USB-C and its Thunderbolt variant are the most up-to-date standards of the USB connector. They allow >

Apple

In general, an “adapter” works with a single port (such as USB-A or Ethernet) while a “hub” gives you multiple ports. If you require even more, then look for a “docking station” or “dock“. Docks usually come with their own power supply, while hubs require a separate USB-C charger if you need a power source. If you’re after a full?desktop setup for your MacBook, look out for our recommendations for the best USB-C and Thunderbolt docking stations for MacBooks.

Apple sells its own range of USB-C adapters to HDMI, VGA and more, but they are overpriced and underpowered compared to the premium USB-C hubs and adapters we have reviewed here. We haven’t included the many much cheaper but lower-quality versions you can find online as we recommend only from trusted and tested makers.

Below the list of our favorite hubs and adapters, we describe the types of ports you might require from a hub and what to look for in each.

Plugable 9-in-1 USB-C Hub Multiport Adapter – Best overall USB-C hub

8 Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card Reader, MicroSD Card Reader, 85W laptop charging

The Anker 555 USB-C 8-in-1 Hub is compact and powerful, offering greater specs than some of the other leading options on this list. It’s one of two similar USB-C hubs from the company, and we start with the best-value option.

The 555 offers two USB-C ports—one that supports 85W USB-C Power Delivery, while another supports data transfers up to 10Gbps. You also get speedy 10Gbps transfer rates through two additional USB-A ports, where many rivals max out at 5Gbps.?

The Anker 555 is special as it offers an HDMI port that supports 4K 60Hz resolutions, where most are limited to 4K 30Hz. For 4K 60Hz resolution, your device must support DP 1.4. This includes MacBook Air (from 2020), MacBook Pro 15in (from 2018), MacBook Pro 16in (from 2019) and iPad Pro (from 2018).

Also included are SD and MicroSD card reader slots. These are rated at UHS-I (104MBps) so not the fastest. If you transfer a lot of data via SD cards, look for a hub with faster UHS-II (312MBps).

The Gigabit Ethernet port is great for those times when Wi-Fi just won’t do.

It’s also incredibly light at just under 4.5oz (130g) and compact so you can take it anywhere. At $49.99 / ￡79.99 it’s hard to deny this hub’s value for money. In our experience, it does get warm with use but Anker says this is normal.

Anker

The higher-end $65.99 / ￡89.99 Anker 565 USB-C Hub, shown above, offers eleven ports instead of the 555’s mere eight, and is equally lightweight at 4.8oz (136g). The extra ports are one USB-A and an audio jack, which isn’t a remarkable boost—but it does include a top-end DisplayPort 1.4 video connection in case HDMI is not for you. If the inclusion of a native DisplayPort is important to you, then the 565 is a better solution (read our full Anker 565 11-in-1 USB-C Hub review) than maybe even the Plugable 9-in-1 reviewed above.

Ugreen 4-in-1 USB 3.0 Hub – Best budget hub for multiple USB-A ports

5 Ports: 1x USB-C, 4x USB-A

If all you need from an adapter is?the ability to connect a bunch of older USB-A devices to your MacBook, this simple adapter should do the trick.

The Ugreen USB-C 4-port hub is a slim and inexpensive adapter that allows you to add four full-size USB 3.0 ports that can handle data transfer at up to 5Gbps. It has recently been upgraded to feature a further USB-C port that can supply a 10W charge for connected devices, but not the host computer. While all four ports can be used simultaneously, a maximum of two hard drives can be connected at one time.

It looks the part with most modern MacBooks, and is an easy way to connect memory sticks, a printer or other older devices that don’t come with USB-C.

Nonda USB-C to USB-A Adapter – Best simple USB-C to USB-A adapter

1 Port: 1x USB-C to USB-A

There’s a misconception that USB-C is an inconvenience for people with a bunch of devices still reliant on USB-A, hence the existence of little adapters like this one from Nonda. Products like this are there to help us bridge the gap.

This cute little adapter is simply to allow you to plug in one standard USB-A device or cable at a time, great for using a USB stick, for example. Just don’t misplace it—it’s tiny.

