With the latest MacBook Pro models sporting very limited port selection, USB-C hubs have become an essential accessory for many users. A good USB-C hub allows you to connect various peripherals and accessories that would otherwise be incompatible with the MacBook Pro‘s USB-C/Thunderbolt ports.
In this comprehensive guide, we will review and rank the best USB-C hubs specifically for MacBook Pro users based on performance, features, design, and value. We‘ll also provide tips on how to choose the right hub for your needs and answer some frequently asked questions.
Top Picks
Best Overall: Anker 5-in-1 USB C Hub
With an excellent variety of essential ports, 40Gbps data transfer speeds, and a sleek and compact aluminum unibody design, the Anker 5-in-1 USB C Hub is our top overall pick. It adds two USB 3.0 ports, an HDMI port, SD/microSD card readers, and passthrough charging to your MacBook Pro.
Key Features:
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports
- 4K HDMI port
- SD & microSD card readers
- Sleek aluminum unibody design
- Supports passthrough charging up to 100W
Runner Up: Hiearcool 8-in-1 USB C Hub
The feature-packed Hiearcool 8-in-1 USB C Hub adds an Ethernet port and an additional USB 3.0 port compared to our top pick. It also supports up to 5K displays and includes an 18-month warranty for peace of mind. Great for power users.
Key Features:
- 3 x USB 3.0 ports
- 4K HDMI port
- Gigabit Ethernet port
- SD & TF card readers
- 18-month warranty
Best Budget: Anker 4-Port USB C Hub
If you just want to add some extra USB ports on a budget, the Anker 4-Port USB C Hub is a great affordable option at under $20. Four USB 3.0 ports allow connecting peripherals, while the compact and flexible cable makes it easy to use with any MacBook Pro.
Key Features:
- 4 x USB 3.0 ports
- Compact and portable
- Flexible attached cable
- 18-month warranty
How to Choose the Best USB-C Hub
There are several factors to consider when choosing a USB-C hub for your MacBook Pro:
Ports – Carefully look at the type and number of downstream ports offered. Most people need at least a couple USB 3.0 ports and often an HDMI or other display output. Some may also require SD card readers, Ethernet, or other ports.
Power Delivery – Check if the hub supports power delivery/passthrough charging to charge your MacBook Pro itself or other devices through the hub. 60W is generally enough but 100W offers full charging capacity. The ports may share bandwidth with the charger.
Data Speed – A good hub will support 40 Gbps Thunderbolt 3 or at least 10 Gbps USB 3.1 data speeds and HDMI resolution of 4K @ 60hz. Faster is better for moving large files quickly or smooth dual screen output.
Build Quality – Durability, heat dissipation, a quality chipset, and shielding/insulation are key for reliable long-term performance. Metal cases and warranty coverage (at least 12 months) give assurance.
Design – Look for a compact, slim, and lightweight hub design that is also stable and portable enough for daily use/travel. Flexible positioning or a protective case help reduce cable strain.
Also consider the total budget and overall brand reputation. As a MacBook Pro user, reliable long-term performance is critical.
In-Depth Reviews: Our Top Recommendations
With these criteria in mind, let‘s take a deeper look at what makes our top USB-C hub recommendations the best options for your MacBook Pro.
Anker 5-in-1 USB C Hub – Best Overall
The sleek and compact Anker 5-in-1 USB C Hub checks all the boxes for a well-rounded option that adds much-needed functionality to your MacBook Pro. It has received excellent reviews both for performance and reliability.
In a unibody aluminum case with clean diamond-cut edges, the Anker hub measures 4.92 x 1.38 x 0.43 inches and weighs only 3.5 oz but packs a punch with 3 essential downstream ports:
- 2 x USB 3.0 ports for Type-A peripherals
- 1 x HDMI port supporting up to 4K @ 30Hz
- SD and microSD card readers
Both the USB ports and HDMI deliver up to 5Gbps and 40Gbps of data throughput respectively, enough for most demanding file transfer or video streaming needs. They can be used simultaneously with up to 100W of power delivery/charging passthrough if only 1-2 devices are connected.
The Anker USB C hub uses a VIA VL815 chipset to ensure stable, reliable connectivity. It works seamlessly and has excellent cross-compatibility with any laptop, Mac or PC, with Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) or USB-C (10Gbps) ports. The attached 0.6m USB-C cable provides durable flexibility when connecting multiple accessories.
Users praise the "flawless" everyday performance of the Anker 5-in-1 for giving their thin and light MacBook a major productivity boost. It supports multi-tasking and expanding your workspace whether at home, office, or on the go.
