Keep the USB printer connected directly to the computer when its manufacturer advises it, and use a hub to free up connections for other devices. HP's USB setup guidance says not to connect a printer through a hub or dock, while Epson advises removing hubs when troubleshooting communication problems. Before putting your particular printer on a hub, check its model-specific instructions; if plug sockets are scarce too, remember that a mains-powered hub needs one.
You need the printer to install and communicate reliably, and can reserve a computer USB port for it. HP's setup guidance and Epson's troubleshooting advice both favour a direct connection in the situations they describe.
Your laptop has few ports, but you also need connections for devices such as a keyboard, storage or display. A hub can serve those devices while the printer keeps a direct port.
You need multiple USB connections at one desk and are considering a mains-powered hub. Check both the available plug socket and the printer model's connection instructions before planning to put the printer on that hub.
Start with the printer's connection instructions, then count the ports needed for everything else. If you are considering a mains-powered desk hub, account for its plug socket as well.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Printer connection | Read the exact printer model's USB instructions. If they call for a direct connection, reserve a computer port for it. | If I need the printer to install and print consistently, I would keep it on a direct port rather than rely on a hub connection; around 44% of consumers put printer reliability first. |
| Peripheral ports | Match the hub's computer connector and count the USB-A and USB-C data ports your other devices need. | With the printer occupying a computer port, I still need room for my other devices, not connections I will leave unused; around 33% of consumers prioritise peripheral ports. |
| Desk connections and power | Check whether you need laptop charging or display connections. For a mains-powered hub, allow for its adapter and a plug socket. | If several devices stay at my desk, combining their connections matters, but an extra mains adapter needs somewhere to go; for around 23% of consumers, workstation expansion is the primary need. |
HP's USB setup guidance says not to connect a printer through a hub or dock, and Epson advises a direct cable connection when troubleshooting communication problems. A hub working with another device does not settle the question for your printer.
Check the exact printer model's USB instructions before choosing where its cable will go. If they require a direct connection, use the hub for other devices.
A hub's stated laptop-charging wattage describes power supplied to the host; it does not establish how a particular printer will communicate through the hub.
Identify what the power figure applies to, and make the printer connection decision from its own manufacturer's guidance.
Some USB-C hubs have no downstream USB-A port. Belkin's AVC021 is one example, so a printer cable ending in USB-A would not connect to that hub without a suitable adapter.
Check the computer's port, both ends of the printer cable and the hub's downstream ports before buying.
Using an adapter instead adds another item to the connection.
A mains-powered desk hub adds an adapter to a setup where plug sockets may already be limited.
Count the sockets available at the desk and check the product marking applicable to the part of the UK where the hub is sold.
USB-C multiport hubs for laptop expansion.
USB-C hubs combining data connections with laptop charging and display options.
USB-C hubs and docks with port arrangements that vary by model.
Desktop USB hubs for several devices at a fixed desk.
Check the instructions for your exact printer before doing so. HP's USB setup guidance says not to use a hub or dock, while Epson advises removing hubs when troubleshooting printer communication; neither a hub's port count nor its charging specification overrides that guidance.
If your printer's instructions favour a direct connection, give it a computer port and connect other peripherals through a compatible hub. Count the data ports those peripherals need before choosing one.
Do not choose a mains-powered hub solely on the assumption that it will make the printer work through a hub. It may provide ports for several devices at a fixed desk, but it also needs a plug socket, and the printer's connection instructions still apply.
Check the product marking and seller information for the part of the UK where the hub is sold. The Department for Business and Trade distinguishes the marking routes for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so do not assume the same marking applies in both.