?
Now, we are going to take a look at some of the important features one has to look at when buying a USB hub for daily use:
Connectivity With Host
Traditionally, the connection present in the hub is Type A, but now you will also see the USB-C connector in most of the new computers and devices. When buying the hub, you have to pick the right type of connector for your particular device. The USB-A connector is a large rectangular type that has been in use for many years; USB-C is very small and has round corners on the connector.
If we look at the performance, the USB-C connector is for use with USB 3.0 and high standards, providing faster operation than older USB 1.0 and 2.0 standards.
Check Connectivity & Ports
Today, many interfaces can be connected. You need to check that the USB hub you are going to select should have the required connectivity. Don’t just check the ports, but check other required connectivity as well. The hub can provide different USB connections, making it useful especially when hubs are used as docking systems. The reason behind this is that with other keyboards or mice, you have to connect a USB flash memory stick and a variety of USB leads for charging devices and syncing. So, ensure that there are some extra ports in your hub for future use.
Portability and Size
General portability and size matter a lot! If you want to use the hub on the go, a small hub with a limited number of connections will be enough for you. Un-powered USB hubs usually have only four ports, so this may be the right choice for you. However, in the case of a home docking system, a powdered USB hub offers great levels of connectivity for use and can have lots of ports available.
Latest Standard
You should pick the latest standard like USB 3. USB 2.0 is still used and many devices for the newest standard are backward compatible, but USB 1.0 is obsolete now! You can only get it if someone has stored it for ages. As the data transfer speed is rising, it is always good to pick the latest standard. USB 3.0 hubs are available with a type A connection to the host. If buying this is a problem for you, then go for a USB 2.0 hub, but know that the speed of data transfer is slower. Keep in mind that the release of USB 3.1 and 3.2 will provide you with a high level of performance compared to USB 3.0.
How Have We Chosen Our Top Products?
To pick the best product for our readers, we keep the following factors in mind:
Customer Reviews
On online retail stores like Amazon and many others, you will see a section for customer reviews. We read these to determine if a product really holds up to its specifications, and you should too. Read them to know about the quality of the product and people’s experience with that particular product. If you have lingering questions about a product, consulting the reviews can often be the best place to find your answers.
Brand Reputation
Brand value or reputation is also one of the vital considerations when picking up the products. You should always buy a product from a company with a good reputation in the market to be sure about the quality. If the brand is new or doesn't have much of a reputation, be sure to do thorough research on those products. And, a brand that is more well-known may likely have better customer service, warranties, and return policies.
What is the Price Range for USB Hubs?
To buy a USB hub, expect to pay between $7 to $60. The price variation will be depending on the brand, the number of ports, type of connectivity, and build quality. The hubs offered by companies like Ankers are very good in quality, and they come with multiple ports and different connectivity options. Always buy a quality hub to ensure a better connection with the host system and fast data transfer.
Best USB Hubs FAQs
Q: How much power does a USB need?
A: The power will be dependent on the number of devices you are going to use. A USB port provides the power of 5 volts, so you need 2 amps or 10 volts per device. If you connect four devices, you need an output of 8 amps at 5 volts, or you can say 40 volts.
Q: Is performance affected by the USB hubs?
A: A powered USB hub will not affect the device’s performance with which you are going to connect.
Q: Are USB hubs worth it?
A: Hubs are very useful as they provide you with a way to get more out of a single USB port. They are widely used for laptops that have limited numbers of USB ports so you can connect as many devices as you need.