USB Hubs

How a USB Hub Works

A USB Hub can be described more or less as a power strip, but for USB devices instead of regular plugs.

Many devices connected to a computer use a USB cable and USB plug, and particularly for office work, there may be a need to connect many different devices.

For this reason, USB Hubs were invented, so you can easily accommodate all USB devices even if the computer originally has no space for so many devices.

Recently, many devices have become wireless, and therefore USB hubs are not quite as popular as before, though they are still used in situations where one is not satisfied with wireless devices, or where there is no option other than a wired connection.

To use a USB Hub, you simply need to follow these steps:

1. Insert the “single” USB cable from the USB Hub into a USB port on your computer.
2. You can now connect a certain number of devices to the available USB ports on the USB hub.
3. For devices that require a lot of power, or if you connect more than 4 devices to the same port, your USB Hub should have a power source to function optimally.

Although many computer devices can be purchased in wireless variants, many still prefer to charge their devices with cables.

This is one of the most popular uses of USB Hubs, as they allow you to charge many devices simultaneously from the same USB port.

By doing so, you can actually turn your phone charger into a version with up to 4 or even more slots for the whole family's smartphones, tablets, and other devices that need to be charged.

Read much more about how to choose the right USB Hub in our section below.

7 Things You Should Consider Before Choosing a USB Hub

Choosing the right USB Hub can be a bit difficult when looking at the somewhat overwhelming selection.

There are indeed a wide range of different technologies and factors you should be aware of, so you can be completely sure that the USB Hub you choose is the right one for your situation.

Read on below, where we go through the most important things to consider when buying a USB Hub.

#1 - The Different Types of USB Hubs

USB Hubs are available for all kinds of USB plugs, so you can be sure it fits your devices.

#1 - USB 2.0 Hub

USB 2.0 was first introduced back in 2000 and has a maximum data transfer speed of 480 Mbit/s.

USB 2.0 can still be found, typically on desktop computers, but is definitely the least widespread and worst variant still existing today.

If you have older devices that you want to connect, which only have USB 2.0, a USB Hub with this plug type is an easy and simple solution.

#2 - USB 3.0 Hub

USB 3.0 is significantly more efficient than 2.0, with speeds of up to 5 Gbit/s.

This standard was launched in 2008 and is still used in a vast number of devices, especially computers, televisions, and much more.

A USB Hub with this plug type ensures that you can connect many different devices using this standard.

#3 - USB-C Hub

USB-C has gradually become the new and absolutely best standard when it comes to USB plugs and cables in general.

Most computers still have 2.0 and 3.0 USB plugs available, but more and more manufacturers have started to focus heavily on USB-C devices instead.

USB-C is often much faster than the old standards for charging and ensures both super-fast charging and data transfer between your devices.

When it comes to data transfer, USB-C actually has no more speed than 3.0 since it uses the same underlying technology for file transfers.

#2 - How Many Devices Do You Wish to Connect?

USB Hubs come in many different sizes, typically with anything between 2-10 extra USB ports.

USB Hubs are also available in variations with several different USB types, where you can connect both USB-C and regular USB at the same time.

Before choosing a Hub, you should be completely sure about how many extra devices you wish to connect and select a USB Hub that fits this number.

#3 - USB Hub for Charging - Choose Fast Charge

If you want the absolute fastest charging for your many devices, you should look for the specification known as “Fast Charge.”

This feature ensures that the USB port is of this standard, which is designed to charge various devices super fast.

This way, you can charge your phone, tablet, or a wireless headset incredibly quickly so that you can use the device again quickly without having to wait too long for charging.

#4 - Do You Need to Transfer Large Files? Choose Hi-Speed for Fast Data Transfer

Charging is not the only use for USB Hubs; you can also transfer countless files with USB cables in a USB Hub.

To ensure that the transfer is quick and secure, you should choose "hi-speed" variants.

This ensures the most stable transfer and the fastest transfer speeds, which is especially for those who want to transfer large files of many GB.

#5 - USB Hub with Power Supply (Active USB Hub)

Some devices require significantly more power than others; therefore, you may encounter a need for a so-called “active USB Hub.”

This simply means that the USB Hub has a power supply that it uses for the devices you have connected.

This is necessary if you connect many devices or devices that require a lot of power to function optimally.

However, it is not necessary for normal devices that do not consume large amounts of power, such as a standard keyboard, mouse, or other standard devices.

#6 - USB Hub with Card Reader

A USB Hub with a card reader allows you to insert various data storage cards into your Hub and read them directly to your computer without other devices or transfers.

This is often an advantage because it can be difficult to transfer files from an SD card to your computer from, for example, a camera, phone, or other device.

You simply connect your Hub as usual and typically have 2 or more ports that fit various SD cards, primarily SD or micro SD.

You will then be able to open the files on your computer and save them there if desired.

#7 - The Design of Your USB Hub - Built-in USB Hub?

The last, and also least important thing for most, is the design and appearance of your USB Hub.

USB Hubs come in incredibly many different shapes and colors, but primarily in neutral colors that match most computer setups.

You can also choose a variant designed to be built into your desk.

This way, you actually have a USB Hub directly down into your table without it taking up physical space on the table, as it is flush-mounted into the table itself.

This is especially advantageous for you who need as much space as possible on your work desk or just for those who want a more streamlined look for their desk.