Best USB Hub for Gaming of 2020

What is a USB Hub for Gaming?

A USB hub for gaming allows you to connect more devices to your PC via additional USB ports. Your PC or laptop may only have one USB port. If it is already occupied by a mouse, you won’t be able to connect any other equipment including headsets, keyboards, microphones, or controllers. Think of it as the USB equivalent of an extension cord.

How does a USB hub for gaming work?

The USB hub for gaming is connected to your PC or laptop via a USB port. The hub has multiple USB ports for you to connect all of your devices at once.

Having multiple ports means you will no longer need to choose between, or connect and disconnect, your peripherals. Instead, you can have them all connected and ready for action when needed.

Advantages and Applications

The best USB hubs for gaming offer great versatility. Hard-core gamers will know that having the best gaming accessories can really help to achieve an immersive experience. Adding a joystick, webcam, or microphone may be essential for regular gaming sessions.

Depending on your needs, you can choose from hubs that offer two, four, or more than ten additional ports. You will need to think about the number of ports you are likely to require to ensure the USB hub allows you to use all of your devices at once.

Many electricals are now compatible with USB ports, and so purchasing a USB hub could be of benefit for non-gaming activities, such as file transfers or charging devices. Some hubs will also have different ports to accommodate SD cards or HDMI adapters, offering a truly adaptable hub that will work with your phone, TV, or camera.

What types of USB hubs for gaming are there?

The most common USB hubs for gaming include the following.

Self-powered

The USB port has a power cable that connects to the mains. The hub then connects to the PC via the USB port.

USB-powered

No additional power is required as power is transferred to the hub via the USB port. USB powered hubs are ideal if you have a scarcity of power sockets near your PC.

USB 2.0 hub

Pre-dating 2008, the 2.0 USB ports are still found in many devices, but it would be unusual to purchase one new today. A 2.0 hub would allow for transfer rates of up to 4.8 Gbps.

USB 3.0 hub

The newer 3.0 ports are often now fitted as standard. They achieve faster transfers at up to ten times the speed of a 2.0 but are usually backward compatible so any older gaming peripherals will still work.

How USB Hubs for Gaming Are Tested

Computer experts and extreme gamers are well-placed to test USB hubs. To save you hours researching the products on the market, professionals look at several key areas to decide which USB hubs for gaming will best suit gamers with varying gadgets and setups. Key criteria for testing could include the following.

Speed

When buying new, you will not want to settle for anything less than 3.0 technology. The 3.0 USB offers faster speeds for near-instant responsiveness when gaming. It also offers faster charging of accessories such as controllers. A 3.0 can see transfer rates of 4.8 Gbps, whereas 2.0 might offer 480 Mbps.

Number of ports

From two to more than ten ports, testers will consider how versatile a USB hub is. As a gamer, you are likely to need more than two ports, especially as your collection of accessories grows.

Power source

USB-powered hubs might be seen more favorably as they cut down on additional wires and socket requirements.

Additional ports

Added versatility can be found with a variety of ports, including SD card slots.

Design

Once you have your gaming station set up exactly how you like it, the last thing you want is to add an ugly USB hub. A sleek, compact design is more desirable than a bulky hub.

What to Look for When Buying a USB Hub for Gaming

Before you purchase a USB hub for gaming, count your peripherals.

It is easy to assume it will be easy to swap one gadget out for another, but in the throes of a game, you will be glad you chose a USB hub that could accommodate them all. Set search parameters within your budget to avoid disappointment.

Leading Manufacturers of USB Hubs for Gaming

As with all tech, some manufacturers are ahead of the pack. There are seven clear leaders when it comes to USB hubs.

The UgreenUSB hub connects up to four USB devices with speeds of 5 Gbps.

The XBOSS four-port USB hub charges devices in addition to transferring data.

The Kokovolta four-port USB hub has an unusual black and white, upright design. It is popular for fast charging and can be affixed to any surface by its sticky base.

The Lasuney 13-in-1 USB-C hub uses a 24-pin USB connector system. It has five USB ports as well as an SD card reader, an Ethernet port, and HDMI ports.

The Atolla four-port USB hub is super slim and very reasonably priced. It includes power indicators and individual on/off switches for each USB port, which is useful for when gadgets are not in use.

The Aukey seven-port USB hub allows up to seven peripherals to be attached for fast data transfers or charging purposes. Its modern silver color and triangular design make it very popular.

The Atolla seven-port hub with individual on/off switches also has a dedicated charging port for your phone or other devices.

Internet Versus Retail Trade: Where should I buy my USB hub?

USB hubs for gamers can be purchased in most electrical stores. However, for the best selection and a better pricing deal, it is far better to shop online.

