As devices get thinner and smaller, ports can become a premium commodity. While many accessories work with Bluetooth, you're going to need ports for certain devices. Sabrent makes a variety of USB hubs that help you convert a single USB port into a plethora of ports for your machine. Its Universal Docking Station has several ports and is a solid choice for converting a portable device into something that feels like a desktop. If you're on the go, both of the other entries on this list are also good options.
Best overall: Sabrent Universal Docking Station
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This universal docking station has a slew of ports to help you connect to a variety of devices and peripherals. It has two USB 3.0 outs, two USB fast 2.4A charging ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, two USB 2.0 out ports, and audio in and out. It also supports both HDMI and DVI out which can work simultaneously. That means you can hook up multiple monitors and even charge devices while you're using them.
This is a somewhat larger USB hub that's ideal for desktop use. You can set up all of your accessories once and then just plug your laptop in with a single USB cable. It requires an external power source, so make sure you free up a plug socket. Because of its versatility and number of ports, this is our pick for best overall Sabrent USB hub.
Best portable: Sabrent Premium 3-Port Aluminum Mini
This smaller USB hub converts one USB port into three USB 3.0 ports. It can be rotated up to 180 degrees so you can use it from either side of your laptop and have it upright, flush with your device, or sticking backward if you're using a 2-in-1 in tent or tablet mode. It also supports speeds of up to 5Gbps, which is more than enough to handle daily tasks.
While this hub can rotate, there's a chance that it might block another USB port on your device due to its bulk or the angle that you need to use it at. It's best for devices that have a single USB port on one side of the device.
Best value: Sabrent 4-Port USB 3.0 Hub
If you just need a few extra USB ports without spending a lot of money, this is the hub for you. This hub has four USB 3.0 ports that each come with an individual LED indicator to let you know if they're being used. Each port also has a power switch so you can turn them on or off individually.
Some USB hubs attach directly to your laptop's USB port. With these devices, the USB hub might be bulky enough that it blocks a neighboring USB port, like when you use a large plug in a pair of sockets. That's not the case here. The cable that connects the device allows you to lay the hub flat in various setups, and helps create some separation between your laptop and USB hub so no ports are blocked. This hub is also the cheapest on our list and a budget-friendly way to add ports to your devices.
The hub supports speeds up to 5Gbps, but it doesn't support charging your devices.
Bottom line
USB hubs are an excellent way to take your portable devices like laptops and 2-in-1s and convert them into a desktop setup. If you want one hub that you can set up once that will enable your PC to feel like a desktop, then you should get the Sabrent Universal Docking Station. Its support for multiple monitors, multiple devices, and its ability to charge devices makes it a great desk companion.
