Guidemaster: Ars tested and found the best USB-C accessories you can get now - Ars Technica

The transition to USB-C hasn't been smooth or swift, but that won't matter when you need to upgrade accessories to fit your new USB-C computer. OEMs started forcing users into the USB-C world by making their flagship laptops and tablets USB-C only. And while USB-A ports aren't scarce by any means, it's likely that your newest or next laptop will rely primarily on USB-C for connectivity.

USB-C refers to the shape of the port, which is an oval rather than a rectangle like USB-A ports. If a laptop only has USB-C ports, you won't be able to use any USB-A accessories unless you have a dongle, hub, or dock that adds that legacy port into the mix. (We have a whole guide to USB-C and Thunderbolt 3 docks that can help you choose your next multi-port hub, but we've included a couple of our favorites in this guide as well for ease of access.)

Aside from docks and hubs, there are other USB-C accessories you can get now to make your new machine feel as comfortable as your old one. Unfortunately, accessory companies have yet to embrace USB-C to the extent that PC OEMs have—the USB-C accessories world is growing, but it's still relatively limited.

It's also a world full of knock-offs and questionable devices, making it hard to know if you're getting a solid USB-C dongle, mouse, external SSD, or other accessory. With that in mind, we recently tested out a bunch of USB-C companion devices for this guide and picked out the ones that stood out among the competition in terms of performs, design, and ease of use.

Best USB-C dock

Cable Matters USB-C Dual 4K DisplayPort Docking Station

Cable Matters designed its USB-C dock similar to its Thunderbolt 3 dock.

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The metal exterior gives it a polished look, and the included stand lets you save some desk space.

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The dynamic bandwidth switch lets you control how speedy your file transfers are in reference to your external display quality.

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It provides 80W of power to your laptop and can charge an accessory like a smartphone through the USB-A port on its front side.

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Specs at a glance: Cable Matters USB-C Dual 4K DisplayPort Dock
Price	$169.99
Ports	2 x USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 1 x USB-A 3.1 Gen 2 2 x USB-A 3.0 2 x USB-A 2.0 2 x DisplayPorts 1 x Gigabit ethernet 1 x microSD card slot 1 x SD card slot
Power Delivery	80W
Display Options	Dual display support—4K mode: 2 x 4K@30Hz, 1 x 4K @60Hz, HD mode: 2 x FHD@60Hz, 1 x 4K@30Hz (macOS only supports one external display)
Dimensions	7.85 x 2.76 x 1.02 inches
Compatibility	macOS, Windows 10

Cable Matters covers all the necessities in its USB-C Dual 4K docking station. Available in dual DisplayPort and dual HDMI models, the dock connects to your host computer and supports transfer speeds up to 10Gbps. It also provides up to 80W power delivery, charging the host computer while connecting any and all peripherals and accessories you need.

Both models have a dynamic bandwidth switch that lets you control external display quality and transfer speeds. When you need to maximize data transfer speeds, you can switch to HD mode that supports two connected monitors—HD at 60Hz or 4K at 30Hz.

In contrast, 4K mode gives more power to your monitors. It supports dual 4K displays at 30Hz or one 4K display at 60Hz with data transfer speeds of 60Mbps. Keep in mind that these dual-display features apply to Windows machines as the device only supports one external display when connected to Macs.

Nevertheless, a dynamic bandwidth switch is a standout feature of this docking station—but it has plenty of other things going for it, too. In addition to a USB-C port to connect to the host computer, it has one additional USB-C port, five USB-A ports, one Gigabit Ethernet port, one SD card slot, and one microSD card slot.

Like most docking stations, it's a narrow rectangle designed to lay flat on your desk. But it also comes with a stand that lets you sit it up vertically, potentially saving space depending on your work-area layout. We also appreciate its dedicated power button because you can control power consumption by only turning on the dock when you need it.

The only real caveat to Cable Matters' USB-C docking station is that it's USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 rather than Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt 3 is more versatile than plain-ol' USB-C, but USB-C is still better than USB-A and other somewhat outdated connectors. If you have money to spare, check out our Thunderbolt 3/USB-C dock guide for more options that have greater capabilities, like CalDigit's TS3 Plus dock. At $169, Cable Matters' USB-C docking station a great alternative to a Thunderbolt 3 dock if you can handle the limitations of USB-C 3.1 Gen 2.

The Good

Decently priced USB-C dock with dynamic bandwidth switching.

