Will fast charging damage your devices?

Simply put, fast charging will reduce your battery life slightly more quickly over a long period than standard charging speeds, but it's far from the most significant factor in battery longevity. Things like heat, cold, and how frequently you recharge have a much more substantial effect.

What's the difference between USB-A and USB-C?

The letter following the USB indicates the physical design of the port. USB-A are the large, square, more familiar ports, and USB-C is the newer, smaller oval ports found on many modern Android smartphones. USB-C is an upgrade in almost every way over USB-A, but perhaps most importantly, USB-C is double-sided, which means less fumbling to get it correctly oriented.

What happens if you plug a USB 3.0 device into a USB 2.0 port?

The USB standard is backward compatible, so USB 3.0 will work fine with USB 2.0 or even USB 1.1. Data transfer rates limit the older USB standards, so data transfers will take longer as you go backward. For instance, when plugging a USB 3.0-ready hard drive into a USB 2.0 port and initiating a data transfer, you will see only USB 2.0 transfer speeds—up to 480Mbps as opposed to 5Gbps. They work fine, but USB 2.0 and below are slower.

The Best USB Hubs of 2024

The best USB hubs include four or more ports to expand the total number of usable spaces. Most are designed for data transfers and file syncing, but some will charge your devices. More capable USB hubs have additional ports, such as USB-C or HDMI, and can be used to connect multiple devices.

in this article

Our Picks
What to Look For in a USB Hub
FAQ

Best Overall

Anker USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 10-Port USB Data Hub

Amazon

View On Amazon $60 View On Anker $75

Pros

Supports fast data transfers
Easy to use and hot-swappable
Dedicated power supply
Built-in surge protection

Cons

Has only USB ports
Just one fast-charging port

This hub from Anker features ten ports, all of which are USB 3.0, supporting data transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps. That means you can transfer data between devices in seconds or minutes rather than hours. Bright blue LEDs illuminate the ports at the hub's top when powered on, offering an attractive, futuristic glow.

One of the ten ports delivers fast charging at speeds up to 2A, while the other nine provide 0.9A each. An integrated surge protector ensures electrical issues won’t damage devices plugged in. Hot swapping is also possible, so you can plug and unplug devices while connected to a computer without rebooting or shutting it down.

The hub comes with a 2.6-foot USB 3.0 cable and a power adapter. It’s easy to set up, simple to use and has a minimal, albeit attractive, design.

_{Interface: USB, DisplayPort, Ethernet, HDMI, USB 3.0 | Number of Ports: 10 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5Gbps}

Anker USB 3.0 SuperSpeed 10-Port Hub Review

Most Compact

uni 4-Port Aluminum USB 3.0 Hub

Amazon

View On Amazon $12

Pros

Sleek and durable aluminum chassis
Supports fast data and simultaneous transfers
Nylon braided USB cable built-in
Safety chip for hub and connected devices

Cons

No dedicated power
Rounded underside slides on flat surfaces

This ultra-slim, four-port USB hub from Uni is one of the more compact options, making it ideal for tossing in a backpack, handbag, or luggage. A flexible, braided nylon cable is built into the unit, so you never have to worry about leaving it behind. An optional variant is available, which still has the built-in cable but is much larger at 4 feet long.

The hub supports fast data transfers up to 5Gbps for expanding USB ports or connecting multiple devices. It also has USB on the go and simultaneous transfers across all ports. It’s plug-and-play, and no extra drivers are needed for PC, Mac, or select versions of Linux (2.6.14 or later). An integrated safety chip offers overcurrent, overcharge, overvoltage, overheat, and short-circuit protection for both the hub and any connected devices.

The durable aluminum shell rounds out the features list and offers a sleek look. It matches particularly well with aluminum Chromebooks, laptops, and most MacBooks.

