While there are many upgrades that were made with the new M1 MacBooks, one cannot deny a glaring downside that we’ve been going on about: the limited USB ports. These new MacBooks (like predecessors) have only two USB-C ports and a headphone jack, and that’s it (unless you’re getting the MacBook Pro 16″). Yes, USB-C is certainly an upgrade compared to the USB-A but having only two – one of which you’ll use for charging – can be limiting.
To get around this, the only thing you can do is to get a USB-C hub for your MacBook Pro. These hubs offer several ports of different kinds, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and even microSD card slots. Here are some of the best USB-C hubs not just for your MacBook Pro but also for other MacBook models as well.
Anker PowerExpand USB-C 7-in-2 Adapter
First on this list is the Anker PowerExpand USB-C 7-in-2 Adapter. It offers major expansion for your MacBook with its several ports for your convenience. This hub features 1 USB-C data port, 2 USB-A ports, 1 SD card slot, 1 HDMI port, and 1 microSD card slot. You can get all these in one compact adapter that you can fit almost anywhere.
The USB-C port that it features can support a huge charging power of up to 100W. You can also use this for quick data transfers, as it can transfer up to a speed of 40 Gb/s. Its HDMI port is also compatible with a resolution of 4K@30Hz. It’s an amazing tool that has virtually everything you need in a USB-C hub.
Satechi USB C Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter
If you’re only looking for something simple that gets the job done, the Satechi USB C Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter should be more than enough. This hub features 1 USB-C port, 3 USB-A ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 SD card slot, and 1 microSD card slot. While it doesn’t support high-speed data transfer, this adapter should be enough for your basic needs.
The HDMI port also supports 4K@60Hz, so that’s a plus. In addition, you won’t need to install any additional software to use this device. Just plug it in and you’re good to go. It’s also designed to be portable so you can carry it with you anywhere you go.
TOTU 11-in-1 Adapter with Ethernet
Another all-around USB-C hub for your MacBook Pro is the TOTU 11-in-1 Adapter with Ethernet. Yes, you do get a whopping 11 ports from this adapter. It offers USB-C and USB-A ports, along with HDMI and VGA ports. Plus, you also get an SD card slot, a microSD card slot, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. You can even connect your external hard drives through this adapter.
If you want to use an external keyboard, you can also plug it into this hub. Apart from this, the TOTU 11-in-1 Adapter also supports power charging of up to 100W. In addition, the USB-C port in this hub is not only for charging but also for quick data transfers.
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
If you have some extra cash to spare, you may also want to check out the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock. While it may be a bit heavy on the pocket, this hub is only one of the few that offers two Thunderbolt 3 ports. These ports also support high-speed data transfer. Aside from this, the dock also features 2 USB-A ports, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 DisplayPort port, and 1 3.5mm headphone jack.
While this adapter doesn’t deliver in quantity, it certainly does so in quality. This dock allows users to connect a 4K or 5K display. Hence, the Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock serves as an extension not just for connectivity but also for audio and video. It also comes with its own software that’s easy to use, so you’re sure that your data is safe.
Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock
Another USB-C hub that’s a little pricier than normal is the Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock. However, it’s definitely worth the extra cash. This adapter features USB ports, an HDMI port, UHS-II SD card readers, and even a 3.5mm headphone jack. You can use this port to charge your devices, whether you’re using USB-A or USB-C. Its USB-A port can transfer data of up to 5GB/s while its USB-C port up to 10Gb/s.
Thanks to this dock’s Smart Charging technology, it can charge up to 85W of power to your MacBook. In case you need it, this dock also features a Gigabit Ethernet port that supports faster speeds than usual. It’s also designed with durable, slim aluminum so you’re really paying for quality and efficiency here.
HyperDrive Pro 8-in-2 Hub
Want something a little more slim and sleek? The HyperDrive Pro 8-in-2 Hub is the way to go. it does connect to the two USB-C ports of your MacBook Pro but it does make it up by offering 8 new ports in place. These ports include a Thunderbolt 3 port, a USB-C port, 2 USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a Mini DisplayPort port, and a UHS-I port. This hub completely attaches to your MacBook Pro without leaving anything dangling below.
