Apple’s iPads now all use the common USB-C connector port relatively than Apple’s outdated Lightning connector. The M-series iPad Professional fashions use the much more succesful however identical-looking (and suitable to USB-C) Thunderbolt connection (USB4).
What many individuals don’t realise is that the USB-C port is nice for greater than charging or plugging in wired earbuds. Apple’s tablets can be used with different peripherals that rework it into an much more versatile pc. As such, iPad homeowners have a variety of USB-C equipment out there to them except their older iPad nonetheless makes use of the Lightning connector.
Among the USB-C hubs join instantly into the iPad. Others require a cable connection; some include each, which helps when the iPad is in a protecting case. Now we have additionally included stands for iPads that embody built-in multiport hubs. You should utilize most hubs—and elsewhere we’ve reviewed the most effective USB-C hubs for Mac—however we’re these as particularly suited to the iPad.
Greatest USB-C hubs and docks for iPad
HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub – Greatest total USB-C hub for iPad

Execs
- 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
- 4K at 60Hz
- Direct match to iPad
- 60W passthrough charging
Value When Reviewed:
$99.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours: Area Grey, Silver
- Ports: USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, microSD and SD card readers, 3.5mm audio
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: The HDMI port means you may add an exterior show, and it will possibly deal with 4K shows at 60Hz, though that is likely to be a push in case you are utilizing all the opposite ports on the identical time.
This handsome iPad-dedicated hub, with built-in USB-C connector, contains a grip that secures it onto an iPad Professional with out damaging the floor. Nonetheless, you may take away the grip for those who use a third-party iPad case. It connects direct to the iPad however handily additionally comes with a USB-C extender cable so you need to use it as a USB-C hub to your MacBook or one other USB-C machine, too. It could possibly cost a tool at as much as 60W.
It’s additionally light-weight at simply 33g (1.16oz) and at 3.66 x 1.3 x 0.39 inches (9.3 x 3.3 x 1cm) it’s sufficiently small to slide right into a pocket.
In case you don’t want the reminiscence card readers, the $59.99 HyperDrive 4-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad, out there in both Silver or Area Grey, provides 4 ports: 4K 30Hz HDMI, 60W USB-C energy supply, 5Gbps USB-A, and three.5mm audio jack. It weighs simply 1.34oz (38g).
Satechi Cellular XR Hub with microSD Reader – Smallest USB-C hub

Execs
- 3 ports inc microSD
- Tremendous small and light-weight
- 100W passthrough charging
- 4K at 60Hz
- Direct match to iPad
Cons
- No USB-A
- UHS-I card reader pace
Value When Reviewed:
$44.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours: Clear grey
- Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (100W), USB-C PD (10Gbps), microSD card reader (33MBps)
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: That is the smallest and lightest USB-C hub we examined weighing simply 16g (0.57oz). Its dimensions are 2.42 x 0.93 x 0.35 inches (6.2 x 2.4 x 0.9cm) so It’s even smaller than the Twelve South StayGo mini and some grams lighter.
This mini hub Is geared toward customers with XR glasses however is simply as ready linked to your iPad to ship as much as 100W of passthrough energy (35W for iPad) and a 10Gbps USB-C port that may hyperlink to a 4K show at 60Hz. The third port is a microSD card reader that, at 33MBps, is especially sluggish however helpful for importing or off-loading pictures and movies from the pill.
There is no such thing as a legacy USB-A port, so if that’s essential to you retain taking a look at what the opposite reviewed iPad hubs provide.
There may be an alternate model, the Satechi Cellular XR Hub with Audio, which swaps the cardboard reader for an audio port.
Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub – Greatest stand/dock for iPad

Execs
- 7 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
- 4K at 60Hz
- Quick card readers
- Constructed-in iPad stand
- Foldable
Value When Reviewed:
$79.99
- Colours: Area Grey
- Ports: USB-C (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 1x USB-C (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI 2.0, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: This ergonomic iPad accent is each a USB-C dock and a handy stand for as much as a 12.9-inch iPad Professional.
It contains a broad vary of ports, together with a 4K at 60Hz HDMI 2.0 port, a spare USB-C port and a legacy USB-A port, each SD and microSD card readers at their quickest, and a mixture In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad through its USB-C port, and an 6.7-inch (180mm) USB-C cable is included.
When folded it measures 4.3 x 4.3 x 0.75 inches (110 x 110 x 19mm) and weighs 6.6oz (187.5g). The iPad is tilted on the stand for a greater top and viewing angle.
An alternate with longer USB-C cable, extra adjustable stand and extra ports however a decrease 5Gbps bandwidth and with slower card readers is the Anker USB-C Hub, and the marginally cheaper Plugable UDS-7IN1 Dock, reviewed under.
Learn our full
Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub evaluation
Plugable USB-C Docking Station (UDS-7IN1) – Greatest price range stand/dock for iPad

