Best USB-C Hubs and Docking Stations for Laptops 2025

Quick Summary

Modern laptops often sacrifice port variety for slim designs. USB-C hubs and docking stations restore full connectivity, offering HDMI outputs, USB-A ports, SD card readers, and even laptop charging through a single cable. This guide compares five popular USB-C hubs available in the UK, from compact 7-in-1 adapters to comprehensive 13-port docking stations suitable for desktop workstations.

Introduction to USB-C Hubs and Docking Stations

USB-C hubs transform a single USB-C port on your laptop into a complete connectivity solution. These devices range from pocket-sized adapters with 5-7 ports to full-sized docking stations with 10+ ports that can replace traditional desktop setups. Modern USB-C hubs support USB Power Delivery (PD), allowing them to charge your laptop while simultaneously providing data transfer, video output, and peripheral connections.

Key considerations include port selection (USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, SD card slots), power delivery wattage (typically 60W-100W for laptop charging), display support (single 4K, dual monitors, or triple displays), and build quality. This comparison examines five USB-C hubs across different price points and use cases, from basic expansion to professional multi-monitor workstations.

1. Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub

Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub Product Image

Budget Pick

Key Features:

Ports: 1x HDMI, 2x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x SD card, 1x microSD card, 1x USB-C data
Power Delivery: Up to 100W pass-through charging (minus 15W for hub operation)
Display Output: HDMI supports 4K@30Hz or 1080p@60Hz
USB Data Speed: USB 3.0 ports at 5Gbps transfer rates
Card Readers: SD and microSD slots for simultaneous use
Build Quality: Aluminium alloy chassis with grey finish
Compatibility: Works with MacBook Pro/Air, Dell XPS, HP, Lenovo USB-C laptops
Dimensions: 115 x 45 x 13mm, weighs 65g
Cable Length: Integrated 15cm USB-C cable

Pros:

Compact and portable design fits in laptop bags
100W power delivery supports charging most laptops
Dual card reader slots handle SD and microSD simultaneously
Aluminium construction provides good heat dissipation
Reliable 18-month warranty from Anker

Cons:

HDMI limited to 4K@30Hz (not 60Hz)
No Ethernet port for wired network connections
Short integrated cable reduces placement flexibility
Two USB-A ports may not suffice for peripheral-heavy setups
Does not support dual monitor configurations

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2. Anker PowerExpand Elite 13-in-1 Thunderbolt 3 Dock

Anker PowerExpand Elite Dock Product Image

Premium Choice

Key Features:

Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x USB-C 3.1, 3x USB-A 3.1, 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x Ethernet, 1x SD, 1x microSD, 1x 3.5mm audio
Power Delivery: 85W upstream charging for connected laptop
Display Support: Dual 4K@60Hz or single 5K@60Hz displays
USB Data Speed: USB 3.1 Gen 2 at 10Gbps on select ports
Network: Gigabit Ethernet port for stable wired connections
Audio: 3.5mm combo jack supports headphones and microphones
Build Quality: Metal housing with weighted base for desk stability
Power Supply: Dedicated 180W AC adapter included
Compatibility: Thunderbolt 3/4 laptops (MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, HP Spectre)

Pros:

13 ports provide comprehensive desktop replacement capability
Dual 4K@60Hz support ideal for professional multi-monitor setups
Gigabit Ethernet ensures stable network performance
85W charging handles most 13-15 inch laptops adequately
Thunderbolt 3 ports support daisy-chaining additional devices

Cons:

Premium pricing reflects professional-grade feature set
Requires Thunderbolt 3/4 laptop (not compatible with USB-C only devices)
85W charging insufficient for 16-inch MacBook Pro or gaming laptops
Large footprint and power brick reduce portability
Fan noise audible during intensive data transfer or charging

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3. UGREEN 9-in-1 USB-C Hub with Dual HDMI

UGREEN 9-in-1 Dual HDMI Hub Product Image

Mid-Range

Key Features:

