USB (Universal Serial Bus) hubs were once very common on many computer desks, but not so much today due to the rise of wireless technology. People are more likely to use Bluetooth or the cloud to share files, and that’s fine.
Additionally, some users have decided to use a single USB cord for transferring files, and that has everything to do with the increased speed of the tech. We can get things done much faster than ever, especially with USB Type-C. We will not dwell on the past right now, but rather on how a USB hub could still prove to be very useful for everyone with a computer, or just some.
Types of USB Ports
There are two types of USB Ports:
- USB Ports: They do not have an external power source and can only pull power from the computer’s USB port.
- Powered USB Ports: They use an external power source to maintain the same energy level as each hub port.
Do you need a USB hub?
We feel you could need a USB hub in two scenarios. If you are not sure, keep reading, as this article explains quite a lot.
- Charge several devices at once
- Own a laptop? Then you might need a hub
1] Charge several devices at once
If you want to charge multiple devices at the same time, a USB hub is one of the best options. To do this, you will require the services of a powered USB hub. This one is plugged into the main, so the user should have no problems charging several of their gadgets at once.
For people who walk around with many devices that need charging, a USB is probably the best bet at this point. Wireless charging isn’t ready, so stick to the wires for now.
2] Own a laptop? Then you might need a hub
Most laptop or tablet users tend to have a USB hub on their desks or in a bag. The primary reason for this is the limited USB plugs on these small computer devices. To compensate, one will need to get their hands on a USB hub if they have to connect multiple hardware at once.
For the best experience with a laptop, you may have to add a USB mouse and a full USB keyboard. These two devices may likely use up all available ports, so a hub is needed immediately for other gadgets.
Read: Generic USB Hub missing or not showing.
Why you might not need a USB hub
There are two scenarios where you might not need a USB Hub:
- You have extra ports
- You have gone wireless
1] Have extra ports?
If you have additional USB ports on your laptop computer, you do no need to invest in a hub. Not to mention, wireless routers these days, tend to come packed with a few USB ports as well, so if you want to charge a device, well, use that.
For those who are using a desktop with limited ports, how about checking for ports on the monitor? Many monitors today come with one or more USB ports, so please look around to see how lucky or unlucky you are.
2] Have you gone wireless?
Choosing the wireless route means you have little need for a USB hub. Many folks are transferring files over Bluetooth these days, so you’re not alone. Furthermore, it is possible to connect other machines across your Wi-Fi network as well.
Currently, going fully wireless is not yet an option for everyone, but it is slowly becoming so as the technology improves with each generation.
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