Attractive in their price and promise, these small, low-cost USB hubs seem like the ideal solution for multiplying your ports in the blink of an eye. However, behind this apparent simplicity lies a far less glamorous reality: repeated bugs, data loss, and unstable peripherals.
A USB hub isn't just an extension cable: it's a real electronic component responsible for managing both data transfer and power supply. However, on entry-level models, this management is sloppy. The result: an external hard drive that disconnects without warning, a webcam that freezes in the middle of a video chat, or a headset that cuts out in the middle of a game.
The heart of the problem? A minimalist design that shares the limited resources of a single USB port among all connected devices. Cost-effective for the manufacturer, disastrous for the user: plummeting performance, erratic reliability, and guaranteed frustration.
The two silent enemies of USB hubs: bandwidth and power
When I first started testing different USB hubs, I naively assumed they would all boost my connectivity. Spoiler: they don't. And there are two major reasons why these little accessories sometimes become real hassles: bandwidth and power .
1. Bandwidth: the highway that quickly gets clogged
Imagine a beautiful, brand-new highway. A USB 3.0 Type-A port, for example, can reach 5 Gbps . Sounds huge, right? Except, when you plug in a four-port hub, you're not building four highways… you're just splitting the one you had. And that's where things get complicated.
During my tests, I simultaneously connected an external hard drive to copy 4K videos and a capture card to record a webcam. As a result, the hard drive gobbled up almost all the bandwidth and... the webcam gave up. The image was frozen, the sound was choppy, and sometimes even completely disconnected. However, with a keyboard and mouse plugged into the same hub, there was no problem: these devices consume very little data.
2. Power supply: the hidden power behind your peripherals
During my testing, I quickly realized that bandwidth wasn't the only factor to watch out for: power supply plays an equally crucial role.
Each USB port has a limited power capacity. A USB 2.0 delivers approximately 2.5 watts , while a USB 3.0 port can deliver up to 4.5 watts . The problem is that these watts must be shared among all the devices connected to the hub.
In one test, I simultaneously plugged an RGB mechanical keyboard , a 4K webcam , and an external hard drive into an unpowered hub. The result: the hard drive intermittently disconnected, the webcam lost signal, and the keyboard flickered like a Christmas tree… but not for good reasons. In some extreme cases, this overload can even weaken your motherboard's USB port in the long run.
💡Test tip : For a complex setup or with multiple power-hungry peripherals, forget about “self-powered” hubs that draw all their power from the computer. Opt for a USB hub with an external power supply . Thanks to its power adapter, it provides stable and sufficient current for all your devices, even under heavy use.
So, how do you choose the right USB hub?
After testing numerous models, one thing is clear: the USB hub market is saturated and there are plenty of options. However, by asking the right questions, it's easy to find a model that meets your needs. Here's a review structured around three user profiles.
For the casual user
When it's simply a matter of connecting a mouse, keyboard, or USB flash drive, a self-powered USB 2.0 or 3.0 hub is more than sufficient. These models, often available for less than €20, are ideal for typical office or home use.
Testing advice : reserve the computer's main ports for more demanding peripherals and let the hub manage low-power accessories.
For the content creator and the remote worker
For a setup that includes an HD webcam, a high-quality USB microphone, or an external sound card, it's best to upgrade to a USB Type-C hub or docking station. These more expensive models typically offer multiple port types (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.) and provide better bandwidth and power management.
Testing observed : High-end USB-C hubs showed near-zero latency when using video and audio simultaneously.
For professionals and demanding users
Streamers, graphic designers, or video editors handling multiple power-hungry devices (external hard drives, 4K capture cards, professional audio interfaces, etc.) should definitely turn to a mains-powered USB hub. USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt-compatible models guarantee optimal throughput and impeccable stability.
Results observed in the studio : a mains-powered hub allowed two SSD drives, a capture card, and an XLR USB microphone to be connected simultaneously, without any interruptions or performance losses.
High-end hubs: when performance rhymes with reliability
Unlike entry-level models that are limited to duplicating ports, high-end hubs, often called " docking ," are designed to meet professional needs and intensive uses.
