I really wish one of these lower-cost USB-C hubs would include a Mini DisplayPort, DisplayPort, or ThunderBolt 2 or 3 port compatible with 4K at 60Hz. The annoyingly-slow USB 2.0 port is on the same side as the USB-C port, meaning I need to use a port on the opposite side of the USB-C power cable to connect my USB 3.0 devices.

The port layout is a bit annoying, and results in 'cable soup'. Of the cheaper 'non-name-brand' alternatives, AUKEY is one of the most consistent and reliable. I have a few other AUKEY devices, and they all seem pretty solid. The ports all feel solid, and the aluminum body feels like it can take a beating and still work. The cable is a little flexible, but I wouldn't feel comfortable bending it more than 90 degrees. But it would be quite useful if you only use 1440p, 1080p, or some other non-4K resolution.

The HDMI port only delivers up to 30Hz at 4K, so it's not helpful for me, since I can't stand a 30Hz refresh rate (scrolling and other motion feels very choppy). It has one USB-C port (only useful for delivering power through to the computer), one USB 2.0 port (the black one on the 'back'-but why not another USB 3.0 port?), and one HDMI port. The AUKEY has 3 USB 3.0 ports (the blue ones, pictured on the 'front' of the hub). Featuresīack side: HDMI, USB 2.0 (why not 3.0?!), and USB-C power input. The only spec that's better on it (besides slightly more polish and a better warranty) is power delivery-it should be able to pass through twice the wattage as the AUKEY (see review notes later), so you can recharge your laptop a bit faster. It's especially nice for the price- only $39.99 on Amazon at the time of this writing.Īpple's own USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter is $10 more expensive, with half the ports, and almost all the same specs. It has, however, been reliable in all my testing, and I highly recommend it if you don't need 4K resolution and it checks all your boxes.

The AUKEY USB-C hub meets about half my requirements, but has a few flaws or missing features that keep me wanting something better-like the Arc Hub, which isn't yet available. I have a 2016 MacBook Pro (without TouchBar), and for this Mac, or for a 12' MacBook, a hub/adapter with power delivery is absolutely essential for desk use, due to the limited number of USB-C/ThunderBolt 3 ports.Įventually, I'd like to plug one ThunderBolt 3 cable into my MacBook Pro and get 4K video at 60Hz (through either USB-C, DisplayPort, or HDMI 1.2+), USB 3.0 for my existing USB 3 devices, and a power pass-through so I can get the full 61W of charge out of my Apple AC adapter.

Macbook usb c hub