Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub review: Data transfer galore

More and more accessories and devices support USB-C. When connecting them to a MacBook with limited ports, you must plug, eject, and unplug one at a time. Or, you could just save time by using a hub.

Satechi has been making USB-C and Thunderbolt docks for years and covers various price ranges and needs. The 4-in-1 USB-C Hub is among their smaller and cheaper options.

Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub - Design

As with most Satechi products, this hub is made of aluminum and has a durable braided cable. It's light and fits in the hand or pocket easily for travel.

The hub emphasizes connectivity with three USB-C ports and an Ethernet port, providing no charging delivery or video. 10Gbps transfer speeds per type-C port means this is an ideal hub for uploading/downloading large amounts of media to different drives or sources.

Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub - Specs

Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub - Use

Using the 4-in-1 is straightforward, plugging into your laptop/tablet and connecting what you need. The Ethernet port boosts the product's intended purpose, and I find it especially useful at public libraries and other settings where wired internet is readily available.

I found the 4-in-1 to be great in use with type-C drives and similar storage devices, getting all my files in order before the beginning of a new semester. However, the design's sole focus on connectivity means you can't use the hub for your keyboard or mouse, leaving my last port open for only one peripheral.

That's the trade-off, though. I've previously thought some hubs have too much of one kind of port, but the reality is that different hubs are meant for different purposes.

I wouldn't say this hub is "too much" of one thing but rather meant to be compact and specialized for one purpose.

Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub - Fast, portable, but niche

This hub is made for people who need the fastest connection and transfer speeds: remote workers, students, creatives, and more.

If you want a hub for something else, there are plenty of options with more ports at an equivalent price. Satechi tends to put their aluminum-clad products at a premium compared to other alternatives, but the quality difference is there for sure.

Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub Pros

• Good design and build quality
• Portable and compact for number of ports
• Consistent connection speeds

Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub Cons

• Niche audience
• No power for non-data peripherals

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Where to buy the Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub

The Satechi 4-in-1 USB-C Hub is available on Amazon and the Satechi store for $44.99.