USB-C accessories

This is the USB-C game controller your iPhone 15 needs [Review] ★★★★

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GameSir G8 Galileo review★★★★
GameSir G8 Galileo makes iPhone gaming more fun.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Wrap your iPhone 15 in the GameSir G8 Galileo and you have the physical buttons, triggers and sticks needed for high-end gaming. And it has a USB-C port so it works with Apple’s latest handsets. Plus the game controller includes swappable sticks, pass-through charging, a headphone jack and more.

I tested GameSir G8 Galileo with my iPhone 15. I had a heck of a good time.

Why you might be interested in Apple’s new USB-C EarPods

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Apple USB-C EarPods
You don't have to buy AirPods to get decent earbuds from Apple for your Mac or iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s transition away from the old Lightning connector includes a USB-C version of EarPods, and these can now be purchased online for under $20.

The wired earbuds that come with iPhone are surprisingly good — audio quality is closer to AirPods than you might realize. And there are other advantages for Mac and iPad users, too.

Super-slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs [Review] ★★★★★

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Super-slim new hub adds the ports a MacBook needs★★★★★
Expand the port selection on your MacBook with a USB-C hub that clicks to the side of the notebook.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi Pro Hub Slim plugs directly into the side of a MacBook to greatly expand the range of ports available. It’s sleek enough for Apple’s latest notebooks, and adds minimal bulk. But there’s still room for HDMI, a pair of full-size USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

I tested each of the features of the 7-in-2 hub to be sure it lives up Satechi’s promises.

Add 6 ports to your iPad with this tiny, clip-on hub [Review] ★★★★☆

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Add 6 ports to your iPad with this tiny, clip-on hub [Review]★★★★☆
Transform your iPad into a mobile office with this very portable clip-on hub from Satechi.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi USB-C Mobile Pro Hub SD is designed to look and act like it’s part of an iPad. It attaches directly to the side of the tablet and adds an HDMI video port, a USB-A port plus a headphone plug, SD card reader and more.

I tested the six-port hub with my iPad Pro, and am quite pleased with it.

Sleek new 7-in-1 USB-C dock offers dual 4K HDMI ports

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Sleek new 7-in-1 USB-C dock offers dual 4K HDMI ports
Add a pair of 4K monitors on the go with this portable USB-C dock.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable’s new USB-C dock is small enough to be mistaken a hub but has room for seven ports. And that includes dual 4K HDMI ports that can be used even with Macs that ordinarily support only one external monitor.

The USB-C HDMI Docking Station also has USB and Ethernet ports, as well as an SD card reader.

Diagnose your charging woes with Plugable’s tiny power meter [Review]

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Plugable USBC-VAmeter3 review
The Plugable USBC-VAmeter3 tests the quality of the connections between your computers and chargers and other peripherals.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Your MacBook isn’t charging right and you can’t figure it where the problem is? Plugable’s USBC-VAmeter3 can help. Connect it to the power cable running to your Mac, iPad or iPhone to see the voltage, wattage and amperage.

I’m no electrical engineer, but I tested this miniature power meter. I found it both useful and kind of fun.

Cut cable clutter with mountable Belkin 6-in-1 hub

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Cut cable clutter with mountable Belkin 6-in-1 hub
Your iMac can have six more ports without adding a bunch of wires to your desk.
Photo: Belkin

Place the new Belkin Connect USB-C 6-in-1 Multiport Hub in the back of an iMac or monitor to discreetly add multiple ports to a computer. It offers a couple of USB-A ports, memory card readers and more.

The hub is available now.

Plugable’s USBC-VAMeter3 gets even better at finding charging woes

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Plugable’s USBC-Vameter3 gets even better at finding charging woes
Plugable's tiny voltage and amperage meter can help you find out why a MacBook or iPad isn't getting power.
Photo: Plugable

Anyone who’s ever said to themselves “Is this $%&@ thing even charging?” might be interested in the new version of Plugable’s voltage and amperage meter.

Plug the USBC-VAMeter3 into your device then plug the charging cable into the meter and you’ll see how much power is flowing and in which direction.

A new version USBC-VAMeter3 launched Tuesday for under $30. It can handle more power, which makes it more useful and less likely to be accidentally damaged.

Unlock Kingston’s newest SSD with its built-in touchscreen

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Unlock Kingston's SSD with its built-in touchscreen
Tap in a password directly onto the touchscreen of Kingston's IronKey external SSD.
Photo: Kingston

The Kingston IronKey Vault Privacy 80 External SSD includes a touchscreen and hardware encryption to protect user data. Unlock the XTS-AES 256-bit encryption by tapping in a password or numeric passcode onto the touchscreen.

It’s available in capacities up to 1920 GB.

Tiny 1TB SSD connects to all your computers

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Tiny 1TB SSD includes connectors for all your computers
OWC Envoy Pro mini includes both USB-C and USB-A connectors for wide capability.
Photo: OWC

The OWC Envoy Pro mini is a thumbdrive designed to work with almost any computer. It has both USB-C and USB-A connectors, and comes with up to 1TB of storage.

The tiny drive supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 and benchmark tests show it can transfer data at over 900 MBps.

Add Ethernet and 6 more ports to MacBook with this clip-on USB-C hub [Review]

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HyperDrive Duo Pro 7-in-2 USB-C Hub review
The HyperDrive Duo Pro clips to a MacBook and adds HDMI, USB-A, Ethernet and more.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The HyperDrive Duo Pro 7-in-2 USB-C Hub plugs into the side of a MacBook to add a variety of useful ports. The standout is Ethernet, but there’s also USB-A, HDMI and microSD.

I did real-world testing of the 2022 version of this clip-on hub, and found that it lives up to the hype.