The Bad

Must choose DisplayPort or HDMI dual connections.

Best USB-C multiport dongle

VAVA 8-in-1 USB-C hub

VAVA's USB-C adapter combines a slim design with a useful selection of ports at a decent price.
The other side holds an SD card slot and a TF card reader.
The smallest edge has a USB-C power port and a drop-down Ethernet port.

Specs at a glance: VAVA USB-C Hub
Price	$44.99
Ports	1 x USB-C 3 x USB-A 3.0 1 x HDMI 1 x SD card reader 1 x microSD card reader 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port
Power Delivery	100W (power delivery charging—requires adapter)
Display Options	Single display support (up to 4K)
Dimensions	2 x 0.5 x 4 inches
Compatibility	macOS, Windows

If a whole dock isn't within your budget, a travel-sized hub like the VAVA 8-in-1 USB-C hub is your best option. These devices are more compact but less versatile than docking stations, and they let you connect to multiple peripherals and accessories on the go.

VAVA's hub doesn't take up much space on your desk or in your backpack, and it had consistently fast transfer speeds—not the fastest, but good for its $59 price tag. Measuring 2.0 x 0.5 x 4.0 inches, it simply doesn't have enough space to include as many ports as a docking station, but it does have one USB-C port, three USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one SD card reader, and one microSD card reader. It also supports 100W power delivery—it cannot charge your host computer by itself like a dock could, but it can do so if you provide the necessary power cable and adapter.

The hub also has one Gigabit Ethernet port, something you don't often see on a travel hub of this size. VAVA integrated a drop-down design into its hub to accommodate the Ethernet port: just pop the bottom half of the port down to plug in your Ethernet cable.

At $59, the VAVA USB-C hub is a bit more expensive than most travel adapters, but we think it's worth the money for its slim, metal design and reliably quick transfer speeds. You'd have to spend close to $70 more to get a travel adapter (such as StarTech's USB-C Dual Monitor Multiport Adapter) that supports faster transfer speeds and options like DisplayPort. Most users will find everything they need in VAVA's USB-C hub.

The Good

Slim, compact USB-C hub with good transfer speeds.

The Bad

No DisplayPort.

Best USB-C to USB-A dongle

Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter

Nonda's minuscule USB-C to A adapter.

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It only has one USB-A port, but that makes it a compact travel companion.

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Its slim design won't block any surrounding ports when you plug it in.

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Specs at a glance: Nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Adapter
Price	Starts at $8.99
Compatibility	Mac, Windows, Android, Chrome OS
Max Speed	5Gbps
Dimensions	1.1 x 0.7 x 0.3 inches
Design	Aluminum alloy body, available in gold, silver, and space gray

Sometimes you need something even simpler than a USB-C hub, and that's where the Nonda USB-C to USB-A adapter truly shines. Those who don't want a chunky hub dangling from their laptop, or those who don't usually connect more than one accessory at a time, will appreciate the Nonda adapter's simplicity.

The tiny aluminum-alloy square easily and securely snaps into one of the USB-C ports on your laptop. Out of all the USB-C to USB-A adapters we tested, Nonda's was the only one that remained connected to the host computer even after yanking a USB-A cable or thumb drive out of its USB-A port. Its pinhead-size indicator light will shine to let you know it's ready to transfer data at up to 5Gbps and bridge the gap between other devices and your computer.

Those are USB-C 3.1 gen-1 speeds, so using this adapter won't be as efficient as using a USB-C dock or hub with more advanced capabilities. But speed isn't everything when it comes to Nonda's adapter: designed with MacBooks in mind, it comes in gold, silver, and gray colors that will match most of Apple's laptops. It works with Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and other USB-C devices including some smartphones, so it can be an adapter you use across many of your devices rather than just one.

In addition to its sleek design, we also appreciate that Nonda's USB-C adapter doesn't take up as much space when connected as other USB-C to A adapters. For instance, when plugged into a MacBook Pro, Nonda's adapter doesn't block neighboring USB-C ports. It also won't be encumbered if you have a case on your machine either. And starting at $8.99, it's an adapter that's hard to beat when it comes to simplicity and affordability.

The Good

Sturdy aluminum USB-C adapter that doesn't take up a lot of space when connected.

The Bad

Transfer speeds only up to 5Gbps.

Best USB-C mouse

Jelly Comb Slim Optical Wireless Mouse

Jelly Comb's Slim Optical Wireless Mouse.

