What is the best USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling? As many users certainly have noticed - based on e-mail received - there are definitely times when the single built-in USB 2.0 port on models released prior to the 'Late 2010' line is inadequate. Even for subsequent MacBook Air models, which have two USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports, there still are times when additional ports are desirable. For MacBook Air notebooks released prior to the 'Late 2010' models, there is the option of, but the realistic way to add more USB ports to any MacBook Air is to use a or a. Identification Help As some MacBook Air models have USB 2.0 ports and others have USB 3.0 ports, it is important to identify your MacBook Air correctly before buying a USB hub. A USB 2.0 hub still will work with a USB 3.0-equipped MacBook Air, but it will be slower. MacBook Air models released prior to the 'Late 2010' series are easy to collectively identify by the single USB 2.0 port and no further identification information is needed.
Best Mac Compatible USB 2.0 Hubs. 'Best' is a subjective term, but it seems logical that one if views size and weight as a priority (and those who buy a MacBook Air typically do), one also would want a USB hub that is as small and lightweight as possible. It also is worth noting that the MacBook Air. The Apple USB-C VGA Multiport Adapter lets you connect your Apple MacBook with USB-C port to a VGA display, while also connecting a USB device and a USB-C charging cable. Mirror your MacBook display to your VGA-enabled TV or other display in up to 1080p.
However, for the 'Late 2010' and 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air - which have USB 2.0 ports - and the 'Mid-2012,' 'Mid-2013' and 'Early 2014' MacBook Air - which have faster USB 3.0 ports - the simplest way to collectively identify these models is externally by, which is listed in tiny type on the bottom of the notebook toward the hinge. Specifically, the 'Late 2010' and 'Mid-2011' lines share model numbers and (USB 2.0) whereas the 'Mid-2012' and subsequent lines share model numbers and (USB 3.0). These MacBook Air models also can be collectively identified by in software: Series 11-Inch 13-Inch USB Late 2010 2.0 Mid-2011 2.0 Mid-2012 3.0 Mid-2013 3.0 Early 2014 3.0 Early 2015 3.0 Mid-2017 N/A 3.0 Finally, EveryMac.com's feature - as well as the - additionally can uniquely identify these MacBook Air models by their serial numbers. More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive section. Best Mac Compatible USB 2.0 Hubs 'Best' is a subjective term, but it seems logical that one if views size and weight as a priority (and those who buy a MacBook Air typically do), one also would want a USB hub that is as small and lightweight as possible.
It also is worth noting that the MacBook Air still must be plugged directly into the MacBook Air and is not to be used with USB hubs. Nevertheless, for all the other USB devices you might like to plug into a MacBook Air - an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, a mouse, printers, scanners, cameras, and so on - there are a variety of small USB 2.0 hubs designed for travel. Four of particular interest include the Belkin Swivel Hub, IOGear MicroHub, Gear Head Integrated Hub, and StarTech Mini Hub.
Photo Credit (clockwise from top left): Belkin, IOGear, Gear Head, StarTech. Please note that the above images are not precisely to scale, but the USB connectors can be used for an idea of relative size.
All four of these small USB 2.0 hubs - the, and - are available readily. The convenient Belkin Swivel Hub design provides four USB 2.0 ports and rotates 180-degrees - up, down, left, and right - to make accessing ports easier in tight spaces. In hands on use, EveryMac.com became quite fond of this hub. The other three are quite similar in design, and all have four USB 2.0 ports, but the Gear Head and IOGear products both have a USB cable that conveniently 'tucks away' within the device to protect the connector from damage in transit, whereas the StarTech option does not. Best Mac Compatible USB 3.0 Hubs There also are a variety of small USB 3.0 hubs that are compatible with MacBook Air models with USB 3.0 ports. Four small USB 3.0 hubs of potential interest include two port and four port options from as well as four port options from.
Photo Credit: StarTech (Top), IOGear (Bottom Left), Sabrent (Bottom Right) Note that the options from StarTech and IOGear have a built-in cable, which is convenient but potentially subject to damage whereas the Sabrent option includes an external cable. You might also be interested in the, which helpfully combines three USB 3.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter in the same compact design.
