The latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are equipped with only USB-C/ Thunderbolt 3 ports. As the USB-C has become the standard for charging and data transfer, many brands are shunning the older USB ports from their devices. Therefore, if you have to connect an external device to your MacBook, let’s say an external screen, a keyboard, mouse, or if you wish to connect to a wired LAN network, you would need a USB-C adapter. Also, it’s a great idea to invest in a useful USB hub for a MacBook that allows you to connect to multiple devices, like a USB drive, external monitor, memory card, and even charge your Mac at the same time. These USB hubs are extremely useful for devices having a single USB-C port.
How to choose the best USB Hub for a MacBook?
1. Number of ports required by the user
When you’re planning to buy a USB hub for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or the latest M1 powered MacBooks, make sure the hub has got all the ports you need. You must go for the USB-C hubs/adapters if you require fewer ports. On the other hand, if more ports are required, you must look for the Thunderbolt3 adapters/ hubs.
2. Travel friendly or Workstation setup
Some Thunderbolt 3 adapter or hubs might require external power, therefore, they are best suited for setting up a professional workstation. On the other hand, if you want a travel-friendly option, you can go for the USB-C adapters or hubs that are great to go without any external power requirements.
3. Pass-through Charging
There are many hubs that allow you to connect several additional devices and charge your MacBook at the same time.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a USB-C adapter for MacBook Pro & MacBook Air that supports pass-through charging, make sure to look at the charging power it supports. We’ve mentioned the power supported by different MacBooks.
12’’ MacBook: 30W
12” MacBook Air: 30W
13” MacBook Pro: 61W
15” MacBook Pro: 87W
You can obviously go for lower power options, but it will take more time to power up your MacBook than higher-watt chargers or the adapters will have some sort of power limitations. So, make sure to read the product descriptions thoroughly if you have MacBooks that consume 87W or above. Also, make sure the higher power adapters have an overheating/overvoltage mechanism built-in to avoid any potential damage.
We’ve tossed various amazing options and come up with our roundup for the best USB-C adapters for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in 2021. The list includes everything from a simple USB-C adapter to a multi-function USB hub for MacBook. So, let’s get started with the list.
Best USB-C Hubs for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in 2021
1. Belkin USB-C Hub (Best Overall MacBook USB Adapter)
Compatibility: MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 60W
If you’re looking for a reliable and sturdy USB hub for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or the M1 powered MacBooks, Belkin has got an amazing option for you. The Belkin USB-C adapter features a
solid, compact, and portable design, and comes with a tethered 6.8-inch/ 17.2 cm USB C cable. This USB-C hub for MacBook is equipped with two USB A 3.01, one USB C, an Ethernet port, an SD card reader, and a 4K HDMI port. This multi-function hub offers reliable data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps between your laptop and the connected devices. Plus, Belkin hub is compatible with Windows devices as well and backed by a two-year warranty.
If you don’t have a restricted budget, make sure to check Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock for MacBook Pro that allows you to connect up to 8 devices. The best part about this hub is that it allows dual 4K or single 5K support at 60Hz.
If you’re looking for a portable Thunderbolt 3 adapter for your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or Apple Silicon MacBooks, then make sure to check out the Belkin Thunderbolt 3 Dock Mini. It delivers 40Gbps speeds with support for 4K@60Hz display output with a small form factor.
Also read: How to fix Macbook keyboard not working issues.
2. Satechi Multiport Adapter (Premium finish)
Compatibility: MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iPad Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, and other USB-C devices
Pass-through charging: Yes
Power: 60W
If you’re looking for a reliable and durable USB-C adapter for the latest M1 powered MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, the Satechi Multiport Adapter is worth checking out. This multi-function adapter for MacBook Pro & Air offers three USB3.0 ports, a 4K HDMI, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. Plus, you’ll get a USB-C pass-through port to power-up your MacBook. There’s also a microSD card reader slot as well, therefore you can easily transfer data from your camera or phone to your Mac.
This adapter can be used with a wide range of Apple devices, including MacBook, iPad Pro, iMac, iMac Pro, as well as the Apple Silicone Macs, and not to forget, it supports pass-through charging as well. Therefore, it’s a must-have USB adapter for Apple users. The Satechi Multiport adapter features an all-aluminum design and is available in
Gold, Silver, and Space Grey finishes.
If you’re looking for a travel-friendly USB Type-C hub for your MacBook Pro then make sure to check out the slim version of this USB-C hub.
