This article contains affiliate advertising (PR).
How to Choose a USB-C Hub: 4K HDMI, 100W PD, and Ports
Even a thin laptop or tablet with a single USB-C port becomes far more capable with one USB-C hub: connect an external monitor over HDMI, plug in USB devices, and charge—all through one cable. This guide covers how to choose a USB-C hub without regret, plus a solid recommendation.
The short answer: four things to check
- ① Port layout: does it have the connectors you want (HDMI / USB-A / USB-C / SD / LAN)? Decide by use.
- ② 4K HDMI output: for an external monitor, is it 4K-capable (check the refresh rate too)?
- ③ PD passthrough (charging) wattage: can it charge your laptop through the hub? 100W covers most laptops (laptop USB-C charging).
- ④ Compatibility: does your PC/tablet support USB-C video output (Alt Mode)? (how USB-C works)
In short: the connectors you need + 4K HDMI + enough PD charging. With those three, one hub covers you at home and on the go.
Choosing in detail
Only the ports you’ll actually use There are 10-in-1 hubs, but lots of unused ports mean bigger and heavier. An HDMI + USB-A + PD charging 5-in-1 or so is the standard sweet spot for portability and practicality.
Video needs both “4K support” and an “Alt Mode PC” Even with 4K HDMI on the hub, nothing shows if your PC doesn’t support USB-C video output. Check your PC’s spec before buying.
For charging, “100W PD passthrough” is reassuring PD passthrough lets you plug a USB-C charger into the hub and charge the PC through it. 100W covers a typical laptop. The hub uses a few watts internally, so leave a little headroom over your PC’s needs.
Recommended: a standard 5-in-1 (100W PD, 4K HDMI)
For your first one, a 5-in-1 with HDMI + USB + 100W PD passthrough is easy to live with and reviews well.
Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 100W PD, 4K HDMI)
● Owner uses this
The owner uses this Anker 332 hub with a MacBook. Since the MacBook only has USB-C, it's especially handy at client sites where the monitor cable is HDMI-only: plug USB-C into the MacBook and run HDMI from the hub to the monitor, and you're never stuck for display output on the go. It also connects USB (Type-A) devices like a USB drive—adding the ports you need from one connection is genuinely useful on a thin MacBook.
Pre-purchase checklist
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Port layout | Does it have the connectors you’ll use (HDMI/USB-A/USB-C/SD/LAN)? |
| 4K HDMI | Is it 4K-capable, and does your PC support Alt Mode? |
| PD passthrough | Charging wattage (100W covers most laptops) |
| Data speed | Is USB transfer speed (e.g., 5Gbps) enough for you? |
| Heat/size | For carrying, is it compact with sensible heat design? |
FAQ
Q. Can a hub charge my laptop? A. Yes with PD passthrough. Plug a USB-C charger into the hub and it powers the PC through it. 100W covers most laptops.
Q. It’s 4K HDMI but nothing shows on the monitor A. Your PC may not support USB-C video output (Alt Mode). Check its spec (how USB-C works).
Q. How many-in-1 should I pick? A. Just the ports you’ll use. An HDMI + USB + PD 5-in-1 is the balanced standard.
Q. Do I need a separate charger and cable? A. To charge via PD passthrough you need a USB-C charger (65W USB PD charger; for higher power, what is a 240W USB-C charger).
Summary
Choose a USB-C hub on four points—① port layout, ② 4K HDMI, ③ 100W PD passthrough, and ④ your PC’s Alt Mode support—and you’ll rarely go wrong. For your first, a 5-in-1 with the connectors you need is the easy standard. Consolidate monitor, USB devices, and charging onto one USB-C cable, and tidy up your desk and your bag.
Related: to organize the whole desk with a hub, strip, and 3-in-1, see a tidy desk charging setup.
Related: the Anker 332 versus its step-ups: USB-C hub comparison.
This article compares products based on public specifications and trends in customer reviews (not hands-on testing by our team). Prices, availability, and review counts change, so please check each product page for the latest. About us: About
As an Amazon Associate, Tokyo Gadget earns from qualifying purchases. This site also participates in other affiliate programs.