Best USB hubs for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub takes the top spot for its perfect balance of port variety, reliable performance, and approachable price.
The CalDigit TS3 Plus is the premium choice for power users who need Thunderbolt 3 speed, while the Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub delivers solid functionality at a budget-friendly cost.
A USB hub is one of those small upgrades that makes a huge difference to your daily workflow. As laptops shed ports in favor of slim profiles, even simple tasks like plugging in a mouse, a monitor, or an SD card can become a frustrating game of dongle Tetris. The right hub restores those essential connections without adding clutter or complexity. When choosing a hub, focus on three things: the ports you actually need (HDMI for an external display, USB-A for old peripherals, SD card for photography), whether you need power delivery to charge your laptop through the hub, and the data speed you require. USB-C hubs cap at around 10Gbps, while Thunderbolt 3 docks can reach 40Gbps. Your laptop’s port and your workflow will dictate which is worth the extra cost.
Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 strikes a near-perfect compromise: enough ports for most setups, reliable 60W power delivery, and a compact build that travels well. It won’t drive dual 4K displays, but for a single monitor plus standard accessories, it’s tough to beat at this price point.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock
the power user’s workhorse
4.8out of 5The CalDigit TS3 Plus is the gold standard for Thunderbolt 3 docks, offering blazing 40Gbps speeds, daisy-chaining options, and a wealth of ports including DisplayPort and dual USB-C. It’s overkill for casual use, but for creative professionals and multi-monitor setups, it’s an investment that pays off in speed and stability.
Price range: $$$$
Check price on Amazon →Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub
the budget-friendly essential
4.4out of 5The Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub proves you don’t need to spend much to get a functional hub. It covers the basics, HDMI, Ethernet, two USB-A ports, SD, microSD, and USB-C power delivery. The trade-off is that performance feels slightly slower under load, and the build is all plastic, but for the price it’s a solid entry point.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who needs a reliable everyday hub for a single external monitor, wired internet, an | Check price → |
| Runner-up | CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock | 4.8 / 5 | $$$$ | Creative pros and power users who need maximum bandwidth, multiple high-resolution externa | Check price → |
| Best value | Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub | 4.4 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious users who need a basic hub for home or office use without spending a lot. | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Belkin 7-in-1 USB-C Hub | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Users who value aesthetics and brand reliability and need a basic hub for a single externa | Check price → |
| Editor's pick | Dell WD19S Thunderbolt Dock | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Dell laptop users in a corporate or fixed-desk environment who need a powerful, reliable d | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 strikes a near-perfect compromise: enough ports for most setups, reliable 60W power delivery, and a compact build that travels well. It won’t drive dual 4K displays, but for a single monitor plus standard accessories, it’s tough to beat at this price point.
Pros
- Compact and portable design with a short, attached cable
- power delivery keeps most laptops charged through the hub
- Includes HDMI, Ethernet, SD, microSD, two USB-A, and one USB-C data port
- Build quality is solid with an aluminum shell that resists overheating
Cons
- HDMI output is limited to 4K at 30Hz on some laptops
- No Thunderbolt support; data speed caps at USB 3.0 rates
- Ethernet port is only 100Mbps on certain units (check revision)
Who it’s for
Anyone who needs a reliable everyday hub for a single external monitor, wired internet, and a handful of USB-A peripherals.Who should skip it
You need to run dual 4K displays or work with high-speed external SSDs that saturate USB 3.1 Gen 2 speeds.2. CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock: the power user’s workhorse
Runner-upThe CalDigit TS3 Plus is the gold standard for Thunderbolt 3 docks, offering blazing 40Gbps speeds, daisy-chaining options, and a wealth of ports including DisplayPort and dual USB-C. It’s overkill for casual use, but for creative professionals and multi-monitor setups, it’s an investment that pays off in speed and stability.
Pros
- Two Thunderbolt 3 ports support daisy-chaining and 40Gbps data transfer
- Drives two 4K displays at 60Hz or a single 5K display
- Abundant ports: 5x USB-A, 2x USB-C, DisplayPort, Ethernet, SD, and audio
- power delivery can charge most laptops at full speed
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than most USB-C hubs
- Large desktop footprint; not travel-friendly
- No HDMI port, requires adapter for HDMI monitors
Who it’s for
Creative pros and power users who need maximum bandwidth, multiple high-resolution external displays, and the ability to daisy-chain peripherals.Who should skip it
You only have a USB-C laptop (not Thunderbolt 3) or your workflow never exceeds a single monitor and a few USB devices.3. Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub: the budget-friendly essential
Best valueThe Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub proves you don’t need to spend much to get a functional hub. It covers the basics, HDMI, Ethernet, two USB-A ports, SD, microSD, and USB-C power delivery. The trade-off is that performance feels slightly slower under load, and the build is all plastic, but for the price it’s a solid entry point.
