USB is an industry standard for connecting computers and other devices. Many Mac computers have USB-A ports (sometimes referred to as USB 3 ports), which look like this:
What is USB?
Satechi Slim Aluminum Type-C ranks as one of the best in the list of USB-C hubs thanks to its all-rounder features. Bearing a stylish, carry-able and sleek design, it comprises of Micro SD card reader, 49 W charging port, 4K HDMI and USB 3.0 port, with only one USB-C port.
AUKEY Upgraded USB Hub 3.0, Aluminum 7 Port USB 3.0 Data Hub with 12V/2.5A Power Adapter, 3.3ft USB Cable for MacBook Air, Mac Mini, iMac, Laptop, PC, USB Flash Drives, Hard Drive (Silver). Unlike USB 3.0 hubs I've tried in the past, this one works very well. I bought 2 of these hubs, and I've got one plugged into the other, effectively giving me an additional 7 free USB 3.0 ports. To my surprise, it appears that the data transfer rate is not impacted by this configuration. Transfers are fast and reliable.
USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 Gen 1 can transfer data up to 5 Gbps, and USB 3.1 Gen 2 can transfer data up to 10 Gbps.
What is USB-C?
USB-C describes the shape and style of a port on your computer and the connectors that you can plug into the port. USB-C ports look like this:
Several different data transfer standards, like USB 3 and Thunderbolt 3, can flow through a USB-C port and connector. You can also connect your computer's AC power adapter to a USB-C port with a compatible USB-C charging cable.
USB-C ports are reversible, so you don't have to worry about which side of the connector is up when you plug it in.
These Mac computers have Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports that support USB 3.1 Gen 2 and Thunderbolt 3:
These Mac notebooks have USB-C ports that support USB 3.1 Gen 1:
You can use your USB 3 devices with the above Mac models using an appropriate adapter.
What version of USB does my Mac support?
You can use System Information or System Profiler to see what type of USB ports your Mac has, how fast these ports are, and what's currently connected to them. Learn more about identifying USB ports on your Mac.
What transfer rates does USB offer?
USB 3.1 Gen 2 can transfer data up to 10 Gbps. Newer Mac models with Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports support these speeds.
Speeds of previous USB versions:
Does USB 3 offer more power than USB 2?
USB 3 devices can use up to 900mA of power (compared to 500mA used by USB 2 devices). You'll need to use a USB 3 cable to use the 900mA of power available. USB 2 cables don't support 900mA.
Why don't I see blue inserts on the USB ports of my Mac?
Some manufacturers use a blue insert to designate a USB 3 port or device. All USB ports on Mac computers that support USB 3 are USB 3 capable and don't have blue inserts.
What USB 3 devices are supported?
All devices that conform to what is commonly referred to as the '2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification' are supported.
Are USB 3 hubs supported?
Hubs that conform to what is commonly referred to as the '2008 version 1 USB 3.0 specification' are supported.
How do I get the best performance from the USB 3 ports?
The first device you plug in will configure the port, so always connect USB 3-capable hubs or devices first.
What happens if I plug in a USB 2 device into the USB 3 port first?
If you plug in a USB 2 hub first, all devices connected or 'daisy-chained' to that hub will operate up to the maximum transfer rate of USB 2 speed (480 Mbps).
What happens if I plug my USB 3 device into a USB 2 port?
Ninjatrader for mac. Your device should be backwards-compatible with USB 2 ports. However, you won't get USB 3 speed and power may be limited to 500mA.
Is USB 3 supported in Windows 7 and 8 using Boot Camp?
Yes. USB 3 is supported natively in Windows 8. See Boot Camp: Frequently asked questions about installing Windows 8 for more information.
To implement USB 3 support on Windows 7 using Boot Camp, download and install the Windows Support Software (drivers). See Boot Camp: Installing Windows 7 Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Are there differences between USB 3 cables and other USB cables?
Yes. USB 3 cables:
Can I use a USB 2 cable to connect a USB 3 device to my computer?
If the device end of the cable fits into the connector on the device, yes. However, because it has fewer wires, you won't get USB 3 speed and power may be limited to 500 mA.
How can I determine if my device is connected as a USB 3 device?
Use the System Information utility:
USB 3 devices appear under USB 3.0 Bus, and USB 2 devices appear under USB 2.0 Bus. Click the device names to learn more about each one.
Why do my USB 3 devices seem to only work at USB 2 speed when I use virtualization software on my Mac?
Some virtualization software doesn't yet support USB 3. Contact the manufacturer of your virtualization software for more information.
Why don't some USB 3 devices activate or appear on the USB 3 bus?
Try these tips if a USB 3 device doesn't activate or appear on the USB 3 bus:
Why do I have difficulty with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth devices when USB 3 devices are attached to my computer?
Some USB 3 devices can generate radio frequency interference that can cause Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the 2.4GHz band to have issues communicating with your computer. Here are some tips to avoid this issue: Lol for mac os x.
MacBook Air Q&A
Update Published August 12, 2019
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What is the best USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling?
