3 best usb ports

USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are essential components in modern computers and electronic devices for connecting various peripherals and accessories. They are widely used for data transfer, power delivery, and device connectivity. Here is some information about USB ports:

  1. Types of USB Ports:

    • USB-A: USB-A ports are rectangular in shape and are commonly found on computers and laptops. They are used for connecting a wide range of peripherals, including keyboards, mice, external hard drives, and more.
    • USB-B: USB-B ports are square or slightly rectangular and are often used for connecting printers, scanners, and some older external hard drives.
    • Micro USB: Micro USB ports are smaller and commonly used for smartphones, tablets, and many other portable devices.
    • Mini USB: Mini USB ports are larger than micro USB ports but smaller than USB-A. They were more common on older digital cameras and other portable devices.
    • USB-C: USB-C ports are small, reversible, and versatile. They are becoming increasingly popular because they can handle data transfer, power delivery, and video output.USB-C is commonly found on newer laptops, smartphones, and various accessories.
  2. USB Hubs: USB hubs are devices that expand the number of available USB ports on a computer. They are useful when you need to connect multiple peripherals to a computer that has limited built-in USB ports. USB hubs come in various sizes and configurations, including portable hubs for travel and desktop hubs for more permanent setups.

  3. Data Transfer Speeds: USB ports support different data transfer speeds, depending on the version:

    • USB 1.1: 12 Mbps (megabits per second)
    • USB 2.0: 480 Mbps
    • USB 3.0/3.1 Gen 1: 5 Gbps
    • USB 3.1 Gen 2: 10 Gbps
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2x2: 20 Gbps
    • USB 4: 40 Gbps (with Thunderbolt 3 compatibility)
  4. Power Delivery: USB ports can also provide power to connected devices. USB Power Delivery (PD) allows for higher power levels, making it possible to charge laptops, tablets, and other power-hungry devices through USB-C ports.

  5. Hot Swapping: USB supports hot swapping, which means you can connect and disconnect devices without needing to restart your computer. This feature makes it easy to plug and play various peripherals.

  6. Compatibility: USB ports are designed to be backward compatible, meaning you can usually connect older USB devices to newer ports (e.g., using an adapter or cable). However, the maximum data transfer speed may be limited by the slower device.

  7. Charging: Many USB ports on computers and chargers provide power for charging smartphones, tablets, and other gadgets. The amount of power delivered (measured in watts) depends on the USB standard and the specific port.

USB ports have become a standard interface for connecting a wide range of devices, making them a crucial part of modern computing and electronics. The introduction of USB-C and USB Power Delivery has further improved versatility and convenience for users.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best usb ports on the market
  

Sabrent 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches (HB-UMLS)

SABRENT

Based on 58 reviews Check latest price

Product description

.Easily add up to 4 devices with the Sabrent (HB-UMLS) USB 2.0 Hub.

Particularly great for recent notebooks that provide a limited number of USB ports. Achieve full 480 Mbps on each port, or daisy-chain multiple hubs to a maximum of 127 devices.

Fully backwards compatible with the USB 1.1 products.



Please Note:

For a stable connection, the devices connected to the 4 Port Hub must not exceed a combined current of 5 volts 500mAh.

External hard-drives should be connected to an external power source.

This 4 Port hub will not charge your devices, it will only sync them.



Package contents:

• 4-Port USB 2.0 Hub

  • Instantly Add Four USB 2.0 Ports to all Compatible Device.
  • Easy Setup, Plug-and-Play, Hot Swappable, Hot Pluggable.
  • Gain Four, Downstream Ports Which Offer High-Speed (480Mbps), Full-Speed (12Mbps), And Low-Speed (1.5Mbps).
  • Intelligently Designed to Be as Thin as Possible, Allowing you to Maximize Precious Work Space or Travel with ease.
  • Backwards Compatible With 1.1 Devices and Hosts. CHARGING NOT SUPPORTED.