Execs
- 8 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
- Gentle, transportable stand
Cons
- Not top adjustable
- 4K at 30Hz
- UHS-I card reader pace
Value When Reviewed:
$69
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours: Area Grey
- Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/91W), 2x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD and microSD card readers, 3.5mm audio
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: Smaller than the Anker 551 Hub Stand, the diminutive Plugable USB-C Docking Station options two old-school USB-A ports, HDMI 1.4 port, each SD and microSD card readers and a mixture In/Out audio port. It connects to the iPad through its USB-C port, and a 20-inch (50cm) USB-C cable is included.
On the again, alongside the HDMI port is one other USB-C port that you would be able to hook up with a USB-C wall charger to permit as much as 91W charging for the linked machine—lots for even the hungriest iPad. The USB-A ports aren’t actually constructed for charging linked units, so are restricted to 4.5W charging.
With the HDMI 1.4 port you may join a 4K exterior show at 30Hz. Avid gamers and streamers may favor a hub with not less than HDMI 2.0 to get smoother 60Hz display refresh charges (so ought to think about the Satechi Hub/Stand reviewed above), however for basic productiveness utilization 30Hz is completely acceptable. The Ugreen Steam Deck Dock, reviewed under, goes even additional to 120Hz.
Made from aluminum, it’s mild sufficient (10.7oz or 303g) to be carried round and it folds up for added portability factors. Just like the Anker Stand the pill will be tilted on the stand for the most effective viewing angles.
Twelve South StayGo mini – Smallest 4-port USB-C hub for iPad

Execs
- 4 ports inc HDMI
- Small and light-weight
- 85W passthrough charging
- Direct match to iPad
Cons
- Slower USB-A
- 4K at 30Hz
- No card reader
Value When Reviewed:
$59.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours:Â Black
- Ports:Â Â USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (85W), USB-A (480Mbps, 7.5W), HDMI 2.0, Audio Out
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: This small hub can hook up with your iPad (or MacBook) through both the built-in USB-C connector or a removable cable (20in). The cable is helpful in case your iPad is in a protecting case, and you could possibly use your personal longer cable if required. StayGo mini provides simply 4 ports, however sufficient so that you can connect an exterior show (4K at 30Hz), a USB-A tool and headphones in addition to powering your pill or laptop computer on the identical time–particularly helpful for tablets which have simply the one port.
It weighs simply 36g and measures 2.8 x 1.25 x 0.3 inches (7.2 x 3.2 x 0.8cm), making it one of many smallest USB-C iPad hubs we’ve got examined—the Satechi Cellular XR Hub, reviewed above, is even tinier.
This hub—not like the Satechi Cellular XR Hub—does host an old-school USB-A port. It’s USB 2.0, so restricted to 480Mbps knowledge switch in comparison with the 5Gbps on provide on among the different hubs reviewed right here.
Twelve South has discontinued this product however it’s nonetheless at the moment promoting through some retailers. Verify our value comparability above.

Execs
- 6 ports inc HDMI and SD/microSD
- 4K at 60Hz
- Media controls
- Direct match to iPad
Value When Reviewed:
$99.99
- Colours:Â Grey
- Ports:Â USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/60W), one USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, UHS-I SD and microSD Card readers, 3.5mm audio, Play/Pause/Quick-forward/Rewind buttons
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it:Â Alongside the helpful additional ports, this mini hub provides a row of enormous Play/Pause/Quick-forward/Rewind buttons on the highest for media management of your films, songs or podcasts with out interrupting your workflow.
We’ve seen sooner ports on the opposite hubs reviewed right here, however it’s the media buttons that make the distinction right here.
It could possibly join in a decent match to the iPad or through a removable longer 2in cable for those who want the additional size.
At 3.85 x 1.14 x 0.47 inches (9.8 x 2.9 x 1.2cm), it’s just a little longer than different iPad hubs examined right here, however it’s light-weight at simply 1.62oz (46g).
Ugreen Steam Deck Dock (6-in-1) – Greatest iPad USB-C hub for avid gamers

