Best USB-C Hubs with Pass Through Charging: Top 3 Picks for Power & Connectivity
Let’s face it, modern laptops are sleek and beautiful, but they’ve sacrificed ports for aesthetics. If you’re tired of playing “port roulette” every time you need to connect multiple devices while keeping your laptop charged, you’re not alone. The solution? A USB-C hub with pass through charging that transforms your single USB-C port into a connectivity powerhouse without leaving you tethered to the wall.
We’ve tested and compared the top USB-C hubs that master the art of simultaneous charging and connectivity. Whether you’re a digital nomad juggling presentations, a creative professional managing multiple peripherals, or someone who simply wants their workspace to work smarter, we’ll help you find the perfect hub that keeps your devices powered and connected.
What You Should Look For
Not all USB-C hubs are created equal, and the marketing claims don’t always match reality. We discovered some things that might surprise you. First, the power delivery numbers on the box tell only part of the story. While most hubs claim impressive wattage figures, real-world performance depends heavily on what else you’re doing. Running a 4K external monitor while transferring large files? Expect some compromises in charging speed, regardless of what the specs promise.
Second, heat management separates good hubs from great ones. We noticed that cheaper hubs tend to throttle performance when they get warm, leading to frustrating disconnections during crucial moments. The premium options handle heat better, but even they aren’t immune to thermal challenges when pushed to their limits.
Finally, compatibility isn’t just about ports matching up. We encountered several instances where hubs worked perfectly with one laptop model but exhibited quirky behavior with another, despite both having seemingly identical USB-C specifications.
Our Top 3 USB-C Hubs with Pass Through Charging
1. Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) (Premium Choice)
Price: Check price on Amazon
Here’s where things get interesting. The Anker PowerExpand 8-in-1 represents everything we love and occasionally find frustrating about premium hubs. On paper, it’s a connectivity dream, eight ports that transform your laptop into a proper workstation. In practice, it’s more nuanced than that.
It genuinely shines when you need serious connectivity. The Ethernet port alone justifies its existence for remote workers tired of unreliable WiFi. But here’s what Anker doesn’t advertise: this thing becomes a small space heater under full load. Not dangerously so, but warm enough that you’ll notice it sitting on your desk.
Key Features:
- 85W pass-through charging capability
- 8 ports total: USB-C PD, USB-C data, 2x USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, microSD/SD slots
- 4K@60Hz video output (DP 1.4 compatible devices)
- 10 Gbps data transfer speeds
- Built-in 7.48″ USB-C cable
- Premium build quality with aluminum construction
- Extensive port selection including Ethernet
- High-speed data transfer and charging
- Works with MacBook, Windows, ChromeOS
- 18-month warranty
- Hub reserves 15W for operation
- Can run warm under full load
- Higher price point
- Not compatible with Linux
- USB-A port or USB-C data port does not support charging
User Experience: Users generally report satisfaction with the hub’s reliability and wide port selection. The Ethernet port is noted as useful for stable internet connections, though some have experienced occasional connectivity interruptions and warmth under heavy use.
See customer reviews on Amazon
The Reality Check: While we appreciate the premium aluminum construction and the satisfying click of connecting devices, the PowerExpand demands respect. You can’t just throw a random 65W charger at it and expect miracles, it genuinely needs that 100W power supply to deliver on its promises.
The data transfer speeds are legitimate, and the hub maintains stable connections even when every port is occupied. The built-in cable is long enough to be useful without becoming a tangled mess. The Linux incompatibility feels arbitrary in 2025, and the power requirements mean you’re carrying a substantial charger everywhere.
Our Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) Great for power users who need maximum connectivity and don’t mind paying premium prices for premium performance.
2. UGREEN 5-in-1 USB-C Hub (Budget Champion)
Price: Check price on Amazon
Budget hubs often feel like compromises wrapped in plastic, but the UGREEN 5-in-1 surprised us by being genuinely useful rather than just cheap. This is the hub that proves you don’t need to mortgage your house for decent pass through charging USB-C hub functionality.
