Cable Matters Ultra Mini 4 Port USB Hub (USB 3.0 Hub, USB3 Dock)
Quick take
This ultra-compact USB 3.0 hub expands one port into four for common desk and travel setups, including USB storage and standard peripherals like a mouse and keyboard. It is bus-powered (no external power brick) and supports up to 5 Gbps, but it is not designed to charge devices, and it may be less reliable with multiple high-demand USB drives or certain wireless receivers depending on your setup.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Four-port USB 3.0 hub design for adding multiple peripherals to one laptop port
- Compact, travel-friendly build with a flexible cable tail that tucks in
- Bus-powered convenience (no bulky power adapter) with over-current protection
- Supports up to 5 Gbps data transfer for USB 3.0 devices, backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and older
Cons
- Not a stand-alone charger, so it does not charge phones
- Best with typical low-to-moderate power devices, and power-hungry USB storage may be less stable
- Wireless USB receiver performance may vary by port and device (some users report jitter)
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to the hub being a practical, small expansion option that works well for everyday use on laptops, especially when you need extra ports without clutter. Many buyers mention that it is compact, easy to use at a desk or on the go, and that it handles multiple peripherals at once. A limited set of reviews also suggests tradeoffs with certain scenarios, such as stability when several USB drives are connected simultaneously and occasional interference or communication oddities with specific wireless USB receivers. Overall sentiment is positive, but buyer-review evidence is not detailed enough to guarantee performance for every high-power storage or wireless setup.
What this hub does well
Compact expansion for modern laptops
If your laptop has only one or two usable USB ports, this hub is built for the “plug in and get on with it” use case. The ultra-mini form factor and port layout make it straightforward to connect multiple cables at once without the hub becoming bulky on a work setup.
USB 3.0 speed for compatible devices
With USB 3.0 support rated up to 5 Gbps, it is intended for faster file transfers than older USB 2.0 connections. It is also backwards compatible, so you can mix USB 3.0 devices with USB 2.0 peripherals when needed.
Bus-powered convenience
This is a powered hub in the sense that it runs from your computer’s USB power (no separate power adapter). That makes it a convenient option for travel, but it also means your computer (and the connected devices) share the available bus power.
Potential limitations to consider
It is not for charging
This hub does not function as a stand-alone charger. If your goal is to charge a smartphone or tablet, plan on using a dedicated charging method instead.
Power and stability can matter with USB storage
Because it is bus-powered, heavy-duty USB setups can be harder to run smoothly. Some buyer experiences point to disconnects or transfer issues when multiple flash drives are connected together. If you are mostly using mice, keyboards, dongles, or a single external drive, the stability picture is generally more favorable.
Wireless receiver behavior may vary
If you rely on a wireless receiver, consider testing the connection and moving the receiver to a different port if you notice issues.
Who should buy this USB hub
- People who want a small USB 3.0 hub for desk use or travel
- Shoppers needing four USB ports from a single laptop USB 3.0 port
- Users connecting common peripherals like mouse, keyboard, and USB wireless dongles
- Those transferring data with USB 3.0 flash drives or external storage under typical expectations
Who should avoid it (or look for a different setup)
- Anyone whose main goal is charging a phone or other devices from the hub
- Buyers planning to run multiple power-hungry USB drives at once from a bus-powered hub
- Shoppers with sensitive wireless setups who want consistent receiver performance with no port-to-port experimentation
Price and availability
The hub is typically positioned as an affordable add-on for expanding laptop connectivity. Check current pricing and stock for your region before purchasing, since costs can change.
Verdict
The Cable Matters Ultra Mini 4-Port USB Hub is a solid choice for travelers and desk users who want four extra USB connections from one USB port, with USB 3.0 speeds and a compact design that is easy to carry. It is best paired with typical peripherals and moderate storage use, but if you need reliable charging or you plan to connect multiple demanding USB drives, a different power approach may be a better fit.
FAQ
Is this USB hub good for travel?
Yes. The design is built to be lightweight and compact, with a flexible cable tail that tucks in for easier packing in a laptop bag.
Does the hub charge smartphones or tablets?
No. It is not designed as a stand-alone charger and does not charge phones.
What data speed does it support?
It supports up to 5 Gbps for USB 3.0 devices, and it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 and older devices.
Will it work with a Mac, Windows, or Linux laptop?
Yes, it is compatible with Linux, Windows, and general OS use on laptops that support USB hub devices.
Can I plug in a wireless USB receiver to the hub?
It can work for many users, but wireless receiver behavior may vary by device and port. If you notice jitter or responsiveness issues, try a different USB port or plug the receiver directly into your laptop.
Specifications
| Product Title | Cable Matters Ultra Mini 4 Port USB Hub (USB 3.0 Hub, USB3 Dock) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Hubs |
| Brand | Cable Matters |
| Manufacturer | Cable Matters |
| Model Number | 202045-BLK |
| Operating System | Linux, Windows 10, Windows 7 |
| Color | Black, Silver |
| Hardware Interface | USB 3.0 |
| Additional Features | Powered |
| Compatible Devices | Laptops, Smartphones, Tablets |
| Total Usb Ports | 4 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Gigabits Per Second |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Enclosure Material | Plastic |
| UPC | 081159814755 |
| Mfr Part Number | 202045-BLK |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 2"L x 2"W x 0.4"H |
| Special Feature | Powered |
Recommended next
![SABRENT 4 Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches [Charging NOT Supported] for Mac & PC (HB-UMLS)](/product-images/019ed146-ec71-7f8b-9f8c-2c744a294dd1-0-d595b4582e23.webp)
SABRENT 4 Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches [Charging NOT Supported] for Mac & PC (HB-UMLS)
The SABRENT HB-UMLS adds four USB 2.0 ports with individual on/off switches and per-port LED power indicators. It is a plug-and-play, hot-swappable hub for simple peripherals like mice, keyboards, and flash drives, but it does not support charging (and powered USB storage may need external power).
Cooler Master ARGB & PWM HUB 1 to 6 Port
The Cooler Master ARGB & PWM HUB 1 to 6 Port is a compact way to run multiple PWM fan power connections and multiple 3-pin addressable RGB (ARGB) control channels from fewer motherboard headers. It uses SATA power and includes a built-in magnet for cleaner case mounting, but fitment can require careful attention to header spacing, and it may not deliver the same per-fan lighting effects for every fan brand or ecosystem.
TOTU 11-in-1 USB-C Hub: 4K HDMI, VGA, 2x USB3.0, 2x USB2.0, Ethernet, SD Card Reader, Audio, 3.0 PD, Mac Pro & Laptops Compatible
The TOTU 11-in-1 USB-C hub is a compact all-in-one dock that adds HDMI and VGA video, gigabit Ethernet, dual card slots, audio, and multiple USB ports, plus USB-C PD pass-through charging up to 87W. It’s a strong fit for travelers and laptop owners who want one adapter for monitors, wired internet, and everyday accessories, with the main caveat that dual HDMI+VGA output duplicates rather than extends.
TP-Link Litewave 5 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (LS1005G)
The TP-Link Litewave LS1005G is a compact, fanless, unmanaged 5-port gigabit Ethernet switch that adds wired connections with plug-and-play simplicity. It’s a good fit for home setups and small offices that need a silent, reliable way to expand router ports, with the main limitation being that it’s unmanaged (no VLANs, no PoE).