Best USB-C Hubs for Digital Nomads: Expand Your Laptop's Connectivity

Modern laptops are thin, light, and increasingly port-free. That MacBook Air or XPS 13 you carry around the world might have just two USB-C ports—sometimes only one. Try connecting a monitor, webcam, keyboard, mouse, and external drive simultaneously. You can't.

A USB-C hub solves this by expanding your laptop's connectivity through a single port. One cable connects to your laptop; multiple ports connect to everything else. For digital nomads building mobile workstations, a good hub is essential infrastructure.

The challenge: finding a hub that offers the ports you need while remaining portable enough to travel. This guide covers the best options for nomadic workflows.

For a complete overview of building your mobile workstation, see our complete remote work setup guide.

Quick Navigation:

Why Digital Nomads Need USB-C Hubs
Understanding Port Types
What to Look For
The Best USB-C Hubs for Travel
Comparison Table
Common Setups
FAQ

Why Digital Nomads Need USB-C Hubs

The shift to USB-C-only laptops created a genuine problem for productivity-focused users. Here's what a typical mobile workstation might require:

Basic setup (3 connections):

Portable monitor (HDMI or USB-C)
Charging (USB-C PD)
Mouse (USB-A receiver or Bluetooth)

Standard setup (5 connections):

Portable monitor
Webcam (USB-A)
External keyboard (Bluetooth or USB)
Mouse
Charging

Full workstation (7+ connections):

Portable monitor (or two)
Webcam
External SSD or hard drive
SD card reader
Keyboard
Mouse
Charging
Potentially wired ethernet

Without a hub, you're constantly unplugging and replugging devices. With a hub, you connect once and work. The productivity difference compounds daily.

Understanding Port Types

USB-C hubs include various port types. Here's what each does and whether you need it:

HDMI

What it does: Connects external monitors and displays.

What to look for:

4K@30Hz is common and adequate for most work
4K@60Hz provides smoother visuals, especially for video or fast scrolling
Some hubs support dual HDMI for two monitors

Do you need it? Yes, if using a portable monitor. Some monitors connect via USB-C directly, but HDMI provides broader compatibility.

USB-A

What it does: Connects traditional USB devices—webcams, keyboards, mice with USB receivers, external drives.

What to look for:

USB 3.0/3.1/3.2 speeds (5-10Gbps) for external drives
USB 2.0 (480Mbps) is fine for keyboards and mice

Do you need it? Usually yes. Most webcams, many keyboard/mouse receivers, and older devices use USB-A.

USB-C Data

What it does: Connects USB-C devices for data transfer, separate from the charging port.

What to look for:

10Gbps speeds for fast transfers
Distinguish between data ports and the charging passthrough port

Do you need it? Useful for USB-C external drives or newer peripherals.

USB-C Power Delivery (PD)

What it does: Passes power through the hub to charge your laptop while using other ports.

What to look for:

Wattage matters: 60W works for ultrabooks, 100W for larger laptops
"Passthrough" means it routes power from your charger, not generating power itself

Do you need it? Yes for any extended work session. Without PD, your laptop drains while using the hub.

SD and microSD Card Readers

What it does: Reads memory cards from cameras, drones, and other devices.

What to look for:

UHS-I supports up to 104MB/s transfers
UHS-II supports up to 312MB/s transfers (important for photographers)

Do you need it? Only if you work with cameras or devices using SD cards.

Ethernet

What it does: Provides wired internet connection.

What to look for:

Gigabit (1Gbps) is standard
Some older hubs only support 100Mbps

Do you need it? Rarely for nomads (WiFi is usually sufficient), but useful for reliable video calls in hotels with poor WiFi or for security-sensitive work.

What to Look For

Port Count and Configuration

More ports isn't always better. Consider what you'll actually connect:

| Setup | Ports Needed | Hub Type | |-------|--------------|----------| | Monitor + charging | 2-3 | Compact adapter | | Monitor + webcam + charging | 4-5 | Standard hub | | Dual monitor + full peripherals | 7-10 | Full dock |

Excess ports add weight and cost without benefit.

Power Delivery Wattage

Match your laptop's requirements:

MacBook Air, XPS 13: 30-45W sufficient
MacBook Pro 14", ThinkPad X1: 65-85W recommended
MacBook Pro 16", gaming laptops: 100W+ recommended

Insufficient wattage means your laptop drains slowly even while "charging."

Build Quality and Heat Management

Cheap hubs fail under sustained use. Look for:

Aluminum construction (dissipates heat better than plastic)
Adequate ventilation
Established brands with warranty support

Cable Type

Integrated cable: Built into the hub. Cleaner look, but if the cable fails, the hub is useless.