Pros
- Slim & attractive design
- Responsive performance
- High bandwidth & charging capacity
- Reliable brand
Cons
- No Ethernet port
Hiearcool 8-in-1 USB C Hub – Runner Up
For power users needing a bit more in terms of ports and features, the durable Hiearcool 8-in-1 USB C Hub includes Gigabit Ethernet and an extra USB 3.0 port, in addition to HDMI, USB hub, and SD card reader support.
The metallic silver, unibody aluminum hub measures 5.43 x 1.57 x 0.35 inches and connects via an attached 10cm cable with a rugged braided jacket. Ports include:
- 3 x USB 3.0 ports with up to 5Gbps data transfer
- 1 x HDMI 4K @ 30Hz video out (supports 5K @ 60Hz with MST splitter)
- 1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- TF and SD card readers
The Hiearcool USB C Hub with Ethernet communicates with laptops at 10Gbps SuperSpeed+ speeds using a GL3220 chipset. Bus-powered, it delivers up to 90W of charging passthrough to directly power/charge connected devices and even 60W to a USB-C laptop.
The Hiearcool hub pairs well with all generations of MacBook Pro (Thunderbolt 3 and 4) and has a solid metal build that efficiently dissipates heat. It comes with an 18 month manufacturer‘s warranty and excels as a "workhorse hub for daily driving".
Pros:
- Ethernet for wired network access
- Extra USB 3 port
- Premium aluminum metal case
- 18-month warranty
Cons:
- A bit bulky for an ultraportable option
Anker 4-Port USB C Hub – Best Budget
For anyone simply looking to expand the number of regular USB ports on their MacBook Pro on a tight budget, the compact Anker 4-Port USB C Hub delivers fantastic value for under $20.
It may have a no-frills design, but the durable and flexible hub reliably adds four highly functional USB 3.0 Type A ports to your Mac‘s USB-C port. And it does so without taking up too much room in your bag at just 3 x 1 x 0.6 inches.
The Anker 4-Port hub supports speeds up to 5Gbps across all ports simultaneously and works seamlessly with any laptop USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 configurations. It‘s Plug-and-Play easy – just plug in and your Mac will automatically detect the additional USB ports/devices with no drivers or software needed.
The attached 12-inch Type C cable allows flexible positioning without putting strain on your laptop port. The plastic casing is designed for long-term use with an 18-month warranty and light 3.2 oz design.
Sometimes simple is best, and for uncomplicatedly adding extra USB ports to your MacBook Pro, the Anker 4-Port USB C Hub is a proven top quality solution.
Pros:
- Simple & affordable
- Fantastic value
- Durable & reliable build
- 18-month warranty
Cons:
- No extra advanced ports
FAQs
Q: How well does a USB-C hub work with a MacBook Pro?
A: With the native Thunderbolt 3 ports, a MacBook Pro works seamlessly with a good USB-C hub. The newest Apple Silicon M1/M2 MacBooks include Thunderbolt 4 support to ensure maximum 40Gbps speeds and 100W charging from compatible hubs. Just make sure to match your hub ports/performance to your intended use.
Q: Is a USB-C hub necessary for MacBook Pro?
A: Not strictly necessary but very highly recommended. The sleek design of the latest MacBook Pros comes at the cost of sufficient built-in ports. An external hub solves the connectivity/expansion limitations so you don‘t need messy dongles sticking out.
Q: Will using a hub drain my MacBook Pro‘s battery faster?
A: Only minimally. Premium USB hubs draw very little power for operation. However, bus-powered hubs will pull most charging power from your MacBook rather than a wall plug when charging passthrough devices simultaneously. I‘d recommend a powered hub if charging multiple devices.
Q: Can I daisy chain multiple USB-C hubs together?
A: Generally not recommended. While you technically can connect USB hubs in series, this can cause power delivery and performance issues. For the most robust connectivity, use separately plugged in hubs or a hub with sufficient ports for your needs.
In Summary
A USB-C hub has become an essential MacBook Pro accessory to regain lost connectivity and seamlessly interface with USB peripherals, displays, wired networks, flash drives, and other accessories.
When shopping, carefully match your ideal hub‘s downstream ports, power delivery capability, speed (40Gbps preferred), build quality and design to your intended setup and usage needs. And don‘t neglect ergonomic flexibility for real-world use.
Out of the multitude of USB-C hubs on the market, the highly reliable and well-rounded Anker 5-in-1 stands tall as the best overall option, with fantastic value Anker 4-Port and versatile Hiearcool 8-in-1 alternatives depending on your requirements and budget.
Any of these hubs will serve as an indispensable connectivity expansion dock for your MacBook Pro both at home and on the go – boosting convenience and productivity.
