
Some also work as a way of using your existing USB Type-A devices (those with a big, square-edged USB plug) on a laptop or tablet that has only a USB Type-C socket (for the smaller, round-edged plugs). The most basic hubs focus on giving you more USB connections, so that you can plug in three or four USB devices in while using just one USB port. As with most things, you pay more for a higher spec or extra features, so the choice comes down to working out what you need and finding the best hub to meet your requirements. USB hubs start from around £8 and go up to £60 or more. Best USB-A hub for wired networking: AmazonBasics 3-port USB 3.0 Adapter with Gigabit Ethernet.Best budget hub with power: UGreen USB Hub 3.0 4 Port Ultra Slim.


Looking for an HDMI, DisplayPort or Ethernet connection? You might be lucky, or you might need an adapter. Most have room for one or two USB-C ports and, if you’re lucky, a couple of USB 3.1 or 3.2.

Those super-slim, featherlight MacBooks, Chromebooks and Windows laptops look great and are easy to lug around, but there’s a price to be paid when it comes to ports and sockets. Yes, modern laptops have stunning high-resolution screens and the processing power to run the most demanding applications, but if there’s one thing they lack, it's connectivity.

The best USB hubs are perhaps the most humble of computer/laptop peripherals.
