If you're looking to use USB-C to replace all the connections on your mobile workstation, there are hundreds of docks and hubs available online. However, given the confusion around USB-C, it can be difficult to find the right device. Here are some important points you should consider.
1 Understanding your laptop's USB-C port
The first thing you need to do is to check the USB-C port of your laptop. Just because it has a USB-C port doesn't mean it will support the dock and all the ports you want to use. USB-C ports can support anything from simple data transfer to display output, so understanding exactly what type of USB-C port you have can help you make the right decision.
Generally, laptop manufacturers name the port on their devices. Ideally, you'll want a Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port to ensure maximum compatibility, as most docks and hubs will support the Thunderbolt standard. We've covered the differences between USB 4 and Thunderbolt 4 in case you need a refresher.
Power delivery is also an important metric to check. Just because your laptop has a USB-C port, doesn't mean you can charge your laptop with it. Even if you can, it's important to check the wattage and voltage your laptop requires.
However, it's a good idea to read your laptop's instruction manual to find out which port you have. If you're stuck with a simple data transfer port, you can still connect USB-C peripherals to it and copy data at faster speeds.
2 Deciding on Dock vs Hub
Docks and hubs have become interchangeable terms at this point, the only difference being their size and cable length if you ask me. There is little difference between the two in terms of functionality – just the form factor. In general, hubs are smaller and easily portable while docks are more desk decorations than backpack-friendly.
There's a good chance that a USB-C hub will match your requirements and will cost less than a similarly functional docking station, all while being small and light enough to easily fit in your backpack. This is great because you won't miss the convenience of a single cable setup on the go.
3 Check the ports they offer
Not all hubs have all the ports, so you'll have to think carefully about which peripherals you want to connect and which ports. Some hubs have more HDMI or DisplayPort ports to enable multi-monitor setups, some come with Gigabit Ethernet ports, and others come with a large number of USB-3 ports.
There are a lot of port options available, but you can't get them all at once unless you're willing to pay an exorbitant amount of money. I advise you to think carefully about everything you plug in and out on a daily basis, what peripherals you use, how many monitors you need, whether you need an SD card slot or an Ethernet port, and what your power requirements are. You'll likely find something that has the right number of ports.
4 Pay attention to shipping
USB-C charging can be very convenient, but there are a few things you need to consider before getting a USB-C charger for your laptop. Most USB-C chargers are up to 140W and transfer to USB-C hubs as well. In fact, most hubs only provide 100W USB-C PD, which may not be enough for your laptop.
Ideally, these hubs are USB-C pass-through which means you plug a 100W or higher power adapter into them and then you should get the wattage that the hub is rated for. However, this scrolling is not always the same. For example, regardless of whether I connect a 140W or 100W USB-C charger to my hub, I'll only get 87W over the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) that the hub is rated for.
5 Don't fall into the trap of false advertising
Perhaps the biggest thing you should watch out for is false advertising. Given the confusion around USB-C and the plethora of ports manufacturers are packing on a single hub, there are a lot of shady practices and false advertising that continue to mislead potential buyers.
I fell into the trap of false marketing when I purchased my current USB-C hub, despite reading the spec sheet several times to make sure everything was fine. The manufacturer claimed that the hub delivers up to 100W on USB-C PD, when in reality it only delivers up to 87W – which is limited for safety.
This is not mentioned anywhere in the product description but is instead tucked into a corner under the marketing fluff. I wouldn't have been able to charge my laptop via the hub anyway because it needs 140W to charge at full speed. But the position itself is pretty good, so I ended up keeping it. You may not be so lucky.
Other than the misleading PD numbers, you'll also find sub-par SD and microSD card slots, the slower USB 2 ports are advertised as USB 3 ports, and the 100Mbps Ethernet ports are labeled as Gigabit compatible.
If you wander around Amazon trying to find a call center, you will find hundreds of options and it is almost impossible to verify everything the manufacturer claims. The best thing you can do in such cases is to take the list at face value, find something that might interest you, and then research it to make sure all the ports and specifications match your requirements.
6 Overheating issues
At my hub's maximum capacity, I connected four USB-A devices, one USB-C device, one HDMI display, one gigabit Ethernet cable, and an SD card. The hub gets hot, but not so much that it throttles performance or is uncomfortable to the touch.
In addition to the hub itself, USB connectors, SD cards, and anything else connected to the hub can also become hot. This can cause some overheating issues, especially if you're pumping 100W through the hub via USB-C PD.
Larger sinks tend to handle heat better than built-in hubs, especially if the latter has a plastic wrap around it. In any case, overheating should not be a big problem. But this is something you should pay attention to in the reviews before purchasing the hub.
7 Watch out for the price tag
If you think that getting a good position that matches your requirements will cost a fortune, think again. The Lemorele hub I had included a gigabit Ethernet port, an HDMI port, two USB 2 ports, two USB 3 ports, a USB-C port, dedicated microSD and SD card slots, and 87W PD charging for just $35.
There are of course options from popular brands like Dell and HP that may cost twice as much or more, but provide essentially the same functionality. With a little research, you'll easily be able to find something that offers everything you need without spending a lot of money.
Getting a USB-C hub is a great idea any day, but the many USB-C standards, cables, and general confusion about ports have made finding a suitable hub a nightmare. However, with these considerations in mind, you can be confident in your purchase and not get overwhelmed when the position finally arrives.