If you can use an HDMI port to connect it to your computer, you'll be getting a port or two (or more) without taking up any of the USB space that's provided by your computer. Many monitors now come with USB ports for connecting and powering devices. Don't Get a Hub If You Have Extra Ports Hiding on Your Hardware If you're only using your USB ports for two-factor authentication keys or memory sticks, a hub may be overkill for your use case. While there are some good arguments against using Bluetooth devices, wireless connections are very convenient.Īs such, if you hate wires and plugs and want everything to connect wirelessly, you may not need a USB hub. You can now find Bluetooth-enabled keyboards and mice, while printers, scanners, and external hard drives can live on your Wi-Fi network. Don't Get a Hub If You're All WirelessĪ lot of devices have made the move to wireless connections. There are instances where you're better off saving your money or taking a different approach to solving the problem. USB hubs are useful, but they're not for everyone. If you want to back up photos from your computer, tether your mobile phone to use cellular data on your PC, download images from your camera, print some documents, and upload music to your iPad, a high-quality USB hub can help you do all of that at the same time. If you find yourself in the situation of needing to move a lot of data between a bunch of different devices, a USB hub can be very useful.

This is one of the rarer kinds of USB hub uses, but it's still very valid.

You Want to Move a Lot of Data Between USB Devices It's also convenient that you don't need to hunt for a spare mains plug just plug everything into the same hub. From phones to tablets to desk gadgets, a USB hub can meet the needs of any gadget that needs USB power. USB hubs are the perfect companion for someone with lots of power-hungry USB devices. This lets you charge as many devices as you like, regardless of if your computer is on or not. While unpowered USB hubs need to be plugged into your computer to do that, powered hubs instead use the mains. You Want to Charge a Multitude of Devices on One PortĪ USB hub is great for charging a number of different devices at once.

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