USB-C vs USB 3.0 Hubs in 2025: What’s the Best Choice for Your Laptop?
, by USintpw, 6 min reading time
Choosing the wrong USB hub could slow you down. Find out which is the smarter pick for modern laptops in 2025.
Trying to decide between a USB-C hub and a USB 3.0 hub for your laptop in 2025? Here's the quick answer: If your laptop supports USB-C, a USB-C hub is usually the better choice, offering faster data transfer, higher power delivery, and broader compatibility with modern devices.
But that doesn’t mean USB 3.0 hubs are obsolete. Depending on your setup, especially if you're using older accessories or ports, a USB 3.0 hub might still be the right fit.
In this guide, we’ll compare USB-C vs. USB 3.0 hubs in terms of speed, power, compatibility, and future-proofing. By the end, you’ll know exactly which USB hub to buy for your laptop in 2025.
What is a USB Hub?
Before comparing, let’s quickly understand what a USB hub is. A USB hub is a device that expands a single USB port into multiple ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices at once.
For example, if your laptop has only two USB ports, but you need to connect a mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, and a phone charger, a USB hub will let you do that easily.
However, not all USB hubs are the same. Some are USB 3.0 hubs, while others are USB-C hubs, and each has its benefits.
What is USB 3.0?
USB 3.0 is an older but still very useful USB standard that was introduced in 2008. It offers faster speeds than USB 2.0 and can transfer data at up to 5 Gbps (gigabits per second).
A USB 3.0 hub usually has USB-A ports (the traditional rectangular USB ports) and can be connected to older laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles.
Advantages of USB 3.0 Hubs:
- Compatible with Older Devices – Works with older computers and accessories.
- Affordable – Generally cheaper than USB-C hubs.
- Still Fast Enough – 5 Gbps is fast for many everyday tasks like transferring photos and documents.
Disadvantages of USB 3.0 Hubs:
- Not Future-Proof – Many new devices only have USB-C ports.
- Slower than USB-C – Newer USB-C hubs can transfer data much faster.
- Limited Power – USB 3.0 hubs do not support high-power charging for laptops.
What is USB-C?
USB-C is a newer type of USB connector that is small, reversible, and powerful. It can transfer data, charge devices, and even connect to monitors through a single port. Many modern laptops, smartphones, and tablets only have USB-C ports.
A USB-C hub expands one USB-C port into multiple ports, including USB-A, HDMI, SD card slots, and Ethernet.
Advantages of USB-C Hubs:
- Faster Data Speeds – Supports speeds up to 40 Gbps (with Thunderbolt 4).
- Supports Charging (Power Delivery) – Can charge laptops, tablets, and phones.
- More Versatile – Works with external monitors, high-speed SSDs, and gaming accessories.
- Future-Proof – Most new devices use USB-C, so it’s a long-term investment.
Disadvantages of USB-C Hubs:
- More Expensive – Generally costs more than USB 3.0 hubs.
- Not Always Backward Compatible – Some older devices do not support USB-C.
USB-C vs. USB 3.0: Speed Comparison
One of the biggest differences between USB-C hubs and USB 3.0 hubs is speed.
| USB Standard | Max Speed | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 | 5 Gbps | Transferring files, and connecting basic accessories like keyboards and mice. |
| USB-C (USB 3.1 Gen 2) | 10 Gbps | Faster file transfers, connecting SSDs and external monitors. |
| USB-C (Thunderbolt 4) | 40 Gbps | High-performance gaming, video editing, and multiple 4K monitors. |
If you just need a hub for basic tasks like using a mouse, keyboard, or flash drive, a USB 3.0 hub is enough. But if you want faster file transfers, external monitors, or laptop charging, a USB-C hub is the better choice.
USB-C vs. USB 3.0: Power Delivery (Charging)
Another major difference is Power Delivery (PD)
- USB-C hubs use Power Delivery (PD) technology to charge laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Many hubs offer 60W-100W charging, which is great for MacBooks and ultrabooks.
- USB 3.0 hubs do not support laptop charging. They can only power small devices like a USB flash drive or a mouse.
If you need a hub that charges your laptop while connecting multiple accessories, USB-C is the way to go.
USB-C vs. USB 3.0: Compatibility
- USB 3.0 hubs work with older computers and accessories that still use USB-A ports.
- USB-C hubs are designed for modern laptops, tablets, and smartphones, including MacBooks, iPads, and ultrabooks.
If your device only has USB-A ports, a USB 3.0 hub is the right choice.
If your device only has USB-C ports, a USB-C hub is the best option.
Which USB Hub Should You Buy in 2025?
Buy a USB 3.0 Hub If:
- You have an older laptop or desktop with only USB-A ports.
- You need a budget-friendly hub for basic accessories like a mouse and keyboard.
- You don’t need fast file transfers or laptop charging.
Buy a USB-C Hub If:
- You have a newer laptop, such as a MacBook, Dell XPS, or Chromebook.
- You need faster data transfer speeds for large files.
- You want to charge your laptop while using the hub.
- You plan to connect multiple accessories, including monitors and external SSDs.
Best intpw USB Hubs to Buy in 2025
Best USB 3.0 Hub: intpw H5 USB 3.0 Hub
- 4 x USB 3.0 ports (5Gbps)
- USB 3.0 3.3ft Length Cable
- Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Color: Silver
Best USB-C Hub: intpw P9 USB C Hub
- Input: 1 x USB C PD 3.0 (100W Power Supply, 20V / 5A).
- Output: 2 x USB A 2.0 (480Mbps), 2 x USB A 3.0 (5Gbps), 1 x USB C 3.0 (5Gbps), 1 x HDMI Port (3840x2160@30Hz), 1 x TF Card Slot (104MB/s), 1 x SD Card Slot (104MB/s).
- Color: Silver / Black
- USB C Cord Length: 50cm (1.64ft) / 1m (3.28ft)
- Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Dimensions: 132mm x 51mm x 19mm (5.20in x 2.01in x 0.75in)
- Weight: 175g (6.17oz)
Conclusion
In 2025, USB-C hubs will be the best choice for speed, power delivery, and future compatibility. If you have a modern laptop, a USB-C hub will provide the best performance.
However, if you’re using an older device with USB-A ports, a USB 3.0 hub is still a good and affordable option.
When choosing a USB hub, consider your device’s ports, speed needs, and whether you need laptop charging. No matter what you choose, a good hub can make your life much easier!