Plugable USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Adapter?– Best USB-C hub for multiple Mac screens

5 Ports: 4x HDMI, 1x USB-C passthrough charging

There are many USB-C hubs with more than one HDMI port but most are restricted to Mirrored Mode (where all external screens show the same image as on the MacBook) or in only partially Extended Mode (where the external displays show a different image to the MacBook but are the same themselves). That’s a Mac limitation only, not the fault of the hubs themselves, which work fine for Windows. Blame Apple.

Using DisplayLink software—a simple download—the Plugable USB-C Quad 4K HDMI Adapter (USBC-7400H) can support four 4K external displays, all showing a different image to the MacBook and each other—so full Extended Mode. It also features 100W passthrough USB-C charging. See below this list of hub recommendations for a graphic showing the differences between Mirrored and Extended Modes on the Mac.

Plugable

If you need only two external displays in full Extended Mode, the $89.95 / ￡109.95 Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Adapter (USBC-6950M) shown above features two HDMI ports but no passthrough charging.

Satechi Pro Hub Max Adapter – Best 40Gbps USB4 hub for Mac

7 Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card Reader, MicroSD Card Reader

All of the portable USB-C hubs reviewed here are compatible with the Mac’s Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 ports, but most feature slower USB-C connections (5Gbps or 10Gbps) compared to Thunderbolt (40Gbps for TB3 and TB4, and 80Gbps with TB5).

The Satechi Pro Hub Max, available in either Silver or Space Gray, features USB4 ports that are both compatible with Thunderbolt and can reach the same 40Gbps maximum throughput.

Connecting directly to two of the MacBook’s Thunderbolt ports, it boasts a bunch of ports that should be enough for most of us. The hub receives 40Gbps from each of the Thunderbolt ports on the Mac (so a total of 80Gbps). 40Gbps is used for the USB4 pass-through port, while the second Thunderbolt port distributes 40Gbps of bandwidth to the rest of the ports on the hub.

The USB4 port supports up to 96W charging—easily fine for a 14-inch MacBook Pro and punchy enough to keep a 16-inch Pro going and charged pretty quickly. This same USB4 port can be used to connect to an external display—up to 6K at 60Hz display output, transferring data at 40Gbps.

It should allow video output and passthrough charging simultaneously. In a test connection from a MacBook to an LG 4K UltraFine Display, the MacBook was able to output video to the monitor, while the monitor was able to provide power to the MacBook, all through the single connection. Owners of the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro and M2 Air can charge via the MagSafe connector at the same time as using the Pro Hub.

The HDMI 2.0 port can also be used to connect a 4K 60Hz display, so you can achieve a dual 4K monitor setup on any Pro or Max M1 or M2 MacBook. Plain M1/M2 MacBook Airs are limited to just one external display.

Also onboard are a 5Gbps USB-A port and a 5Gbps USB-C port—although neither can charge connected devices. There are both SD and MicroSD card readers (UHS-I), a Gigabit Ethernet port, and 3.5mm combo audio jack port.

In the same family, Satechi also offers the Pro Hub Mini (the same as the Max but without the HDMI port) and the Pro Hub Slim (which swaps the Ethernet port for an extra USB-A port, and boasts 10GBps USB-A and USB-C ports compared to the Mac and Mini’s 5Gbps). If you don’t need wired Internet access, the Pro Hub Slim edges out the Pro Hub Max. If you don’t need more than one external screen or you want to save the USB4 for passthrough charging only, consider the Pro Hub Mini or the Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub reviewed below..

Note that all three requires a MacBook with two adjacent Thunderbolt ports on one side.

Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best budget 40Gbps USB-C hub for Mac

6 Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet

We are big fans of the Baseus 6-in-1 USB-C Hub which lacks the card readers found on some hubs but boasts three 10Gbps USB ports (2x USB-A and 2x USB-C) and Gigabit Ethernet, plus an HDMI port that supports an external display at 60Hz. It also features a button that will quickly turn the connected external display off.

Baseus has several other excellent and affordable USB-C hubs, one of which might suit you better, so check out what each offers:

Baseus 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: 100W passthrough charging; 1x HDMI (4K@60Hz); 3x USB A (5Gbps, 7.5W charging), SD and MicroSD card readers via Amazon US and Amazon UK.

