The new Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub With 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet expands a Mac with a trio of high-speed USB-C ports and fast networking. It launched Thursday at an affordable price. Alternatively, there’s the Zagg 4-Port Hub, which offers a pair of USB-C ports, USB-A and HDMI.
Either of these hubs can make a MacBook into the center of an extensive office setup on the go.
Hubs bring more USB-C ports to your Mac
MacBooks emphasize portability over expandability. Especially the MacBook Air with a mere two USB-C ports.
Travelers who need more can turn to the Satechi 4-In-1 USB-C Hub With 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet. Each of its three USB-C ports supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 for data transfers up to 10 Gbps. That’s fast enough to handle virtually any type of external accessory except a display.
And the Ethernet port lets the Mac forgo Wi-Fi, which can be slow, unreliable and insecure.
The Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub With 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet costs $44.99.
Buy it from: Satechi
Zagg travel hub adds more types of ports
Photo: Zagg
Those who want to add access to an external display to their MacBook might turn to the recently launched Zagg 4-Port Hub. The four are USB-C PD, USB-C, USB-A and HDMI.
One of the USB-C ports can handle 100W pass-through charging. The other maxes out at 20W of power but supports USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 for 10 Gbps data transfers. And there’s a USB-A port for plugging in legacy accessories.
Use the HDMI port to connect to a 4K screen and extend your working area.
The Zagg 4-Port Hub costs $59.99.
Both the Satechi and the Zagg hubs have aluminum exteriors and built-in connecting cables. They are designed to be small enough for travel, which often isn’t true for hubs with more ports and support for ultrafast data transfers via Thunderbolt.