Ports: 2x HDMI, 3x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x Ethernet, 1x SD, 1x microSD
Power Delivery: 100W USB-C PD pass-through charging
Display Output: Dual HDMI supports dual 1080p@60Hz or single 4K@30Hz (not simultaneous 4K)
USB Data Speed: USB 3.0 ports deliver 5Gbps transfer speeds
Network: Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port (10/100/1000Mbps)
Card Readers: SD/microSD slots with simultaneous read capability
Build Quality: Aluminium alloy body with anti-slip silicone pads
Compatibility: USB-C laptops including MacBook, Chromebook, Windows laptops
Cable: Detachable 30cm USB-C cable for flexible placement

Pros:

Dual HDMI ports enable extended or mirrored display setups
Gigabit Ethernet included at mid-range price point
100W power delivery supports high-wattage laptop charging
Detachable cable allows positioning hub away from laptop
Three USB-A ports accommodate multiple peripherals simultaneously

Cons:

Dual HDMI limited to 1080p@60Hz when both used (not dual 4K)
No USB-C data port for newer peripherals
MST (Multi-Stream Transport) limitation on some MacBooks
Ethernet port positioning may block adjacent USB port access
Runs warm during extended use with all ports active

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4. Belkin Connect USB-C 11-in-1 Multiport Dock

Belkin Connect 11-in-1 Dock Product Image

Professional

Key Features:

Ports: 1x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 4x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C 3.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x Ethernet, 1x SD, 1x 3.5mm audio
Power Delivery: 90W upstream charging for connected laptop
Display Support: Dual 4K@30Hz or single 4K@60Hz via HDMI and DisplayPort
USB Data Speed: USB 3.0 ports at 5Gbps, USB-C data port at 5Gbps
Network: Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Mbps) with LED indicators
Audio: 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or external speakers
Build Quality: Professional-grade construction with 2-year warranty
Power Supply: 120W external power adapter with UK plug
Compatibility: Certified for USB-C laptops from major manufacturers

Pros:

Both HDMI and DisplayPort provide display output flexibility
Four USB-A ports plus USB-C data port handle multiple peripherals
90W charging adequate for most professional laptops
Belkin 2-year warranty and customer support reputation
SD card reader useful for photographers and content creators

Cons:

Dual 4K limited to 30Hz (not 60Hz on both displays)
Premium pricing compared to similar specification alternatives
No microSD card slot (SD only)
Large power brick adds to desk clutter
USB ports positioned closely may interfere with wider USB drives

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5. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Docking Station

Plugable Triple Display Dock Product Image

Multi-Display

Key Features:

Ports: 2x HDMI, 1x DVI, 6x USB-A 3.0, 1x USB-C PD, 1x Ethernet, 1x 3.5mm audio in/out
Power Delivery: 60W USB-C charging for connected laptop
Display Support: Triple display via 2x HDMI + DVI (up to 1080p@60Hz each)
USB Data Speed: USB 3.0 ports deliver 5Gbps speeds
Network: Gigabit Ethernet with auto-negotiation
Audio: Separate 3.5mm headphone and microphone jacks
Display Technology: DisplayLink DL-6950 chipset for multi-monitor support
Build Quality: Vertical stand design saves desk space
Compatibility: Windows and macOS (requires DisplayLink driver installation)

Pros:

Triple display support ideal for productivity and trading setups
Six USB-A ports provide extensive peripheral connectivity
Vertical orientation minimises desk footprint
DisplayLink technology works across Windows and macOS platforms
Separate audio in/out jacks support microphone and headphone simultaneously

Cons:

60W power delivery insufficient for larger laptops (16-inch models)
Requires DisplayLink driver installation (not plug-and-play)
DVI port less useful as modern monitors favour HDMI/DisplayPort
Triple display limited to 1080p resolution (not 4K across all outputs)
DisplayLink can introduce minor latency unsuitable for gaming or video editing