Baseus 8-in-1 USB-C Hub: 100W passthrough charging; 1x HDMI (4K@30Hz); Gigabit Ethernet; 3x USB A (5Gbps, 7.5W charging), SD and MicroSD card readers via Baseus and Amazon.

Baseus 9-in-1 USB-C Hub: 100W passthrough charging; 2x HDMI (one at 4K@120Hz; other HDMI can only mirror the display on Macs at 4K@30Hz); Gigabit Ethernet; 3x USB A (two at 5Gbps and one at 480Mbps), SD and MicroSD card readers via Baseus and Amazon.

Each hub includes an integrated USB-C cable that can be minimized for travel with its neat cable-tidy port that creates a loop. And there’s an LED that shows you when the the hub is in use.

Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K With Ethernet V3 – Best USB-C hub for multiple fast ports

8 Ports: 5x USB-C, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card Reader

This USB-C hub has four USB-C ports but no USB-A. If you no longer have need for old-time USB-A by buying this hub you won’t be wasting money on a port you don’t require. If you have USB-A peripherals, such as an older memory stick, then you should look for a hub with a Type-A USB port.

Three of the USB-C ports offer fast 10Gbps data transfer, and one at 5Gbps. A fifth USB-C port is for attaching a power source, most likely a USB-C wall charger. If the charger is rated at 100W, all that power can be distributed via the hub, including up to 85W PD to the host laptop or tablet.

However, aside from the pass-through PD port, none of the USB ports can output power to connected devices.

The EZQuest USB-C Slim Gen 2 Hub Adapter 6-in-1, reviewed here lower down, has four 10Gbps USB-C ports, each with 7.5W device charging, plus two more for 4K/60Hz monitor support and 80W passthrough charging, but it lacks the Ethernet and card reader.

And the SD card reader is also top-notch at 312MBps, compared to some that are UHS-I at 104MBps.

Despite the 8K in its name, the HDMI 2.1 port can support only as high a resolution as an external 4K display at 60Hz refresh rate, as well as display options of 2K/144Hz and 1080p/240Hz. Apple display limitations mean that its potential 8K/30Hz display support is limited to Windows machines.

It’s at the high end for price but you get high-end, premium and future-proof ports for your money.

It is available in Apple MacBook-matching Space Gray, Silver, and Midnight colors.

Read our full Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K With Ethernet V3 review

Plugable USB-C to 5Gbps Ethernet Adapter

1 Port: 5Gb Ethernet

For even faster speeds when connected to a supporting network, this one-function adapter adds an inexpensive route to 5Gbps Ethernet. It’s simple yet effective if you need more ports, you’ll pay more for such fast network speeds.

It’s backwards compatible with 1Gb and 2.5Gb networks, so is more future proof than a 2.5Gb adapter if you are always after the fastest data transfers.

The cable is short at 4.7 inches (12cm) but you shouldn’t need any longer for a network adapter.

If you want fast Ethernet but more ports, check out some of the Satechi hubs also reviewed here. Plugable also offers a USB-C to 2.5GbE Adapter, listed lower down this list.

EZQuest USB-C Slim Gen 2 Hub Adapter 6-in-1 – Best hub for most 10Gbps USB-C ports

4 Ports: 2.5Gb Ethernet, 3x USB-C

There are hubs with more ports but this 4-in-1 USB-C hub offers three fast 10Gbps USB-C ports and very fast 2.5Gb Ethernet.

The Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter 8K With Ethernet V3, reviewed above, boasts more functionality but at twice the price and with standard 1Gb Ethernet. The Satechi 4-port USB-C Hub, reviewed below, offers an extra USB-C port but none at 10Gbps, and no 2.5Gb Ethernet.

This hub could be in your sweet spot if you need a bunch of fast USB ports and faster Ethernet. There’s no passthrough charging, so you’ll need a spare Thunderbolt port on your MacBook for power.

