SABRENT 4 Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches [Charging NOT Supported] for Mac & PC (HB-UMLS)
Quick take
This 4-port USB 2.0 hub turns one USB port into four, with individual on/off switches and LED indicators per port. It is best for low-power, data-only devices like keyboards, mice, trackpads, and flash drives, especially when you want to avoid plugging and unplugging cables. The main catch is that it does not support charging, and external drives may require their own power.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Four USB 2.0 ports with per-port LED power indicators and individual on/off switches
- Plug and play, hot swappable (no driver installation required)
- USB 2.0 transfer speeds up to 480Mbps, backward compatible with USB 1.1
- Works with PC and Mac devices that support USB
Cons
- No charging support, so it is not a solution for powering/charging phones or tablets
- Because it is a USB 2.0 hub, USB 3.0 devices connected for data may not reach USB 3.0 speeds
- Not powered, so total device current requirements can matter, especially with storage
- Build feels basic for the price point, so it may not be the most rugged choice for travel
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is broadly positive for everyday usability: the hub is repeatedly described as performing reliably over long periods, handling common peripherals smoothly, and reducing cable swapping with its individual port switches. Reviewers also highlight that the LED indicators and per-port power control make it easier to manage which devices are connected. There are also a few practical cautions that come up in reviews, mainly around correct connection behavior (for example, avoiding live unplugging of active devices) and fit limits for higher-power devices, which aligns with the hub’s “data only” approach.
What this hub is for
The SABRENT HB-UMLS is designed for expanding a single USB port into a small, tidy workstation for everyday peripherals. You get four USB 2.0 Type-A ports and per-port controls, which can be especially handy if you switch between devices often (input devices, USB accessories, or flash drives) or if your computer has limited ports.
Best for data-first peripherals
- Keyboards, mice, trackpads, and game controllers
- USB flash drives for data transfer
- Simple USB accessories where you only need connectivity and switching
Not the right fit for charging
This hub is explicitly for syncing data, not charging. If your goal is to charge a phone, tablet, or other device, you will need a hub that supports power delivery or a differently powered docking solution.
Performance and speed expectations
This is a USB 2.0 hub, so the connection is capped at USB 2.0 performance. It supports transfer speeds up to 480Mbps (USB 2.0) and is backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices. In practice, that is typically plenty for input devices and many flash drive workflows, but it is not aimed at saturating modern high-speed storage devices.
Setup and day-to-day use
Setup is straightforward: it is plug and play with hot-swappable behavior and does not require driver installation. The per-port LED power indicators are a small but useful detail, because they let you quickly see which ports are active.
Power switching behavior matters
One recurring practical theme in reviews is that the order and method you use to disconnect devices can affect recognition, particularly with storage-like devices. If you plan to switch ports frequently, it is a good idea to eject/unmount drives from the host system before changing port power, and to let devices fully go idle before unplugging.
Compatibility notes (mac and PC)
The hub is intended for use with Mac and PC systems that support USB. It is reverse compatible with USB 1.1, which can be helpful if you have older peripherals that still work well but do not require modern bandwidth.
Pros and cons summary
- Buy it if you want a simple 4-port USB 2.0 expansion with individual port switching and LED status, mainly for data and low-power peripherals.
- Skip it if you need charging over USB, or if you are trying to get full USB 3.0-style throughput for external storage devices without considering external power and speed limitations.
Alternatives to consider (based on what you need)
- If you need charging: look for a powered hub or a charging-capable model that supports USB power delivery (the HB-UMLS does not).
- If you need higher transfer speeds: choose a USB 3.0/USB 3.1 hub where the port speed matches your storage workflow needs.
- If you need more “dock-like” convenience: consider a device with dedicated power and port grouping, especially for laptops where power draw is a concern.
Verdict
The SABRENT HB-UMLS is a practical choice for people who want quick USB expansion for common peripherals, with the convenience of per-port on/off switching and LED indicators. It is not a charging hub and it is limited to USB 2.0 speeds, so it is best when your expectations are aligned with data-first use (especially keyboards, mice, and flash drives, and storage devices that have their own power).
FAQs
Does the SABRENT HB-UMLS support charging?
No. It is designed for syncing data only, not charging.
What USB speed does it provide?
It is a USB 2.0 hub with support up to 480Mbps. It is also backward compatible with USB 1.1 devices.
Do I need to install drivers?
No. It is plug and play with hot-swappable behavior and does not require driver installation.
Will it work with Mac and Windows?
It is intended for use with USB-compatible Mac and PC systems.
Can I use it for external hard drives?
Because it is not a charging hub and can be limited by power needs, external storage may require its own external power source, especially if it draws more than what the connected system can supply.
What are the individual LED switches for?
The hub includes per-port LED indicators and individual on/off switches so you can control which devices are active without unplugging everything.
Specifications
| Product Title | SABRENT 4 Port USB 2.0 Data Hub with Individual LED lit Power Switches [Charging NOT Supported] for Mac & PC (HB-UMLS) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Hubs |
| Brand | SABRENT |
| Manufacturer | SABRENT |
| Model Number | HB-UMLS |
| Operating System | Mac OS 9.1 |
| Item Weight | 2 Ounces |
| Color | Black |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Additional Features | any |
| Compatible Devices | USB compatible devices |
| Total Usb Ports | 4 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 Megabits Per Second |
| Number of Ports | 4 |
| Minimum Required Operating System Version | Mac OS 10.12 Sierra, Windows 10 |
| Enclosure Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 3.5"L x 1.5"W x 0.5"H |
| UPC | 899495002466 780411267918 840025252738 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00899495002466 |
| Mfr Part Number | HB-UMLS |
| Item Type Name | NETWORK-HUBS |
| Warranty Description | USB Hub |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Built-In Media | Hub cable |
| Special Feature | any |
Available variants
Size
- USB-C 6-in-1
- USB-A 4-Port
- USB-A 4-Port (Pack of 2)
- USB-C 6-in-1 (Pack of 3)
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