What is USB?
USB is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. Many Mac computers have USB-A ports (sometimes referred to as USB 3 ports), which look like this:
Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Unibody Aluminum Portable Data Hub with 2ft USB 3.0 Cable for MacBook, Mac Pro/Mini, iMac, XPS, Surface Pro, Notebook PC, USB Flash Drives, Mobile HDD, and More by Anker. Aug 05, 2019 This is where most of the users prefer USB-C hubs for MacBook Pro that has SD card readers, USB 3.0, HDMI, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3, and a lot more ports! From connecting an external hard drive to SD card or from a projector to a printer, you will need a USB-C hub to connect these older peripherals to your new MacBook Pro.
USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 can transfer data up to 5 Gbps, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 can transfer data up to 10 Gbps.
What is USB-C?
USB-C describes the shape and style of a port on your computer and the connectors that you can plug into the port. USB-C ports look like this:
Several different data transfer standards, like USB 3 and Thunderbolt 3, can flow through a USB-C port and connector. You can also connect your computer's AC power adapter to a USB-C port with a compatible USB-C charging cable.
USB-C ports are reversible, so you don't have to worry about which side of the connector is up when you plug it in.
These Mac computers have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports that support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3:
- iMac Pro (2017)
- iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)
- iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)
- iMac (21.5-inch, 2017)
- MacBook Pro (2016 and later)
These Mac notebooks have USB-C ports that support USB 3.1 Gen 1:
- MacBook (2015 and later)
You can use your USB 3 devices with the above Mac models using an appropriate adapter.
What version of USB does my Mac support?
You can use System Information or System Profiler to see what type of USB ports your Mac has, how fast these ports are, and what's currently connected to them. Learn more about identifying USB ports on your Mac. https://vmtaue.weebly.com/office-2011-for-mac.html.
What transfer rates does USB offer?
USB 3.1 Gen 2 can transfer data up to 10 Gbps. Newer Mac models with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports support these speeds.
Speeds of previous USB versions:
- USB 3 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 can transfer data up to 5 Gbps.
- USB 2 can transfer data up to 480 Mbps.
- USB 1.1 can transfer data up to 12 Mbps.
Does USB 3 offer more power than USB 2?
USB 3 devices can use up to 900mA of power (compared to 500mA used by USB 2 devices). You'll need to use a USB 3 cable to use the 900mA of power available. USB 2 cables don't support 900mA.
Why don't I see blue inserts on the USB ports of my Mac?
Some manufacturers use a blue insert to designate a USB 3 port or device. All USB ports on Mac computers that support USB 3 are USB 3 capable and don't have blue inserts.
What USB 3 devices are supported?
All devices that conform to what is commonly referred to as the '2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification' are supported.
Are USB 3 hubs supported?
Hubs that conform to what is commonly referred to as the '2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification' are supported.
How do I get the best performance from the USB 3 ports?
The first device you plug in will configure the port, so always connect USB 3-capable hubs or devices first.
What happens if I plug in a USB 2 device into the USB 3 port first?
If you plug in a USB 2 hub first, all devices connected or 'daisy-chained' to that hub will operate up to the maximum transfer rate of USB 2 speed (480 Mbps).
What happens if I plug my USB 3 device into a USB 2 port?
Your device should be backwards-compatible with USB 2 ports. However, you won't get USB 3 speed and power may be limited to 500mA.
![Usb 3.0 hub for macbook Usb 3.0 hub for macbook](/uploads/1/3/4/0/134053222/413653020.jpg)
Is USB 3 supported in Windows 7 and 8 using Boot Camp?
Yes. USB 3 is supported natively in Windows 8. See Boot Camp: Frequently asked questions about installing Windows 8 for more information.
To implement USB 3 support on Windows 7 using Boot Camp, download and install the Windows Support Software (drivers). See Boot Camp: Installing Windows 7 Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
To implement USB 3 support on Windows 7 using Boot Camp, download and install the Windows Support Software (drivers). See Boot Camp: Installing Windows 7 Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Are there differences between USB 3 cables and other USB cables?
Yes. USB 3 cables:
- Use more wires than other USB cables. This makes USB 3 cables a bit thicker than other USB cables.
- Usually have a blue insert.
- Have an 'SS' symbol on the connector that plugs into the computer.
- Use a different connector on the device end than USB 2 cables.