Advantages and Disadvantages Based on Customer Reviews

In the US, customers have left their honest reviews to let other buyers know what they loved about a product and what fell short. All of these hubs offered fast transfer speeds of 5 Gbps.

The Aukey USB hub boasts seven USB points for maximum gaming potential. It has a solid and sturdy feel but remains an attractive addition with its white, triangular design. Customers report fast speeds and no issues in handling lots of data. However, some users felt that its lightweight nature meant it moved around when connecting and disconnecting cables, messing up the look of the gaming station. It also requires a power cable, so you will need an available power source. Finally, the hub can get a little warm when in use for long periods.

The Kokovolta is a vertical data hub with four ports. Its stylish, upright design makes it easy to connect and disconnect cables. Its sticker allows it to affix firmly to a surface for maximum tidiness. It is also very reasonably priced. Customers were disappointed to find that the charging cable was quite short, and the built-in LEDs were a distraction for some. Feedback also included the ports being too close together, so wider USB connectors could make it impossible for all four ports to be used at the same time.

The Lasuney triple display 13-in-1 USB-C Hub boasts plenty of ports including five USBs, 2 HDMIs, one Ethernet, an SD card reader, and room for microphone or audio. It has smart metal casing, and devices reportedly connect easily. With a multi-port device, you are unlikely to need any other hub.

However, its drawbacks include a more expensive price. Some customers reported that the SD card slot was a little fiddly, making it difficult to tell if the card was inserted correctly. Finally, as the USB connector requires a USB-C connection, you may need to purchase a separate adapter if your PC or console does not support USB-C.

Interesting Facts and Advice

The History of the USB Hub

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It has set a standard for cables and connectors that run between computers and gadgets used in computing and gaming. The first USB was released in 1996 and there have so far been four generations of USBs. USB-C is the most recent form of the USB connector.

The beauty of USB connection is that it allows multiple peripherals to be connected via the same port. Subsequently, users now require more USB ports to operate multiple peripherals at once, leading to the development of USB hubs.

USB Hub Figures

With USBs now as an essential method of connectivity, there are some interesting figures to digest. Individual USB cables can be as long as five meters, but hubs can be up to thirty meters away from the PC or gaming device (running via six cables). The maximum number of devices that can be connected via one USB hub is 127.

Install Correctly in Five Steps

Luckily, USB hubs are one of the easiest devices to install, and often do not require software downloads. Installation includes the following.

Step 1

Inspection of the instructions

Step 2

connecting the hub via one of your PC’s USB ports

Step 3

following any on-screen instructions

Step 4

inserting a peripheral such as a gaming joystick

Step 5

gaming!

5 Tips for Care

For your USB hub for gaming to last for many years, some basic care is required.

Tip 1

Position out of direct sunlight.

Tip 2

Keep away from artificial heat sources such as radiators.

Tip 3

Install following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tip 4

Where possible, turn off USB ports that are not in use.

Tip 5

Monitor for signs of aging.

Useful Accessories

A USB hub for gaming is unlikely to require anything additional; however, if purchasing a USB-C hub, you may require a USB-C to USB adapter to fit your PC. If you run out of USB ports, it is possible to connect multiple hubs for maximum USB use.

FAQs

Which USB hub should I purchase?

Do a stock check of your peripherals such as the keyboard, joystick, and headphones. Ensure the hub you purchase has enough ports for every device you regularly use to avoid disappointment.

Where should I purchase my USB hub?

For higher specifications, purchase online for easier and direct comparisons between different USB hubs.

How do I install a USB hub?

Often, no installation is required, simply plug in and go!

Will a USB hub work with my Mac?

Check the individual specification as some hubs are not Mac-compatible.

I am mostly wireless. Do I need a USB hub?

If you use wireless or Bluetooth-connected products, then you will not require a USB hub, unless you occasionally connect with wires.

Why would I want different ports?

HDMI, SD card, and mini display ports ensure versatility for completing a variety of data transfers. They also allow connection to other devices, including the television.

Do I need a USB hub with a power adapter?

No, not if you are happy with a USB-powered device. If you plan to run multiple USB hubs, you should consider mains-powered hubs.

How much might I spend?

USB hubs range in price from $10 to several hundred dollars.

I want a USB hub for gaming to share the mouse and keyboard. What do I need?

To connect just two peripherals, a basic two- to four-port hub will suffice.

Does cable length matter?

USB cable length may be more important if you use a gaming console and prefer to sit farther from the screen.

Alternatives to the USB Hubs for Gaming

If you are already enjoying wireless gaming, you may not need a USB hub. Bluetooth or wireless connectivity will allow you to connect compatible devices to your PC without any USB requirements.