Photo Credit: Kanex (USB 3.0 Hub/Gigabit Ethernet Adapter) Please note that USB 3.0 hubs essentially require OS X 10.8 'Mountain Lion' or later versions of OS X (and have been reported to be flaky running OS X 10.7 'Lion'). The Kanex DualRole reportedly is compatible with Mac OS X 10.4 'Leopard' and higher (at least in some capacity). USB Hub Performance Tips & Summary No matter which USB hub you buy, for maximum performance, be sure to plug the hub itself into your Mac before connecting any peripherals. Then, plug in the fastest USB device before connecting any slower ones. In other words, if you are using one of the above USB 3.0 hubs, and you have an external hard drive that uses USB 3.0 and a printer that uses USB 2.0 - (1) plug the hub into your Mac, (2) connect the external hard drive into the hub, and (3) plug the printer into the hub.
The first peripheral you connect will determine whether the hub operates at its maximum speed or a slower one. All of these USB hubs can be used with other Macs as well, not just the MacBook Air, and it is hoped, add as little weight as possible to your already overburdened carry-on bag.
In the US, site sponsor sells many of the USB hubs mentioned above as well as others. OWC sells the USB 3.0 Hub/Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, too. In Australia, site sponsor sells many of the USB hubs mentioned above in addition to the USB 3.0 Hub/Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.
Generally, in Laptops or Macbook, there are only single or dual ports are given as USB connections, but with the help of this USB Hub, we can expand the bonds of USB. The main advantage of using this hub is when we connect it with Laptop or MacBook we can easily relate our external mouse, or keyboard and other devices with it so that we can use comfortably.
Also Available for managing different types of circumstances like MacBook Pro 12 inch USB C port (We need USB C Hub), for the other standard USB hub for Mac. It has a capability of generating power itself. The main advantage if making the power itself is that it never disturbs the laptops while working. They can handle a large number of components required by PCs, Laptops or Macbooks. This Gadget is handy and helpful for professional/ Business as well as for domestic purpose. Contents. The Best USB Hub for Mac: All MacBook Pro/ Air, Mac mini, iMac Anker 10-port USB 3.0 hub for Mac OS X/ Windows This hub is USA’s most popular brand Anker’s 10-port USB 3.0 hub.
Good in demand for the Mac and Windows users. It comes with sleek features like super speed ports to Mac/ PC and delivers fast data transfer rates up to 5Gbps for faster sync. It comes with the high-power 60W adapter that helps to stable data transfer rate. On it, there is a blue LED that indicates the process is usually running. It’s very secure and protected with a built-in surge protector to keep your device pretty safe.
You can use this USB 3.0 HUB for Mac OS X 10.2 and later/ Windows XP/ 7/ 8/ 10 without installation of drivers. The file transfer rate of this USB is 480 Mbps which is excellent for the users and by the use of this we can add more USB ports to our laptops or in computers. The cable is made up of beautiful and long-lasting material which enhance the lifelong validity of the product.
Alternative try this Fantastic USB Hub for Mac: iXcc It can transfer a file up to the speed of 5 Gbps having additional 4 USB 3.0 ports which expand the USB ports on your laptops. Made up of the latest technology and also supports USB 3.0 backward devices. Compatible with the Windows 2003 and the above tools and Macbook and many other Apple devices. It gives reliable connectivity for your laptop and notebook other many devices.
Merely Great USB Hub For Macbook Retina 2018: USB C This All-in-one USB Hub is for the multipurpose uses (Without USB C Adapter). Made up with the latest new technology and also for the most recent new devices and gives better compatibility with the devices containing USB 3.0 and USB 3.1.
The main advantage of using this tool is that it provides better compatibility with the other backward versions of USB such as USB 2.0 and different versions. The transfer rate of USB 3.0 is also magnificent; it is 5Gbps. Compatible with the MacBook Retina, Chromebook 2015 and many more devices.
I hope, you would also like these. Keep healthy your Apple’s devices (iMac, MacBook, Mac mini) USB slot safe from damage with all-time Best USB 3.0 Hub for Mac, After Thousands of times Plugin or Plug out other devices port, USB drive or Charging Lightning Cable for any purpose.