User questions & answers

Question: What's the performance when. let's say, 4 pendrives are connected in? Do you experience any troubles moving data between them or to the computer
Answer: As a result of some files transferring test, I think this item has not trouble some. However, I found one of trouble on USB memory stick. Here I show you my test result. I use Mac mini 2012 late model with MT Lion, Kingston USB 2.0 Memory Stick 16GB, 1TB Micronet Fantom Drive (HDD) and Sabrent 4-port USB 2.0 Hub.Transfer Speed Test result (4 files total 5.19GB): 1. Direct USB port connection (HDD)--32.44mb/s. 2. Use USB Hub (HDD)--34.83mb/s. 3. Direct USB port connection (Memory stick)--3.74mb/s. 4. Use USB Hub (Memory stick--3.65mb/s. In my conclusion, USB stick is much much slower than HDD. Sabrent 4-port USB 2.0 Hub has not trouble some. USB memory stick has a trouble to transfer a large size file. I need more test, but I found a large size file can not copy into the memory stick with error message "...can't be copied because it is too large for..." or "...can't copy because there is not enough space to copy...". However, when I got this message, it was empty on memory stick. I could copy 1gb, 2gb, 4.21gb files but cannot copy 8.75gb and 15.04gb files. I need to find out from the what size cannot copy.
Question: can i connect this device to a wall plug and charge my iPhone/apple products or does it have to be connected to a computer to charge my apple products
Answer: This is a UN-powered USB hub and is intended for devices which do not draw more than minute amounts of power from the USB port such as printers, thumbdrives, memory card readers. USB 2.0 specs state the maximum power to be drawn off a USB port is 500mA (0.5 Amps). A typical smartphone charger provides twice as much power -- 1000mA (1.0 Amp). Tablet chargers provide even more -- 1.8A to 2.1A.If you want to charge a phone, tablet, portable battery pack, or power a USB-powered device, you need to get a POWERED USB hub. The easiest way to identify one is that it comes with an AC power adapter which must be plugged-into the USB hub.
Question: How long is the connection cable? Does it require AC adapter
Answer: Maybe they have changed this device recently but the cable on my hub is 10" long. The power is supplied by the source USB to which the hub is connected. You will only get out what you put in. As such it will not charge power hungry devices like an iPad when connected to a computer but will when connected to a wall charger.
Question: If I plug this into the front of my computer and let it dangle will it fall out
Answer: I don't think it will fall out. I have mine plugged into the back of my computer, it just hangs there, seems pretty secure. I've also used it on my Xbox to connect 4 controllers and it didn't fall out.

Product features

Product Description

Description:

Easily add up to 4 devices with the Sabrent USB 2.0 Hub. Particularly great for recent notebooks that provide a limited number of USB ports. Achieve full 480 Mbps on each port, or daisy-chain multiple hubs to a maximum of 127 devices. Fully backwards compatible with the USB 1.1 products.

Please Note:

For a stable connection, the devices connected to the 4 Port Hub must not exceed a combined current of 5 volts 500mAh. External hard-drives should be connected to an external power source. This 4 Port hub will not charge your devices, it will only sync them.

Compatible With Most Operating Systems

- Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10.

- Mac OS 9.1 & Higher.

- Linux 2.4 or Above.

User Friendly No Setup Or Installation Required

- Gain Four Downstream Ports That Offer High-Speed (480Mbps), Full-Speed (12Mbps), And Low-Speed (1.5Mbps).

- Features Four LED Lit Power Buttons For Port-Specific Control.

Gives You The Ability To Connect All Your Devices

Such As A Printer, Card Reader, Cell Phone, iPod, Thumb Drive, Mouse, Keyboard, Or An External Hard Drive.

Portable Travel Friendly Design

Elegant Design Has Been Configured To Be As Thin As Possible Making Sure Not To Take Up Precious Work Space.

Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub, Ultra-Slim Data USB Hub with 2 ft Extended Cable [Charging Not Supported], for MacBook, Mac Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Surface Pro, XPS, PC, Flash Drive, Mobile HDD

Anker

Based on 54 reviews Check latest price
  • The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
  • Big Expansion: Transform one of your computer’s USB ports into four with this USB hub. (Does not support charging)
  • SuperSpeed Data: Use the USB hub to sync data at blazing speeds up to 5Gbps—fast enough to transfer an HD movie in seconds.
  • For Desktop or Laptop Setups: Set up your workstation however you want with 2 ft of cable. Use the included cable tie to adjust the length for maximum comfort and productivity.
  • What You Get: Anker Ultra Slim 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub, cable tie, welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

User questions & answers

Question: Will it work on any desktop
Answer: You can get it at Amazon. I have one and love it. We use it on our boat . Worth the money.
Question: Can this work with the Nintendo switch
Answer: it is straight
Question: Will the anker 4-port usb 3.0 also support usb 2.0 devices
Answer: I would say about a foot. With the bar to hold onto it is pretty easy to step up. It is very handy - I originally purchased it to get in and out of the bathtub and it worked very well until I got a tub bench. Now I just use it around the house. Hope this help.
Question: My external hard drive is a 4 tb . I want to use this to pulg my hard drive and my wireless headphones that use a usb Transmitter. Will this work
Answer: No, the handle isn't attached. You have to insert it yourself and it is wobbly due to the way it attaches (via two small buttons).

Product features

High-Speed Data Transfer

Transfer movies, music, or an entire photo library in seconds with 5Gbps data speeds.

For Desktop or Laptop Setups

Some USB hub cables are so incredibly short they almost defeat the purpose of convenience. With two full feet of cable and cable tie, you can adjust the length to perfectly suit your laptop or desktop workstation.

Damage-Resistant Cable

No matter which way you bend or twist, this cable will stay firmly connected to the USB hub; even wrapped up inside a bag.

Save Desk Space

An incredibly compact design saves on clutter, leaving room for all those accessories you’ll be plugging in.

Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Individual LED Power Switches | 2 Ft Cable | Slim & Portable | for Mac & PC (HB-UM43)

SABRENT

Based on 114 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Add up to 4 devices with the efficient, effectual Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub.

The thin, lightweight design makes the Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 hub a great travel companion to expand your laptop’s USB 3.0 port into four.

Fully backwards compatible with the USB 2.0/1.1 products.