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It's a simple mouse that can be used easily by right- and left-handed people.

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It's underside holds an on/off toggle as well as an input switcher—it works over USB-C, USB-A, and Bluetooth.

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It comes with USB-C and A receivers, both of which live inside the mouse.

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Specs at a glance: Jelly Comb Slim Optical Wireless Mouse
Price	Starts at $32.99
Compatibility	USB-C, USB-A, Bluetooth
DPI	1000/1600/2400, adjustable
Battery	300mAh, one month life

A mouse can alter your entire work setup, but finding a solid USB-C mouse is a chore right now. Jelly Comb's Slim Optical Wireless Mouse stood out in our testing for its simple yet elegant design, versatility, and reliability. Jelly Comb's mouse is available in five color options so you can find one that fits your style or matches with your PC. It also has a quiet buttons and scrolling ball that will not drive coworkers crazy if you're working in close quarters.

We also appreciate that the mouse is a basic oval, sans thumb rest favoring left-or right-handed users. Anyone can use this mouse comfortably out of the box and switch hands if and when they need. A tiny DPI switching button sits on the top-middle section of the mouse and lets you switch between 1000, 1600, and 2400 DPI levels to adjust cursor sensitivity to your liking.

Jelly Comb's mouse comes with a USB-C receiver that lives in a hidden compartment underneath the mouse itself. But that's not all—it also comes with a USB-A receiver and Bluetooth capabilities, so you have three different connectivity options. That allows you to use the mouse with nearly any laptop, desktop, or other device you find yourself working with, and it also lets you connect to three separate devices at once. Use its three receiving methods on three different devices at once and, using the input button on its bottom, you can switch between all three devices at your leisure.

All three types of input are reliable as well—I never experienced any drop-off or interference when using either receiver or Bluetooth connectivity. I also didn't have to recharge the device after the initial charge-up out of the box. The mouse has a 300mAh battery inside that should last over one month after being charged fully. Its 30-minute sleep mode helps preserve battery life, too. I only wish that the mouse charged via USB-C, but alas it uses a microUSB port. That's a small price to pay for a solid, easy-to-use USB-C mouse that costs just $33.

The Good

Reliable wireless mouse with USB-C, USB-A, and Bluetooth connectivity options.

The Bad

Charges via microUSB port.

Best USB-C external SSD

Samsung T5

Samsung's T5 portable SSD.

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It has a metal shell and can hold up to 2TB of storage.

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It has one USB-C port, but it comes with a USB-C to C cable as well as a USB-C to A cable.

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Specs at a glance: Samsung T5 portable SSD
Price	Starts at $89.83
Compatibility	Mac, Windows, Android
Capacity	Up to 2TB
Max Speed	540MB/s (read/write)
Security	Password protection, AES 256-bit hardware encryption
Design	Metal unibody, shock resistant

There are numerous reasons why Samsung's T5 external SSD has become so popular, but the gist is this: it's an ultraportable SSD with a sleek design, fast transfer speeds, and a decent price tag. At 10.5mm thick and weighing just 51 grams, the T5 is surprisingly compact and its shock-resistant metal unibody can withstand drops up to two meters. Despite its diminutive size, it doesn't feel fragile—you can easily throw the T5 into your bag or backpack and you won't have to worry about it getting damaged during your commute.

It has one USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port on its left edge and it comes with both USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables, so anybody with a modern computer can connect to it without purchasing additional cables. The drive also has a tiny blue indicator light that comes on when it's successfully connected to your PC, so there's no guessing involved.

We've used the T5 as a constant in previous guides before, and now we compared its storage and transfer speeds to a number of competing portable SSDs. It was consistently one of the top performers in all of our tests: Samsung advertises transfer speeds up to 540MB/s with the T5's V-NAND flash memory, and it came close to that promise in our XBench and CrystalDiskMark results. It also transferred one large file and many small files quickly when connected to both a MacBook Pro and a Dell XPS 13. Our real-world file transfer tests never took more than 10 to 20 seconds seconds to complete on the T5.

As far as keeping your data secure, the T5 has AES 256-bit hardware encryption and optional password protection. With Samsung's accompanying software, you can assign a password to the T5 that you must input before you can access any of the content stored on the drive and before you can transfer anything else to it. The software itself, Samsung Portable SSD for Mac, Windows, and Android (via the Play Store), is lightweight and simple to use. It shows how much space is being used on the drive and how much free space you have left, and it allows you to set or change your drive's password and download software and firmware updates.

