Best USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro iMore 2019

If you've recently made the jump to the latest MacBook Pro, you might be wishing for some of those missing port options (especially USB-A). If you need something more powerful than just a way to connect your iPhone to your Mac -if you want to connect an external hard drive, 4K screen, keyboard, and camera storage to your MacBook Pro, for example- here's a list of the tip-top USB-C hubs.

If you've just bought the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, you're probably hoping to save a few dollars this Black Friday on all the peripherals you need with it, like a USB-C hub, so you can connect your other accessories. With Black Friday on the horizon, USB-C hubs like the ones below should be going on sale, and our deals team will be putting the best sale they can find right here, so be sure to check back as it gets closer to Black Friday.

Best for most people: Satechi Multi-port adapter

Staff Favorite

Satechi's multi-port adapter doesn't support high-speed data transfer or dual-4K displays. But it does have just about everything else you'd need to run your peripherals with your MacBook Pro. Things like SD and microSD card readers, 4K HDMI, Gigabit, and three USB-A ports.

$80 at Amazon

Best Value: Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock

The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock features two Thunderbolt 3 ports with high-speed data transfer, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. With this versatile machine, you can connect a 5K or 4K display plus one additional display for a yowza of an experience.

$270 at Amazon

For portability: Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock

If you don't need a lot of ports, but you do need the essentials when you hit the road, this small-but-mighty hub is for you. It has a USB-A and ethernet port, as well as two display ports so you can run two 4K displays at the same time. The USB-C Thunderbolt connector also supports high-speed data transfer and streaming.

$125 at Amazon

Best on a budget: Anker USB-C 7-in-1 Hub

This is the little hub that could. It's nearly as powerful as a docking station, but costs a fraction and doesn't take up almost as much space. It has two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a micro SD and SD card reader, a USB-C port for high-speed data transfer, and a USB-C port for up to 100 watts of charging.

$40 at Amazon

Flexibility and power: Lenovo USB-C 6-in-1 Hub

With an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB-C port with charging, two USB-A ports, and an SD card reader, you can take your MacBook Pro on the road and use just about any of your peripherals. It supports 4K display via HDMI and supplies 5Gbps of data transfer with the USB-A 3.0 ports. It's basic but useful and reliable.

$55 at Amazon

Most ports: Totu USB-C 11-in-1 Hub

Sometimes, even while you're away from home, you need the versatility of being able to plug a bunch of different peripherals into your MacBook Pro while you work. Totu's hub is perfect for you. With USB 3.0 and USB 2.0, you can charge devices, connect external hard drives, plug in a keyboard, and a whole lot more. The HDMI and VGA ports make it possible for you to connect to a big-screen display or TV for 4K support. On top of all that, there is also a Gigabit Ethernet port, TF and microSD card readers, and a USB-C port. Are you dizzy yet?

$50 at Amazon

Power player: Powlaken USB-C 11-in-1 Hub

For all-around flexibility, the Powlaken hub offers expandability in a tiny box. There are four USB-A ports; two 3.0 and two 2.0, a USB-C port that supports data transfer and charging, VGA, and HDMI ports for display screen expansion, a Gigabit Ethernet port for hardwired internet, a 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack, and SD and microSD card readers. You won't leave home without it either; it's small enough to fit in your back pocket.

$46 at Amazon

Ultra Slim: HyperDrive Pro 8-in-2

For a sleek looking hub, take a peek at HyperDrive's unique hub style. It snaps right into place in your two MacBook Pro ports, turning it into eight different ports (including replacing the two USB-C ports you lost). It supports 40Gbp/s data transfer, 5K display, HDMI, SD and micro SD, mini DisplayPort, and USB-A. You'll never have to dangle your dongle from the side of your MacBook Pro again.

$120 at Hyperdrive

Hub, adapter, or docking station: Which one is right for you?

Hubs are designed to make your MacBook Pro more versatile, providing several different ports. They also tend to be more portable because they're lighter and smaller (and don't usually need their own wall plug). When it comes to USB-C hubs, I personally use Satechi's Multi-port adapter because it's small, versatile, and very reliable.

Adapters are the simplest peripherals for port versatility. They are almost always a single-port changeover, like USB-C-to-USB-A or USB-to-Lightning, though sometimes they may have one or two additional ports, like HDMI. They're the least expensive but also the least versatile. You may not need 4K or 5K display support, high-speed data transfer, or 12 different things plugged into your MacBook Pro at the same time. A simple single-port adapter may be a better solution.

Docking stations are designed for multi-display use with charging support. They usually have their own power supply and can charge your laptop and mobile devices while also providing fast data transfer and 4K or 5K display support. For the most part, they're meant to be stationary to give your desktop workflow more versatility and convenience.

Black Friday could offer some savings

An important thing to keep in mind when you're looking for a USB-C hub is to know what connections and ports you need. If you're a photographer and love to import your photos onto your MacBook Pro, you're going to want to make sure you have an SD card reader on your hub. If you have a lot of USB-A accessories that you use every day — hard drives, microphones, charging pads, or other devices — you'll want as many USB-A ports as possible. Make sure you pick the USB-C hub that's right for you and will increase your workflow and let you get the most functionality out of your Mac laptop.

Saving money is always in fashion, but there's no better time to find deals than in and around Black Friday. Plenty of USB-C hubs will likely go on sale, and companies like Satechi (our favorite hub), Anker, and others will hopefully slash their prices for the holiday. Our deals team here at iMore is always looking for the best deals on products that will people get the most out of their Apple products, and a great USB-C hub is high on our list for any Mac laptop owner!

Regardless of what type of USB-C hub you want to pick up, Black Friday should be a great time to get something you need and a lower price. Don't forget to bookmark this page and check back often as we learn about new deals and post them here. Let us help you save your money and get the most out of your MacBook Pro!

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