Key Features:
- 95W pass-through charging (5W reserved for hub operation)
- 5 ports: USB-C PD, 1x USB-A 3.0 (5 Gbps), 2x USB-A 2.0, HDMI
- 4K@30Hz video output
- Plug-and-play compatibility
- Compact, travel-friendly design
- Excellent value for money
- Broad compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android)
- Lightweight and portable
- Simple, reliable operation
- Good build quality for the price
- Limited to 4K@30Hz video output
- Only one high-speed USB-A port
- Mixed reports on power delivery consistency
- Basic port selection compared to premium options
User Experience: This hub is often highlighted for its simplicity and dependable plug-and-play functionality. MacBook users, in particular, appreciate its portability. Some units have shown variable power delivery performance, but overall it’s considered a solid budget-friendly option.
See customer reviews on Amazon
The Reality Check: We expected corners to be cut everywhere, but UGREEN made smart choices about where to spend their budget. The build quality feels solid enough for daily use, and the port selection covers the basics without unnecessary frills. The 4K@30Hz limitation sounds restrictive, but for most office work and presentations, it’s perfectly adequate.
The power delivery consistency is hit-or-miss. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of quirk you learn to work around. This hub won’t win any engineering awards, but it competently handles the core functionality most people actually need.
Our Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.9/5) An excellent entry point for anyone wanting USB-C pass through charging hub functionality without premium pricing.
3. Anker USB C Hub (7-in-1) (Sweet Spot)
Price: Check price on Amazon
The Anker 341 strikes that perfect balance between features and affordability, making it our pick for most users seeking a reliable USB-C hub with pass through charging capability.
Key Features:
- 85W pass-through charging (15W reserved for hub)
- 7 ports: USB-C PD, USB-C data, 2x USB-A, HDMI, microSD/SD slots
- 4K HDMI output support
- 5 Gbps data transfer speeds
- Premium aluminum construction
- Well-balanced port selection
- Solid build quality with aluminum casing
- Good data transfer speeds
- Reliable 4K video output
- Reasonable pricing for features offered
- USB-C port doesn’t support video output
- Some compatibility issues with certain devices
- HDMI functionality can be inconsistent
- Charging speeds may vary with different devices
User Experience: Many users find this hub offers a balanced feature set at a reasonable price. The dual card slots and reliable operation are commonly praised, while occasional HDMI issues and slower charging with certain devices have been reported.
See customer reviews on Amazon
The Reality Check: The 341 feels like Anker’s attempt to capture the sweet spot of features versus price, and largely succeeds. The aluminum build quality is genuinely impressive for the price point, and it doesn’t get as warm as its bigger sibling. We appreciate that it includes both SD card slots, a feature that’s becoming increasingly rare but remains essential for photographers and content creators.
Here’s where things get interesting, and not always in a good way. The HDMI connectivity can be temperamental. It’s not consistent enough to be predictable, which makes it more annoying than a consistent flaw would be. For everyday office work, presentations, and moderate file transfers, the 341 performs admirably. It strikes a reasonable balance between functionality and portability.
This hub represents solid engineering at a fair price, but it’s not perfect. The occasional HDMI quirks prevent us from calling it flawless, and the slower charging speeds with certain devices can be frustrating. Still, for most users who need reliable connectivity without premium pricing, it hits the mark more often than it misses.
Our Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) The goldilocks choice, not too basic, not overly complex, just right for most users’ needs.
Comparison Table: Key Specifications
| Feature | Anker USB-C Hub (8-in-1) | UGREEN 5-in-1 | Anker USB C Hub (7-in-1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass-Through Charging | 85W | 95W | 85W |
| Total Ports | 8 | 5 | 7 |
| Video Output | 4K@60Hz | 4K@30Hz | 4K@60Hz |
| USB-A Ports | 2 (10 Gbps) | 3 (1×5Gbps, 2×480Mbps) | 2 (5 Gbps) |
| Card Readers | microSD + SD | None | microSD + SD |
| Ethernet Port | Yes | No | No |
| Weight | 4.5 oz | 3.21 oz | 3.5 oz |
USB Hub Pass Through Charging: What You Need to Know
Understanding how pass through charging USB-C hub technology works can save you from frustrating connectivity issues and help you choose the right hub for your setup.
