How to Choose the Right USB-C Hub for Your Setup
Need more ports for your laptop or tablet? Want to connect a monitor and charge your phone at the same time? A USB-C hub can help.
These handy devices make it easy to plug in everything you need—from USB flash drives to HDMI monitors. In this guide, we’ll explain how USB-C hubs work and how to pick the right one.
Let’s keep it simple.
What Is a USB-C Hub?
A USB-C hub is like a power strip for your tech. It takes one USB-C port and gives you more ways to plug in your stuff.
You can get:
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Extra USB-A and USB-C ports
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HDMI to connect a monitor
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SD card readers for photos
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Ethernet for wired internet
The INTPW USB-C Hub is a good example. It has all these in one.
Why Do You Need One?
Laptops are thinner now. That means fewer ports.
If your laptop has just one or two ports, a hub helps you:
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Plug in your mouse, keyboard, and phone
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Connect to a big screen using HDMI
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Charge while you work
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Move files fast with USB or SD cards
Common Ports on a USB-C Hub
Here are ports you might see:
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USB-A: The regular rectangular port. Used for flash drives, printers, and older accessories.
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USB-C: Great for fast data and power.
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HDMI: Connects to a monitor, TV, or projector. Some support 4K.
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Ethernet: A cable internet port. Faster and more stable than Wi-Fi.
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SD and microSD card readers: Good for photos and videos.
Some hubs also have audio jacks or VGA ports for older displays.
USB-C vs USB-A vs USB Hub
USB-C is a newer, smaller port. It can handle data, video, and power all at once.
USB-A is older and bigger. Many devices still use it.
A USB hub gives you more USB ports. A USB-C hub is the newest type that can also do video and charging.
The INTPW USB-C Hub gives you both kinds of ports, plus HDMI.
HDMI to USB-C? Yes, That Works Too
Want to plug an HDMI monitor into your USB-C port? You need a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
Some hubs already have this built in. The INTPW adapter hub lets you:
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Show your laptop screen on a TV
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Extend your display to a second monitor
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Watch videos in 4K
What If You Have USB-A But Want USB-C?
No problem.
You can use a USB-A to USB-C hub. It lets your older laptop connect to newer devices like USB-C flash drives.
Or flip it—use a USB-C to USB-A adapter if you have a new laptop and old accessories.
Can You Use a USB Hub Inside a USB Hub?
Yes, but it depends.
You can plug a USB hub into another USB hub, but power and speed might drop. If you need more ports, try getting a bigger hub with everything built-in, like the INTPW 11-in-1 USB-C Hub.
What's the Difference Between a Hub and an Adapter?
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An adapter changes one port into another (like USB-C to HDMI).
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A hub gives you many ports from one.
If you just need one connection, use an adapter. If you need several, get a hub.
Helpful Uses for a USB-C Hub
At school: Plug in a keyboard, flash drive, and monitor. At home: Charge your phone, connect to a TV, and use a webcam. At work: Run multiple screens, access files, and join video calls.
One hub can do it all.
What to Look for in a USB-C Hub
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Ports: Make sure it has the ones you need.
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Speed: Look for USB 3.0 or faster for big files.
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Power delivery (PD): Needed if you want to charge your laptop.
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HDMI support: Important if you want a second screen.
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Build quality: Aluminum is strong and cools better.
INTPW hubs check all these boxes.
Do You Need a Special Cable?
Most USB-C hubs come with a short built-in cable. Some use detachable cables.
For 4K video or fast charging, make sure your cable supports high speed and PD.
Conclusion: One Hub, Many Solutions
Don’t stress about missing ports. Just plug in a hub.
Whether you need USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, or all of them, the INTPW USB-C Hub makes life easier. It works for school, work, and home.
So next time you’re short on ports, grab your hub, plug it in, and power up everything you need.