End the day at 100% with this huge USB-C power bank, 53% off

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Juice up with this discounted graphene power bank.
Charge 5 devices at once (including a laptop) with this power bank.
Photo: Cult of Mac Deals

Flash 2.0 is a portable power bank that you can use to recharge your laptop, phone, or tablet on the go, using its rechargeable graphene battery. For a limited time, you can find a Flash 2.0 USB-C Graphene 210W Power Bank on sale for $139.99 (Reg. $299), and it even comes in 3 colors. 

Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock

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Connect your Mac to 3 monitors with Plugable’s new dock
The Plugable UD-6950PDZ Docking Station lets you connect a Mac to up to three monitors.
Photo: Plugable

Plugable used CES 2022 to unveil a dock that can handle up to three 4K external monitors using either HDMI or DisplayPort. The UD-6950PDZ also has ports for Ethernet, USB-A, audio and more.

In addition, Plugable also announced the USB4-HUB3A, a small hub with three Thunderbolt ports and more.

HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac will get your head spinning

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HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac will have your head spinning
Take your iMac for a spin with the HyperDrive Turntable Dock
Photo: Hyper

The HyperDrive Turntable Dock for iMac includes a 360-degree swivel mechanism that makes turning the computer a breeze. Plus, it has room for an SSD and 10 useful ports.

Hyper also unveiled on Monday the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub, which combines a docking station and 100W computer charger.

Both are nominated for CES Innovation Awards.

This cable easily connects Macs to monitors, and it’s on sale [Review]

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Plugable USB 3.1 Type-C to HDMI 2.0 Cable review
Connect your Mac directly to an HDMI monitor with this one cable.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

You won‘t need a MacBook with an HDMI port if you have Plugable’s USB-C to HDMI cable. Just run the cable between the external display and your Mac or iPad and you have 4K@60Hz. Even better, it’s currently available at a discount that drops the price to less than $17.

I tested this accessory in my home office to be sure it lives up to its promises.

Satechi adapter cleverly combines SSD storage compartment and USB-C hub

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Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter cleverly combines SSD storage compartment and USB-C hub
The Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter lets you add additional storage and peripherals to your Mac or iPad.
Photo: Satechi

Because you can never have too much storage or too many ports, the just-launched Satechi USB-C Hybrid Multiport Adapter includes an SSD storage compartment as well as four additional ports.

The multiuse Mac or iPad accessory launched Friday.

Kingston DataTraveler Max will make you toss your old flash drives [Review]

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Kingston DataTraveler Max review
The Kingston DataTraveler Max is so fast it leaves old USB-A flash drives in the dust.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Kingston DataTraveler Max is blazing fast. It supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 so the new flash drive can transfer data at up to 1,000MBps. And it uses USB-C so can be plugged into any Mac and most iPads.

I tested Kingston’s speed claims under real-world conditions. And data transfers are so quick it made me want to pitch out all my old flash drives.

Add convenient media controls and 6 ports to iPad with one USB-C hub [Review]

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HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub review
Kit out your iPad with physical media controls as well as six commonly used ports.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The popular Apple Magic Keyboard turns an iPad into a laptop, but unlike some rivals, it doesn’t include physical media controls. However, the HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub adds these advanced options. And that’s only the start, as it also includes ports for connecting a monitor, headphones and a range of useful USB-A accessories.

I love it. Here’s why.

OWC’s new 6-port USB-C hub is tough and portable [Review]

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OWC’s new 6-port USB-C hub is tough and portable [Review]
Expand the capabilities of your Mac or iPad with the OWC USB-C Travel Dock E.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E adds the most commonly used ports to your Mac or iPad. It lets you use an HDMI monitor, two USB-A accessories, Ethernet and more. And the stylish hub ready to be used in your office or on a business trip.

I put the accessory through a battery of tests. Read on to see how well it stood up.

Everything iPad mini owners need to know about USB-C

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Everything iPad mini owners need to know about USB-C
Replacing the Lightning port with USB-C in the iPad mini 6 might seem like a minor change. It’s not.
Photo: Apple

The just-released iPad mini is the latest Apple tablet to make the switch from Lightning to USB-C. That allows it to do quite a few things out of reach of its predecessors.

As a proud new owner of the device, you’ll surely want to make sure you’re living up to its potential. Here’s everything iPad mini owners need to know about USB-C.

Pocket-size USB hub adds 4 useful ports to iPad or Mac [Review]

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Twelve South StayGo mini review
Tremendously expand the usefulness of your iPad with this tiny USB-C hub.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

Plug the Twelve South StayGo mini into the USB-C port on an iPad Pro or Air and you’ll add a USB-A port, HDMI and a headset jack. All without sacrificing the USB-C port. And it can be used with a Mac thanks to a handy cable.

I put this matchbook-size adapter through its paces. Here’s how it stood up to my testing.

Connect 4 USB-C accessories to your Mac with Satechi’s handy new hub [Review]

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Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub review
With the Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub, you can add USB-C ports to your computer quickly and easily.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

The Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub adds a quartet of useful USB-C ports to your Mac or iPad. The days of struggling along with too few ports are over — you can finally connect as many accessories to your computer as you need.

I put Satechi’s new hub through some real-world testing. Here’s how well it works.

Super-small StayGo mini adds USB, HDMI and headphone ports to iPad

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Super-small StayGo mini adds USB, HDMI, headphone ports to iPad
Easily add USB accessories, a monitor or headphones to iPad with StayGo mini.
Photo: Twelve South

The Twelve South StayGo mini helps remedy the limited number of ports on the iPad Pro and Air. The adapter takes the single USB-C port and converts it to USB-A, HDMI and a headphone jack.

It fits snugly to the tablet but comes with a cable so it can be easily connected to a Mac.