Execs
- 6 ports inc HDMI and Ethernet
- 4K at 120Hz
Value When Reviewed:
$45.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours:Â Grey
- Ports:Â Angled USB-C to iPad, one USB-C 85W PD, one USB-C (5Gbps), one HDMI, two USB-A (5Gbps), Gigabit Ethernet
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it:Â Alongside the helpful additional ports, this mini hub provides a row of enormous Play/Pause/Quick-forward/Rewind buttons on the highest for media management of your films, songs or podcasts with out interrupting your workflow.
As its title (and movie above) suggests, this compact mini docking station is constructed for Steam Deck (OLED) avid gamers, however is equally adept when hooked as much as an iPad. Its particular energy is its HDMI port that enables for connection to a 4K show at a powerful 120Hz display refresh charge. VRR, FreeSync and G-Sync applied sciences present a smoother gaming expertise that eliminates display tearing and stuttering.
It creates a foldable and transportable but sturdy stand with adjustable angles as much as 90 levels, and measures 6.7-x-4.4-x-1.45 inches (17 x 11.2 x 3.7cm).
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter – Greatest magnetic iPad USB-C hub

Execs
- 9 ports inc HDMI and microSD
- 4K at 60Hz
- Magnetic attachment
Value When Reviewed:
$59.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours:Â Black
- Ports:Â USB-C (to iPad, 10GBps), USB-C PD (80W), two USB-A (5Gbps), one HDMI 2.0 port, microSD Card reader, Gigabit Ethernet
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: The OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter is a neat answer that may clamp magnetically to your iPad. Connect the adhesive ring to the again of the iPad or iPad case to create a spot the place you gained’t even see the hub whilst you work.
The spherical hub has a 2.55-inch (6.5cm) diameter and sits simply over an inch tall (2.7cm). It weighs 2.4oz (68g).
We’ve seen sooner ports on among the different hubs reviewed right here, we love that magnetic match, and the HDMI helps full 4K at 60Hz.
Learn our full
Satechi OntheGo 7-in-1 Multiport Adapter evaluation
Ugreen Revodok Professional 109 USB-C Hub 9-in-1 – Greatest wired USB-C hub

Execs
- 9 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet
- 100W passthrough charging
- 4K at 60Hz
Value When Reviewed:
$39.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours: Area Grey
- Ports: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), USB-A (10Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: There are numerous USB-C hubs which can be constructed for laptops that work simply as properly with tablets. This wired USB-C hub has nearly the whole lot. Notably, its card readers are rated at 170MBps, which is quicker than most which can be restricted to 104MBps.
We’ve picked the Ugreen Revodok Professional 109 out for its broad vary of ports, however there are lots of to select from, so select from the big selection at Ugreen, Anker, Satechi, Plugable and Baseus to pick one that gives all you want on the proper value.
Connecting to the iPad through a built-in USB-C cable, any such wired hub is rather less neat than people who plug instantly into the iPad’s port, however they provide much more ports. The ribbed aluminum alloy Revodok Professional 109 measures 5.55 x 2.3 x 0.6 inches (14 x 6 x 1.6cm).
Satechi USB-C Slim Multiport Adapter 4K – Greatest wired USB-C iPad hub vary

Execs
- 4-7 ports inc HDMI, card readers, Ethernet
- 100W passthrough charging
- 4K at 60Hz
Value When Reviewed:
From $59.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours: Area Grey, Black, Silver
- Ports: 4-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI; 6-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 1x USB-A (10Gbps), 1x USB-A (5Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers; 7-in-1: USB-C cable (to iPad, 10Gbps), USB-C PD (100W), 2x USB-A (10Gbps), HDMI, SD/microSD Card readers, Gigabit Ethernet
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: Satechi has a variety of USB-C hubs that work with the iPad to select from—with 4, 6 or 7 ports, relying in your wants. All can output 4K at 60Hz through the HDMI port, and cost the linked iPad at full pace—certainly the 100W passthrough energy is sufficient for even the 14-inch MacBook Professional.
The smallest 4-in-1 lacks card readers and Ethernet, which could swimsuit you simply effective. The 6-in-1 provides the cardboard readers however lacks Ethernet; one in all its USB-A ports is a weaker 480Mbps for some cause. The 7-in-1 has the cardboard readers and Ethernet, plus the 2 10Gbps USB-A ports.
The cardboard readers are rated at 104MBps, slower than the Ugreen’s 170MBps.

