Seven USB-C Hubs Exposed to Prolonged Scrutiny and a Thermal Camera
We connected seven USB-C hubs to a MacBook Pro and methodically tested each one until we found the bad one. There is always a bad one.
Methodology
The Editorial Staff acquired seven USB-C hubs ranging in price from $24.99 to $79.99 and subjected them to a standardized testing protocol that included: sustained file transfer (50GB to external SSD), 4K 60Hz display output, simultaneous charging passthrough, and thermal measurement using an infrared thermometer at 15-minute intervals. We also measured each hub with calipers, because we had calipers.
All testing was conducted on a MacBook Pro 14" (M3 Pro, 2023) running macOS Sonoma 14.5. The room temperature was 72°F (22.2°C). We recorded this because someone would ask.
The Contenders
1. Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1) — $49.99
2. Anker 341 USB-C Hub (7-in-1) — $27.99
3. CalDigit SOHO — $79.99
4. Satechi Slim Multiport Adapter V3 — $59.99
5. Hiearcool 7-in-1 USB-C Hub — $24.99
6. MOKiN 9-in-1 USB-C Hub — $29.99
7. UGREEN Revodok 107 — $26.99
Port configurations varied. We compiled a table, because that is what we do.
| Hub | USB-A | USB-C | HDMI | SD/microSD | Ethernet | PD Pass |
|-----|-------|-------|------|------------|----------|---------|
| Anker 555 | 2 (5Gbps) | 1 (5Gbps) | 1 (4K60) | 2 | 1 (1Gbps) | 1 (85W) |
| Anker 341 | 2 (5Gbps) | 0 | 1 (4K30) | 2 | 0 | 1 (100W) |
| CalDigit SOHO | 2 (10Gbps) | 1 (10Gbps) | 1 (4K60) | 2 | 0 | 1 (100W) |
| Satechi V3 | 1 (5Gbps) | 1 (5Gbps) | 1 (4K60) | 2 | 0 | 1 (85W) |
| Hiearcool | 2 (5Gbps) | 0 | 1 (4K30) | 2 | 0 | 1 (100W) |
| MOKiN | 2 (5Gbps) | 1 (5Gbps) | 2 (4K60) | 2 | 1 (100M) | 1 (100W) |
| UGREEN 107 | 2 (5Gbps) | 0 | 1 (4K60) | 2 | 0 | 1 (100W) |
What Ports Do You Actually Need?
Before we discuss performance, the Editorial Staff feels obligated to note that most people use exactly three ports on their USB-C hub: HDMI, one USB-A (for a legacy peripheral they should have replaced in 2021 but have not), and USB-C passthrough charging. The remaining 4-6 ports serve as future optionality and a modest source of reassurance.
SD card slots are used by photographers and no one else. Ethernet is used by people who distrust WiFi, which is a defensible position that correlates strongly with IT employment. A second HDMI port is used by people with two external monitors, a configuration that requires a specific cable arrangement that the hub manufacturer's support page will not adequately explain.
We tested all ports anyway.
Transfer Speeds (50GB File, USB-A 3.0 to External SSD)
| Hub | Speed | Time |
|-----|-------|------|
| CalDigit SOHO | 412 MB/s | 2m 01s |
| Anker 555 | 387 MB/s | 2m 09s |
| Satechi V3 | 371 MB/s | 2m 14s |
| UGREEN 107 | 358 MB/s | 2m 19s |
| MOKiN | 342 MB/s | 2m 26s |
| Anker 341 | 335 MB/s | 2m 29s |
| Hiearcool | 289 MB/s | 2m 53s |
The CalDigit's 10Gbps USB-A ports justify its price premium in this test specifically. For the 5Gbps hubs, the spread from 335 to 387 MB/s is within normal variance and not a reason to choose one over another. The Hiearcool's 289 MB/s is below what we'd expect from a USB 3.0 connection, suggesting controller limitations.
The Thermal Examination
We measured surface temperature after 30 minutes of simultaneous 4K display output + file transfer + 67W charge passthrough.
| Hub | Surface Temp | Assessment |
|-----|-------------|------------|
| CalDigit SOHO | 98°F (36.7°C) | Warm. Acceptable. |
| Anker 555 | 107°F (41.7°C) | Warm. Acceptable. |
| Satechi V3 | 104°F (40°C) | Warm. Acceptable. |
| UGREEN 107 | 109°F (42.8°C) | Hot to touch. Concerning. |
| Anker 341 | 105°F (40.6°C) | Warm. Acceptable. |
| MOKiN | 118°F (47.8°C) | Uncomfortably hot. |
| Hiearcool | 131°F (55°C) | Unreasonably hot. |
The Hiearcool reached 131°F (55°C), which is the temperature at which sustained skin contact causes discomfort within 10 seconds. The hub was placed on a wooden desk. We do not recommend placing it on skin, fabric, or important documents. At this temperature, thermal throttling is likely contributing to the lower transfer speeds observed above. One staff member described the thermal output as "aggressive" and then could not be persuaded to elaborate.
The Bad One
It was the Hiearcool. It is always the cheapest one, and acknowledging this pattern does not make it less true.
Beyond the thermal concerns: the HDMI output flickered at 4K30 approximately once every 8 minutes (we counted 4 instances in 32 minutes). The USB-A ports occasionally failed to recognize a connected device on first insertion, requiring removal and reinsertion. The power delivery passthrough reduced our 67W charger to 51W of actual throughput, a 24% reduction that the hub's specifications do not mention.
At $24.99, the Hiearcool costs $5 less than the Anker 341, which is better in every measurable respect. The $5 savings provides a useful data point about the minimum viable price for a functional USB-C hub: it is not $24.99.
Recommendations
Best overall: CalDigit SOHO ($79.99). Fastest transfer speeds, coolest operating temperature, 10Gbps ports, 100W passthrough. The price is 3x the budget options. The product is also 3x better by most metrics, which is unusual value linearity in consumer electronics.
Best value: Anker 555 ($49.99). 8 ports including Ethernet, 4K60, reasonable thermals, reliable operation. This is the hub the Editorial Staff keeps on the shared desk. It has been in continuous use for 7 months. We have nothing negative to report, which is the highest compliment we are capable of.
Budget pick: UGREEN Revodok 107 ($26.99). 4K60 HDMI at this price point is notable. Thermals are warm but within acceptable range. Transfer speeds are competitive. If $27 is the budget, this is the one.
Do not buy: Hiearcool 7-in-1. $24.99 is $24.99 too much for a hub that reaches 131°F and flickers.
All recommended hubs are tracked on our deals page, where we note pricing changes with the vigilance the Editorial Staff brings to all matters of limited consequence.
— The BuyGetRewards Editorial Staff
