Choose a USB-C hub by the data ports your webcam and other desk devices need, then check whether your laptop supports any charging or display functions you plan to use. If you use a 4K webcam or encounter connection problems through a hub, a direct computer connection may be the better choice: Logitech recommends one for its MX Brio because some hubs and docks do not work well with 4K webcams.
If a reliable camera connection matters more than putting every device through one hub, keep a computer port available for the webcam. Logitech recommends a direct connection for its MX Brio when using a 4K webcam, and its BRIO reference guide requires USB 3.0 for 4K.
If your webcam shares a USB-C laptop connection with a keyboard, mouse or storage device, compare the actual USB data ports rather than the total port count. The Belkin and UGREEN hubs described here have different mixes of USB-A and USB-C connections.
If the laptop normally charges through USB-C, look for a hub with suitable pass-through charging as well as data ports. Check the laptop, charger, cable and hub requirements together; a Power Delivery input is not necessarily a spare port for the webcam.
Start with the webcam’s connection requirements, then count the data ports for other devices. Consider charging and display connections only if your laptop and desk setup need them.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Reliable webcam connection | Check the webcam’s required USB connection and whether a direct computer port is available, particularly for 4K use or connection problems. | If video calls are my main reason for setting up this desk, I would rather reserve a computer port for the camera than rely on one-cable convenience. Around 42% of consumers put webcam connection reliability first. |
| Ports for other devices | Count USB-A and USB-C data ports separately; check each port’s stated role and any required data rate. | With a webcam, keyboard and storage device to connect, I need the right mix of usable data ports. Port availability is the primary concern for around 33% of consumers. |
| Charging and workstation connections | Check laptop pass-through charging requirements and host support for display output before relying on those hub functions. | If my laptop charges through USB-C and stays at a desk with a monitor or wired network, I need those connections to fit the same setup. Around 25% of consumers prioritise charging and workstation expansion. |
A hub makes more ports available, but it is not necessarily the right path for a demanding camera. Logitech says some hubs and docks do not work well with 4K webcams; its BRIO reference guide requires USB 3.0 for 4K.
For a 4K webcam or one that has connection problems through a hub, try a direct computer connection and use the hub for other peripherals.
USB-C ports on the same hub can have different jobs. Anker says the Power Delivery input on its Nano 7-in-1 hub connects a wall charger to power the laptop and cannot power peripherals.
Check which port connects to the laptop, which carries peripheral data and which accepts charging input. Match the charger and cable to the hub’s requirements.
For the Anker 543 A8365, Anker states that the charger and cable are not included, so they need to be obtained separately if required.
A hub’s display connector does not establish that the laptop can drive a monitor through its USB-C port. Belkin directs buyers to their device specifications for display support.
Check the laptop’s USB-C display and charging capabilities against the exact hub model before choosing those functions.
Its listed USB-C hubs include different port layouts for compact webcam-and-peripheral desks.
Its Connect AVC009 is a multiport USB-C option for desks needing data, display and pass-through charging connections.
Its USB-C hub range includes models combining data ports with laptop charging and other desk connections.
These USB-C hubs and adapters offer port layouts for connecting a webcam alongside other home-office devices. If your webcam needs a direct computer connection, the hub can still serve your other peripherals; check each model’s ports against your laptop before choosing.
No image available
Consider this for a desk where the webcam shares a hub with other data devices and card access matters.
The product name lists USB-C 10Gbps, USB-A 10Gbps/5Gbps, SD/TF 160MB/s, 3.5mm audio and 4K 60Hz HDMI.
Check your webcam and laptop requirements; do not assume a USB-C data connection also provides laptop pass-through charging.
No image available
Consider this for a fixed desk that needs USB peripheral connections alongside a wired network or displays.
The product name lists one USB-A 10Gbps port, one USB-C 10Gbps port, two USB-A 480Mbps ports, RJ45, SD/TF, a USB-C Power Delivery port and two HDMI connections labelled 4K120Hz and 4K60Hz.
Check that your laptop supports the display output you intend to use, as well as the webcam’s connection requirements.
No image available
Consider this dock-style option when laptop charging and display connections are part of the same desk setup as the webcam.
The product name specifies dual HDMI 4K connections and 100W Power Delivery pass-through.
Check the laptop’s USB-C display support and the power equipment required for your setup; confirm that its data connections suit your webcam and other devices.
No image available
Consider this when the webcam needs a USB data connection and the desk also calls for wired networking or a display connector.
The product name lists two USB 3.0 ports, 4K HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet and 100W Power Delivery.
Check the laptop’s USB-C display and charging support, and match the webcam to a suitable data port.
No image available
Consider this port layout if you need to connect a webcam and several other USB devices at the desk.
The product name specifies two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, two HDMI connections, DP, RJ45, Power Delivery, SD/TF and audio.
Check the data requirements of your webcam and the laptop’s charging and display capabilities before relying on those connections.
Yes, for some webcam and hub combinations, but check the camera’s connection requirements. Logitech recommends high-quality powered hubs for certain webcams; for its BRIO, USB 3.0 is required for 4K. If a camera has connection problems through a hub, try connecting it directly to the computer.
No: a hub adds connections rather than increasing a webcam’s native resolution. Logitech warns that some hubs and docks do not work well with 4K webcams, so a direct connection is worth trying if performance through a hub is troublesome.
Not unless that port is also specified for the webcam’s required data connection. Anker states that the Power Delivery input on its Nano 7-in-1 hub is for an external charger powering the laptop and cannot power peripherals; check the roles of the ports on the exact hub you choose.