A good USB hub can make all the difference when gaming on a budget. With most modern PC games requiring quite a bit of resource to run, a gaming PC may not be the best option for some.
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t still play your favorite games on a budget.
You just need to look for the best USB hub for gaming, and that begins with knowing what to look for.
Multitasking and gaming are not always at odds. In fact, with the right setup, it is entirely possible to game and stream at the same time.
This article is going to give you a brief overview of the best USB hub for gaming, as well as some key considerations for choosing the best one for your needs.
What is a USB Hub?
USB is an industry-standard protocol for connecting peripherals to computers. While it is most commonly known for its use with external flash drives, USB can actually be found on PCs, Macs, tablets, smartphones, gaming consoles, and more.
USB hubs enable multiple devices to be connected to a single port on a single device. There are also multiple types of USB hubs, with the most common being powered and non-powered (USB Type-A and Micro-B).
Powered hubs have their own power supply, and they can be used to power other devices that have been connected through ports on the hub.
Many are also equipped with switches that enable users to turn multiple ports on the hub on or off, making it a great choice for a gaming PC.
Non-powered USB hubs rely on the USB ports on your devices to provide the extra power.
These hubs are therefore limited to devices that can provide their own power, such as USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 devices.
What to Look for in a USB Hub for Gaming
USB 2.0 – While USB 3.0 is great for transferring data, it is best used for connecting more powerful devices like external hard drives. For everyday computing, use a USB 2.0 hub.
Powered – When looking at a powered USB hub, make sure it has a power supply. Otherwise, you may be required to source your own power.
Hub Size – A good USB hub should be at least as big as your gaming mouse. Bigger is better, as it will enable you to connect more devices.
Multiple Ports – A great USB hub will have multiple USB ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices to your gaming PC at the same time. This can come in handy when gaming with friends, as you can each have a device connected to the hub.
Read Also: Android USB Drivers for Windows and Mac
Key Considerations for choosing a USB Hub for Gaming
Type – While most USB devices function on the same basic principles, there are certain types that are better suited to specific uses. Make sure to choose a hub that supports the devices you want to connect.
Plastic or Metal? – Like many things, USB hubs can be made of plastic or metal. While both have their uses, a plastic one is typically less expensive and may not last as long.
Conclusion
If you’re on a budget and want to play the latest games, but are having a hard time finding a gaming PC that can run them, a USB hub can help. A good USB hub will have at least 4 ports, and preferably more.
These will allow you to connect multiple devices to your gaming PC, and will also help with multitasking.
However, if you have a powerful gaming PC, you may not need a USB hub. In this case, you can save money and space by choosing a lower-end gaming laptop instead.
With that in mind, below are some of the best USB hubs for gaming on the market today.
Below is a Holiday deal
Alpine AL-2166 USB 2.0 4-Port Aluminum Hub
Powered, 4-Port Aluminum Hub
Works with PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS4
Compatible with Raspberry Pi, Linux, and IceCube Boards
Comes with 5ft cable, power supply, and mounting screw
Lifetime Warranty
For $12.93 you get: 4 Ports, Aluminum Hub
Apacer AP-ACAB100PUS USB 2.0 4-port Ultra-Slim Hub with AC Adapter
Powered, 3-Port Ultra-Slim Hub
Works with PC, Mac, and Xbox One
Comes with 5ft cable, power supply, and mounting screw
Lifetime Warranty
For $6.99 you get: 4 Ports, AC Adapter
Vingtek VH-HBT2 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub with 4-Port USB Charger
Powered, 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub with 4-Port USB Charger
Works with PC, Mac, and Xbox One
Built-in 4-Port USB Charger
Lifetime Warranty
For $49.99 you get: 2 Ports, a 4-Port USB Charger
Rogefe RGG-HBT2 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub with 4-Port USB Charger
Powered, 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub with 4-Port USB Charger
Works with PC, Mac, and Xbox One
Built-in 4-Port USB Charger
Lifetime Warranty
For $19.99 you get: 2 Ports, a 4-Port USB Charger
Keyeekkey HUB-USB2-LR 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub with 4-Port USB Charger
Powered, 2-Port USB 2.0 Hub with 4-Port USB Charger
Works with PC, Mac, and Xbox One
Built-in 4-Port USB Charger
Lifetime Warranty
For $12.95 you get: 2 Ports, a 4-Port USB Charger
