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 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.
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.
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.
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.

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.