3. HyperDrive NET 6-in-2 USB Hub
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 100W
For all the MacBook Air & MacBook Pro users, who’re looking for an ultra-slim USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 adapter for their devices, take a peek at the HyperDrive Net 6-in-1 USB hub. It has two Power Delivery ports that support video up to 5K@60Hz and allows you to quickly power-up your MacBook at the same time, and the other USB-C port can be used to transfer data between the devices at up to 5Gbps. Plus, there’s a Gigabit Ethernet, a 4K HDMI, and two USB3.0 ports. Undoubtedly, it’s an amazing option for all users who want to stream 5K videos. The hub snaps perfectly into place in the two ports for your MacBook and turns it into a versatile 6 port option. Also, not to forget, this HyperDrive hub is available in Silver and Space Grey finishes that have
the same color and appearance as your Mac.
Want to hook your MacBook to an external 5K display? Check out our amazing selection of the best HDMI adapters for MacBook.
4. HooToo USB-C Hub (Most Affordable)
Compatibility: All USB-C devices
Pass-through charging: Yes
Power: 60W
Here we’ve got an affordable 6-in-1 USB-C hub for MacBook that has got everything you should look for in a multi-function adapter. The HooToo USB-C hub features 3 USB 3.0, 1 HDMI, 1 SD card reader, and 1 PD charging port. The 3 USB3.0 ports allow you to transfer movies, music, and other files at up to 5Gbps, and the SD card reader can access media at up to 480Mbps, which makes this adapter suitable for photography lovers as well as designers. You can also stream 4K videos at 30Hz, without any delay or transmission loss.
The 100W Power Delivery charging port allows you to re-energize the M1 MacBook or any other Type-C laptop at a fast speed. All in all, this USB adapter for Mac offers great value for money. Moreover, at the time of writing this article, Amazon is offering a discount of 44% on this USB-C hub. Originally priced at $35.99, you can now grab this hub at just $19.99, which is a great deal in itself.
Also read: How to fix MacBook Pro battery drain issues
5. Kingston Nucleum USB-C Hub (Travel-friendly USB-C Adapter)
Compatibility: USB-C devices
Pass-through charging: Yes
Power: 60W
If you’re looking for an ultra-light and robust USB hub for your M1-powered MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, the Kingston Nucleum is sure to impress you with its sleek and rugged aluminum design. This USB-C hub for Mac offers two USB-A 3.1, a regular USB-C, and a USB-C pass-through charging port. There’s an HDMI port that allows you to easily connect a 4K monitor to your MacBook. Plus, you’ll get an SD and a microSD card slot to move photos & videos from your camera right on your Mac.
The only con of this USB adapter for MacBook is the lack of an Ethernet port. Therefore, you’ll have to stick to a Wi-Fi connection. If you don’t require an Ethernet port, the Kingston Nucleum is a fantastic USB hub for your MacBook.
6. Purgo USB-C Hub for MacBook (Affordable Thunderbolt 3 USB Adapter for Macbook Pro)
Compatible MacBooks: MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 100W
Here comes Purgo USB-C hub that allows you to conveniently expand your MacBook capacities. It features a minimalist design with an aluminum exterior that goes beautifully with the gorgeous aesthetic of your MacBook. Plus, you can choose from Silver, Space Grey, and Gold finishes to match or contrast with your devices.
This USB-C hub for MacBook Pro features the following 7 ports of connectivity:
- HDMI port that allows you to connect a 4K display at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz
- Thunderbolt 3 port that offers a connection speed of up to 40Gbps and allows you to connect up to one 5K display or two 4K displays at 60Hz.
- USB3.0 ports to transfer data at 5Gbps
- USB-C 2 port for data only
- Micro SD card slot
- SD card slot
The Thunderbolt 3 port outputs max 100W Power Delivery to charge your MacBook Pro & MacBook Air at its maximum supported speed. Undoubtedly, it’s a fantastic USB hub for Mac users, that allows them to connect multiple displays, charge their device, and hook other external devices, all at the same time.
Also, read 14 ways to fix MacBook Pro overheating issues.
7. CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock (No compromise MacBook Pro USB Hub)
Compatibility: MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 85W
USB Type-C is nice but if you want to set up a whole working station with just one accessory then a Thunderbolt 3 USB adapter will save the day. The Caldigit Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock is one of the best Thunderbolt 3 Certified docks for MacBook Pro & MacBook Air that has got both USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity merged into a single device. You’ll get the following 10 ports of connectivity:
- 2x Display port 1.2 (connect up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz)
- Thunderbolt 3 (compatible with USB-C ports)
- Gigabit Ethernet
- UHS-II SD Card Slot (SD 4.0)
- 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
- 3 x USB 3.2 Type-A (5Gb/s)
- 1 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gb/s Data Only)
The hub features durable and sturdy construction with an all-aluminum design. You can easily connect up to 10 devices without any mess as there’s a proper organization to connect multiple cables neatly. Plus, this USB-C hub can deliver 85 watts pass-through charging to your MacBook. The best part is you’ll get a power adapter and a 27inch/0.7m Thunderbolt 3 cable right into the box. CalDigit Thunderbolt 3 Pro Dock can also be used with iPad Pro, Android USB-C smartphones, as well as Windows USB-C phones or tablets.
Also read: Best HDMI adapters for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air
8. Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C adapter
Compatibility: MacBooks with Thunderbolt 3 ports
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 85W
Here we’ve got a premium 7-in-1 USB hub for MacBook from the ultra-popular brand Anker, that offers you a variety of ports at an affordable price. Anker PowerExpand+ adapter is equipped with a 4K HDMI, USB-C data, a USB-C charging, and two USB3.0 ports. Plus, there’s an SD and a microSD card slot as well. In short, it’s an all-important USB-C hub for content creators, designers, and professionals who work with a variety of devices. Weighing a mere 99gms, this USB hub is lightweight and easily slides inside your bag, without adding any bulk. Therefore, you can easily carry this USB-C Hub for MacBook, wherever you go. The data transfer speed of up to 5Gbps and the 85W pass-through charging support makes the Anker PowerExpand+ adapter a great package for your MacBook, including the latest M1-powered MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Plus, it’s backed by
Anker’s 18-months warranty.
Also, check out the Anker PowerExpand 7-in-2 USB adapter for MacBook, which is a great deal for the MacBooks with two USB-C/ Thunderbolt 3 ports. It’s as powerful as a docking station but costs a fraction of it.
9. VAVA 8-in-1 USB Adapter for MacBook
Compatibility: MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and other USB-C devices
Pass-through charging: Yes
Power: 60W
For all the Mac users, who’re looking for a super-portable USB hub for Intel or M1-powered MacBooks that allows you to connect up to 8 additional devices simultaneously, the VAVA 8-in-1 USB adapter is sure to fit all your requirements. This USB adapter features a 4K HDMI, a Gigabit Ethernet, and a USB2.0 port. There’s an SDCard 3.0, a TF 3.0 card reader, and two USB 3.0 ports that allow you to transfer large files, music, and movies at up to 5Gbps. Additionally, you’ll get a 100W Power Delivery charging port to re-energize your power-hungry devices, including the 15” MacBook Pro.
The VAVA USB adapter gorgeously matches your Space Grey Macbooks and you can easily slide this adapter inside your MacBook carrying bag’s pockets.
10. QGeem 7-in-1 Type C Hub
Compatibility: Type C/ Thunderbolt 3 devices
Pass-through charging: Yes
Power: 100W
Have a look at the QGeem 7-in-1 Type C hub that has a Mac-style design, which will perfectly complement the gorgeous looks of your M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. If you’re looking for a USB-C adapter for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air that offers multiple ports to connect external devices as well as pass-through charging support, the QGeem Type-C hub is the best and most cost-effective option that we’ve on our list. It has a solid build featuring unibody aluminum casing with an ionized finish. You’ll get three USB3.0, one USB-C, a 4K HDMI, an SD card, and a microSD card port. The USB-C port can pass up to 100W power output to the USB Power Delivery Laptop. Plus, it also provides extra power to a wireless mouse, keyboard, and other accessories that connect to the USB ports simultaneously. It’s worth mentioning that this
hub is not compatible with the newer 2019 and 2020 laptops.
11. Totu 9-in-1 USB-C adapter
Compatibility: Type-C devices
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 55W
Here comes a versatile USB hub for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and M1 powered Macs that features 9 ports, including an Ethernet/RJ-45, a USB Type-C PD charging, a 4K HDMI, 1 TF SD card slot, 1 SD card slot, a USB 2. 0 Type-A, and two USB 3. 0 Type-A ports. The Totu 9-in-1 USB-C adapter has support for PD charging at max 85W and can read two cards simultaneously. On top of that, the Gigabit Ethernet port offers a stable and reliable wired network connection to your Mac. The adapter is backed by a 1-year warranty and you’ll get a travel-friendly pouch, which makes it very convenient to carry this adapter while you’re on the go. It’s one of the best USB Hub for MacBook in terms of performance and also offers great value for money.