The T5 comes in 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacity options (and a variety of new colors, too), and we appreciate that its lowest capacity has a relatively affordable price tag. Depending on your desired color, you can get a blue 500GB Samsung T5 for just $85. The 2TB model will set you back $299, but that's standard when you need a drive with a higher storage capacity. While the Samsung T5 isn't the fastest or even the smallest portable SSD you can buy, it's the one that offers the best balance of design, size, and speed at a great price.

If speed and size are key and price isn't an issue, however, it's worth considering Sandisk's Extreme Portable SSD. Starting at $69 and available in 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB options, the Extreme Portable SSD boasts top read speeds of 550MBps all in its minuscule 3.8 x 1.9 x 0.3-inch form.

This SSD is shockingly small but built to be strong: it's IP55 water and dust resistant as well as shock- (up to 1500G) and vibration-resistant (5g RMS, 10-2000HZ). It can also withstand drops up to two meters. You can even attach it to a bag with a carabiner thanks to the cut-out in its top-right corner.

In addition to being the most compact and solid SSD we tested, it was one of the fastest as well. It matched or beat Samsung's T5 in almost all of our benchmark tests. You can also connect it to USB-C and A devices because it comes with one USB-C cable and a USB-C to A adapter.

Sandisk's and Samsung's SSDs have a lot of things in common, but we believe Samsung's is the best option for most people considering its speed, size, and price. However, if you're willing to pay a bit more, Sandisk's Extreme Portable SSD provides even more physical protection and a bit more speed to boot.

The Good

Small metal SSD with fast read/write speeds at a good price.

The Bad

Not water resistant.

Best USB-C cable

Anker Powerline+

Anker Powerline+ cables made of braided nylon.

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Anker has numerous kinds of Powerline+ cables, including USB-C to Lightning.

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They come in various lengths as well.

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It's not necessary to buy an OEM's special charging cables for your smartphone, tablet, or other devices now that Anker has the Powerline+ line of USB-C cables. Out of all the USB-C cables we tested, Anker Powerline+ cables provide the best value for money when it comes to USB-C to A and USB-C to Lightning connectors.

First and foremost, we appreciate that most Powerline+ cables are braided nylon accessories. Not every Powerline+ cable is made with braided nylon, but the ones we tested were—you won't have to worry about these wires breaking or fraying, no matter how roughly you (or your kids) treat them. Depending on the connectivity you need, you can also find Powerline+ cables in many lengths including 3-feet, 6-feet, and 10-feet. We also appreciate that most Powerline+ cables, both single- and multi-packs, come in at less than $25.

We were also impressed by the charging speeds we observed in the Powerline+ cables tested. The USB-C to Lightning cable charged an iPhone XS from zero to 80 percent in one hour and from zero to fully charged in a little more than two hours (using a MacBook 61W USB-C charger). Using the Anker Dual USB PowerPort II 24W Charger, the Powerline USB-C to USB-A 2.0 cable charged a Pixel 3 smartphone from zero to 55 percent in one hour and from zero to fully charged in two hours.

Admittedly, USB-C cables are only one part of the charging puzzle. The PD charger (that plugs into an outlet) will have an effect on charging time and maximum power delivery, as will your device's own capabilities. Nevertheless, it's important to have a durable USB-C cable with which to charge your most necessary electronics, and Anker's Powerline+ cables are the best ones for that.

The Good

Reliable braided nylon cables that come in many connector options (USB-C to A, Lightening, etc).

The Bad

Cables that support faster transfer speeds can be more expensive.

Best USB-C PD Charger

RavPower 45W PD Charger

RavPower's 45W PD Charger can power up mobile devices quickly.

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It's also super slim and easy to travel with.

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Specs at a glance: RavPower 45W PD Charger
Price	$49.99
Compatibility	Anything with USB-C charging
Power delivery	45W (PD 3.0)
Dimensions	2.83 x 2.12 x 0.56 inches
Other perks	GaN technology, protections against overcharging and overheating

Those who need a power-delivery charger that's small, fast, and fairly affordable need look no further than RavPower's 45W USB-C PD Charger. The tiny rectangle beat out the rest of the PD chargers we tested thanks to its compact design. Measuring just .56 inches thick, this charger takes up a negligible amount of space in a bag or backpack but it packs a powerful punch in terms of charging.