Pros
- Very affordable, often less than half the cost of premium hubs
- Includes a dedicated Ethernet port and both SD and microSD slots
- power delivery is enough for most ultrabooks
- Compact and lightweight for tossing in a bag
Cons
- Plastic construction feels less durable than aluminum rivals
- HDMI output limited to 4K at 30Hz and can be finicky with some displays
- Data transfer speeds cap at USB 3.0 (5Gbps) rather than 10Gbps
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious users who need a basic hub for home or office use without spending a lot.Who should skip it
You need high-speed data transfers, a premium feel, or plan to rely on the hub for daily charging of a larger laptop.4. Belkin 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: the polished alternative
Runner-upBelkin’s 7-in-1 hub offers a refined design with a short, integrated cable and a compact footprint that matches thin laptops well. It includes HDMI (4K at 30Hz), Ethernet, SD, microSD, two USB-A ports, and 60W pass-through charging. It’s a great runner-up to the Anker, slightly pricier but with a more premium finish.
Pros
- Sleek, low-profile design that looks great next to a laptop
- Cable length is just right for desk use without clutter
- Reliable power delivery with stable handshake during charging
- Includes both SD and microSD card slots for photographers
Cons
- Only one USB-C port (used for host connection and charging, no extra USB-C data port)
- HDMI is limited to 4K at 30Hz; no DisplayPort option
- Slightly more expensive than comparable Anker hubs with similar specs
Who it’s for
Users who value aesthetics and brand reliability and need a basic hub for a single external monitor and card reads.Who should skip it
You need a second USB-C port for data, or you want the best value in the mid-range category.5. Dell WD19S Thunderbolt Dock: the corporate all-star
Editor's pickThe Dell WD19S is a business-class Thunderbolt dock that prioritizes reliability and compatibility with Dell laptops, especially Latitude and XPS lines. It drives dual 4K displays at 60Hz, delivers up to 90W charging, and offers a broad port selection including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet. It’s not cheap, but IT departments love it for a reason.
Pros
- Dual DisplayPort plus HDMI allow flexible multi-monitor setups
- power delivery can charge a laptop even under heavy load
- Thunderbolt 3 speeds with 40Gbps bandwidth for fast external drives
- Tool-free interchangeable tip system for different Dell laptop connectors
Cons
- Bulky design with an external power brick, not portable
- USB-C host cable is proprietary and short
- Best performance unlocked only with Dell laptops using the correct drivers
Who it’s for
Dell laptop users in a corporate or fixed-desk environment who need a powerful, reliable dock with multiple 4K display support.Who should skip it
You own a non-Dell laptop (compatibility issues can arise) or you travel often and need something lightweight.Best for specific needs
Best for portability
If you frequently move between desks or work from coffee shops, a compact hub that fits in your laptop sleeve is essential. The Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 strikes the best balance between size and performance, its short attached cable, slim aluminum body, and solid port selection mean you can grab and go without fuss. For a lighter wallet, the Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub is even more pocketable and costs noticeably less. Our pick: Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub.
Best for creative professionals
Photographers, video editors, and designers need high bandwidth for external SSDs and the ability to drive multiple high-resolution monitors. The CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock delivers 40Gbps speeds, dual 4K at 60Hz, and daisy-chaining for Thunderbolt peripherals. Its extensive port selection, including SD card slot and audio in/out, makes it a true desktop workstation hub for Mac and PC pros alike. Our pick: CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock.
Best for business and corporate setups
In a fixed office environment where reliability and IT manageability matter most, the Dell WD19S Thunderbolt Dock is a top contender. It provides consistent 90W charging, a wide range of legacy and modern ports, and specialized compatibility with Dell laptops. For IT departments that deploy standardized hardware, this dock minimizes support calls and keeps teams productive. Our pick: Dell WD19S Thunderbolt Dock.
Our verdict
Whether you’re outfitting a minimalist travel setup or building a full professional workstation, the right hub can eliminate cable swapping and keep your workflow smooth. For most people, the Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub hits the sweet spot of price, port selection, and build quality. If your needs are greater, multiple 4K monitors, high-speed file transfers, or a corporate deployment, the CalDigit TS3 Plus or Dell WD19S are worth the premium. And if you’re on a tight budget, the Plugable USB-C 7-in-1 Hub proves that even an inexpensive hub can do the job well.