USB Hub Rating for Connecting All Your Peripherals
Introduction
Modern laptops often come with just 1–2 USB ports, which is inconvenient when you need to connect a webcam, microphone, headset, and flash drive simultaneously. The solution is a USB hub. It expands the number of ports and provides stable power for connected devices. Let's review which hubs are best for video conferences, streaming, and office work.
1. What to Look for When Choosing a USB Hub
| Parameter | What's Important |
|---|---|
| Connection Type | USB 3.0 / USB-C — high speed and compatibility |
| Power Supply | Active (with external power) — more stable for cameras and microphones |
| Number of Ports | 4 to 10 — depends on number of devices |
| Transfer Speed | At least 5 Gbps (USB 3.0 and higher) |
| Case Material | Metal is preferable — better cooling |
2. Top 5 USB Hubs of 2024
1️⃣ Anker PowerExpand 6-in-1 USB-C Hub
Ports: HDMI, 2×USB-A 3.0, SD, microSD, USB-C PD
Features: supports 4K video, laptop charging up to 100W.
Price: ≈ $100
Pros: reliable brand, quality aluminum case.
Cons: no Ethernet.
2️⃣ Baseus Metal Gleam 8-in-1
Ports: 3×USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, SD, microSD, PD
Price: ≈ $80
Pros: universal set, fast data transfer.
Cons: gets slightly warm under heavy load.
3️⃣ ORICO MH4U-U3
Ports: 4×USB 3.0
Type: Wired, no power adapter
Price: ≈ $25
Pros: compact, lightweight, ideal for office use.
Cons: not suitable for power-hungry devices (cameras, HDDs).
4️⃣ TP-Link UH700
Ports: 7×USB 3.0, external power adapter.
Price: ≈ $75
Pros: perfect for connecting multiple devices, stable power.
Cons: bulky power adapter.
5️⃣ UGREEN 10-in-1 USB-C Hub
Ports: HDMI, VGA, USB, SD, Ethernet, PD, Audio
Price: ≈ $120
Pros: maximum number of ports, 4K and LAN support.
Cons: high price, large size.
3. Usage Recommendations
- For webcams and microphones, use active hubs (with power).
- Connect the hub to a USB 3.0 or USB-C port — this ensures maximum speed.
- Don't chain multiple hubs — this reduces signal stability.
4. Final Comparison Table
| Model | Ports | Power | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anker PowerExpand | 6 | Yes | ≈ $100 | 9/10 |
| Baseus Metal Gleam | 8 | Yes | ≈ $80 | 8.5/10 |
| ORICO MH4U-U3 | 4 | No | ≈ $25 | 7.5/10 |
| TP-Link UH700 | 7 | Yes | ≈ $75 | 8.5/10 |
| UGREEN 10-in-1 | 10 | Yes | ≈ $120 | 9/10 |
Conclusion
Summary: for office use, ORICO or TP-Link work well; for laptops and MacBooks — UGREEN or Anker. If you need to connect multiple cameras and microphones — choose an active hub with power. Such a hub ensures stable operation of all peripherals and eliminates connection errors.
Before purchasing, test your camera and microphone on DoCam.io.