The number of ports and combinations will vary, with most products offering between one and eight ports - though some may offer more. There are other ports available in USB-C hub adapters as well, but these are the most common options. This can be useful for tasks like gaming that require a stable connection. These are rarely included in hubs with multiple ports and are typically sold as adapter dongles.Įthernet ports allow you to connect to the internet via an Ethernet cable. VGA ports allow you to connect to an older monitor. These can be found in standard and micro sizes in USB-C hubs. SD card readers let you transfer data to and from SD memory cards. Of course, with more USB-C ports, you can plug in more USB-C devices.ģ.5mm ports allow you to plug in an audio output device, such as a pair of speakers or headphones. They can be used for charging (in either direction) and transferring data or video at up to 10Gbs. USB-C ports are something you should be familiar with if you’re purchasing a USB-C hub adapter. USB-A ports are what most people still think of when they hear the acronym “USB.” That’s the wider rectangle that flash drives and countless other devices from the past couple of decades have plugged into. How many ports do you want, and what types of ports are you looking for? This is the single most important factor to consider when choosing a USB-C hub adapter. As you shop, bear in mind what you intend to use your the for. The number of potential uses for a USB-C hub adapter is limited only by the number of ports and cables available. You want your laptop and computer to be compatible with just about everything. You want to plug in several devices with the same connectivity. You’re looking for a simple dongle to convert your USB-C port into another type of port. You’re looking to plug in an SD card, Ethernet cable, or HDMI cable. You have a laptop with no USB-A ports and need to connect some older devices. Why might a consumer be interested in a USB-C hub adapter? Here are some potential scenarios. USB-C ports are faster and more powerful than traditional USB-A ports, though they are not quite as fast as Thunderbolt 3.0 ports. Why buy a USB-C hub adapter?Ī USB-C hub adapter connects to a USB-C port, allowing multiple devices to connect for the purposes of data transfer, charging, and audio/video output. USB-C hub adapters can be useful for devices like tablets that lack the number and variety of ports offered by most laptops.