If you made the jump to the 2016 or newer MacBook Pro, you might be wishing for some of those missing port options (especially USB-A). If you're in need of something more powerful than just a way to connect your iPhone to your Mac — if you want to connect two Thunderbolt supported display screens to your MacBook Pro, for example — here's a list of the tip-top USB-C hubs.
The best of the best
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Elgato's powerful USB-C hub is a solid investment if you use multiple displays, need ultra-fast data transfer, and like the idea of charging your devices without having to connect anything extra to your computer.
eSATA FTW
CalDigit TS3
CalDigit's TS3 is a powerful Thunderbolt 3 dock that has everything you could ever want in a MacBook Pro hub, and then some. It features three USB-A ports (two of which are eSATA ports), two USB-C ports a DisplayPort port, and an HDMI port. It has super fast charging capabilities with 2.1A for juicing up your iPhone and iPad at the same time. It also works with Apple's SuperDrive.
Best Value
Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD
The Thunderbolt 3 Express Dock HD features two Thunderbolt 3 ports with up to 40GB per second of speed, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The DisplayPort port and USB-C port make it possible to connect two 4K displays for a yowza of an experience.
Most Ports
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock
This bad boy sports 13, count 'em, 13 ports, including the coveted SD card reader, which most Thunderbolt 3 docks do not have. It has five USB-A 3.1 ports, an Optical audio out port, a FireWire 800 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a mini DisplayPort port. It also has a 3.5mm jack for headphones or a microphone.
Best on a budget
Lenovo USB-C Hub
If you're just looking for something to expand your port options for connection and charging but don't want to shell out the big bucks, Lenovo's USB-C hub is a low-cost alternative. This is not a Thunderbolt 3 supported hub, but it will connect and work with your 2016 or later MacBook Pro, just in a slightly limited capacity.
If you're stuck with a MacBook that only has USB-C ports, you're not stuck using only USB-C accessories. You also don't have to be stuck with a dongle. A solid, fast-transfer USB-C hub is a worthy investment. We recommend the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock because it'll solve all your cable needs, but there are other options that might fit your priorities better.
Do you use a different USB-C hub than what I've listed here? Share your favorite with the class and tell us why it's the best.
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