With its one USB-C port, the charger can power any USB-C device like a smartphone or a laptop. A USB-C cable isn't included so you need to provide one, but that's the case with most PD chargers. RavPower's device charged a Pixel 3 smartphone to 80 percent from zero in just one hour, and it only took about 100 minutes, or a little over an hour and a half, to charge the smartphone to 100 percent. That means you won't have to wait long in an airport or a coffee shop to get a safe amount of juice in your previously dead smartphone.

RavPower's PD charger has two limitations: it only has one USB-C port, and it's rectangular design can block other outlets depending on where you plug it in. The latter problem is one that most PD chargers have since they tend to be blocky. RavPower's charger is, by far, the most slim PD charger we tested, but that 45 watts of power has to go somewhere so the device's shape is understandable.

But not every PD charger only has one USB-C port, or one port in general. Those who want a charger with more flexibility should consider Aukey's 30W USB-C PD Charger because it has one USB-C port and one USB-A port, allowing you to connect two devices at once. It also has a "dynamic detect" feature that lets it direct all 30 watts of power delivery to one port when only one device is connected. When charging two devices at once, power delivery drops to 18 watts.

Aukey's charger may have more ports, but it's not as quick to charge as RavPower's. It charged a Pixel 3 smartphone to 70 percent in one hour, and took about two hours to charge the smartphone fully to 100 percent. We recommend the $49 RavPower 45W charger for those who want speedy charging in a compact package, while those who can sacrifice speed and slimness to save some money should go for the $26 Aukey charger.

The Good

Ultra-compact charger that quickly powers all types of USB-C devices.

The Bad

Only has one USB-C port.

Best USB-C power bank

Aukey PB-Y13 10,000mAh 18W Power Bank

Enlarge / Aukey's PB-Y13 portable power bank.

Specs at a glance: Aukey PB-Y13 Power Bank
Price	$29.99
Ports	1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
Capacity	10,000mAh
Power output (wattage)	18W
Other perks	PD 2.0 via USB-C, Quick Charge 3.0 via USB-A

Smartphone OEMs may have started updating their handsets to charge via USB-C, but most haven't figured out how to strike the right balance of thinness and battery capacity in their smartphones. If your USB-C smartphone tends to die before the day is out, Aukey's 10,000 mAh (or 37Wh) PB-Y13 power bank can bring it back to life. The slim charger is about the size of a typical smartphone and its 18W USB-C port has PD 2.0 technology, which isn't the latest variant but is still capable enough to power up a smartphone or other mobile device like a tablet or a Nintendo Switch.

In addition to one USB-C port, the device has two USB-A ports, one of which supports Quick Charge 3.0. If you have a cable with USB-C on one end and USB-A on the other, you can fast-charge Quick Charge-compatible devices with this power bank. The device itself also charges up fairly quickly—it takes only four hours for the power bank to regain all the juice it can. Quick Charge 3.0 only applies to the USB-A port, but the USB-C PD port also does well to charge mobile devices quickly. The power bank can charge an iPhone XS from zero to roughly 85 percent in an hour. The kicker is that it's $29, so it's nice and affordable for the performance it supplies.

If you want a battery that works well for laptops or other larger devices, on the other hand, we also like the ZMI PowerPack 20000 (aka the ZMI QB820). With a 20,000 mAh (or 72Wh) capacity and 40W USB-C PD port (45W output in total), it's much more powerful than a more phone-focused power bank like the PB-Y13 and is strong enough to charge MacBook Pros, many Windows ultrabooks, and so on. Bigger laptops will still refill faster with their dedicated chargers, but there's enough juice here to be effective on the go.

Its aluminum body is thicker than that of Aukey's device, but otherwise its design is similarly shaped, with one USB-C port and two USB-A 2.0 ports, one of which supports Quick Charge 3.0. Interestingly, it can also double as a hub, meaning it can effectively add those USB-A ports to a connector-scarce laptop. Since there's no difference in charging speed between this and an 18W battery like the PB-Y13 when it comes to a smartphone, ZMI's power bank is only really worth it for people who plan to use the battery with a laptop or similarly large device. That said, at $69, it's still nice value relative to other battery packs with similar output.

The Good

Slim design and charges smartphones at the fastest possible rate.

The Bad

Doesn’t come with USB-C to C cable.

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2019-07-25 11:45:00Z
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Kamis, 25 Juli 2019