USB-C hubs and dongles are the answer to a common laptop question: How do I connect printers, mice, and keyboards that use a rectangular USB-A port when my laptop only ships with a rounded USB-C port instead?

Fortunately, a USB-C hub or dongle can be an inexpensive way to add this extra functionality to your laptop. After testing numerous products, we’ve compiled a list of the best USB-C hubs and dongles, below. We discuss not only the port options available with each hub, but also lesser-known details you won’t find from the manufacturer’s description, such as whether there is adequate space between the ports or if the hub runs hot during use.

USB 3.1 Type-C HUB (3 in 1)		USB 3.1 Type-C HUB (4 in 1)		USB 3.1 Type-C HUB (5 in 1)
Model: CHM-TC303		Model: CHM-TC404		Model: CHM-TC504

While USB-C hubs and dongles are the simplest, cheapest I/O expansion option for a laptop, you can take things even further with a traditional docking station that provides even more ports, more bandwidth, and more electrical power for charging your laptops and smartphone. We’ve added our pick for the best USB-C dock to the bottom of our list. We’ve also added a pick for the best USB-C DisplayLink dock, which ups the capabilities further still, for a cost (or see our roundup of the best Thunderbolt docks for more similarly robust options).

USB 3.1 Type-C HUB (6 in 1)		USB 3.1 Type-C HUB (7 in 1)		USB 3.1 Type-C HUB (8 in 1)
Model: CHM-TC601		Model: CHM-TC702		Model: CHM-TC801

Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you want to connect your laptop to a printer, an SD card or microSD card, mouse, keyboard, or legacy 1080p monitor, stick with a USB-C hub. If you want to add a pair of additional displays (especially 4K), or high-speed SSD drives, we’d recommend you look at our list of DisplayLink or Thunderbolt docking stations. Our buying advice and FAQ at the bottom of this page provide additional information.