What is a USB-C hub, a docking station, and an adapter?

A USB-C hub, docking station or adapter is the solution to the problem of how to connect multiple essential or “nice-to-have" devices to your laptop through one cable when you don’t have enough or the right types of ports.

The answer is they’re lifesavers if you are:

✓An employee sharing a workspace with other team members.
✓A teacher who needs to share data, video and notes with their students on a big screen.
✓A photographer or videographer on a shoot.
✓A sales rep about to give a digital presentation.

This article will help you understand the importance of having the correct hardware to support your device usage at home and on the go. These days, we're using more devices than ever, and it’s not always obvious which accessories are necessary to support them. Below we explore the key benefits of and differences between USB-C hubs, docks and adapters to help you find the one that’s right for you.

USB-C Hub Features & Benefits

Today’s sleeker, more portable laptops may be easier to carry, but they have fewer ports. A USB-C hub expands the number of ports available to connect your devices and peripherals, and options range from hubs that add USB-A ports to multiport USB-C hubs with Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, or SD connections.

USB-C multiport hubs are usually easier to use on the go than a full-sized docking station, but they aren’t just designed for work or play away from your desk. USB-C hubs are a cost-effective and space-saving solution for adding ports to your laptop, PC, or gaming system, so you can connect those extra monitors or other devices or peripherals you’d love to use.

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USB-C Dock Features & Benefits

A docking station allows employees in the office, remote workers, freelancers – anyone who needs a powerful, fully functional, stationary workstation – to create one. By connecting a laptop to a USB-C docking station with ports that support external hard drives, microphones, keyboard, multiple monitors, and SD card readers, you can connect everything you need. Docking station options include models with a power passthrough feature that also includes a power supply unit (PSU) that charges your laptop while connected, so you don’t have to carry your laptop’s PSU around. You can also select a mountable dock that reserves desk space and improves security.

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USB-C Adapter Features & Benefits

Newer laptops have fewer ports, limiting your ability to connect older devices, like projectors, displays, or USB sticks. A portable USB-C adapter provides you with additional ports, bridging the gap between older and newer technology. It also enables simplicity, port expansions, and increased productivity.

Options include USB-C adapters that provide you with a secure, wired internet connection and adapters with powered USB-C ports, so you don’t have to worry about finding a separate power source to keep connected devices charged.

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What is the difference between a USB-C hub, docking station and an adapter?

All three tools solve similar problems, but they each have their own unique features:

USB-C Hub

✓Small form factor, portable
✓Plug and play
✓Choose the port types you need
✓Affordable option for port expansion, basic workstations, and work on the go

USB-C Docking Station

✓Designed for the stationary desktop
✓More capabilities than a hub
✓Greater variety of ports and form factors
✓Multiple technologies, including Thunderbolt and DisplayLink
✓Some models include pass-through charging

USB-C Adapter

Fills the technology gap between old and new devices Examples:

✓USB-C to USB adapter
✓USB-C to HDMI adapter
✓USB-C to Ethernet adapter
✓USB-C to multi-port adapters
✓And more

Although some people use the terms “USB-C hubs,” and “USB-C adapters” interchangeably, you can see that they’re quite different, with hubs traditionally offering more port options and features.

When do I need to buy a USB-C hub, docking station, or an adapter?

When your productivity is limited by the ports your laptop offers, or if you’re looking for solutions to equip a remote workforce, a USB-C hub or multi-port adapter is the ideal choice to connect more devices quickly and conveniently.

USB-C Hubs

USB-C Adapters

When do I need to buy a USB-C hub, docking station, or an adapter?

If you're looking to create a stationary desktop workstation, a dock can provide your laptop with multiple ports such as HDMI/Display/Port/VGA input, Gigabit Ethernet, SD card reader, and more USB ports, all while powering the laptop through a single cable. You can connect more devices without the clutter. Docks also offer the flexibility needed to support hot desking, which helps companies save in the long run by investing in fewer workstations.

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How do I choose the right USB-C hub, dock, or adapter?

Whether you are leaning toward the portable, plug-and-play convenience of a USB Type C hub, the versatility of a USB-C dock for your workstation, or an USB-C adapter to connect legacy devices to new laptops, there are two questions you need to answer first:

1 What am I connecting?

Consider all of the devices – keyboard, mouse, microSD storage, external hard drive, USB-A devices, and more – that you need to connect now or may use in the future. Do you need a USB-C headphone adapter, USB-C to lighting adapter, or USB-C multiport adapter? Will you need a wired network connection via a Gigabit Ethernet port? Choose the option with the right type of port for each connection you need.

2 Do I need a power source?

Do you need to power the devices that you plug in through the hub, docking station or adapter – or do you plan to charge your smartphone or additional devices with a fast-charge USB-A port -BC1.2? This will determine whether you need power passthrough.

Pro tip:

USB-C hubs and adapters that support power passthrough provide the convenience of charging the devices you plug into them. You don’t have to carry a power adapter with your laptop or choose between using and charging the device – just plug it in and work worry-free.

Some docking stations also come with their own power adapters. That means you don’t have to plug your laptop into an outlet to keep it charged when it’s connected to the docking station if there is sufficient wattage for all of your devices.

It’s smart to estimate your power needs and invest in a tool that can power your laptop.

1 Displays:

Determine how many displays you will use and whether they require HDMI, Display Port or VGA connections. You also need to consider the hub, dock, or adapter’s compatibility with your display, i.e., 4K UHD-, 1080p Full HD- or 8K-ready

2 Hardware compatibility:

Research whether your laptop’s main port connector is Thunderbolt or USB-C. Additionally, consider your device’s operating system (OS) – For example, M1 MacBooks (2020) may require a specific hub, dock, or adapter if you’re looking to achieve dual displays (SKU: INC002) compared to a Windows laptop or Chromebook. You also need to investigate what your laptop’s USB-C port can support to determine whether you need an adapter or a DisplayLink dock.

3 Speed:

Ensure your USB-C hub for your laptop won’t slow you down. Make sure it delivers the data transfer speed and refresh rates you need.

4 Size:

Depending on how you will use the hub, docking station, or adapter – whether a dedicated workstation or on the go – consider its size and weight in your decision.

Why Belkin?

Belkin products undergo rigorous testing for quality and safety, and most of our products are certified by industry connection standards to guarantee performance. We also offer a two-year warranty for all our docking stations, hubs, and adapters.

Our 35+ years of established industry leadership, great industry partnerships, and people-inspired products make Belkin products the smart choice for keeping you connected to the devices and peripherals you need, wherever and however you work.