Detachable cable: Replaceable if damaged. More flexible positioning.

Most travel hubs use integrated cables for compactness.

Size and Weight

For daily carry, size matters:

Under 2 oz: Ultra-compact, minimal ports
2-4 oz: Standard travel hubs
4+ oz: Feature-rich docks

The Best USB-C Hubs for Travel

Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 - Best Overall

Anker earned their reputation by delivering reliable products at reasonable prices, and the PowerExpand+ exemplifies this approach. The 7-port configuration handles most nomad workflows: portable monitor via HDMI, webcam and mouse via USB-A, SD cards, and laptop charging via USB-C PD.

Port configuration:

1x HDMI (4K@30Hz)
2x USB-A 3.0
1x USB-C data
1x USB-C PD (85W passthrough)
1x SD card reader
1x microSD card reader

Key strengths:

Reliable across varied conditions
Compact aluminum body (4.1 x 1.3 x 0.5 in)
85W PD handles most laptops
Proven track record over years

Limitations:

4K limited to 30Hz
No ethernet port
USB-A ports are 5Gbps (not 10Gbps)

Best for: Most digital nomads who need reliable port expansion without overspending.

CalDigit USB-C SOHO Dock - Best Premium Compact

CalDigit builds professional-grade accessories that justify premium pricing through superior quality and performance. The SOHO Dock brings this approach to a travel-friendly size.

Port configuration:

1x HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz)
1x USB-C (10Gbps)
2x USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps)
1x SD 4.0 UHS-II card reader
1x microSD 4.0 UHS-II card reader
1x USB-C PD (100W passthrough)

Key strengths:

4K@60Hz for smooth video playback
Faster UHS-II card readers (essential for photographers)
100W PD handles any laptop
Superior build quality
Compact size (4.8 x 2.9 x 0.6 in)

Limitations:

Premium price
No ethernet port

Best for: Photographers, videographers, and professionals who need faster transfer speeds and reliable quality.

Satechi USB-C Multiport Adapter V2 - Best for MacBooks

Satechi specializes in accessories that complement Apple products aesthetically. The Multiport Adapter V2 looks like it could be an official Apple accessory—space gray aluminum that matches MacBooks perfectly.

Port configuration:

1x HDMI (4K@60Hz)
2x USB-A 3.0
1x USB-C PD (60W passthrough)
1x Gigabit Ethernet
1x SD card reader
1x microSD card reader

Key strengths:

Matches MacBook aesthetics perfectly
Includes ethernet (rare in compact hubs)
Integrated cable management for travel
4K@60Hz output

Limitations:

60W PD (sufficient for Air, tight for Pro)
Premium price for port count

Best for: Mac users who value aesthetics and want ethernet included.

HyperDrive Next 10-Port - Most Ports

When a standard hub isn't enough, the HyperDrive Next provides maximum connectivity in a still-portable form factor. Dual HDMI ports enable dual monitor setups with compatible laptops.

Port configuration:

2x HDMI (4K@60Hz, supports dual displays)
2x USB-A 3.0
1x USB-C (10Gbps)
1x USB-C PD (100W passthrough)
1x Gigabit Ethernet
1x SD 4.0 card reader
1x microSD 4.0 card reader

Key strengths:

Dual 4K monitor support
100W PD handles any laptop
Ethernet included
Comprehensive port selection

Limitations:

Larger and heavier than compact hubs
Higher price
Dual display requires laptop support (check compatibility)

Best for: Nomads running full desktop-replacement workstations with dual monitors.

Ugreen 6-in-1 Hub - Best Budget

Ugreen consistently delivers value, and this 6-in-1 hub proves you don't need to spend $50+ for functional port expansion.

Port configuration:

1x HDMI (4K@30Hz)
2x USB-A 3.0
1x USB-C PD (100W passthrough)
1x SD card reader
1x microSD card reader

Key strengths:

Excellent value
100W PD passthrough
Lightweight (1.8 oz)
Aluminum construction
Surprisingly good build quality

Limitations:

4K limited to 30Hz
No USB-C data port
No ethernet

Best for: Budget-conscious nomads who need basic port expansion.

Comparison Table

| Hub | Ports | HDMI | PD Wattage | Weight | Price | |-----|-------|------|------------|--------|-------| | Anker PowerExpand+ | 7 | 4K@30Hz | 85W | 2.4 oz | $40 | | CalDigit SOHO | 7 | 4K@60Hz | 100W | 3.2 oz | $80 | | Satechi V2 | 8 | 4K@60Hz | 60W | 2.5 oz | $70 | | HyperDrive Next | 10 | Dual 4K@60Hz | 100W | 4.1 oz | $130 | | Ugreen 6-in-1 | 6 | 4K@30Hz | 100W | 1.8 oz | $20 |

Common Setups

Basic Portable Monitor Setup

What you need: HDMI output, USB-C PD passthrough

Recommendation: Ugreen 6-in-1 ($20)

Connects your portable monitor via HDMI while passing charging through to your laptop. Simple and affordable.

