How To Choose The Best USB-C Hub For Your iPad

The new iPad Pros were unveiled at Apple’s Spring Loaded event in April, and it was worth the wait. Incorporating a powerful M1 chip, a new Liquid Retina XDR display (if you go for the 12.9-inch model), 5G connectivity, and a massive 2TB of storage, this is a tablet that can be at the heart of your work and entertainment.

But there’s a catch. Apple has gone with a bold design choice: A single USB-C port. That’s great news if you’re a fan of minimalism. But not so great if you’re looking for an all-in-one device that can handle everything.

Lucky for you, there’s an ingenious solution: A USB-C Hub.

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Why a USB-C Hub Is a Must-Have Accessory

A USB-C Hub is a handy tool that seamlessly connects all of your devices and memory cards. They do the hard work of connecting your setup together. With manufacturers restricting port compatibility in an effort to keep designs slick, a USB-C hub is an Apple accessory you need to make the most out of your new iPad Pro.

Related article: Best Accessories for the New Apple iPad

6 Things To Consider Before Buying a USB-C Hub

Aesthetics

We get it. You’re looking for a solution to the problem of low port options, so the aesthetics of your new USB-C hub design aren’t really important. But wait a second. This device is going to be sitting on your desk all day long. It needs to look the part!

If you’ve searched around and seen the options available already, you’ll have noticed that the lower the price tag, the chunkier and more box-like the design tends to be. You’ll have to spend more than $30 for a USB-C hub that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Designs typically tend to be rectangular, but some companies offer square or circular options. However with a circular design, some of your cables could point in the opposite direction of where you want them to go, so the standard rectangle is probably your safest bet. See! Design is important!

Materials

Don’t forget about the material, too. This will determine how your USB-C hub looks and feels. Generally, lower-end products will be made of cheaper plastic. On the other hand, the more expensive metallic options come with an added bonus: your USB-C hub will be sturdy and sleek.

If you go for a cheaper USB-C hub, you might end up with a product that feels tacky and underwhelming. In the short term, this probably won’t impact performance. But with longer-term use, less expensive products are more likely to break down and will set you back, even more, when it comes to replacing them.

The aluminum can also play an important role in heat dissipation. USB-C hubs need to go through extensive temperature testing to make sure they stay cool while connecting all of your devices. Cheaper materials have a tendency to overheat, putting your hub and your new iPad Pro at risk.

For a tool that will be integral to your workspace, it’s better to invest in a product that can support you for the long term. After all, you’ve just splashed the cash on an expensive device to fulfill all your tech dreams. Why cut back on a hub that will be as essential as the things you plug it into?

Cable Length

Another thing to note is the cable length. Most people find out too late that their cable is too short. You don’t want to be that frustrated guy sitting with his USB-C hub dangling halfway between his device and the floor. So, make sure your chosen hub’s cable is long enough for what you want to do.

Generally, you’ll be wanting a longer cable if you’re using a tablet or mobile device. This will mean you won’t have to rest your USB-C hub on your already congested lap. If you’re using a laptop or desktop, a shorter cable could be a safe bet. For most users, the longer the better, as you never know what you might want to connect your hub to.

If the USB-C hub you buy is poorly designed, cables may push against each other or even run off in directions that bend them at awkward angles and cause damage over time. So it’s important to note that, sure, having more ports is better than fewer ports. But you need a good design to complement them.

As tablets become more commonly used besides phones and computers, companies are making hubs designed specifically for them. This 5-in-1 USB-C hub fits perfectly with the latest generations of iPad. It has a firm fit and lets you tap into 4K HDMI video output, 100W USB-C PD charging, and a range of external devices with its 2 USB 3.0 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Hub Functionality

Another important thing to consider is how practical the USB-C hub you buy will be. This is where we get into the important details. Not all USB-C hubs are created equal, and as you can imagine, price correlates with functionality. Of course, if you’re looking for long term value and maximum versatility, you’ll have to spend a little extra.