Additionally, each port has its own power switch, allowing for individual port control.



With SuperSpeed USB 3.0, you can now transfer data at up to 10 times the speeds of the older USB 2.0 standards.

Speeds of 5Gbps are a vast improvement over USB 2.0’s 480Mbps top speed.

The Sabrent 4-Port USB Hub utilizes the most advanced technology,

but it is also backwards compatible, allowing you the capability of using USB 2.0/1.1 products if need be.



System Requirements:

• Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10

• Mac OS 9.1 & Higher

• Linux 2.4 or Above



Please Note:

2.4Ghz wireless devices, such as wireless keyboard and mouse adapters, may not work in close proximity to USB 3.0 devices or hubs.

Connecting to a USB 2.0 port is recommended.



For a stable connection, the devices connected to the 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub must not exceed a combined current of 5 volts 900 mAh.

External hard-drives should be connected to an external power source.

This 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub will not charge your devices, it will only sync.



Package Contents:

• USB 3.0 Hub (built in)cable

  • EXPANSION: Instantly add 4 USB 3.0 Ports to Any compatible device. Transform a single USB port into a full work station. The extended 2 ft cable allows for the perfect set up and easy access to out of the way ports.
  • CONVENIENCE: LED Indicators display power status for each port. Individual on/off switches enable you to easily connect and disconnect your devices with the push of a button.
  • SUPER SPEEDS: Supports transfer speeds up to 5Gbps (USB 3.0), 480Mbps (USB 2.0), & 12Mbps (USB 1.1). Fast enough to transfer large files in seconds.
  • COMPATIBILITY: Reverse compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 devices. Use with PC, MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, XPS, Flash Drives, & any other USB compatible devices.
  • EASY SETUP: No driver installation required; Plug & Play and Hot Swappable. Does NOT support charging.

User questions & answers

Question: I have 2 external hard drives: 1 is 500 GB, 1 is 2 TB. Both have their own power cords. Will they work with this hub
Answer: yes they will, I have a 3 tb WD, a 2 tb Fatom,and a 1tb HP they all work fine, and and any thumb drive that I plug in syncs right up.Some of the thumb drives are usb 2.0 , no problem
Question: What is the recommended ac adapter to use with this
Answer: JTJ said he didn't have a power jack. Either there is more than one version or he has one but didn't find it. It would be easy to miss. It's next to the USB cable. For basic devices, like a mouse, keyboard, etc, you do not need a power supply. The computer will power them, but the current the computer will supply is limited. If you plan to charge a smart phone, tablet, or something like that you should make the adapter part of your plans.(http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-100V-240V-Adapter-Support-PS-5V4A/dp/B00MRGKPH8 )
Question: If I plug this into a 2.0 USB port on my CPU, will I still get the benefit of Sabrent's 3.0 speed? Or is it about time I update my motherboard? Thanks
Answer: @T. Freese: No. The nature of USB is that devices can not communicate among themselves. All communication goes through the host computer. So a pair of 3.0 devices sharing a hub attached to a 2.0 computer will communicate at 2.0 speeds.
Question: Does the fact that each has a switch mean that you can just turn each of them off without doing "safely remove" or "eject" devices
Answer: The reason that you use the Windows Option to safely remove the drive is so that windows has a chance to close any File Pointer that is in use. If this is not done, then there is a chance that the file(s) will be locked and/or corrupted the next time the drive is accessed.So. It is recommended that you safely remove the drive before you hit that power switch on the hub.I have this hub and use it to access 1 4TB drive, 2 5TB drives and 1 8TB drive. That is a LOT of data to loose just because I got lazy.The one reason to have switches on a hub is so that you can have the drives OFF when not in use. This will save some life on the hard drive.Lance

Product features

Product Description

Add up to 4 devices with the Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub. The thin, lightweight design makes the Sabrent 4-port USB 3.0 hub a great travel companion to expand your laptop’s USB 3.0 port into four. Fully backwards compatible with USB 2.0/1.1 products. Furthermore, each port has a power switch, allowing for individual port control.

With Super-Speed USB 3.0, you can now transfer data 10 times faster than older USB 2.0 standards. Speeds of 5Gbps are a vast improvement over USB 2.0’s 480Mbps top speed. The Sabrent 4-Port USB Hub utilizes the most advanced technology but remains compatible with the older USB 2.0/1.1 standards.

Please Note:

2.4Ghz wireless devices, such as wireless keyboard and mouse adapters, may not work in close proximity to USB 3.0 devices or hubs. Connecting to a USB 2.0 port is recommended.

For a stable connection, any device connected to the 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub must not exceed a combined current of 5 volts 900 mAh. External hard-drives should be connected to an external power source. This 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub will not charge your devices, it will only sync.

Easy To Setup: Plug & Play and Hot Swappable

Blue LED indicates power status for each port.

Supports Transfer Speeds up to 5Gbps

Reverse compatible USB 2.0 and USB 1.1.

Superior Industrial Quality

Enables users to seamlessly transfer data.

Compact Design

Perfect for traveling and taking on the road.

Latest Reviews

View all