USB-A hubs — 4–7 port USB 3.0

Question 1: how many ports? Mouse + keyboard + headset + USB stick = 4 ports. Plus webcam + printer + external drive + USB DAC = 7 ports. Question 2: do I need power supply (powered hub)? Mouse, keyboard, sticks = unpowered is fine. External HDD without own supply, USB DAC, printer = powered hub with PSU, because USB-A 3.0 only delivers 900 mA (4.5 W). Question 3: USB 2.0 or USB 3.0? USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) is the standard and covers 99 % of use cases. USB 2.0 hubs only make sense on the tightest budget — too slow for external SSDs.

USB 3.0 hubs (USB 3.2 Gen 1) = 5 Gbps shared across all downstream ports. Meaning: 4 devices running flat-out get a quarter of the bandwidth each. In practice that is rarely a problem — usually only one or two devices are active. USB 3.2 Gen 2 hubs (10 Gbps) are rare on USB-A hubs, more common on USB-C hubs. If you need active 10 Gbps hubs, look at USB-C hubs — often compatible with both connector types.

USB-A hubs are plug-and-play on every OS — no driver needed. They work on desktops, older MacBooks (pre-2016), modern laptops via USB-C to USB-A adapter and even on Raspberry Pi. Note: a MacBook M-series needs a USB-C to USB-A adapter or, better, a USB-C hub.

Aluminium housings with passive heat dissipation — important on 7-port hubs under heavy load. Powered hubs have their own 12 V PSU (typically 24–36 W) and deliver full 5 V/2.4 A per port. Unpowered hubs draw everything from the host port — modern laptops limit it to 4.5 W. Aluminium fully recyclable — take-back via the RPD recycling programme.

Shipped from our Basel warehouse — A-Post 1–2 working days, express next business day or free pickup in Basel, Aarau or Olten. 2 years Swiss warranty on all products, 14-day returns. Invoice payment available (credit check by Powerpay), best-price guarantee CH. Aluminium housings are fully recyclable — return old adapters, hubs and storage media via our RPD recycling programme. Visit one of our stores for personal advice — bring your laptop or iPad and we will find the right accessory together.