Standard Mobile Workstation

What you need: HDMI, USB-A ports for webcam and mouse receiver, USB-C PD

Recommendation: Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 ($40)

Handles a portable monitor, webcam, wireless mouse receiver, and charging simultaneously. The sweet spot for most nomads.

Photography/Video Workflow

What you need: Fast SD card reader (UHS-II), multiple USB ports, high-res HDMI, USB-C data for external drives

Recommendation: CalDigit SOHO Dock ($80)

The UHS-II card readers dramatically speed up importing footage. 4K@60Hz output suits video editing. Premium quality matches professional gear.

Dual Monitor Powerstation

What you need: Dual HDMI outputs, multiple USB ports, ethernet option, 100W PD

Recommendation: HyperDrive Next 10-Port ($130)

The only compact hub supporting dual 4K displays. Plus ethernet for reliable video calls and comprehensive ports for all peripherals.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Most USB-C hubs work with any laptop with a USB-C port supporting data and video output. However, some laptops have USB-C ports that only support charging. Check your laptop's specifications for 'Thunderbolt 3/4' or 'USB-C with DisplayPort' support for full compatibility.

Most portable monitors connect via USB-C video or HDMI. If using HDMI, ensure your hub's HDMI port supports your monitor's resolution. If using USB-C, you may need to connect the monitor directly to your laptop (not through the hub) as some hubs don't pass USB-C video. Check your monitor's supported connection types.

Only if it has USB-C Power Delivery (PD) passthrough. You connect your charger to the hub's PD input port, and power passes through to your laptop. The hub doesn't generate power—it routes it. Ensure the PD wattage matches or exceeds your laptop's charger wattage.

Hubs are portable, powered by your laptop, and connect via a single cable. Docking stations are typically larger, have their own power supply, and may connect via Thunderbolt for more bandwidth. For travel, hubs are more practical. For permanent desk setups, docking stations offer more capability.

USB-C hubs process video signals and power, generating heat during operation. This is normal. Aluminum hubs dissipate heat better than plastic. If your hub becomes uncomfortably hot, ensure adequate ventilation and check that you're not exceeding its power delivery limits.

Most hubs support only one monitor. Hubs with dual HDMI ports (like the HyperDrive Next) can support two displays, but your laptop must support this feature. MacBooks with M1/M2 chips have limitations on external displays without workarounds like DisplayLink.

For most digital nomads, USB-C hubs provide sufficient connectivity. Thunderbolt docks offer higher bandwidth (useful for multiple 4K displays, fast external drives, or professional video work) but cost more and require Thunderbolt-equipped laptops. Most travel workflows don't require Thunderbolt's extra capability.

Tech

Ugreen USB-C Hub 6-in-1

Ugreen 6 in 1 Hub Best Budget

Ugreen delivers surprising quality at budget pricing.

Check Price on Amazon

Ugreen delivers surprising quality at budget pricing. The 6-in-1 hub includes 4K HDMI, two USB-A 3.0, USB-C PD (100W passthrough), and SD/microSD readers. The aluminum body handles heat well and feels more premium than the price suggests. At 1.8 oz, it's lighter than most competitors. For nomads who need basic port expansion without premium features, this covers the essentials at an excellent price.

What We Like

❝Can't believe the quality at this price. Does everything I need for my portable monitor and mouse setup.❞

Review of Our Favorite 3

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Our Pick

Best Overall

The PowerExpand+ hits the sweet spot for digital nomads: enough ports for a full workstation without excessive size or price.

Check Price on Amazon

Premium Choice

CalDigit SOHO Dock Best Premium Compact

CalDigit builds professional-grade accessories, and the SOHO Dock brings that quality to a travel-friendly form.

Check Price on Amazon

Best for Mac

Satechi USB C Multiport V2 Best for MacBooks

Satechi designs accessories that match Apple's aesthetic, and the Multiport Adapter V2 looks like it could be an official Apple product.

Check Price on Amazon

Best USB-C Hubs for Digital Nomads: Expand Your Laptop's Connectivity

Why Digital Nomads Need USB-C Hubs

Understanding Port Types

HDMI

USB-A

USB-C Data

USB-C Power Delivery (PD)

SD and microSD Card Readers

Ethernet

What to Look For

Port Count and Configuration

Power Delivery Wattage

Build Quality and Heat Management

Cable Type

Size and Weight