- Can deliver more power to an attached device (900mA).
Can I use a USB 2 cable to connect a USB 3 device to my computer?
If the device end of the cable fits into the connector on the device, yes. However, because it has fewer wires, you won't get USB 3 speed and power may be limited to 500 mA.
How can I determine if my device is connected as a USB 3 device?
Use the System Information utility:
- From the Apple () menu, choose About This Mac.
- Click System Report.
- Under the Hardware heading on the left side of the System Information window, click USB.
USB 3 devices appear under USB 3.0 Bus, and USB 2 devices appear under USB 2.0 Bus. Click the device names to learn more about each one.
Why do my USB 3 devices seem to only work at USB 2 speed when I use virtualization software on my Mac?
Some virtualization software doesn't yet support USB 3. Contact the manufacturer of your virtualization software for more information.
Why don't some USB 3 devices activate or appear on the USB 3 bus?
Javascript for mac os 10.6. Try these tips if a USB 3 device doesn't activate or appear on the USB 3 bus:
- Be sure you've installed the latest software updates available for your computer. To check, choose App Store from the Apple menu and see if any updates are available.
- Sometimes unplugging and plugging the device back in can resolve the issue.
- Try plugging the device into another USB port on the computer.
- Check to see if a firmware update is available for your device from the manufacturer.
- If the device came with an AC adapter, use it.
- Restart your computer.
- Try a different USB 3 cable.
- Try a different USB 3 hub.
Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?
Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue:
- If your USB device has a cable long enough that you can move the device, place it away from your Mac—and make sure not to place it behind your Mac, or near the hinge of its display. The antennas for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are located there, and USB 3 devices placed there might interfere with your wireless connections.
- If you're using adapters or dongles on a Mac computer with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, plug them into the front port on the left side of your Mac, or into the ports on the right side (if your computer has them). These ports are the farthest away from the antennas, making interference less likely.
- To avoid interference on the 2.4GHz band using Wi-Fi, try using the 5GHz band instead. You can change this on your wireless base station. Bluetooth always uses 2.4GHz, so this alternative isn't available for Bluetooth.
The new MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs are mostly great (except, of course, the issues with the butterfly keyboard). While you get a lot of power in a sleek case, you tend to miss out on ports. A lot of them. The MacBook comes with one port. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (non Touch Bar) features two ports. You have to spend close to $2000 to get a MacBook Pro with 4 USB-C ports. Here are the best USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
But there’s a simple solution for the lack of ports. And no, it’s not dongles. Dongles are the worst. Instead of buying 6 different dongles that you’ll forget about in a week, buy a hub. It will fit neatly on the side of your MacBook or MacBook Pro and will instantly turn your single USB-C ports into six different ports (HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, SD Card reader, Display Port and more).
And you can buy a 6-in-1 USB-C hub from a reputable third-party manufacturer for less than what Apple’s HDMI dongle costs. Here are our top recommendations for the best USB-C hubs for MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro.
The Best USB-C Hubs For MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in 2019
1. Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Hub
Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C ranks as one of the best in the list of USB-C hubs thanks to its all-rounder features. Bearing a stylish, carry-able and sleek design, it comprises of Micro SD card reader, 49 W charging port, 4K HDMI and USB 3.0 port, with only one USB-C port. There are absolutely no hassles for connecting or installing it, just plugging the hub to your MacBook is enough.
It can increase your productivity and cut down on your need to buy extra dongles for any functions that you will probably need to do while working because it inhabits tons of port in one!
And one of the reasons Satechi is highly rated is its reliability factor. Cheap USB-C hubs and dongles tend to flake out after a couple of months of use. But Satechi is one of the few companies that put out USB-C related products that are solid and that work reliably for a long time.
Buy: Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C Hub ($69.99)
2. Lenovo USB C Hub
It comprises of seven ports in one device that includes a USB-C charging, HDMI Port, two USB 3.0 & one USB 2.0 Port, SD & Micro SD card reader. It has a great design which is slim and easy to carry around reducing your desk space and can fit into a pocket or a bag easily.
If you’re looking for a basic USB-C hub for under $40 which just has USB-A ports, HDMI port, and a card reader, you can’t go wrong with this model from Lenovo (which is also a trusted brand).
