Which is Better USB Hub or Docking Station and How to Choose?

As laptops reduce the number of ports available, USB hubs and docking stations are becoming more popular. If you need to add more ports to your laptop or computer setup, you can use an extended USB hub or USB 3.0 docking station. While the two may look the same, there is a difference between a multiple USB C hub and a 3.0 USB docking station.

What is the Difference Between a USB Hub Multiport and a USBC Docking Station?

• USB Port Extension Hubalso known as USB hub, you can convert a USB port into multiple ports, only used to expand multiple USB interfaces, to connect multiple USB devices, such as common mice, keyboards, USB flash drives, etc. It can draw power from a computer to power-connected peripherals. Some models also require an AC/DC power adapter to supply power to the compatible device.
• USB C Docking Station: also known as port replicator, refers to the device that expands other interfaces from the USB interface, in addition to providing multiple USB interfaces, it is more functional and powerful, and can also expand the audio input and output interface, video output interface, BT, COM or LPT interface, card reader, network card and other different types of interfaces. Some are portable, some are stationary. The advantage of stationary types is that they can be used to charge your laptop at high speeds. The downside is that you can’t get the full power because some of it is used to power peripherals. The amount of power used to power peripherals will depend on the number of connected devices. Take the 5-in-1 USB C HUB Rong Shenghui as an example. It has a 100W USB-C PD port, but it can only charge your laptop at 85W.

Portable devices try to offer the best of both worlds, and the docking station 3.0 USB gives you more power than a USB type c USB hub without sacrificing portability. And help you get the full desktop experience from your laptop. However, they are also usually more expensive due to their features and number of interfaces.

Which Should I Buy a USB Hub or a Docking Station?

• Sometimes your budget can be a limiting factor, and if that’s the case, a USB 3.1 hub is an excellent option. Although USB 3.0 USB hub are just a cheaper alternative, they come in handy when you’re working on the go.
• If you want more than just a simple setup, a docking station USB-C is the right choice for you. The video output on the best docking station for multiple monitors is standard and usually supports one or more displays. Different types of usb-c docking stations support different video ports, resolutions, and refresh rates, such as DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI, or VGA, with 4K@30Hz, 4K@60Hz, and 8K@30Hz resolutions. Hence the birth of the T11H RSHTECH, the T11H has 2 video interfaces, which are 4K@60Hz and 8K@30Hz. The resolution of the dual-port connection is 4K@60Hz, and the single-port connection is 8K@30Hz display. In the case of a dual-port connection, two modes can be realized: expansion and mirroring for the Windows system. In extended mode, MST is supported, and the computer and 2 monitors can display 3 different screens (ABC), or 2 monitors can display the same screen format (ABB). Mirror mode allows the computer and two monitors to display the same content (AAA). For Mac OS system only supports SST, so that the computer and two monitors can display the same screen (AAA). In addition, the T11H also supports Gigabit Ethernet, adaptation to TF, SD card, card reader, etc. It is a good choice for USB-a docking station styles. Get a Quote!

Summary

• Nowadays, we all have many USB devices to connect, from app-based smart power banks to external hard drives, SD card readers, smart home hubs, printers (2D and 3D), tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. There simply aren’t enough ports on today’s computers to handle all of that, and hubs work just like your computer’s power strip, expanding the number of devices you can connect to.
• Type c usb docking stationturn your laptop into a desktop, providing full connectivity to your office or smart home. This enables you to use any screen as a 4K extended display while connecting to a reliable Internet connection, printer, and more. Docking is like adding a second engine to your computer.

While your needs may vary, if you’re on a tight budget, a usb extension hub is a great option. If you’re on a budget, consider using a docking station for ssd. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily buy the highest end. A portable docking station is a good option.