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USB-C Hub Comparison Table

Model	Total Ports	Display Outputs	Max Resolution	Power Delivery	Ethernet	USB-A Ports	Card Readers	Best For
Anker 7-in-1	7	1x HDMI	4K@30Hz	100W	No	2x USB 3.0	SD + microSD	Portable, budget-conscious users
Anker PowerExpand Elite	13	2x HDMI, 1x DP	Dual 4K@60Hz	85W	Yes (1Gbps)	3x USB 3.1	SD + microSD	Professional desktop replacement
UGREEN 9-in-1	9	2x HDMI	Dual 1080p@60Hz	100W	Yes (1Gbps)	3x USB 3.0	SD + microSD	Dual monitor setups on budget
Belkin Connect 11-in-1	11	1x HDMI, 1x DP	Dual 4K@30Hz	90W	Yes (1Gbps)	4x USB 3.0	SD only	Corporate/professional environments
Plugable Triple Display	12	2x HDMI, 1x DVI	Triple 1080p@60Hz	60W	Yes (1Gbps)	6x USB 3.0	None	Multi-monitor productivity setups

USB-C Hub Buying Guide

1. Port Requirements

Essential Ports: Identify which ports you use daily. Most users need at least 2-3 USB-A ports for peripherals (mouse, keyboard, external drives), one HDMI for display output, and USB-C PD for laptop charging. Content creators benefit from SD card readers, while office users often require Ethernet for stable network connections.

Display Needs: Single-monitor users require one HDMI or DisplayPort output. Dual-monitor setups need two display outputs (HDMI, DisplayPort, or combination). Verify supported resolutions—budget hubs typically max at 4K@30Hz, whilst premium models support 4K@60Hz or dual 4K displays.

2. Power Delivery (PD) Capacity

Laptop Charging: Check your laptop's power requirements. Ultrabooks (13-inch MacBook Air, Dell XPS 13) charge adequately with 60W. Larger laptops (15-16 inch MacBook Pro, gaming laptops) require 85-100W. Note that hubs consume 10-15W for operation, so 100W hubs deliver approximately 85W to the laptop.

Pass-Through vs Dedicated Power: Compact portable hubs use pass-through PD (laptop charger plugs into hub). Docking stations include dedicated power supplies, freeing up your laptop charger. Pass-through models offer portability; docking stations provide higher wattage and eliminate carrying multiple chargers.

3. Display Technology

Native vs DisplayLink: Hubs using native display output (Thunderbolt 3, USB-C Alt Mode) provide direct GPU connection with no latency, suitable for gaming and video editing. DisplayLink technology (software-based) adds versatility (triple monitors on non-Thunderbolt laptops) but introduces minor latency and requires driver installation.

Resolution and Refresh Rates: 4K@30Hz suffices for office work and web browsing. 4K@60Hz provides smoother motion crucial for video editing and gaming. Dual 4K@60Hz requires Thunderbolt 3/4 or DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC (Display Stream Compression). Budget hubs typically support single 4K@30Hz or dual 1080p@60Hz.

4. Data Transfer Speeds

USB 3.0 vs 3.1 vs 3.2: USB 3.0 (5Gbps) handles most peripherals adequately. USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10Gbps) benefits external SSD users and video editors transferring large files. USB 3.2 (20Gbps) remains uncommon in hubs. Verify which ports offer higher speeds—many hubs provide 10Gbps on select ports whilst others run at 5Gbps.

Shared Bandwidth: Hub ports share total available bandwidth. Intensive operations (external SSD backups, high-resolution display output, gigabit Ethernet transfers) can saturate the connection, impacting performance across all ports. Thunderbolt 3/4 docks (40Gbps) minimise this limitation compared to USB-C hubs (10Gbps maximum).

5. Build Quality and Heat Management

Material Construction: Aluminium hubs dissipate heat effectively during sustained use, particularly when charging laptops and running multiple peripherals simultaneously. Plastic housings insulate heat, potentially causing thermal throttling or shortened lifespan. Premium hubs incorporate heat sinks or ventilation slots.