Buy: Lenovo USB C Hub ($35.99)
3. HyperDrive PRO 8-in-2
This product is suitable to buy for the ones who look out for a USB-C hub that offers more than the conventional features. As the name goes by, this device turns two USB-C into 8 ports with an additional Mini DisplayPort. As it requires two ports, this hub will not work on the one-port MacBook.
It is one of the best-selling Hub as it contains everything a pro user looks for: high-speed data transfer and power delivery port, 4K HDMI + 4K mini Display Port for an outstanding display setup, with two more expansion USB-A 3.0 ports and memory card slots for more convenient data transfer.
It completely camouflages with the MacBook as it is designed to suit its lines perfectly, available in silver and gray colors. It is super easy to carry and ultra- sleek as well, reducing your desk space clutter. And frankly, it just looks cool. This is the best looking and most compact USB-C hub on the list. It also happens to be the most powerful and the most versatile.
Buy: HyperDrive PRO 8-in-2 ($98)
4. Anker USB C 7-in-1 Hub
Anker has always managed to ace up the list of best devices and this time it’s no different. With its Anker USB-C 7-in-1 Hub, it has managed to compete with many other USB-C Hubs, that too at a lower cost.
It parallels technology with affordability. The Anker USB-C Hub has seven ports in a single device, that includes two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, a micro SD and SD card reader, a USB-C Port for high-speed data transfer and a USB-C port for up to 100 watts of charging.
Buy: Anker USB C 7-in-1 Hub ($49.99)
5. Lenovo USB-C Aluminum 6-in-1 Hub
Lenovo is a brand that can be trusted and relied on, and the same stands for its USB-C 6-in-1 Hub, which is something basic, affordable and guarantees to be worthy in multiplying the efficiency of your work.
With an effortless design and easy to carry feature topped up with an HDMI port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, a USB-C port with charging, two USB-A ports, and an SD card reader, also supporting 4K crystal-clear display via HDMI and supplies 5 Gbps of data transfer with the USB-A 3.0 ports, is a hub worth picking up.
Buy: Lenovo USB-C Aluminum 6-in-1 Hub ($54.99)
6. Totu USB-C 11-in-1 Hub
If you are someone who relies greatly on your MacBook for resource-intensive multiple tasks and needs to connect a lot of devices altogether for your work, Totu USB-C Hub is the best choice for you.
Totu’s hub is durable, has high material quality, and versatility that offers you with tons of features like Gigabit Ethernet port, 4K USB C to HDMI, VGA, two USB3.0 and USB2.0 ports, Micro SD/TF Card Reader, Mic/Audio, USB-C PD 3.0 port and so on.
You can charge your laptop or other devices, plug in with a keyboard or external hard drives, connect your device with your monitor, all at the same time!
Buy: Totu USB-C 11-in-1 Hub ($69.99)
7. HooToo USB C Adapter
HooToo is quite affordable and can be the best choice for users with basic needs.
It supports pass-through charging, 4K Ultra HD HDMI port that allows you to enjoy a good resolution display, 3 USB 3.0 Ports for your peripheral device extensions, 5 Gbps SD card slot and 100-watt power delivery that allows you to work and charge your devices simultaneously.
The aluminum-bodied design suits your MacBook and is compact yet stylish.
Buy: HooToo USB C Adapter ($39.99)
8. TIWANC 7-in-1 USB -C Hub
Tiwanc 7-in-1 USB-C hub is a fairly good and moderately priced product that has 7 ports and is quite durable and reliable. The aluminum enclosed case comprises of 3 USB 3.0 ports, 1 4K HDMI port, 1 SD card slot, 1 Micro SD card slot and 1 USB-C hub charging port.
It supports speedy data transfer, crystal clear 4K video resolution through the HDMI port and extremely safe power delivery that won’t harm your devices while charging as it features a multi-protection system of over-current protection, over-voltage protection, and short circuit protection. It can fulfill almost all your needs without getting heavy on your pockets.
Buy: TIWANC 7-in-1 USB -C Hub ($39.99)
Your Favorite MacBook Pro Accessories?
So these are our top USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. What are some of your favorite accessories for improving the MacBook Pro? Do you use a laptop stand to make your MacBook more ergonomic? Do you usually attach a keyboard and a mouse or do you prefer using MacBook’s keyboard and trackpad?
How many devices do you usually need to attach to your USB-C MacBook Pro? Share your MacBook Pro setup with us in the comments below.