This 6-in-1 USB-C hub solved the biggest issue I had with my MacBook Air

3 days ago 5

ZDNET's key takeaways

EZQuest's 6-in-1 USB-C Slim Hub Adapter is available now for $80.
It's super thin and light, the host input cable is removable, and the cable can be replaced if damaged.
The writing on the ports is small

The shift to thin and light laptops has ushered in a host of devices with a lot less ports. Laptops that used to have a handful of USB, HDMI, and SD ports now just have a couple of USB-C ports. Partly this is down to aesthetics, and partly down to saving money (those posts cost a couple of cents, you know!).

This is why hubs have become a must-have, and when portability is paramount, you need one that is small, otherwise it gets left behind.

Also: The best portable power stations you can buy

One that I've been carrying around with me for the past few weeks is the EZQuest Slim Gen 2 6-in-1 hub, which, is an aptly-named device for up to six USB-C connections.

Here's a rundown on the specs.

First up, there's one USB-C port that supports 100W Power Delivery 3.0 standard, and this allows 80W pass-through to the host laptop. This port supports FRS (fast role swap) which allows the hub to rapidly switch between being a power consumer and power source, ensuring a smooth transition and no data loss.

It's recommended that the hub is powered using a 45W charger if pass-through charging is needed. The hub will require a 20W charger to power it if connected to a desktop system.

Another hub supports 4K 60Hz video output, and the remaining four are USB-C Gen 2 10GBs ports, which offer a maximum of 5V/1.5A each to a total of 15W when all ports are used.

If I had one complaint about this hub, it's that the writing that indicates what each port does is tiny --- at least it is for my aging eyes. I noticed that in the product shots for the hub, the print has been enhanced to make it clearer.

The cable to the host computer is a removable 19.2 inch (50 cm) braided nylon that's been engineered to lay flat when the connected to the host system. I like the fact that the cord is removable because it makes the hub more portable and less prone to damage, and if the cord does somehow get ruined, the hub can still be used.

As far as size goes, the hub measures 4.64 x 1.32 x 0.39 inches and weighs just a shade under 3 ounces.

The hub comes with a removable 19.2 inch (50 cm) braided nylon USB-C cable.

The hub will work with all systems with a USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 or 4 port, as well as USB-C equipped smartphones and tablets with OTG support.

Also: The best laptop docking stations you can buy

The hub is constructed from a mix of tough polymers and an aluminum shell that makes it look smart next to your MacBook, adds durability, and helps dissipate the heat generated by the hub in action -- the hub does get warm in use, but even after harsh, extended use it never got overly hot and is nothing to worry about.

It's worth noting that this hub doesn't come with an Ethernet port, and if you want that feature, you'll need a hub like the 7-in-1 hub or the 8-in-1 expansion hub.

ZDNET's buying advice

The EZQuest Slim Gen 2 6-in-1 hub has proved itself to be a real workhorse, and yet can be thrown into a bag with the laptop without adding much in the way of weight or bulk. The hub does what it promises in turning one USB-C port into six, and it is perfect for those wanting to connect a device to an external display and a few accessories.

The hub isn't cheap at $70, but for a thin and light device with these features, the price is fine -- and you're getting a hub that will outlast a few laptops.

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