When choosing the right USB C hub for MacBook, it is important to choose a hub that works well with your existing devices. USB type C has the support of major tech industry players and it is being adopted as the new standard connection for personal computers.
It is therefore inevitable that you will find it on your new MacBook at the expense of traditional connection ports such as HDMI, USB 3.0, ethernet, VGA and SD card. When this happens, you will be forced to use adapters to plug in your old devices such as monitors and hard drives. However, finding a USB type C hub that works with your gear can be a difficult task for a lot of people.
So, before you start your shopping, it is important to read this guide to learn a few tips on how to go about it and ensure you choose the right hub.
Why do you need a hub?
There are a lot of reasons why you need to invest in a hub. Apple has provided its adapters and this includes a minimalist single USB type C to USB cable. You could connect your USB device or you could also charge your MacBook. However, you cannot do both at the same time.
This means that you need a multi-port adapter. Other types of laptops adopted this port and this led to the need for a different category of add-ons – multi-port USB type C hubs. It is a very simple process to buy a USB type C hub when buying other computer accessories online, but, in some cases, you will realize that your hub is not working as expected. That is why you need to ensure you buy the right one.
How to buy the right USB type C hub
Before you decide the type of USB type C hub you need to buy, you should look at the ports on your MacBook. If you have an SD card or HDMI built-in then you do not need to look for the ports on your new USB type C hub.
However, it is very important to know the sort of USB type C connection your laptop has. Whether it is USB 3.1, Thunderbolt 3or USB-C Gen 2 will make a difference to what you will be able to connect.
The trouble is that the type of USB type C is not always identified clearly. Some brands or models have spec sheets that list all the capabilities of a USB type C port. This is not the case for all.
Some budget laptops have a USB type C port that supports only USB data but have other ports such as Ethernet, HDMI, VGA, or SD card slot so you will need a USB type C hub.
Do not go for cheap hubs
When buying a USB C hub for MacBook, some people go for the cheapest brands on the market but you should understand that there are generic products that do not last or don’t even function properly. Make sure you buy your products from an authentic manufacturer.
