As our laptops continue to get thinner, sleeker and more lightweight, they have become more portable and better for traveling. The downside is that smaller laptops mean fewer ports. Before you search through your closet for your dusty PC tower or 10-pound laptop, we have a much simpler and smaller suggestion — a multiport adapter.
Multiport adapters are like tiny meeting rooms for all your gadgets. These powerful hubs can connect just about anything to your laptop, including USBs, SD Cards, Ethernet cables, HDMI cables and more. Insert your MicroSD card to download files from your digital camera or camcorder. Mirror your laptop on a large monitor with an HDMI cable. Sync your smartphone to your laptop using a USB port. Connect directly to your network in your office through an Ethernet cable. And finally, play your old CDs and DVDs on your laptop by connecting them through an external drive player. Plus, much, much more.
Laptops with few ports are designed as such to make them lightweight and portable, so it only makes sense that multiport adapters mirror that idea. The seven adapters we’ve included on our list take up less room in your laptop bag than a smartphone and can handle connecting multiple gadgets at once.
If you want to take on some big jobs with your small laptop, you need a multiport adapter.
1. Anker USB C Hub Adapter
We frequently look to Anker when it comes to phone and computer accessories, and this handy seven-in-one hub offers a variety of functions without sacrificing portability. It’s designed to plug into USB-C ports, so it’s a good option for newer Apple computers, Chromebooks and other laptops. It has HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, SD and microSD and even an Ethernet port. Pass-through charging allows you to charge your device by plugging your charger into the USB-C port on the hub.
Pros: Portable option with a wide variety of ports, including Ethernet, SD and MicroSD, and USB 3.0.
Cons: The USB-C input is designed for power delivery, not data transfer, so you’ll need to use another USB-C port on your computer if you have a USB-C device.
2. Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter
Upgraded with an improved MicroSD slot and refined aluminum design, the Satechi Aluminum Multi-Port Adapter is a lightweight and compact hub that makes it easy to connect various devices at once. The expansion port includes spots for a 4K HDMI cord, an Ethernet cord, a USB-C Pass-Through Charging, an SD/Micro Card Reader and three USB 3.0 ports.
Pros: The Satechi is plug and play and doesn’t require any installation or drivers. Designed for MacBooks, the Satechi also works with most new laptops and computers.
Cons: The Satechi doesn’t include a mini display port. It’s also not compatible with Apple SuperDrive.
3. VAVA USB C Hub
This sleek option has 8-in-1 functionality, and it’s designed to plug into your computer’s USB-C port. In addition to a USB 2.0 port, it has two USB 3.0 ports, maximizing data transfer speeds when using USB 3.0 devices. Also included are an ethernet port, microSD, SD and HDMI port. Plus, there’s another USB-C input that can be used for pass-through charging, allowing you to charge your laptop without taking up extra ports.
Pros: Plenty of ports, USB-C input for pass-through charging. Three USB-A ports, including USB 3.0 for fast transfer speeds.
Cons: Like the Anker option, the USB-C input is for pass-through charging only, not data transfer.
4. Purgo USB C Hub for MacBook Pro
This multi-port adapter from Purgo streamlines your devices by plugging directly into your MacBook Pro, rather than connecting through a cable. There are microSD and SD, two USB-C ports (one is data transfer only and the other is charging and data). There are also two USB ports and an HDMI port. It comes in space gray, silver and rose gold to match the most common MacBook colors.
Pros: Sleek design that plugs directly into your laptop, eliminating the need for extraneous cables. Available in colors that match Macbook colors.
Cons: Check compatibility before buying; it only works with MacBooks, but not all of them.
5. Anker 4-Port USB 3.0 Ultra Slim Data Hub
Most of the options on this list are designed for laptops that use USB-C, but this option from Anker is made for USB-A ports. Admittedly, it’s more of a USB hub than a multi-port adapter; there are four USB-A inputs, but there are no other kinds of inputs. But if your computer is lacking in USB-A ports, then this is a good option to consider. Plus, it’s an affordable option from one of our favorite brands.
Pros: Good USB-A option. Highly compact and easy to take on the go. Uses USB 3.0 for faster transfer speeds.
Cons: Only USB-A inputs, no USB-C, HDMI, SD card, etc.
6. TOTU Eight-in-One Type C Hub
Smaller than a smartphone, the TOTU Eight-in-One Type C Hub is so lightweight and compact that you can carry it in your pocket. Connect all your devices in one area with the TOTU, which includes one Ethernet/RJ-45 Port, one USB Type-C Female PD charging port, one HDMI port, one TF SD card slot, one SD card slot, one USB 2.0 Type-A port and USB 3.0 Type-A ports.
Pros: Ideal for photographers, the TOTU can simultaneously transfer files from an SD and MicroSD card at the same time and the 1000Mbps Ethernet port provides a safe, secure and fast connection for quick downloads.
Cons: Some options have more ports.
7. EUSAOO Thunderbolt 3 USB C Hub
Never worry about overheating with the EUSAOO Thunderbolt 3 USB C Hub, which is made from high-quality aluminum allow and corrosion-resistant ABS material that is built to withstand high temperatures. The hub is designed with three USB 3.0 male-to-female ports, one USB C female-to-male port, a 4k HDMI video output, RJ 45 Gigabit Ethernet port, VGA male-to-female port, Audio/Mic two-in-one port, and SD/Micro SD card reader slots.
Pros: Gamers and those who stream videos online will love the EUSAOO, which has 4K resolution video at 30Hz and 1920×1080 (1080p) at 60Hz.
Cons: EUSAOO does not recommend connecting multiple high power devices to the adapter at one time.