As technology has slowly evolved, I’ve found that I’m missing more and more ports on my devices, specifically my super slim, light-as-air work laptop.
So, I’ve always got a USB-Hub stashed in my bag, because I always have way too many things to connect. And, as it turns out, I’m not the only one in the office with this problem, because Len has gone ahead and stolen my favourite USB Hub and used it for himself.
Just so this problem never happens to you, I thought I’d draw up a quick list of three different USB Hubs that are on sale right now. That way, you’ll never be a port short and a dollar shy.
Volkano Expand Series 5 in 1 Type C to Multi USB HUB
Price: R299, marked down from R399
Get it here
Kicking things off with something nice and simple, we’ve got the Volkano Expand Series 5-in-1 USB Hub.
This hub connects to your main device via USB-C and then offers 1x USB Type-C PD 60 Watt port, 1x USB Type-C 5Gbps port, 1x USB Type-A 3.0 5Gbps port, and 2x USB Type-A 2.0 480 Mbps ports.
While it isn’t packing the most powerful or the most versatile ports a USB Hub can offer, it’s an easy pickup for anyone just looking to expand the amount of ports they currently have. The 60W PD port is perfect for keeping your mobile device juiced up, while the 5Gbps USB-C and USB-A ports are great for connecting thumb drives to.
Plus, at just R299, it’s a great device to have slipped into your laptop bag.
UGreen 45520 USB-C 11-In-1 Docking Station
Price: R889, marked down from R999
Get it here
Stepping up the game a little, we have the UGreen 45520 USB-C 11-in-1 Docking Station.
Again, we have a USB-C cable that connects to your host device, but this little beauty packs a lot more than just USB expansion. Here we get 2x USB Type-C 10Gbps ports, 1x USB-A 10Gbps port, 1x USB-A 5Gbps port, 1x HDMI 4k@60Hz port, 1x VGA 1080p@60Hz port, 1x RJ45 1Gbps ethernet port, an SD/TF Card Slot and a 3.5mm Audio jack.
This hub also supports dual output from both the HDMI and VGA slots; however, in this mode, you can only get 1080p resolution out of the ports. You also get up to 100W power delivery on the USB Type-C ports.
P.S. for anyone counting, I only get to 10…
Belkin Connect Universal USB-C 8-in-1 Dual Display Core Hub
Price: R1,795, marked down from R2,799
Get it here
If you’d like to take your USB hubbing a step even further, then you may want to grab yourself the Belkin Connect Universal USB-C 8-in-1 Dual Display Core Hub.
That’s a long name.
This USB hub is also connected to your host via a USB-C port, but the trick up its sleeve is the dual display HDMI ports available on one side of the device.
Alongside the dual HDMI ports, which allow for simultaneous connection at 4K@60Hz on one port and 4K@30Hz on the other, you also get 2x USB Type-C 10Gbps ports, a USB Type-C 100W PD port, 2x USB Type-A 5Gbps ports, and a 1Gbps RJ45 ethernet port.
If you’re a multi-monitor user with full HDMI displays, this sleek-looking hub is probably the one to aim for. It might be pricier than the rest, but the driverless Silicon Motion-backed dual monitor support is not something that comes cheap.
So, whether you’re just looking to add a few more USB ports to your device or completely dock up your portable setup, there’s definitely a USB hub on sale for you.
Got any other nifty gadgets you carry around in your laptop bag? Let us know what they are in the comments below!
