Best
USB-C Adapters and Hubs for Surface Laptop 4
Windows Central
2021
The best USB-C adapters and hubs for the refreshed Surface Laptop 4 add the ports you need on a day-to-day basis. Whether you need more USB, Ethernet, or SD cards, these affordable accessories can change the way you use your laptop. We’ve rounded up a bunch of the best right here.
Premium Option:
CalDigit SOHO dock
Editor’s choice
If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality hub, the CalDigit SOHO should be seriously considered. It adds six total ports, USB-C power passthrough, and it has a removable host cable. With 10Gbps USB-C performance, it will make the most of your Surface Laptop 4’s port capabilities. External display support includes dual 4K@60Hz.
Budget Pricing:
Anker USB-C 5-in-1 adapter
Staff pick
This 5-in-1 Anker USB-C hub adds two USB-A 3.0, an HDMI port with support for 4K at a 60Hz refresh rate, as well as SD and microSD card readers. This slim hub doesn’t cost nearly as much as our top pick, ideal if you don’t care as much about maximizing port performance and just want something you can slip into a bag.
Ethernet Included:
OWC USB-C Travel Dock E
The OWC USB-C Travel Dock E brings Ethernet, dual USB-A 3.2, HDMI, UHS-II SD card reader, and USB-C power passthrough (up to 92W) in a compact puck. The host cable isn’t removable, but it does have a channel on the bottom for safe storage. External display support includes a single 4K display at 60Hz through the HDMI port.
All The Ports:
VAVA USB-C 8-in-1 hub
If you foresee a lot of accessory connections, VAVA’s 8-in-1 hub might be the right choice. It offers dual USB-A 3.0 and a single USB-A 2.0, HDMI for 4K at a 30Hz refresh rate, Ethernet, SD and microSD card readers, and USB-C power passthrough with up to 100W of charging power back to your host Laptop 4. It also happens to be priced to sell.
USB-C To USB-A:
Aukey USB-C adapter
Sometimes all you need to do is turn USB-C into USB-A. This three-pack of Aukey adapters gets the job done without hassle or taking up room. Add one to each of your laptop carriers or keep them around the office. They’re inexpensive and great to have on hand when the need arises and you don’t want to use an entire hub or dock.
Simply USB-A:
Aukey USB-A hub
Just want to add some USB-A ports to your Surface Laptop 4? The Aukey USB-A is an inexpensive solution. Connect the slim, travel-friendly hub via USB-C and get access to four USB-A 3.0 ports. A status light is included to let you know it’s working as intended.
For Your Monitor:
uni USB-C to HDMI adapter
Just want an adapter that can turn your USB-C port into the right port for your HDMI monitor? This one from uni is affordable and gets the job done. It can handle up to a 4K display at 60Hz, plus the cable is braided for extra resilience. If you travel, it’s small enough to take away just about anywhere.
Wired Internet:
uni USB-C to Ethernet adapter
The Surface Laptop 4 comes with Wi-Fi 6 for reliable wireless internet, but sometimes you just need an Ethernet hookup. This adapter from uni delivers with speeds up to 1Gbps. The braided cable adds some extra durability, and it’s small enough to slip into a sleeve pocket when you need to take off.
For Removable Storage:
UGREEN USB-C to SD adapter
This adapter from UGREEN is great for any photographers to have on hand. It adds SD and microSD UHS-I card readers that can be used simultaneously, plus a single USB-A 2.0 port for emergencies. It’s small enough to easily travel with you, and the braided cable is more durable than your standard plastic fare.
If we’re making some suggestions
All of the above USB-C adapters and hubs will complement the refreshed Surface Laptop 4. But if you’re still wondering where to start, we can make a couple of further suggestions.
For a full USB-C hub, the CalDigit SOHO is a top option. CalDigit is maker of our pick for best Thunderbolt 3 dock and best laptop docking station, so it’s no surprise that its compact hub is also an excellent pick.
The 10Gbps USB-C connection allows for dual 4K displays each at a 60Hz refresh rate, plus excellent performance for any connected accessories. You get a downstream USB-C port, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, UHS-II SD card reader and microSD card reader, as well as AC adapter USB-C passthrough with up to 100W of charging power. It’s all contained in a premium aluminum chassis with removable host cable.
If you need something more on the budget side, Anker’s USB-C 5-in-1 hub is no doubt a better pick. It adds dual USB-A 3.0, HDMI (with support for a 4K display at a 30Hz refresh rate), and SD and microSD card readers.
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