However, while the port might appear the same from device to device, not all USB-C ports are the same. The newer USB-C port is a small oval that uses a reversible connector so that you don't need to flip it around to get the correct position. Sometimes called a standard or regular USB port, it is rectangular and requires you to plug in your cable with the right side up so tabs inside the connectors are properly aligned. The USB port most are familiar with is USB Type-A. And if you're looking to charge your USB-C devices, here are the best options we've tested.Īlso see: The best USB-C PD chargers of 2021 Is a USB-C port the same as a USB port? We'll continue to update this list as we find new models to recommend. Here are some of our favorite USB-C docking stations that we've tested. Narrowing down your many options and finding the best USB-C hub comes down to knowing how portable you need it to be and exactly what connections you need. With a single USB-C connection to your laptop or desktop and a USB-C hub, you can hook up a monitor, keyboard, mouse and Ethernet as well as read and write to memory cards or other external drives. A USB-C hub or docking station can save you from constantly swapping dongles and relying on Bluetooth.
