Slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs

By

Slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs
Make your MacBook more useful, not bulky.
Photo: Satechi

The Satechi Pro Hub Slim connects plugs directly into the side of a MacBook to greatly expand the range of ports available to the user while adding minimal bulk. It’s slim enough for Apple’s latest notebooks.

There’s nevertheless room for HDMI, two full-size USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

Satechi Pro Hub Slim for MacBook includes 7 ports

MacBooks are wonderfully slim but don’t include a wide range of ports. Recent MacBook Pro models have offered more, but many people will need even more than that. And MacBook Air users get a minimal selection.

Any USB-C hub can add more but these can be hefty. Satechi designed Pro Hub Slim to include a useful array of ports in a svelte accessory — hence the name. It doesn’t use a connecting cable but plugs directly into the two USB-C ports on the left edge of a MacBook.

The hub adds two USB-A ports supporting up to 10 Gbps data-transfer speeds for connecting legacy accessories like thumb drives. It also has an HDMI port for adding a 4K@60Hz display. SD and microSD card readers support UHS-I (up to 104 MBps).

While the Pro Hub Slim seems to block both MacBook USB-C/Thunderbolt ports, it actually uses only one. Built into the accessory is a pass-through port that gives users full access to the other, including 40 Gbps data transfer speeds and 100W charging. And the MagSafe port is unblocked on newer models.

The clip-on accessory works with any MacBook from 2017 or later, including the new 2023 model with M2 Pro and M2 Max processors.

Launches today

Satechi’s Pro Hub Slim debuted Friday. The regular price is $79.99, but the product is available at 20% off with code SLIM20 until February 3.

Buy from: Satechi

The hub is available in midnight, space gray or silver to match the color of the MacBook it’ll be attached to.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.