Whether it's charging devices, transferring photos, or connecting peripherals, almost everything seems to need a USB port. Of course, your computer or laptop only comes with so many built-in ports, which can make you feel like you're in some sort of USB-port desert. Thankfully, there is a solution.
USB hubs increase the number of devices you can connect, so you can escape the anxiety of having to decide what to unplug next time you need to charge something. Here are the best USB 3.0 hubs available today.
Anker 10-Port USB 3.0 hub
The Anker 10-port hub (about $40) has seven USB 3.0 data ports that offer transfer speeds of 5Gbps, so all your connections are super fast. Plus, it also has three dedicated ports for charging — all rated at 2.4 amps, which will keep your favorite devices charged.
The Wirecutter chose this USB hub as the best overall, saying:
This Anker hub is reliable for simultaneous USB 3.0 file transfers and device charging. It's also sturdy, designed with an LED indicator for each data port, equipped with a lengthy AC and USB cords for easy setup, and covered by an 18-month warranty.
Your cords, devices, and peripherals won't get tangled and disorganized because all 10 ports on the hub face upwards and are in a single row. Also, the Anker 10-Port USB 3.0 hub is compact, measuring in at just under six inches long and two inches wide. You don't have to worry about your desk feeling cluttered or having a giant eyesore at your workstation. If you're looking for a hub that will stay at your desk, the Anker 10-port hub is probably your best bet.
Anker Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 hub
Anker's Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 hub (about $10) doesn't require an external power source; you simply plug it into a USB port on your computer or laptop, and you're ready to go. It's also super slim, so it's great to stick into your laptop bag when you head out on the road.
With four USB 3.0 ports on the front, you get access to 5Gbps data transfer speeds that will keep all your downloads and uploads moving along smoothly.
If you only need a few more ports and want something that is extremely portable, it's hard to pass up on this hub with (4.2-star rating on Amazon from more than 4,000 reviews).
Anker AH231 hub
There isn't much difference between the Anker AH231 (about $50) and the 10-port Anker hub that's also on this list. They are the same size and have the same total number of ports, though only one of the ports on the Anker AH231 is dedicated to fast charging. This hub is perfect for people who need lots of extra ports for data.
Chosen as the top pick for a hub with more data ports, The Wirecutter had this to say:
If you do require that many connections, we couldn't find another hub with more than seven data ports that came close to the AH231 in design and performance — the other ones we tested all had deal-breaking flaws.
The charging port has the same 2.4-amp rating as the Anker 10-port hub and the same 5Gbps data transfer speeds, so you never have to worry about being unable to connect your favorite devices. If it's more data ports you need, the Anker AH231 should be your first choice.
Anker 3-Port hub with Ethernet
Best for Ethernet
Not having an Ethernet port on your laptop can be a drag, especially if you commonly travel to places that don't exactly know what Wi-Fi is. If you're also in the market for a USB 3.0 hub, why not combine the two?
This Anker hub (about $27) has three 5Gbps USB 3.0 ports in a row along the top, as well as a Gigabit Ethernet port on the front face of the hub. It's not quite as slim as some other portable options, but it will still fit into your laptop bag without a problem. The below video review and Ethernet testing by Roberto Jorge provide great insight into exactly what you can expect from this hub.
Considering it has a 4.3-star rating with more than 740 reviews on Amazon and an 18-month warranty, this should be a great addition to any traveler's bag.
AmazonBasics 7-Port USB 3.0 hub
Amazon's own line of products is often a go-to for many people, as evidenced by this hub's (about $27) four-star rating on Amazon with more than 7,400 ratings. With seven USB 3.0 ports delivering transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, you should have no problem connecting all your peripherals to your PC. Two of the ports also provide charging when the included power adapter is plugged in, but that is optional. The hub will also work just fine without being plugged in.
The wedge shape, brushed look, and lack of LEDs makes this device very low profile, and it can easily be hidden near the back of your desk or work area thanks to a USB cable that measures three feet. The ports are located on the sides and back of the hub, giving you the option to hide cable clutter. If you'd like a USB 3.0 port with seven hubs but don't need the glossy finish or LEDs when connected, this is the one for you.
Plugable seven-port USB 3.0 hub
Best for 3.0
With a 4.2-star rating on Amazon based on more than 2,500 ratings, this Plugable USB 3.0 hub (about $27) with seven ports is clearly a favorite. Because it's USB 3.0, you get transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, and blue LEDs above each port let you know that everything is working as it should.
All seven ports face the front of the glossy black hub, with two ports providing charging for your other devices. If you're using a USB 3.0 hub primarily to run a bunch of monitors, you'll be interested in the below video from Plugable where they run seven monitors from this hub and a few HDMI and DVI adapters.
With such a high rating on Amazon (Plugable takes customer service seriously), it's a great hub to keep on your desk, plugged into the wall when you need to expand your laptop or PC ports.
AUKEY USB-C to USB 3.0 adapter
Plenty of laptops these days use USB-C, but that doesn't mean you have to stop using your USB 3.0 hub.
This little adapter from AUKEY plugs into a USB-C port on your laptop, allowing you to then plug in a male USB 3.0 cable. When you aren't using your hub, the adapter can be used for pretty much any peripheral, and at roughly $7 for a two-pack, you might as well have a few of these around in case you need them.
Updated May 4, 2018: No changes this month, these are still the best USB 3.0 hubs you can buy.
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