Ethernet

There’ll be times when you want to use your iPad Air for intensive tasks that require a stable internet connection. Whether you’re transferring files or having an important video meeting, the last thing you want is your connectivity dropping out.

Some USB-C hubs include an Ethernet adapter, allowing you to connect your iPad Air to a wired network to maximize your internet speed and reliability. Our 9-in-1 USB-C hub is a perfect example. With ethernet input alongside a range of port and memory card options, this single device can save you buying and carrying around a bunch of separate accessories.

Related article: Ethernet Cable 101: What You Need To Know

HDMI

Also, if you’re using your iPad Air as your computing hub, there are all sorts of reasons you might want to plug into an external monitor. Maybe you’re editing media and want more clarity from a bigger screen, maybe you’re typing up a document or doing a presentation, maybe you’re relaxing at home in the mood for a movie.

Whatever the situation, the best way to project your iPad Air is to use a USB-C hub that has an HDMI adapter. There are plenty of options out there with 4K (30Hz) HDMI compatibility.

Related article: What is HDMI? Basics of HDMI

USB Ports & SD Card

The new iPad Pro is powerful enough to be your hub for media management. But if you want to view and edit photos and videos from an external hard drive, digital camera, or drone, you’re going to need a USB-C hub with spare USB ports and SD card compatibility.

The minimum that you want from a good USB-C hub is a couple of USB A or USB 3 ports to plug in your keyboard or mouse.

Cheaper hubs might come armed with a few USB-A ports. If you’re lucky, they might have an SD card reader with micro SD compatibility – but that’s often it. For maximum compatibility and a hub that’s truly at the core of your workspace, be prepared to invest.

Charging

Another function you might want from your USB-C hub is the ability to use it as a charger. With fast-charging ports, you can plug in other devices – such as smartphones and cameras – and charge them while you’re working.

Data Transfer

Even though our devices are getting smaller and smarter, the files we use are growing. Whether it’s 4K movies or big presentations for work, having a USB-C hub for speedy transfer has never been so important.

For example, this 6-in-1 USB-C hub offers 5Gbps data transfer through 3 USB 3.0 ports, allowing you to transfer huge files and media in a matter of seconds.

Brand & Price

An average USB-C hub will set you back about $30. This will most likely come with all the basics. But if you’re willing to spend more, the USB-C hubs available can get pretty stylish and have more cool features – as well as being futureproof.

If you spend over $60, your hub will hold its own as an eye-catching bit of tech on your desk. It will also come equipped with various port options, from 4K HDMI connectivity and ultra-fast ethernet speeds to multiple USB-3 slots and SD card compatibility – just what you need for your new iPad Air.

There are plenty of USB-C hub options out there, from AmazonBasics to VAVA to Anker.

Safety

It may not be glamorous or trendy, but the safety of your USB-C hub should be important to your decision on what to buy. Make sure your hub has overcurrent protection and is made from a suitable material. Connecting your devices is serious business; heat dissipation is key to keeping your devices and office environment safe.

Making The Right Choice On The USB-C Hub

So as you’ve probably gathered by now, there is more to buying a USB-C hub than you might have thought. Making sure you get good value for money can be difficult in such a saturated market.

Still, it’s all about finding the right balance between quality, quantity, and price. Ideally, you want a product that offers you as much versatility as possible when it comes to ports, as well as being a sleek and stylish addition to your workspace.

You can go for a low price USB-C hub that cuts corners when it comes to functionality and design. Or you can spend a bit more and choose something that looks like it belongs on your desk and serves a wide range of purposes.

Ultimately it’s down to you and how complicated a device you need for your work and play. Having said that, it’s always good to invest in tech products with one eye on the future. You never know what you might need to connect your devices up to in a year or two!

The Future of Hubs

It’s not something we ever expected to happen…but with manufacturers launching devices that have fewer ports than we’re used to, it looks like USB-C hubs are going to become the next fashionable tech gadget. But does that mean they have to be as trendy as the devices they support? How do you feel about adding extra functionality to your new iPad with a USB-C hub? And which will you be going for? Let us know in the comments below!

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