Plugable 10-Port PS-10CC USB-C Charger – Best hub for multiple USB-C charging ports

4 Ports: 10x USB-C charging ports

This multi-port hub is not for data transfer but is the best for charging multiple USB-C devices up to 100W utilizing clever priority-charging technology that distributes power across all connected devices—prioritized in the order you choose from left to right. As devices reach full charge, the now greater available power is reallocated down the line.

The Plugable PS-10CC can neatly and efficiently charge up to 10 hungry devices at the same time and at an optimum power distribution without you having to resort to multiple chargers and a desk full of indistinguishable snaking cables.

Ten is a lot of devices so Plugable has followed up with a smaller, cheaper model, the PS-6CC that can charge up to six devices in the same manner.

Read our full Plugable 10-Port PS-10CC USB-C Charger review

Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub – Best budget hub for multiple USB-C ports

4 Ports: 4x USB-C

Sick of hubs that still think USB-A is a thing? If what you want is more USB-C ports, the Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub has plenty for you. Each port is USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 so 5Gbps, although that should be fast enough for most. If not, look no further than the EZQuest USB-C Slim Gen 2 Hub Adapter 6-in-1 reviewed above with its four 10Gbps USB-C ports plus passthrough power and video USB-C ports.

The USB-C ports don’t support passthrough charging or video output, and can handle only two hard drives or SSDs at the same time. However, a newer version, the Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub with Power Delivery can output 100W PD to the connected laptop or up to 75W to other devices, as well as upping the > Startech.com 7-Port USB-C Hub – Best hub for multiple USB-A and -C ports

7 Ports: 2x USB-C, 5x USB-A

If it’s just USB ports you need to add, then you find more than enough on Startech.com’s 7-Port USB-C Hub, although we’d have preferred more USB-C ports, which here are outnumbered by legacy USB-A.

There are five USB-A ports, all rated at a speedy 10Gbps, with one offering 12W of device-charging power. One of the two 10Gbps USB-C ports can also charge connected devices at 12W. The other USB ports each offer a small charge of 4.5W.

Even 12W is not powerful enough to fast charge an iPhone but it’s enough to keep most connected devices powered up.

The hub is self-powered via its 65W power supply.

Hyperdrive Dual 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub – Best dual-4K hub for M1/M2/M3 Macs

10 Ports: 2x USB-C, 2x USB-A, 2x HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet, SD Card Reader, MicroSD Card Reader, Audio jack

This hub has enough different ports to call itself a docking station. It has two HDMI ports, two USB-C ports (one PD and one 5Gbps), SD/microSD/SD readers (UHS-I), two 5Gbps USB-A ports, a 3.5mm audio combo jack for headphones, and Gigabit Ethernet.

It doesn’t have its own power supply but offers passthrough PD charging at a more than healthy 100W.

It’s a great set of ports, but that’s not it’s biggest plus for users of Apple’s plain M1/M2/M3-based MacBooks.

The standard M1 and M2 chips (that is non-Pro/Max) in Apple’s MacBooks are powerful but have a major limitation: unlike Intel-based Macs, they don’t support more than one external display. The plain M3 MacBooks can connect two displays but only if the MacBook’s lid remains closed. The smarter M4 and M1/M2/M3/M4 Pro and Max chips do support multiple displays.

If that is a problem for you there is a hardware solution in the Hyperdrive Dual 4K HDMI 10-in-1 USB-C Hub, which lets non-Pro/Max Macs connect two external displays. There is some light software installation involved for M1/M2/M3 users, and you need to allow InstantView access to your Privacy settings in System Preferences. There are alternative solutions for adding two or more monitors to an M1, M2, M3 MacBook.

One HDMI port allows for 4K at 60Hz, and the other 4K at 30Hz. If you want two or more 4K screens at 60Hz and are willing to do without the extra USB ports and so on, look at the Plugable Quad and Dual 4K HMDI adapters reviewed earlier in this article. These are cheaper and offer superior display specs.

