Digital enriches its IT section with the opening of a comparison of USB-C hubs. True multi-sockets for laptops, these small boxes now undergo our laboratory test protocol.
USB-C hubs have been on the rise for several months. Benefiting from the boom in teleworking, these boxes allow computer users – especially laptops – to gain flexibility: connecting a single cable provides a multitude of USB ports, a video output, a network socket, a memory cards, and it can even pass the electric current to recharge the computer (Power Delivery). A veritable Swiss army knife for computers, the USB-C hub is very practical for those who alternate between teleworking and face-to-face: the user plugs or unplugs a single cable to connect his laptop to his workstation.
The models are extremely numerous, the prices varying from ten to several hundred euros. The cheapest are content to offer a few USB-A ports, while the most advanced offer laptop charging, a 4K video output at 60 fps, or even an integrated videoconferencing solution.
In order to guide you better, we present a comparison of USB-C hubs. The boxes are all tested according to a rigorous laboratory protocol. We first check whether the technical specifications are respected, in particular with regard to the video output, the network socket or the ability to hold the charge via Power Delivery. We also record the speeds on the various ports (USB, SD, network), as well as the operating temperature using our thermal camera.
Three models were tested for the opening of this comparison. The Anker PowerExpand+, which offers provided connectivity (network, 4K 60 Hz output, USB-A, USB-C, Power Delivery, SD, microSD), the Ugreen 7-in-1, which offers similar connectivity, finally the Belkin Dock Plus, a more upscale box that also manages two video outputs, the Thunderbolt 3 and even has audio connections (headphones / microphone). We’ll be adding more models over the weeks and we’ll do our best to hit all budgets to help you make an informed choice.