Pass-through charging allows your hub to receive power from your wall charger and simultaneously deliver power to your connected laptop while operating all its ports. Think of it as a power traffic controller, it manages the flow of electricity to ensure everything gets the juice it needs.
However, not all pass-through charging is created equal. Most hubs reserve 10-15W of power for their own operation, meaning a 100W charger might only deliver 85-90W to your laptop. This is perfectly normal and ensures stable hub operation.
Making Sense of Power Delivery Requirements
The math behind USB-C hub charging can be confusing, but here’s the simple breakdown: always use a charger that’s at least 15-20W higher than your laptop’s charging requirement. If your laptop needs 65W, use an 85W or 100W charger with your hub.
This overhead ensures your hub operates reliably while delivering adequate power to your laptop. Our guide on powered vs unpowered USB hubs explains why powered hubs consistently outperform their unpowered counterparts in real-world scenarios.
Port Performance and Connectivity Considerations
Modern USB-C hubs are incredibly capable, but they’re not magic. Understanding their limitations helps set proper expectations and avoid frustrating connectivity issues.
Data transfer speeds vary significantly between ports. USB-A 3.0 ports typically offer 5 Gbps speeds, while USB-A 2.0 ports max out at 480 Mbps. This difference matters when transferring large files or connecting high-bandwidth devices.
Video output capabilities also vary. While most hubs support 4K resolution, the refresh rate differs – some manage 4K@60Hz while others are limited to 4K@30Hz. For gaming or professional video work, this distinction is crucial.
Connection stability can be affected by power demands. When multiple high-power devices are connected simultaneously, some hubs may struggle with consistent performance and connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all laptops support pass-through charging with USB-C hubs?
Most modern laptops with USB-C ports support pass-through charging, but there are exceptions. The laptop must support USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) through its USB-C port. Some older laptops or budget models may have USB-C ports for data only, without power delivery capability.
Why does my hub get warm during use?
Heat generation is normal and expected when hubs handle multiple data streams and power delivery simultaneously. Quality hubs are designed to operate safely at temperatures up to 122°F (50°C). However, excessive heat may indicate overloading or a faulty unit.
Can I use a more powerful charger than recommended?
Yes, using a higher-wattage charger is generally safe. USB-C Power Delivery is designed to negotiate the appropriate power level automatically. Your devices will only draw the power they need, regardless of the charger’s maximum capacity.
Will using a hub affect my laptop’s charging speed?
Slightly, yes. Most hubs reserve 10-15W for their own operation, reducing the power available for your laptop. For example, a 100W charger through a hub might deliver 85W to your laptop. This difference is usually negligible for normal use.
Do USB-C hubs work with tablets and phones?
Compatibility varies by device. Most tablets and phones don’t support the power requirements for full hub functionality. However, many work for basic data transfer and some charging, though often at reduced speeds.
The Bottom Line: Choosing Your Perfect USB-C Hub
Finding the best USB-C hub with pass through charging doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. Whether you choose the feature-packed for maximum connectivity, the budget-friendly UGREEN for essential functionality, or the balanced Anker for everyday reliability, you’re investing in a more productive and less frustrating computing experience.
Remember, the perfect hub is the one that matches your actual usage patterns, not necessarily the one with the most ports or highest specifications. A simpler hub that reliably handles your daily needs will serve you better than a complex one that occasionally hiccups when you need it most.
Your laptop deserves better than port scarcity, and you deserve a workspace that adapts to your needs rather than limiting them. Choose wisely, and prepare to wonder how you ever managed with just one lonely USB-C port.
Looking for more? Check out our workspace category for more affordable products that may interest you!
Featured image credit: Photo by Yogas Design on Unsplash
This content is for informational purposes only. Please verify current information directly on the retailer’s site before purchasing.
