Choose a USB hub if one computer will use the scanner and the scanner manufacturer permits a hub connection; check the plugs, data ports and power requirements before buying. If two computers need to take turns, look at a USB switch instead, but confirm that the scanner supports the arrangement. Connect the scanner directly to a computer where its support guidance requires it.
If one computer uses the scanner alongside other desk peripherals, start with the scanner's connection instructions. Epson United Kingdom advises a direct computer connection in some USB scanner troubleshooting guidance, so a hub is not automatically suitable.
If two computers must take turns with one scanner, investigate a USB switch rather than a hub that adds ports to one computer. UGREEN UK documents a switch for alternating USB devices between two computers; check the scanner's own guidance too.
If the laptop needs USB-A peripherals as well as charging or display connections, identify which sockets carry data. Belkin UK documents both a compact hub without pass-through charging and a multiport adapter with a separate USB-C power-delivery port.
Check whether the scanner can connect through another device before deciding whether the desk needs extra ports for one computer or a handover between two.
Choose when: The scanner's instructions require a direct connection, or an existing hub connection is unreliable.
Trade-off: The scanner occupies a computer port and cannot be handed over by a USB switch. Epson United Kingdom recommends direct connection in some scanner troubleshooting guidance.
Choose when: One computer needs more peripheral ports and the scanner manufacturer permits hub use.
Trade-off: A hub expands one computer's connections; it does not hand a scanner between two computers. Check its power arrangement against the scanner's requirements.
Choose when: Two computers need to use the same scanner in turn, provided the scanner supports a switched connection.
Trade-off: Handover requires switching the active computer; it does not give both computers simultaneous scanner access.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner compatibility | Check the exact scanner model's instructions for hub or switch use and any direct-connection requirement. | If scanning must work consistently, I want to establish which connection my scanner permits before adding desk ports. Around 42% of consumers put scanner compatibility first. |
| Two-computer handover | Confirm that a switch supports two host computers, the required connectors and an acceptable handover method. | When two computers take turns at the desk, I need a way to pass the scanner between them rather than swap cables. For around 33% of consumers, that handover is the primary concern. |
| Ports and power | Match the computer and scanner plugs to data ports, and compare the device's power arrangement with the scanner's requirements. | If my laptop is short of ports, I need room for its other peripherals without mistaking a charging input for a scanner connection. That port-and-power need comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
A hub adds peripheral ports to one host. A USB switch is the device category designed to alternate USB devices between hosts, as illustrated by UGREEN UK's two-computer switch.
Count the computers that need the scanner. If there are two, check a switch's host connections and the scanner manufacturer's guidance before buying.
A powered connection does not override a scanner's direct-connection instruction. Epson United Kingdom advises direct connection for some USB scanner troubleshooting cases.
Look up the precise scanner model and follow its connection instructions before choosing either a powered or bus-powered device.
USB-C multiport adapters can assign different jobs to their sockets. Belkin UK lists USB-A data ports and a separate USB-C power-delivery port on one adapter, while another compact hub does not offer pass-through charging.
Use the product's port diagram to identify a downstream data port that matches the scanner cable; check charging separately if the laptop needs it.
USB hubs for adding peripherals to a computer, including compact USB-C-to-USB-A options.
Compact USB port expanders and USB-C multiport adapters for a one-computer desk.
USB hubs and adapters for port expansion, alongside switches for alternating devices between computers.
These products offer port expansion for a desk with one computer. Consider them for a scanner only if its manufacturer permits a hub or dock connection and the required data port and power arrangement match. A desk that needs to hand one scanner between two computers calls for a USB switch instead.
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For a USB-C computer that needs several desk connections, provided the scanner supports a hub and its plug matches a data port.
The listed connections include one USB-A and one USB-C port at 10Gbps, two USB-A ports at 480Mbps, HDMI, RJ45, SD/TF and a separate USB-C power-delivery input. Check the scanner's power requirements and the laptop's charging requirements independently.
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For adding peripheral connections to one USB-C computer, if the scanner manufacturer permits a dock connection.
The title lists USB-C and USB-A connections with stated 10Gbps and 5Gbps rates, plus 4K 60Hz HDMI, SD/TF and 3.5mm audio. Identify the appropriate scanner data port and confirm whether the dock meets any laptop charging requirement.
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For a one-computer desk needing extra connections, subject to the scanner allowing an adapter and having a matching data port.
The title lists two USB-A 3.0 connections, a USB-C 3.0 connection, SD/TF and HDMI 4K60Hz. Confirm the adapter's host connection, port functions and power arrangement against the computer and scanner before choosing it.
No: an ordinary hub adds USB connections to one host computer. For two computers taking turns, look for a two-host USB switch and confirm that the scanner permits a switched connection; switching is not simultaneous access.
Choose a powered hub only if its documented output suits the scanner's requirements and the scanner permits hub use. Additional power cannot override direct-connection guidance; Epson United Kingdom recommends connecting directly in some USB scanner troubleshooting cases.
Use a socket identified as a downstream data port that matches the scanner cable. On some multiport adapters, a USB-C socket is a power-delivery input instead; check the port diagram rather than counting every socket as a data connection.
Check the marking and documentation applicable to the product and where it will be supplied. GOV.UK publishes separate product-marking guidance for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so confirm the relevant requirements rather than applying a Great Britain conclusion to Northern Ireland.
Look for an available electrical-equipment recycling or take-back route through your local authority or retailer. GOV.UK's guidance on waste electrical and electronic equipment describes measures supporting recovery, reuse and recycling.