For one USB printer, start by checking whether a compact USB-C hub has a data port that fits your printer cable. If you also want the laptop to charge through the hub, check its Power Delivery arrangement, your laptop and your existing charger; a larger desktop dock makes more sense when several devices need to stay connected.
If your printer is the main device you need to leave connected, check the connector at the dock end of its cable and look for a matching USB data port. Electrical Safety First identifies USB-B as a connector commonly used at the printer end.
If the printer must stay connected while the laptop charges, check the laptop’s USB-C Power Delivery support, the hub’s charging arrangement and whether your charger and cable are suitable. A pass-through hub still needs a compatible source of power.
If a printer shares the desk with other peripherals, or the dock must work with both USB-C and older USB-A laptops, count the connections you need and check how each host connection handles laptop power.
Choose the printer’s data connection first, then decide whether laptop charging or a larger group of desk peripherals changes the dock you need.
Consider it when: A printer is your main added device and the laptop has a suitable USB-C host port.
Allow for: Power Delivery pass-through uses a compatible charger; it does not make the hub an independent power source.
Consider it when: The same desk needs to accommodate newer USB-C and older USB-A host laptops alongside several peripherals.
Allow for: On Kensington’s SD4781P, a USB-A-host laptop needs a separate power source.
Consider it when: The printer is one part of a permanent desk with several other devices.
Allow for: CalDigit says the TS4 has reduced functionality with USB-C computers or tablets compared with compatible Thunderbolt hosts.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Printer connection | Match the printer cable’s dock-end plug to a free USB data port; count any other USB devices that must remain attached. | If I mainly want to leave my printer connected, a matching data port matters more to me than extra display connections. Around 57% of consumers put printer connectivity first. |
| Laptop charging | Check the laptop’s Power Delivery support, the dock’s stated charging arrangement and the charger and cable you plan to use. | With few wall sockets available, I need to know whether my laptop can keep charging while the printer stays connected. Laptop charging is the primary concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| More devices or mixed laptops | Count the devices that will stay connected and check host-port, operating-system and power compatibility for each laptop. | My printer is only one part of the desk, or I need to switch between USB-C and USB-A laptops. For around 14% of consumers, broader desk connectivity comes first. |
Kensington notes that USB-C connections can differ in their data, video and power capabilities. A connector that fits does not, by itself, establish that every dock function will work.
Check the exact laptop model’s USB data support for the printer, and check Power Delivery separately if charging through the dock matters.
On the Anker 565, the USB-C Power Delivery input is for charging, while its USB data ports have a different purpose.
Use the exact hub’s port map to identify a data port that matches the printer cable.
Kensington lists USB-A host support for the SD4781P but specifies a separate power source for a laptop connected that way.
If your laptop connects to the dock through USB-A, plan how you will charge it independently.
Electrical Safety First warns that substandard or counterfeit chargers can pose fire and equipment-damage risks.
Buy from a reputable retailer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not use a plug or cable that shows damage or overheating.
Compact USB-C hubs for a printer and a modest number of other connections.
Desktop docks for desks that may use either USB-C or older USB-A host laptops.
High-port-count desktop docks for a workstation with more connected devices than a printer alone.
These USB-C hubs and adapters offer connections to consider for a printer-led desk. Match the printer cable to a data port on the exact model, and check laptop charging separately if you need it.
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Consider this hub if your printer cable has a USB-A plug and you also need ports for other devices.
Its listed connections include one USB-A 10Gbps port, two USB-A 480Mbps ports, a USB-C 10Gbps port and a USB-C Power Delivery input. The stated Power Delivery figure is an input rating, not a promise of laptop charging power; check the laptop, charger and package contents.
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Consider this adapter when the printer needs one USB-A connection and you want another USB-A port available.
The title lists dual USB 3.0 ports, HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet and 100W Power Delivery. Check the laptop’s USB-C capabilities and the charger and cable needed for pass-through charging.
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Consider this adapter if the printer is one of several devices you want to connect at the desk.
The title lists two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, two HDMI connections, DisplayPort, RJ45, Power Delivery, SD/TF and audio. Check the laptop’s USB-C data and display capabilities, and confirm the charging equipment if you intend to use Power Delivery.
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Consider this dock for a USB-C laptop when the printer and other USB peripherals need separate connections.
Its title lists USB-A 10Gbps and 5Gbps connections, a USB-C 10Gbps connection, HDMI, SD/TF and 3.5mm audio. Check laptop data compatibility; a listed USB-C 5V 3A power output does not establish laptop charging through the dock.
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Consider this dock only after matching its USB port connectors to the cable you use for your printer.
The title identifies a USB-C connection and TF/SD card slots. Check the shape of its USB data ports, the laptop’s USB-C compatibility and the charging arrangement before relying on it for the printer-and-charging setup.
Yes, if the dock has a compatible USB data port and the printer’s cable fits it. Electrical Safety First notes that USB-B is commonly used for printers; check both ends of your particular cable and the printer’s driver requirements.
No. Kensington explains that USB-C connections differ in their power capabilities, so check the laptop’s Power Delivery support, the dock’s charging specification and the charger and cable you will use.
It can add a printer port without requiring a separate mains-powered desktop dock, but Power Delivery pass-through still relies on a compatible charger. For the Anker 565, Anker says the charger and cable are not included.
Choose a reputable retailer and use the charger as its manufacturer instructs. Electrical Safety First warns about risks from substandard or counterfeit chargers; do not use plugs or cables that appear damaged or overheated.