With everything switching to USB-C, suddenly USB docks and hubs become more important than ever. Giving users back the connectivity they are used to having with older thicker laptops. Connectivity for additional monitors, internet, peripherals, and more. Today, we take a look at one from EZQuest that offers 8 ports in a small simple hub design that is easy to pack away.
It is the EZQuest USB-C Multimedia 8-in-1 Hub, and it’s a pretty powerful little hub for how small and light in weight (only 3oz) it is. It offers some of the most common connectivity options you’d need in a laptop, minus one (which we will get to in a short bit).
What you get with this hub is two USB-A 3.0 ports and two USB-C Gen 2 (5Gbps) ports for peripherals and drives (5Gbps shared between them). There is also a third USB-C port that is used for power delivery (PD 3.0) using a wall adapter, that supports 100W (up to 90W pass-through). So it can be used to charge other devices plugged in or the actual laptop if it supports charging through USB-C. If you don’t use this for PD, then it can be used for data (5Gbps).
You get an HDMI port that supports up to 4K@60 depending on the port on your computer/laptop it is plugged into—allowing you to gain a second monitor for your laptop. The port (on your laptop) does have to support DP (DisplayPort) over USB-C (or TB3/4) in order for video to work. This would be listed in your laptop’s specs. To get the full 60Hz at 4K, you’ll need support for DP 1.4, else you’ll get up to 4K@30 if yours supports DP 1.2 instead.
There is also an SD card and MicroSD card slot for your memory cards, allowing you to quickly transfer files from cameras and other devices. Both ports are SDHC standard.
The inside of the box flap claims gigabit Ethernet, but that appears to be a typo. This might have been a copy and paste from the company’s 10-in-1 solution. Sadly, there is no Ethernet port on this hub. This is where I said it had everything but one port (which would have made this perfect for any laptop). Instead, this is great for anyone that relies mostly on Wi-Fi for connectivity.
Since nothing is needed outside of the hub itself, nothing else comes with it outside of simple foldout instruction that talks about some of the specs and general graphics settings for your monitor (if using it for a second screen).
The cable (11″) is both flexible and even somewhat maintains its shape as you bend it around, which is interesting. It almost feels like it has a gooseneck kind of memory to it. It does feel like it will last a long time if treated properly.
Performance
The general performance of the USB ports fulfills the needs of most users not looking to get the fastest possible transfer rates while still getting plenty of speed between them all. This is common with many non-Thunderbolt USB-C hubs. This also gives you enough USB ports for most scenarios.
The HDMI port does provide the proper resolutions, allowing you to extend your laptop to a second screen. It is just important to understand the before-mentioned DP over USB-C requirement. That and monitors over USB-C are typically handled via the processor and not your video card (if you have one). So the second screen won’t necessarily be good for gaming. Extending screens through USB-C docks/hubs are generally good for everything else (productivity use).
As for the SD card slots, these could be faster (SDXC instead of SDHC), but not normally within this price point. So these slots do fall within expectations. Good for most users. You just won’t get those faster speeds when moving many GBs of data at a time.
I also wanted to quickly highlight again that this hub is incredibly light (3oz) compared to some of the options out there. Making it great for travel when you are concerned about weight. You don’t even know its there when thrown into a travel bag.
Beyond that, the only other thing we could point out is that it does rattle a little when shaken. Like something isn’t completely secured inside. It isn’t overly concerning but still something worth pointing out.
Our Conclusion
It seems to contain all the ports you’d need in most situations outside of Ethernet. So again, this one is best for those who find themselves spending most of their time on Wi-Fi unless their laptop has an Ethernet built-in. Else you will find yourself connecting an additional adapter to this hub to gain wired internet with.
Speeds seem to match the specs and fulfill the needs of most people for this price point. Video out for a second screen is always useful to have, regardless of how often you need it. Light in weight and great for travel.
Additional Images:
Specifications:
- 1 x HDMI 4K (60Hz on DP1.4 or 30Hz on DP 1.2)
- 1 x USB-C 100W Power Delivery port version 3.0 with pass-thru charging up to 90W output and FRS technology or 5Gbs data
- 2 x USB-C Gen 1 (5Gbps) ports with BC1.2 each outputs 5V/1.5A (7.5W)
- 2 x USB-A 3.0 ports BC1.2 each outputs 5V/1.5A (7.5W)
- When using all the ports simultaneously, the total shared data is 5Gbps. When using all the ports simultaneously to power your devices, the total shared power is 10 Watts
- 1 x SDHC and 1 x Micro SDHC Card Reader
- Cable Length: 28 CM/11 Inches
- Dimension: 16mm x 43mm x 101mm – 0.6 x 1.7 x 4 inches
- Weight: 3 oz
- Power: To support full-speed charging for iPad Pro or other USB-C mobile devices, please make sure your power adapter is at least 15V (45W). Power adapters less than 45W will not supply enough power to provide pass-through charging
- 18-Month Warranty
Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.
