2 USB-C Hubs: Higher PD Allocation or Compact, Lightweight Design?

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When expanding USB-C data ports for drives and peripherals, which matters more: laptop power delivery or a compact, light hub? Up to 85 W is available to the host and downstream devices through StarTech; Satechi supplies up to 75 W to the host.

Product	Stated PD power allocation
StarTech.com HB31CM4CPD3	Up to 85 W available to host and downstream devices
Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub with Power Delivery ST-H4CPDM	Up to 75 W output to the host

1. StarTech.com HB31CM4CPD3

Best for Higher stated power allocation

For buyers adding USB-C data ports for drives and peripherals, the StarTech.com HB31CM4CPD3 has four downstream USB-C ports supporting USB 3.2 Gen 2 transfers up to 10 Gbps and connects to a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 host port. That maximum rate does not guarantee simultaneous 10 Gbps transfers on every port.

The PD input accepts up to 100 W and reserves 15 W, leaving up to 85 W available to the host and downstream devices. Maximum laptop charging is specified as 85 W, but simultaneous 85 W laptop charging and maximum peripheral power is not promised. A PD source occupies its designated port, leaving three ports for peripherals. The hub can also run on bus power; a USB-C PD adapter is optional and not included.

Before ordering, confirm your computer has a USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4 host port. If you need PD power, arrange a USB-C PD adapter. Confirm three ports will cover your peripherals while a PD source is connected.

StarTech.com HB31CM4CPD3

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2. Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub with Power Delivery ST-H4CPDM

Best for Compact, lightweight body

For buyers adding USB-C data ports for drives and peripherals while prioritizing a small hub and short attached cable, the Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub with Power Delivery ST-H4CPDM has three USB-C data ports and one USB-C PD/data port, all supporting transfers up to 10 Gbps.

The hub measures 2.4 x 2.4 x 0.40 inches, weighs 1.76 oz, and has a 6.6-inch attached host cable.

The PD port accepts up to 100 W input and supplies up to 75 W to the host; using it for charging leaves three ports for peripherals. The data ports support charging up to 5 V/1.5 A, and each peripheral must have power requirements no greater than 5 V/2 A. The USB-C data and PD ports do not support CD/DVD drives or the Apple SuperDrive.

Before ordering, confirm the available ports cover your peripherals while charging through PD. Check that each peripheral’s power requirements stay within the stated limit. Confirm your drive use does not include a CD/DVD drive or Apple SuperDrive.

Satechi 4-Port USB-C Hub with Power Delivery ST-H4CPDM

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Which should you choose?

• Choose StarTech HB31CM4CPD3 when you need up to 85 W available to the host and downstream devices. Choose Satechi for its compact, lightweight body; simultaneous 85 W laptop charging with maximum peripheral power isn’t promised.
• Choose Satechi ST-H4CPDM for a compact, lightweight body and 6.6-inch cable; it supplies up to 75 W to the host. Choose StarTech if its higher stated PD allocation matters more.