Execs
- 5 ports inc HDMI
- 92W passthrough charging
- 4K at 60Hz
- Direct match to iPad
Value When Reviewed:
$39.99
Greatest Costs At the moment:
- Colours: Area Grey, silver
- Ports: USB-C (to iPad), USB-C PD (5Gbps/92W), USB-A (5Gbps), USB-A (5Gbps, BC 1.2 Quick Cost), HDMI, 3.5mm audio
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: The 92W passthrough charging is spectacular. Though this can be overkill when used with a pill, it makes a giant distinction whenever you use it with a laptop computer. The HDMI port means you may add an exterior show, and it will possibly deal with 4K shows at 60Hz.
This compact hub, with built-in USB-C connector, is among the lightest we’ve got examined, at simply 44g (1.5oz). It’s additionally small, at 3.5 x 1.3 x 0.3 inches (9 x 3.2 x 0.9cm). In addition to the HDMI and audio port, it options two USB-A ports, one for knowledge (5Gbps) and one for quick charging (7.5W).
CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 Aspect Hub – Greatest Thunderbolt 4 hub for a number of USB units

Execs
- 4 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 4 quick USB-A ports
- 5K at 60Hz
- A number of exterior shows
Cons
- No card reader
- Giant for an iPad hub
Value When Reviewed:
$179.99
- Colours: Area Grey
- Ports: Â Upstream Thunderbolt 4 (to iPad; 60W PD), three downstream Thunderbolt (40Gbps, 15W), 4 USB-A (10Gbps, 7.5W)
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Why we like it: Apple’s iPad Professional (2021) fashions use 40Gbps Thunderbolt relatively than 5Gbps USB-C, so to realize that full bandwidth a Thunderbolt hub is the most effective you will get.
It is a hub that you would be able to additionally use for top 40Gbps MacBook bandwidth in addition to together with your iPad Professional. For optimum Mac bandwidth look to the $249 CalDigit Aspect 5 Hub that operates at as much as 120Gbps, however you’ll pay a premium that perhaps be overkill for an iPad person.
Selecting a hub or dock with a Thunderbolt connection commonplace makes excellent sense as it’s backwards suitable with USB-C and so will work with any USB-C iPad too.
You gained’t discover extra trendy USB ports on a hub than on the later Aspect 5 Hub that has three downstream TB5 ports, two 10Gbps USB-C and three 10Gbps USB-A ports, however the Thunderbolt 4 mannequin’s three downstream TB4 and 4 10Gbps USB-A provide quite a lot of extension alternatives.
Each are bigger than different devoted iPad hubs. The TB4 mannequin measures 4.48-x-2.74-x-0.7in (11.4-x-7-1.8cm) and weighs 6.2oz (180g), whereas the TB5 mannequin is 4.5 x 2.75 x 1 inches (11.4 x 7 x 2.5cm) and 7oz (200g).
Really useful for those who require a number of units to hook up with your iPad, and for those who use it with a MacBook, too.
Learn the Caldigit Thunderbolt 4 Aspect Hub evaluation and CalDigit Aspect 5 Hub evaluation.
Satechi Mini NVMe SSD Enclosure – Speedy USB-C NVMe enclosure