_{Interface: USB | Number of Ports: 4 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5Gbps}

Best Design

WENTER Powered USB 3.0 Hub

Amazon

View On Amazon $39

Pros

11 ports total; seven USB 3.0 and four with fast charging
Dedicated power supply
On/off power switches for every port
Fast data transfers

Cons

No safety features
Power and USB cables must be connected

This massive, 11-port USB data hub from Wenter is uniquely designed. All 11 ports are USB 3.0, but four (marked in red) support fast charging for mobile devices up to 2.4A. Each port has a corresponding power switch with an LED indicator to match, so you can turn individual ports on and off without cutting power to the entire hub. The LEDs will flicker when data transfers are happening to help you discern which ports are currently in use.

It has a power adapter and a dedicated power supply, which makes sense considering it’s so large. It should be noted that both the power and main USB cable must be connected for it to work. The chassis is plastic, so no premium materials were used here, but it’s so big it’s hard to imagine anyone breaking this thing without some serious force. It’s about the size of your average surge protector and measures 7.9 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches.

It’s not exactly portable, but it’s certainly a good option for anyone who needs a massive boost in available USB ports. The option to fast-charge four mobile devices at once is ultra-convenient. Moreover, it’s plug-and-play compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems.

_{Interface: USB 3.0 | Number of Ports: 11 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5Gbps}

Most Versatile

Sabrent 4-Port

Amazon

View On Amazon $16 View On Walmart $17 View On B&H Photo Video $17

Pros

All four USB ports are 3.0
Fast data transfers
LED indicators with on/off switches
Built-in USB cable

Cons

Data transfer only
No premium materials

This relatively compact, four-port USB 3.0 hub works with Mac and PC devices but only supports data transfers—no charging. It has a built-in USB cable that’s 8 inches long and offers decent maneuverability.

You’ll notice right away it features brilliant blue LED indicators for each port, with an on/off switch for each one. You can turn individual ports on or off without cutting power to the rest of the hub. Each port supports fast data transfers up to 5Gbps; the unit is plug-and-play and hot-swap compatible.

_{Interface: USB 3.0 Type A | Number of Ports: 4 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5Gbps}

Best Budget

Wonkegonke 4-Port Mini USB 3.0 Hub

Amazon

View On Amazon $6

Pros

Super sleek and portable
Built-in USB cable with damage protection
Rugged but lightweight metal chassis
Fast data transfers

Cons

Only one USB 3.0 port
No dedicated power supply

Forget the silly brand name—this four-port mini USB hub from Wonkegonke is anything but. Wonkegonke didn’t just slap the "mini" moniker on it for no reason; it's sleek and ultra-portable at just 0.27 inches thick. The built-in USB cable adds convenience, while the rugged but light metal housing keeps it protected even in the messiest of handbags or backpacks. A damage-resistant shell also surrounds the cable.

It features one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports on the side. The 3.0 port can handle fast data transfers up to 5Gbps, but it is a shame there’s only one. There is no dedicated power, and it doesn't support charging.

The trade-offs mean this isn’t the ideal device for home or office setups, but it's a good choice for anyone constantly on the move with many devices in tow.

_{Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0 | Number of Ports: 4 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5Gbps}

Best High Capacity

ACASIS 16-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub

Amazon

View On Amazon $70

Pros

All 16 ports are USB 3.0
Durable aluminum chassis
Built-in surge protection
Fast data transfers and fast charging

Cons

Not ideal for travel
Connection latency for offset ports

If the number of ports is your biggest concern, the Acasis 16-port USB hub is one of the biggest. All 16 ports are USB 3.0, and they all support fast charging up to 2.1A and data transfers up to 5Gbps. There are no compromises, no ports left behind—just full functionality across the entire unit. There are also seven- and ten-port variants if you want something slightly smaller.

This beast is almost 9 inches long and weighs 1.8 pounds. Every port has a power switch and a bright blue LED indicator. You can turn ports on and off individually, and the light will tell you what’s powered and in use. It’s plug-and-play compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux systems. It has a built-in surge protector to keep all your devices and the hub safe and secure from electrical failures.