These devices not only feature fast USB ports (USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt), but also advanced features such as multi-screen management via HDMI or DisplayPort outputs, as well as Ethernet connectivity for a stable wired connection. Their strong point is their external power supply, which provides the power needed to power multiple power-hungry devices simultaneously.
Investing in a high-end hub means acquiring a true connectivity center capable of handling massive data transfers, maintaining consistent performance, and powering numerous devices without faltering, all in a single, compact and reliable package.
Some models worth studying
Among the most notable models on the market, we tested three very complete hubs: the PULWTOP Powered USB C Hub with 72W Adapter , the RSHTECH 7-Port USB 3.2/USB C Hub , and the VANGREE 3.2 17-Port 96W Powered USB Hub . Here is our analysis.
1. PULWTOP Powered USB C Hub with 72W Adapter
Key Features:
Powerful 72W power adapter ensures stable power for all devices.
Multiple fast USB 3.0 ports for high-speed data transfer (up to 5 Gbps).
USB-C PD (Power Delivery) connectivity allows you to simultaneously charge a laptop while using the other ports.
Solid construction, compact design and good heat dissipation.
2. RSHTECH 7-Port USB 3.2/USB C Hub
Key Features:
7 ports including USB 3.2 Gen 1 for 5 Gbps transfers.
USB-C PD for charging up to 60W.
Plug-and-play interface with no driver required.
Ergonomic design with LED activity indicator.
3. VANGREE 3.2 17 Ports 96W Powered USB Hub
Key Features:
Ultra complete with 10 USB 3.2 ports for 5 Gbps transfers.
3 QC 2.4 fast charging ports (Quick Charge 24W).
2 additional USB-C 3.2 ports.
Built-in SD/TF card reader.
Massive 96W power delivery via AC adapter.
PULWTOP Powered USB C Hub
Overall rating: ⭐ 4.3 / 5
✅ Highlights
- Numerous ports to connect multiple devices simultaneously
- External power supply for optimal stability
- Fast transfer via USB 3.0 ports up to 5 Gbps
- Solid and elegant aluminum alloy housing
- Good heat dissipation to prevent overheating
❌ Weak points
- Small footprint on a small desk
- No built-in SD card reader
- Power cable a little short
💬 User reviews
- ⭐ 4.3/5: Reliable and powerful hub, ideal for modern offices, with stable power for all your peripherals.
RSHTECH Powered USB Hub
Overall rating: ⭐ 4.3 / 5
✅ Highlights
- 4 high-speed USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps)
- External power supply for optimal stability
- Strong and durable aluminum housing
- Wide compatibility with Windows, macOS and Linux
❌ Weak points
- Requires a charger
💬 User reviews
- ⭐ 4.3/5: Reliable and practical hub, perfect for connecting multiple devices simultaneously with stable power supply.
VANGREE Powered USB Hub
Overall rating: ⭐ 4.8 / 5
✅ Highlights
- 17 ports including USB-A 3.0, USB-C 3.0, and fast charging ports
- 96W external power supply ensures stable power
- Data transfer up to 10 Gbps for increased speed
- Wide compatibility with various operating systems
- Built-in surge and short circuit protection
❌ Weak points
- Space requirement due to its external power supply
- Higher power consumption compared to some hubs without power supply
💬 User reviews
- ⭐ 4.8/5: Excellent hub for reliably connecting and powering many devices.
Final Verdict on USB Hubs
Price or port count aren't reliable indicators of a USB hub's quality. What may seem like a bargain at $10 can quickly turn into a source of frustration and instability.
A USB hub isn't just a port multiplier, but a true controller responsible for managing both data flow and power supply. For demanding configurations, it's recommended to invest in a quality model, ideally mains-powered, to ensure stable and reliable performance over the long term.
Ultimately, the savings made by opting for a low-end hub often come at a much higher cost in lost time, interruptions, and technical issues. A thoughtful choice can help avoid these inconveniences and maintain the fluidity of the IT ecosystem.
