How do you choose a USB hub?

USB hubs; at first glance, they all look alike. But every USB hub is different and has its own functions and possibilities. When choosing a suitable hub, ask yourself the following questions:

• Which USB ports do you need?
• Which ports does your laptop or PC have?
• Do you want a USB hub with power supply?
• Do you want a USB hub with a network port?

Always think about the type of USB ports you need. Do you only want to connect your USB-A mouse, or do you also want to plug in your USB-C headset? Adjust your choice accordingly by choosing a USB hub with both USB-A ports and a USB-C port, for example. The number of USB ports on the hub is of course also important. Make sure there's space for all your peripherals.

First check the port on your PC or laptop. Do you have a USB-C or USB-A port? Adjust your choice of a hub accordingly. Next, check the USB version of your laptop or PC. If the laptop has a USB-A 3.0 version, you obviously don't want to lose that speed to a slower USB 2.0 hub. That's why you should always consider a USB hub with the same USB version as your laptop or PC.

A USB hub without a power supply distributes all energy from the USB port of the laptop or PC among the various connected devices. This is approximately 500mA. If you connect many devices at the same time, you may run out of power for all ports. To prevent this, choose a USB hub with a power supply. This way, you make sure that there's enough power for all devices: an average of 500mA per device.

Not all laptops have a port to connect a network cable. If you still want wired internet on your laptop, a USB hub with an Ethernet port will offer a solution. This way, you have access to a wired network connection and have extra USB ports at your disposal at the same time.