Execs
- 10Gbps NVMe enclosure
- USB-C cable lanyard
Value When Reviewed:
$59.99
- Colours: Grey
- Ports: Â 10Gbps USB-C to iPad, NVMe solid-state drive enclosure
- Suitable with: All USB-C iPads
Whereas not a hub, we love this dinky however high-speed SSD enclosure that may host interchangeable storage with tool-free set up, which makes it simple to change between a number of SSDs. It features a lanyard USB-C cable so that you shouldn’t want extra cables when touring.
The enclosure helps 2230mm NVMe SSDs with speeds as much as 10Gbps—Satechi claims this will switch 3,000 high-res photos in below a minute. A write lock change protects information from unintended adjustments and malware.
It helps Apple’s high-quality ProRes Log video format on iPhone 15 Professional and later, though you’ll want additional software program to make use of it with the iPad’s digital camera.
Selecting a USB-C hub
With a hub you may add additional USB ports (Kind-C and the older Kind-A), storage card readers, ethernet networking, wired headphones, cameras, keyboards, and extra. You may also join your USB-C or thunderbolt iPad to your pc or to an exterior show utilizing a hub’s USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort outputs. The newest iPad Professional fashions (with Thunderbolt/USB4) may even hook up with Apple’s Professional Show XDR show.
Some USB-C hubs are specifically designed for the iPad (and match neatly with out the necessity for an extended cable connection), however it’s also possible to use an array of generic USB-C hubs. And you’ll take it one step additional with a full docking station that may additionally work together with your laptop computer. Relying on which mannequin you purchase, a hub or dock connects to the iPad and affords an array of additional ports.
USB-C
No matter hub you purchase will deplete the iPad’s sole port, so, except it’s for short-term utilization, you’ll want not less than one additional USB-C port on the hub for pass-through charging, as you don’t need your pill’s battery to fade mid use. Be sure not less than one of many hub’s USB-C ports is able to Energy Supply (PD) for charging. And search for excessive charging energy if there’s a most wattage on the hub. The iPad requires not less than a 20W charger for quick charging, which all of the hubs can deal with however a extra highly effective charger might allow speeds as much as 30W. The iPad Professional requires not less than 60W for quick charging.
Extra USB-C ports on the hub imply you need to use them for extra trendy peripherals and an exterior show that connects through a USB-C cable. The minimal data-transfer bandwidth of USB-C is 5Gbps, so that is the commonest pace on hubs, however some provide 10Gbps that’s extra succesful for issues like connecting an exterior monitor.
In Apple’s newest iPad line-up, the iPad mini has a 10Gbps USB-C port, whereas the usual iPad has a USB-C port with a a lot slower USB 2 data-transfer charge of simply 480Mbps. The iPad Air has 10Gbps bandwidth, and the iPad Professional makes use of 40Gbps Thunderbolt, see under.
Thunderbolt
The M1/M2/M4/M5 iPad Professional boasts the extra succesful Thunderbolt connection. It makes use of the USB-C connector, however Thunderbolt has bandwidth as much as 40Gbps in comparison with simply 5Gbps or 10Gbps for USB. Thunderbolt hubs and docks are costlier than their easier USB-C cousins, however energy customers will profit from the additional bandwidth.
For instance, a Thunderbolt hub or dock can use this bandwidth to attach a 4K show working at 60Hz and nonetheless have data-transfer capability for different units similar to exhausting drives.
USB-A
Common and reversible, USB-C is a superb connector, however most of us nonetheless have a number of units that join through the extra widespread Kind-A USB port, similar to flash reminiscence sticks, exhausting drives, and enter units. USB-A ports are used primarily for lower-powered units, however the ports do come in numerous speeds. USB 2.0 is the slowest at 480Mbps. USB 3.2 Gen 1 is rated at 5Gbps and USB 3.2 Gen 2 is 10Gbps. Some hubs boast a number of legacy USB-A ports, so think about what number of you may want to make use of on the identical time.
SD and microSD Card readers
You’ll be able to join a digital camera or a card reader on to the iPad’s USB-C port, however a extra versatile possibility is to make use of a hub with both an SD or microSD Card reader, and plenty of hubs have each. These tiny reminiscence playing cards are additionally a reasonable transportable storage and backup answer, with capacities of as much as 1TB. Search for the sooner UHS-II sort reader, which may deal with as much as 312MBps knowledge switch, in comparison with UHS-I’s most 104MBps. The slower selection is extra widespread on the iPad hubs reviewed above. For extra choices, check out the greatest USB-C hubs for Mac that can even work together with your iPad.
Gigabit ethernet
Wired web or community entry is way sooner than WiFi, so for those who’re utilizing your iPad at a desk, think about a hub with an ethernet port. In any other case, you’ll want to make use of a USB-C-to-ethernet adapter that plugs instantly into your iPad.
Audio
If you wish to hook up some wired headphones or a microphone, search for a hub with 3.5mm audio jack port since none of Apple’s present iPad vary has one. Some older iPads have an audio port.
Exterior shows
A hub is principally important when utilizing an exterior show as a result of the iPad has only one USB-C port and you’ll’t concurrently cost the pill on the identical time. So, you’ll wish to search for a hub with both two USB-C ports (one for charging, one for video) or a hub with an HDMI or DisplayPort (and even VGA you probably have an older show).
For basic productiveness functions, 30Hz display charges are acceptable for 4K screens, however 60Hz or 120Hz is healthier for gaming or action-graphics video. Relying on the cable, you may get diverse refresh charges. It’s just a little complicated, however for essentially the most half, 5Gbps USB-C is usually restricted to 30Hz (however will be pushed to 60Hz if the bandwidth will not be taken up by the opposite ports), a 10Gbps USB-C connection ought to permit 60Hz 4K, and Thunderbolt will simply push 6K shows with excessive refresh charges.