As many MacBook Air users certainly have noticed -- based on e-mail received -- there are definitely times when the single built-in USB 2.0 port on models released prior to the 'Late 2010' line is inadequate. Even for subsequent MacBook Air models, which have two USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 ports, there still are times when additional ports are desirable.
For MacBook Air notebooks released prior to the 'Late 2010' models, there is the option of serious hacking, but the realistic way to add more USB ports to any MacBook Air is to use a USB 2.0 hub or a USB 3.0 hub.
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Identification Help
As some MacBook Air models have USB 2.0 ports and others have USB 3.0 ports, it is important to identify your MacBook Air correctly before buying a USB hub. A USB 2.0 hub still will work with a USB 3.0-equipped MacBook Air, but it will be slower.
MacBook Air models released prior to the 'Late 2010' series are easy to collectively identify by the single USB 2.0 port and no further identification information is needed.
However, for the 'Late 2010' and 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air -- which have USB 2.0 ports -- and the 'Mid-2012,' 'Mid-2013' and 'Early 2014' MacBook Air -- which have faster USB 3.0 ports -- the simplest way to collectively identify these models is externally by Model Number, which is listed in tiny type on the bottom of the notebook toward the hinge.
Specifically, the 'Late 2010' and 'Mid-2011' lines share model numbers A1369 and A1370 (USB 2.0) whereas the 'Mid-2012' and subsequent lines share model numbers A1465 and A1466 (USB 3.0).
These MacBook Air models also can be collectively identified by Model Identifier in software:
Finally, EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- additionally can uniquely identify these MacBook Air models by their serial numbers.
More information about specific identifiers is provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
Best Mac Compatible USB 2.0 Hubs
'Best' is a subjective term, but it seems logical that one if views size and weight as a priority (and those who buy a MacBook Air typically do), one also would want a USB hub that is as small and lightweight as possible.
It also is worth noting that the MacBook Air optical drive still must be plugged directly into the MacBook Air and is not to be used with USB hubs.
Nevertheless, for all the other USB devices you might like to plug into a MacBook Air -- an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, a mouse, printers, scanners, cameras, and so on -- there are a variety of small USB 2.0 hubs designed for travel.
Four of particular interest include the Belkin Swivel Hub, IOGear MicroHub, Gear Head Integrated Hub, and StarTech Mini Hub.
Photo Credit (clockwise from top left): Belkin, IOGear, Gear Head, StarTech.
Please note that the above images are not precisely to scale, but the USB connectors can be used for an idea of relative size.
The Belkin Swivel Hub and IOGear MicroHub are difficult to find these days, but the Gear Head Integrated Hub and StarTech Mini Hub -- are available readily and inexpensive.
The convenient Belkin Swivel Hub design provides four USB 2.0 ports and rotates 180-degrees -- up, down, left, and right -- to make accessing ports easier in tight spaces. In hands on use, EveryMac.com became quite fond of this hub.
The other three are quite similar in design, and all have four USB 2.0 ports, but the Gear Head and IOGear products both have a USB cable that conveniently 'tucks away' within the device to protect the connector from damage in transit, whereas the StarTech option does not.
Best Mac Compatible USB 3.0 Hubs
There also are a variety of small USB 3.0 hubs that are compatible with MacBook Air models with USB 3.0 ports.
Four small USB 3.0 hubs of potential interest include two port and four port options from StarTech as well as four port options from IOGear and Sabrent.
Photo Credit: StarTech (Top), IOGear (Bottom Left), Sabrent (Bottom Right)
Note that the options from StarTech and IOGear have a built-in cable, which is convenient but potentially subject to damage whereas the Sabrent option includes an external cable.
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You might also be interested in the Macally 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter -- which as the name makes clear -- helpfully combines three USB 3.0 ports and a Gigabit Ethernet adapter in the same compact design.
Photo Credit: Macally (USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter)
Please note that USB 3.0 hubs essentially require OS X 10.8 'Mountain Lion' or later versions of OS X (and have been reported to be flaky running OS X 10.7 'Lion', although they are formally supported by this version of OS X, too).
USB Hub Performance Tips & Summary
No matter which USB hub you buy, for maximum performance, be sure to plug the hub itself into your Mac before connecting any peripherals. Then, plug in the fastest USB device before connecting any slower ones.
In other words, if you are using one of the above USB 3.0 hubs, and you have an external hard drive that uses USB 3.0 and a printer that uses USB 2.0 -- (1) plug the hub into your Mac, (2) connect the external hard drive into the hub, and (3) plug the printer into the hub. The first peripheral you connect will determine whether the hub operates at its maximum speed or a slower one.
Thunderbolt Usb 3.0 Hub For Mac
All of these USB hubs can be used with other Macs as well, not just the MacBook Air, and it is hoped, add as little weight as possible to your already overburdened carry-on bag.
In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells many of the USB hubs mentioned above as well as others. OWC sells the Macally 3-Port USB 3.0 Hub with Gigabit Ethernet Adapter, too.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells many of the USB hubs mentioned above, as well.
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