If you are a serious gamer, enthusiast, or professional behind graphic/video production, you likely know that Thunderbolt is a powerful solution for both device connectivity and data throughput. It has been integrated into the latest USB spec (USB4) and Thunderbolt 3, 4, or USB4 ports can be found in just about any mid to flagship system.
However, most systems only offer one or two ports to make use of. In some cases, this is fine since Thunderbolt can daisy chain across devices (one of the many features that make it so powerful over normal USB connectivity). But not every device or hub allows you to daisy chain to the next (ie, some USB hubs won’t work connected to certain docks). There are also limitations in how much wattage a single TB port can pass through to all those devices.
This is where Thunderbolt hubs come in to save the day. Breaking a single Thunderbolt port into multiple, offering a little extra power delivery wattage to the various connected devices, and even charging your connected laptop if it supports charging through TB (most modern laptops with TB support this).
With that, today we are focusing on the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub by Hyper. Something we have been testing out for around 3 weeks now. We tested it against a Dell XPS 13 Plus laptop as well as a monster of an Intel Alder Lake system we built recently. Both of which offer Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, although this hub will work with just about any system that supports Thunderbolt 3 (TB3), 4 (TB4), USB4, or even USB-C (as a USB-C hub, and only as long as the USB-C port support DP over USB). Although this is best paired with TB4 and USB4 than anything else in order to get the most out of it. There are also some limitations for M1/M2 MacBooks (see specs at the end of the review for more information on that).
The unboxing experience is pretty basic since it only comes with a few small cables. Of course, this is one of its biggest selling points. Most powered hubs come with a clunky power adapter with a brick that has to live somewhere. Instead of doing this, Hyper built the power supply directly into the hub itself. Minimizing its overall footprint and reducing the clutter around your desk.
So it only requires a basic power cable between it and the wall. The only other thing included is the initial Thunderbolt cable to go between the hub and your laptop or tower. You are on your own for the others cables that go between the hub and your devices (or device to device). However, this is the same with any hub and, hopefully, your other devices will come with a cable as well anyway. Else, they aren’t too expensive to buy online anymore.
Since everything is built into the hub itself, it does have a bit of weight to it. Coming in at 1.27lbs, it isn’t exactly something you’re normally toss into your backpack for travel. This seems to mostly be targeted for static setups at home or in the office. Somewhere you bring your laptop to to connect vs bringing it with the laptop to build a pop-up setup while on the road.
Then again, its smaller footprint does make it easier to travel with if you do need a hub during travel. As long as you are ok with a little added weight (you’d get it anyway since the alternative options would come with the bulky power brick). Thankfully, most everyone wouldn’t be traveling with the need to connect to so many devices.
Outside of the power connection on the back for the power cable, all of your connectivity is across the front. This includes a single host port that goes between the hub and your connected system and three ports for all of your devices (monitors, accessories, etc).
It provides up to 40Gbps data transfers and 32Gbps PCle data transfers (combined). It can extend your desktop to two additional displays with up to 4K@60 or a single display at up to 8K@30. While providing up to 96W of PD power to the host if you are using a laptop (to keep it charged) and up to 15W of power to each of the three downstream ports (for your devices).
It’s more powerful than the other leading hub by OWC and features a smaller footprint due to the whole power supply being built-in. Although you will be paying for it since this one runs around twice the price (twice the wattage potential, twice the price?). It also feels a bit more durable as well than OWC’s solution as well.
As for that price, it’s MSRP (and current average) is $299.99, making it one of the more expensive TB4 hub solutions out there. It is also currently only available directly from Hyper at this time, which controls the average quite a bit. You’ll likely begin to see these roll out to additional retailers in the coming months, but for now, its Hyper’s website or nothing.
As for performance, it is a powerful beast. Thunderbolt 4 has so much potential thanks to the total data throughput and wattage capabilities. The ability to easily break out into additional monitors with minimal cables and footprint has allowed us to come quite the distance, and then there are external GPU options that allows you to make use of a graphics card with your laptop, extending its graphical capabilities for things like video editing, working in CAD, and more. Then there is the speed you can obtain from external NVMe solutions that really tap into that total 40Gbps throughput of this hub.
This hub allows you to tap into all of that with as much maximized connectivity as possible. Especially, when coming from a laptop that only has a single Thunderbolt or USB4 port on it. In those situations, a hub like this is priceless and potentially turns your laptop into a full desktop experience pretty quickly. Especially, if you add in a TB3 or TB4 dock, connected to it (opening you up to many other inputs/outputs that your laptop likely doesn’t have).
Not only that, but since Thunderbolt is so configurable when it comes to daisy-chaining, you can actually daisy-chain two of these hubs together (as you can see in the main header image at the top of this story) for even more connectivity and power potential. Although that would get a little expensive very quickly. We have tested this out since we have only been working with one, but resulting benefits are obvious.
Our Conclusion
As I mentioned, we have been using it for around three weeks now between two systems (one desktop and one laptop). Looking for any caveats worth mentioning. However, other than the price, there really isn’t anything to point out finger at. Both systems are plenty powerful and the hub only added to this experience.
Except for additional footprint improvements, maybe. To reduce clutter even more, it would have been nice to see both power and TB connectivity all across the back. So that cables will always point away from the user, allowing one to maximize their desk space in front of them. The front side could have just had a fun Thunderbolt logo dead center or something and nothing else. It would just be cleaner.
Beyond that, this makes for one of the best Thunderbolt hubs we have come across thus far. Striking some severe competitive specs against companies like OWC. Obviously, something we love to see and aren’t too surprised about coming from Hyper.
Video – CES 2023 Interview:
Additional Images:
Specifications:
- Ports
- 1 x Thunderbolt 4 Upstream Port: 40Gbps, DP Alt Mode, PD 96W Pass-through Charging
- 3 x Thunderbolt 4 Downstream Ports: 40Gbps, DP Alt Mode, PD 15W
- Model: HDTB4PH-US
- Dimensions: 124.5 x 124.5 x 30.5 mm, 4.9” x 4.9” x 1.2”
- Weight: 580g / 20.45oz / 1.27lb
- Compatible Devices:
MacBook Pro 2016 or Later
MacBook Air 2018 or Later
MacBook 2015, 2016
iPad Pro 2018 or later
iPad Air 2020 or later
Windows OS laptop with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB 3.0 or later Type C with DP Alt-Mode
Chrome OS laptop with Thunderbolt 3/4, USB4, USB 3.0 or later Type C with DP Alt-Mode
Any other device with USB-C - Note: While this hub will work with M1/M2 MacBooks, only a single extended video output is supported. Dual Extended Display is available on Intel, M1 Pro, M1 Max powered MacBook Pro.
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.