Cable Design: Integrated cables (non-detachable) create compact units but limit placement flexibility and complicate replacement if damaged. Detachable cables allow positioning the hub further from the laptop, reducing desk clutter and facilitating cable replacement if needed.

6. Compatibility Considerations

USB-C vs Thunderbolt: USB-C hubs work with any USB-C port but max out at lower bandwidth (10Gbps vs 40Gbps). Thunderbolt 3/4 docks require Thunderbolt-equipped laptops but offer superior performance for multi-4K displays and high-speed storage. Check your laptop specifications—not all USB-C ports support Thunderbolt.

Operating System: Most hubs work plug-and-play with Windows and macOS for basic functions (USB, HDMI, PD). Advanced features (dual HDMI on MacBooks, triple displays) may require specific drivers or have OS limitations. MacBooks using M1/M2 chips have external display restrictions (typically one or two monitors) regardless of hub capabilities.

7. Portable vs Desktop Docking

Portable Hubs: Compact 5-9 port hubs (50-100g) fit in laptop bags for travel. Integrated cables and pass-through PD eliminate carrying extra adapters. Trade-offs include fewer ports, lower power delivery (60-85W), and typically single 4K@30Hz display support. Ideal for users working across multiple locations.

Desktop Docking Stations: Larger units (10-15 ports) with dedicated power supplies create permanent workstation setups. Support dual/triple 4K displays, high-wattage charging (85-100W), and extensive peripheral connectivity. Vertical stands minimise desk footprint. Less suitable for portability due to size and separate power bricks.

8. Specific Use Case Recommendations

Home Office: Prioritise dual monitor support, Ethernet for stable video calls, sufficient USB-A ports for webcam and peripherals, and 85W+ charging. Hubs with audio jacks accommodate headsets without using laptop ports.

Content Creation: SD/microSD card readers essential for photographers. High-wattage PD (85-100W) for performance laptops. 4K@60Hz display output maintains colour accuracy. Fast USB ports (10Gbps) speed up external SSD workflows.

Travel: Compact size and lightweight (under 100g). Integrated cable reduces parts. 60-100W PD allows using hub charger instead of laptop charger. HDMI for presentations, USB-A for legacy peripherals at client sites.

Toolkit Extras for Your Dock

Keep every USB-C setup tidy and road-ready with a few add-ons.

Cable management pack

Velcro ties and adhesive clips route HDMI and Ethernet neatly under desks.
Writable cable tags stop you from unplugging the wrong monitor feed mid-call.

Travel-ready PD charger

Carry a spare 100W GaN brick so the hub stays powered when your laptop charger is elsewhere.
Swap in region-specific plugs for filming abroad without extra adapters.

Desk setup checklist

Print a laminated step-by-step for reconnecting monitors, audio, and storage after client visits.
Mark firmware/driver update dates to avoid surprise DisplayLink issues before streaming.

Final Considerations

USB-C hubs range from £25 pocket-sized adapters to £200+ professional docking stations. The Anker 7-in-1 provides excellent value for users needing basic expansion (HDMI, USB-A, card readers) with portable form factor. The UGREEN 9-in-1 adds dual HDMI and Ethernet at mid-range pricing suitable for dual 1080p setups. The Anker PowerExpand Elite and Belkin Connect target professionals requiring dual 4K displays and comprehensive connectivity. The Plugable dock serves niche users prioritising three monitors over high resolution.

Match hub specifications to laptop capabilities—Thunderbolt 3/4 laptops benefit from Thunderbolt docks, whilst basic USB-C laptops work fine with standard hubs. Verify power requirements, particularly for 15-16 inch laptops needing 85W+ charging. Consider desk setup permanence—portable users prioritise compact hubs, whilst static workstations benefit from full docking stations with cable management and dedicated power supplies.