Also read: Best Ethernet adapters for MacBook Pro and Macbook Air.
12. Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport adapter
Compatibility: USB-C, Thunderbolt 3 devices
Pass-through charging: Yes
If you’re a loyal Apple fan, who’s inclined towards using only the official Apple accessories, this first-party multiport adapter is sure to top the list of your favorites. Apple USB-C Digital AV multiport adapter features an HDMI port that allows you to mirror or extend your MacBook’s screen to an external display. Plus, you’ll get a USB-A and a USB-C port to sync and power up other devices. Apple USB-C Digital AV multiport adapter can be used with iPad Pro as well.
This adapter supports two different types of resolutions, depending upon the input device. Here’s the complete list:
4K@60Hz on:
iPad Pro 11-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd Generation), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2017 and later), iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017 and later), iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017 and later), and iMac Pro (2018)
4K@30Hz or 1080p@60Hz on:
MacBook Air (2018), MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2016 and later), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016), iMac (non-Retina, 21.5‑inch, 2017), and Mac mini 2018
13. Powlaken 11-in-1 USB Hub
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port, iPad Pro
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 60W
If you’re looking for an all-in-one connectivity station for your MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, the Powlaken 11-in-1 USB hub is a great deal. This multi-function adapter for Mac features the following ports:
- VGA port (Full HD at 60Hz)
- HDMI port (4K@30Hz)
- PD USB C charging port
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD card slot
- Micro SD card slot
- 3.5mm Audio/Mic 2-in-1 jack
- 2x USB 3.0 Type-A ports
- 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports
One of the peculiarities of this USB-C adapter includes the support for Power Delivery charging at max 87 watts while providing power to each external device. Also, it can charge your device at 60W. The USB 3.0 ports allow you to transfer your data at a speed of up to 5Gbps. It’s worth mentioning that when the HDMI and VGA port are used at the same time, it will only duplicate and not extend your MacBook screen across the connected displays with a max resolution of 1080p.
14. AUKEY 8-in-1 USB-C Hub
Compatible MacBooks: All MacBooks with USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 port
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 100W
If you’re searching for the best-looking and best-performing USB-C hub for your Intel and M1 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air models, the AUKEY Type-C Hub is sure to top the list of your favorites. It transforms a single USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 port on your Mac into the following 8 essential ports:
- A 4K@30Hz HDMI
- 3xUSB 3.1
- Gigabit Ethernet
- SD card slot
- MicroSD card slot
- 100W PD
This multi-port USB-C hub features a 100W PD port with pass-through charging that can re-energize your 15-inch MacBook Pro or other compatible laptops, while still providing power to the attached devices. The USB ports, SD card, and MicroSD card slots support data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps. Plus, the Gigabit Ethernet port has support for 10/100/1000Mbps network speeds. In terms of aesthetics, the AUKEY USB-C Hub for MacBook features a clean, scratch-proof, and classy design, which makes it an excellent option for home as well as office use. In addition, you’ll get a pouch to easily carry and protect your hub while you’re on-the-go.
If you want to connect more devices, you must check out another variant of the AUKEY USB-C Hub that allows you to connect up to 12 devices simultaneously.
15. Hiearcool USB-C Hub
Compatible MacBooks: MacBook Pro and MacBook Air 2016 or later models
Pass-through Charging: Yes
Power: 100W
Here comes a lightweight, portable, and supremely useful USB-C adapter for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. The Hiearcool USB-C Hub allows you to connect up to five external devices at a time. It’s an intelligent USB-C Hub for MacBook Pro and MacBook Air that features a 4K@30Hz HDMI, two USB 3.0, an SD card slot, a TF card reader, and a 100W PD charging port. The USB 3.0 ports allow you to transfer data at a speed of up to 5Gbps. It’s a lightweight and durable USB-C Hub for MacBook that easily slides inside your bag, without adding much bulk. This makes Hiearcool, an excellent option for all the users who’re looking for a sturdy and travel-friendly USB-C adapter for their MacBooks.
It’s worth mentioning that the SD and TF card readers can’t be used at the same time.
That was all about our roundup for the best USB-C adapters for MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Apple Silicon Macs in 2021. The multi-function USB-C hubs allow you to set up a complete workstation by connecting multiple devices to your MacBook simultaneously. Plus, they offer great help while you’re traveling as you can easily replace multiple dedicated adapters by a single one.
Also, if you’re facing charging problems on your MacBook, don’t forget to check our troubleshooting guide on how to fix Macbook Pro and MacBook Air not charging issues.