Satechi USB4 Multiport Adapter w/2.5G Ethernet – Best adapter for USB4 and 2.5G Ethernet

6 Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet, Audio jack

If you want the fastest Internet and network speeds, you need to push past Gigabit Ethernet to Multi-Gig Ethernet, ranging up to 10Gbps. This six-port hub from Satechi boasts a 2.5Gbps (2.5GbE) Ethernet port—2.5x faster than regular Gigabit Ethernet. 2.5GbE development is becoming more commonplace now that WiFi 6 enables wireless connection to over 1GbE LAN, and you can find 2.5G ports on some WiFi 6 routers. Current CAT5e Ethernet cables are compatible so there’s no need for rewiring.

Aside from this super-fast Ethernet this hub boasts 4K at 60Hz HDMI, 10Gbps USB-A and two 10Gbps USB-C ports (one with 100W passthrough charging) and a combo 3.5mm audio jack. Note that neither USB-C port supports video transfer so it’s a one-display hub.

This hub also stands apart from standard USB-C ports by being USB4, which means you get to play with your Mac’s full 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 bandwidth.

If all you need is the 2.5Gbps (2.5GbE) Ethernet port, look at Satechi’s more affordable USB-C 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, which boasts a strong braided cable.

Plugable USB-C to 2.5Gb Ethernet Adapter – Best simple, budget adapter for 2.5GbE

3 Ports: 1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI

Apple got a lot of flack when moving to USB-C because it meant that many of its users had to buy one or more adapters to replicate the ports they were used to, and needed.

It wasn’t so much that we needed adapters, but more to do with the price Apple was charging for its simple USB-C hubs and adapters.

Take, for example Apple’s USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, which at $69 is a lot for just an HDMI port, one USB-A port and a passthrough-power USB-C port.

Plugable has a much cheaper alternative, at about a third of the price. And it looks pretty identical.

Aside from the price, the one drawback shared with the Apple version is that the HDMI connection can connect a 4K external display at 30Hz rather than the full 60Hz, which may put off gamers.

But otherwise, this is a great alternative at a fraction of the price, and can charge at 60W.

Satechi Stand & Hub Mac Mini M4 – Best USB-C hub for M4 Mac mini

4 Ports: 3x USB-A, SD Card Reader

We tend to think of hubs for laptops, such as Apple’s MacBooks, which lack more than one or two USB-C ports and so require a dock to add further devices. The Mac Mini and Mac Studio, you’d think, have an army of ports in comparison to Apple’s laptops.

Apple’s latest M4 Mac mini does at least add a couple of USB-C ports and an audio jack at the front—sadly lacking for its earlier M1 and M2 Mac mini models, see below—but it doesn’t have any legacy USB-A ports or card readers.

The Satechi Stand & Hub for the M4 Mac mini adds three USB-A ports—two at 10Gbps and one at 480Mbps—at the front, plus an SD card reader. Inside the Hub is an enclosure that enables you to add an NVMe SSD—so adding more hidden storage at prices much cheaper than offered by Apple at purchase.

It fits neatly under the mini and, in our tests, didn’t suffer the same Wi-Fi problems as its M1/M2 sibling, although it has three fewer ports.

Read our full Satechi Stand & Hub Mac Mini M4 review

Satechi Stand Hub for Mac Mini – Best USB-C hub for M2 Mac mini

7 Ports: 1x USB-C, 3x USB-A, SD Card Reader, MicroSD Card Reader, Audio jack

Before Apple miniaturized the Mac mini even further in 2024, the 2018-2023 Mac mini models boasted two Thunderbolt 3 / USB4 (fast USB-C) ports, two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 2.0, Gigabit Ethernet, and 3.5mm headphone jack. That sounds like a lot, but Apple accessory specialist Satechi believes the Mini needs maxing.

Satechi’s Type-C Aluminum Stand & Hub for Mac Mini expands these capabilities with seven ports: including a USB-C data port, three USB-A ports, micro/SD card readers, and another 3.5mm headphone jack port. (Note that you can’t charge devices connected to the USB ports, as they are there for syncing and data transfer only.)

The crucial point is that these points are front-facing, and not tucked around the back with the unwieldy and unsightly power supply. It also lifts the Mini off the desk, and its built-in air vents help regulate temperature and encourage airflow.

