TechRadar Comparison Outlines Differences Between USB Hubs and Docking Stations

TechRadar says USB hubs are designed to expand USB connectivity. If a laptop has two standard USB ports but a user needs to connect five devices at once, a six-port hub can accommodate them. The article describes a USB hub as working like an electrical extension cord: it provides inputs for more devices and is portable and travel-friendly.

Docking stations also expand connectivity, but they are not limited to USB ports. TechRadar says docking stations can be found with USB, HDMI, Ethernet and RCA ports, allowing different types of devices to connect. They are bulkier and heavier than USB hubs and are not as travel- or commute-friendly. Docking stations have dedicated power supplies and must be plugged into sockets, while USB hubs are powered solely by the PC.

On charging, TechRadar says USB hubs can charge connected devices, but slowly, because power is drawn from the PC with limited voltage and current. Docking stations have separate power supply outlets that draw sufficient voltage and current to charge external devices quickly. Some USB hubs also have external power supply outlets, making them more expensive than USB-powered hubs but potentially good value for users who intend to charge connected devices.

Price differs as well. TechRadar says docking stations are more expensive than USB hubs because they are built with more advanced components, mainly ports, which increases production costs. Good USB hubs cost $30 to $50, while advanced hubs with 10 or more ports cost slightly more, $50 to $80. Good docking stations cost upwards of $100. The higher cost makes docking stations more common for business than individual use, according to the article. TechRadar also points readers to its lists of the best USB-C hubs and best docking stations.

On speed, TechRadar says docking stations transfer data faster than USB hubs because of their sophisticated components. The average docking station transfers data at up to 10 GB per second, while USB hubs top out at 5 GB per second. Some docking stations have transfer speeds as high as 40 GB per second. The speed limitation makes USB hubs less ideal for large files. The article gives the example of a filmmaker seeking to connect more devices to a PC to share files: a docking station is suited to massive file transfers, while a USB hub is more suited to casual use. Docking stations also charge devices speedily because of dedicated power supplies, whereas USB hubs charge slowly. USB hubs with dedicated power supplies mitigate the drawback but still do not charge devices as fast as docking stations, TechRadar says.

For screen expansion, TechRadar says USB hubs and docking stations are both used to connect multiple monitors on office desks, including in technology and finance companies, but they differ. USB hubs can expand a display to two monitors simultaneously, meaning a user can add two more monitors to an existing setup for three total. A docking station lets a user add up to three monitors to an existing setup for four total. Docking stations also output 8K pictures for external monitors, while USB hubs are limited to 4K resolution. TechRadar calls the docking station the clear winner in this criterion.

In its verdict, TechRadar says USB hubs and docking stations have similar functions but notable differences. Hubs provide extra USB ports for external devices, while docking stations offer USB and other ports such as HDMI and Ethernet. Docking stations offer better functionality, including more port types, faster data transfer speeds and higher screen resolutions. A user can add up to three extra screens with a docking station, but USB hubs are limited to two screens. USB hubs are more portable and affordable than docking stations.

Editor's Summary

TechRadar's comparison says USB hubs and docking stations both expand a PC's connectivity but differ in ports, power, price, speed and display support. Docking stations offer more port types, faster data transfer and up to three additional monitors at 8K, while USB hubs are more portable, cheaper and limited to two additional monitors and 4K. The article says docking stations cost upwards of $100 and are more common for business, while USB hubs cost $30 to $80 and suit casual use.