The chassis is aluminum, so it’s rugged yet lightweight, and it looks great, too. This is the ultimate hub for anyone who wants to connect several devices or transfer data from multiple USB sources simultaneously. It's worth noting that when plugged into a computer, there is some connection latency for the higher-count ports. But the first four ports are fast and responsive.

_{Interface: USB 3.0 | Number of Ports: 16 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 5 Gbps}

Best for Apple

CalDigit TS3 Plus

Amazon

View On Amazon $172 View On Adorama.com $300 View On Apple $250

Pros

Wide range of ports
Professional grade build quality
Designed to fit the apple aesthetic

Cons

Expensive

There's no getting around the fact that almost $300 is an eye-watering price for a USB hub, but with the CalDigit TS3 Plus, you get a level of quality that helps make up for the sticker shock. There's no doubt the TS3 Plus is a tool built for professionals, and its space grey color scheme is designed to match your Apple hardware. It's built tough and made to last.

The TS3 Plus allows you to maximize the capabilities of a Thunderbolt 3 connection. It features two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one DisplayPort 1.2 port, five USB 3.1 Type-A ports, two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, an SD Card Reader (SD 4.0 UHS-II), a Digital Optical Audio (S/PDIF) port 1x Gigabit, Ethernet, an Analog Audio In, and an Analog Audio Out port.

It's capable of outputting to dual 4K displays (or a single 5K display), has 10 GB/s USB 3.1 Gen. 2 capability, and can charge Thunderbolt 3 laptops with 85W power delivery. It's also designed to be used horizontally or vertically to better accommodate different setups.

_{Interface: Thunderbolt 3 | Number of Ports: 15 | Data Transfer Rate: Up to 10 Gbps}

What to Look For in a USB Hub

Number of Ports

There is no ideal number - it just depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something lightweight and portable, you’ll want to choose something with fewer ports, sacrificing quantity. If you want something with many ports, you’ll choose a much larger hub, sacrificing portability. Typically, the smaller hubs have about three or four ports, while the larger ones can have as many as 16 or more.

Versatility

Some USB ports offer additional functionality such as fast charging, extra ports, and sometimes extra hardware like an SD card reader. If you need only the standard USB ports, then it doesn’t matter what else the hub offers. However, if you want something with a little more versatility, consider some of those extra features.

HooToo USB-C Hub 6-in-1 — Lifewire / Jonno Hill

Compatibility

Almost all hubs are plug-and-play and hot-swappable. The former means they can plug into most computers; you don’t need to install drivers or third-party software. The latter means you can plug in, unplug, and remove USB devices while the hub is plugged into a computer without rebooting the system. For added compatibility, it depends on what ports and functions are available. A USB-C port, for example, ensures compatibility with Apple devices and other USB-C systems like Chromebooks.

Safety Features

Surge, overcharge, and overvoltage protection are essential, especially when several devices are simultaneously plugged into a hub. They’re also crucial when transferring data, especially if a hard or flash drive is plugged in. An energy surge can corrupt the data and ruin those drives.

FAQ

Will fast charging damage your devices?

Simply put, fast charging will reduce your battery life slightly more quickly over a long period than standard charging speeds, but it's far from the most significant factor in battery longevity. Things like heat, cold, and how frequently you recharge have a much more substantial effect.
What's the difference between USB-A and USB-C?

The letter following the USB indicates the physical design of the port. USB-A are the large, square, more familiar ports, and USB-C is the newer, smaller oval ports found on many modern Android smartphones. USB-C is an upgrade in almost every way over USB-A, but perhaps most importantly, USB-C is double-sided, which means less fumbling to get it correctly oriented.
What happens if you plug a USB 3.0 device into a USB 2.0 port?

The USB standard is backward compatible, so USB 3.0 will work fine with USB 2.0 or even USB 1.1. Data transfer rates limit the older USB standards, so data transfers will take longer as you go backward. For instance, when plugging a USB 3.0-ready hard drive into a USB 2.0 port and initiating a data transfer, you will see only USB 2.0 transfer speeds—up to 480Mbps as opposed to 5Gbps. They work fine, but USB 2.0 and below are slower.