One Cable to Rule Them All
Modern laptops sacrificed ports for thinness. USB-C hubs and docks expand a single connection into HDMI, USB-A, Ethernet, SD cards, and more. We tested 20 options.
Hub vs Dock
Hub ($25-$80): Compact, portable, bus-powered. Basic expansion for travel. Dock ($100-$350): AC-powered, permanent desk fixture. Powers laptop while providing extensive connectivity. One cable connects to monitors, keyboard, mouse, ethernet, and charges.
Best Budget Hub: Anker 7-in-1 ($34)
2x USB-A 3.0, HDMI 4K@30Hz, SD/microSD, USB-C data, 100W pass-through. Aluminum, solid ports. All you need for travel.
Best Travel Hub: CalDigit SOHO ($79)
HDMI 2.0 4K@60Hz — the key differentiator. Smooth external monitor at native refresh rate.
Best Desk Dock: CalDigit TS4 ($379)
Gold standard. 18 ports: 3x Thunderbolt 4 downstream, 5x USB-A, DP 1.4, 2.5Gb Ethernet, SD/microSD, 98W charging. Dual 4K@60Hz or single 6K. The last dock you’ll ever need.
Best Value Dock: Plugable UD-4VPD ($199)
Dual HDMI 4K@60Hz, 4x USB-A, Gigabit Ethernet, 100W charging. 90% of premium dock functionality at half the price.
Best for MacBook: Satechi TB4 Slim ($149)
Space gray aluminum matching Mac aesthetic. 3x TB4 downstream, USB-A, host charging. Compact enough to hide behind a monitor.
Compatibility Note
Not all USB-C ports are equal. TB4 docks need TB4 ports. Check your laptop specs before buying premium docks.
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