There is a superior model, the Satechi Stand & Hub For Mac Mini / Studio With NVMe SSD Enclosure, which includes an integrated slot where you can insert an SSD card to add affordable fast storage, accessible when connected to your Mac mini or Mac Studio. Read our Satechi Stand & Hub With SSD Enclosure review.

Both of the Satechi M1/M2 Mac mini Stand Hubs, however, can have a negative impact on the mini’s Wi-Fi signal strength, so it’s recommended to use the wired Ethernet option instead.

In spring 2025 Satechi will start selling a version of the hub for the smaller 2024 Mac Mini M4, with up to 4TB NVMe storage and 10Gbps USB-C. Apple has added USB-C ports to the front of its new Mac mini but Satechi’s hub will add USB-A and a card reader. We will review the new Mac Mini M4 Stand & Hub with SSD Enclosure (pictured above) when it is released.

HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub for 24in iMac – Best hub for iMac

6 Ports: 2x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x HDMI, SD Card Reader, MicroSD Card Reader

You might not think a desktop Mac needs a hub, but the 24in iMac is quite lacking, having either just two Thunderbolt ports on the entry-level model or two Thunderbolt and two USB-C at the top-end. These ports are also all hidden away at the back, which can mean snaking cables all over your desk.

Five of the ports on this hub that clamps to the underside of the iMac are front-facing ports for easy access to memory cards, USB storage, or storage cards. There are two USB-C ports and one USB-A port (all rated at a speedy 10GBps). The USB-A port can charge a phone at 7.5W.

The UHS-I (104MBps) SD and microSD card readers aren’t the fastest but should suffice. Such memory cards are an affordable way of adding portable storage, and will also delight camera users.

At the rear of the hub is an HDMI port that can support an external 4K display at 60Hz.

Hyper also sells a 5-in-1 iMac USB Hub with two USB-C (5Gbps) and three USB-A (5Gbps and one that charges at 7.5W).

Quite brilliantly, the hubs can color-match with your 24in iMac, with 7 iMac color faceplates included.

Plugable USB-C 6-In-1 Mounted Hub for 24in iMac – USB-C hub for iMac

6 Ports: 1x USB-C, 3x USB-A, SD Card Reader, MicroSD Card Reader

While not as colorful as the HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub, this USB-C hub for the 24-inch iMac offers a set of basic ports slung under the iMac screen at a slightly lower price.

It brings four USB ports within easy arm’s reach, so you don’t need to fiddle around at the back of the computer.

It lacks the HyperDrive’s HDMI port but gains an extra USB-A port, although at a slow 480Mbps and with little charging power.

SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Card USB-C Reader – Best USB-C SD Card adapter

1 Port: SD Card Reader

If you’re a digital professional or just a photography enthusiast, chances are you might be slightly peeved that the new MacBook Pro you held out for doesn’t have an SD card slot.?

SanDisk is here to save the day. This neat SD card reader is USB-C compatible and will allow Thunderbolt 3 speed transfers of all your high-resolution photos and videos.?

SD cards are also a very inexpensive way to add portable storage to your laptop, from 32GB up to 1TB.

Cable Matters USB-C to VGA Adapter – Best USB-C to VGA Adapter

2 Ports: HDMI, VGA

This simple adapter makes a USB-C port into a VGA port for older displays and projectors, and also can handle two external displays.

VGA was once the most popular video connector but is seen less these days, being overtaken by DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort and direct USB-C.

It supports 920×1200@60Hz HD resolutions via VGA, and 4K at 30Hz through its HDMI port. It isn’t compatible with supporting two displays on an M1 MacBook.

Cable Matters USB-C to DVI Adapter – Best USB-C to DVI Adapter

1 Port: DVI

If you need to connect to a DVI (Digital Visual Interface) display or projector, this adapter does the trick.?

It can support resolutions up to 1,920-x-1,080 at 60Hz.

Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter

Pros

• Thunderbolt 2 adapter

1 Port: Thunderbolt 2

This adapter is designed to help owners of really quite old Macs smoothly transition to using USB-C. You may well have devices such as hard drives and external displays that use Thunderbolt 2 connections. This little gadget lets you keep using them with your MacBook or new MacBook Pro.

