Hiearcool 7-in-1 USB C Hub, USB C Dongle Compatible for MacBook, Space Gray

Why it's worth it

The Hiearcool 7-in-1 covers HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, SD and microSD, and 100W pass-through charging for less than most hubs here. It's slower and its video output is capped at 30Hz, but the basics are all present.

It hits every port a student or a hybrid worker actually uses. HDMI for the classroom projector or the second monitor at home, two USB-A ports, SD and TF card slots, and pass-through charging. Nothing exotic, nothing missing from the daily list.

100W pass-through charging is unusually generous at this level. You can run a display and a couple of peripherals while your laptop charges, which is the difference between making it through a long meeting and hunting for an outlet.

From our review of 10 usb hubs and multi-port adapters for laptops, by Ben Carter, Tech Editor

What we like

• +It hits every port a student or a hybrid worker actually uses
• +100W pass-through charging is unusually generous at this level
• +It's the lightest thing in this guide
• +Compatibility is broad and undemanding

What to know

• –HDMI output is 4K at 30Hz, not 60Hz
• –USB-A is capped at 5Gbps
• –It can struggle under a full load