If you’re adding a little something to your MacBook Pro, start with a hub!
- feb
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If you made the jump to the latest MacBook Pro, you might be wishing for some of those missing port options (especially USB-A). If you're in need of something more powerful than just a way to connect your iPhone to your Mac — if you want to connect two Thunderbolt supported display screens to your MacBook Pro, for example — here's a list of the tip-top USB-C hubs.
Best for most people
Satechi Multi-port adapter
Staff Favorite
Satechi's multi-port adapter doesn't support high-speed data transfer or dual-4K displays, but it does have just about everything else you'd need to run your peripherals with your MacBook Pro, like SD and microSD card readers, 4K HDMI, Gigabit, and three USB-A ports.
eSATA support
CalDigit TS3
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CalDigit's TS3 is a powerful Thunderbolt 3 dock that has everything you could ever want in a MacBook Pro hub, and then some. It features three USB-A ports (two of which are eSATA ports), two USB-C ports, a DisplayPort port, and an HDMI port. It has super fast charging capabilities with 2.1A for juicing up your iPhone and iPad at the same time. It also works with Apple's SuperDrive.
Best Value
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock
The Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Dock features two Thunderbolt 3 ports with high-speed data transfer, two USB-A 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. With this versatile machine, you can connect a 5K or 4K display plus one additional display for a yowza of an experience.
Most Ports
OWC Thunderbolt 3 Dock
This bad boy sports 13, count 'em, 13 ports, including the coveted SD card reader, which most Thunderbolt 3 docks do not have. It has five USB-A 3.1 ports, an optical audio out port, a FireWire 800 port, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two Thunderbolt 3 ports, and a mini DisplayPort port. It also has a 3.5mm jack for headphones or a microphone.
For portability
Elgato Thunderbolt 3 Mini Dock
If you don't need a lot of ports, but you do need the essentials when you hit the road, this small-but-mighty hub is for you. It has a USB-A and ethernet port, as well as two display ports so you can run two 4K displays at the same time. The USB-C Thunderbolt connector also supports high-speed data transfer and streaming.
Best on a budget
Lenovo USB-C Hub
If you're just looking for something to expand your port options for connection and charging but don't want to shell out the big bucks, Lenovo's USB-C hub is a low-cost alternative. This is not a Thunderbolt 3 supported hub, but it will connect and work with your 2016 or later MacBook Pro, just in a slightly limited capacity.
If you're stuck with a MacBook that only has USB-C ports, you're not stuck using only USB-C accessories. You also don't have to be stuck with a dongle. A solid, fast-transfer USB-C hub is a worthy investment. I recommend Satechi's Multi-port adapter because it'll solve all your cable needs and is the best option for most people.