It also allows new Thunderbolt 3, 4 and 5 devices to connect to a Mac with Thunderbolt 2 ports–but to take advantage of it this way round Apple advises you need to be running macOS Sierra or above.

Which extra ports do you need in a hub

Many MacBook users connect their laptop to one or more external displays for greater screen space. You can connect to monitors using USB-C (via adapters to non-USB-C monitors) or better a dedicated video port, such as HDMI or DisplayPort. Check the hub specs to see which displays they support: some are limited to HD displays, others support 4K (also known as UHD) displays. The refresh rate is also important. 4K at 30Hz is fine for most productivity and browsing tasks, but watching video or playing games demands higher refresh rates of at least 60Hz.

You may need some legacy non-reversible USB-A ports, and most adapters and hubs have at least one for your non-USB-C memory sticks and drives. Look for at least USB 3.0, which has a speedy bandwidth of 5Gbps compared to the lamentably sluggish USB 2.0’s 480Mbps.

To fast-charge an iPhone, you need a minimum of 18W and it has to be USB-C, so look for extra USB-C slots with charging power, which are more capable than USB-A.

Other ports to look for in a hub include Ethernet for faster wired Internet access (without the flakiness of Wi-Fi). You can choose from standard Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps) or 2.5Gb and even 5Gb and 10Gb Ethernet (2500-10000Mbps), although the faster Ethernet requires the whole network to support that speed.

An SD or microSD card reader is perfect for adding inexpensive portable storage to your system. Card readers come at different speeds: UHS-I at 104MBps, and UHS-II at 312MBps; although some are slower at 60MBps.

Look for hubs that offer passthrough charging, so you can charge your laptop even though you are using up one of the laptop’s USB-C ports for the hub itself. Most don’t ship with a charger, so you’ll need to add your own, and remember that it needs to be a 100W charger to give 85W and above charging if offered by the hub. Lower wattage chargers are fine but will limit the hub’s charging potential. Couple your hub with one of the best Mac USB-C chargers. See how much power your MacBook needs in our advice below the list of recommended hubs and adapters.

You can also buy USB-C adapters for the many older display standards out there, such as VGA and DVI. We’ve picked the best for you below.

Many hubs and docks aren’t compatible with Apple’s SuperDrive CD/DVD drive. We’ve found few dock makers that offers compatibility with the SuperDrive, the Caldigit USB-C Pro Dock and OWC Thunderbolt Dock being two that do.

Mirrored or Extended Modes for Mac displays

When you attach more than one external display to a Mac you can choose between various setups. Most hubs with more than one video port—usually HDMI—can mirror your MacBook’s screen, but most can at best handle showing a different screen to the Mac but not different to each other when attempting Extended Mode.

For full extended Mode, where each of the screens shows a different image and you treat each as an extension to your workspace—moving your cursor and windows easily between the displays—you will likely need a hub or dock that supports free third-party DisplayLink software, which is easy to download and install. Included above are reviews of the Plugable Dual and Quad HDMI adapters, both of which work with DisplayLink. DisplayLink enables multiple screens even with plain M1 and M2 MacBooks that are technically limited to just one external display.

If you need even more ports than you’ll find on a hub, check our reviews of the best DisplayLink docks.

Baseus

How much power does each MacBook require for smooth running

Check the Power Delivery (PD) charging power each hub or adapter offers connected laptops or iPads.

• The 13in MacBook Air charges at 30W.
• The 13in and 14in MacBook Pro and 15in MacBook Air charge at 67W.
• The higher-end 14in and 16in MacBook Pro require at least 96W.

You can certainly use a charger at lower power, but remember that it will power up slower than when using a higher-wattage charger, and if too low your laptop might run out of juice altogether when maxed out on power-hungry apps and devices.

Most of the products tested here work with non-Apple USB-C laptops too, but you can read Tech Advisor’s more general roundup of the best?USB-C hubs.

Also, read our roundups of recommended USB accessories:

??Best USB-C to Lightning cables

? Best USB-C and Thunderbolt cables

? Best USB-C power chargers

The above is the detailed content of I’m a Mac accessories expert. These are the USB-C hubs I rank highest. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!